Pair taking over managing fish- raising project

The fish pens in Electric City have a new manager, in fact a pair of them.

Carl Russell, who has managed the fish pens for the past 25 years and is retiring, said last week that Greg Anderson and Bob Meeker have agreed to co-manage the popular fish net pen operation that raises hundreds of thousands of fish each year, supporting the local sport-fishing economy.

Both have been involved in P.O.W.E.R. (Promoters of Wildlife and Environmental Resources) for some time, especially in the feeding program.

Russell, at 79, said earlier this year that it was time to step down. The organization has had some trouble getting someone to step up and take charge of the fish pen program.

The two will cooperate in leading the volunteers needed to keep the fish-feeding program viable.

Anderson, a former appraiser for Ferry County, and before that a machinist, has lived here for two years.

Meeker has lived in the area for 14 years and uses this as his base for troubleshooting for major companies that have problems. "I am a fix-it person," he laughed.

Both Anderson and Meeker have put out a call for volunteers.

Russell added his voice to the need for volunteers. "The program is run with volunteers, and we need some people to share some time with us," Russell stated.

The two new managers stepped forward just in time.

The fish nets expect about 150,000 new rainbow trout fingerlings in mid-October. These fish will be released into Banks Lake sometime in March.

The fish pen operation has a lot to do with the success of Banks Lake as a fishery. It is one of the most popular fishing sites in the state and adds much to the community's economy.

If you are willing to volunteer some fish feeding time, you can call Anderson at 633-9944 or Meeker at 206-795-6274.