2- 15,000 BC -THE FISH CAPITOL

2
15,000 BC- THE FISH CAPITOL

The first American Indian settlers were thought to have reached this area around 12,000 BC. Before then, the Mississippi Valley region was totally wild- knowing only birds, mammals, and the kings of the Mississippi, the fish. Fish of all shapes and sizes travelled the length of the watershed, filling up the lakes and rivers and serving as a vital link to the food chain that remains today.

The purpose of this exhibit is to finally give the downtown St Louis area a fishing pond where people of all ages and economic backgrounds can go and enjoy one of America's number one recreational activities, fishing. For many years a downtown pond project, known as Chouteau's pond, has been debated with nothing coming of it. This natural setting could satisfy some of that demand.

Ideally the pond will be located on the Illinois side of the river, adjacent to Malcolm Martin park, possibly tied in with the Gateway Geyser. It should have a very natural look to it with shade, trees, and of course, a fountain in the center.

The fishing pond could feature pictures, nature and fishing classes, and possibly hatcheries of the region's most significant native fish, including Catfish, Crappie, Trout, and Bass. The public would be invited to take home fish that they catch for a fee, and/or a sponsor could be found like the Department of Conservation or Bass Pro Shops who might help keep the pond stocked and sell bait and tackle to the public.

Fishing is one of the nation's top leisure activities, as 40 million people participate in it- more than golf and tennis combined. This pond would complement the existing Fish St Louis program that touts suburban fishing in the Metro St Louis area. It could educate, entertain, and feed people like no other urban attraction.