Izaak Walton donates to Gateway Park

MARENGO — The Iowa County Izaak Walton League donated the proceeds from its fish and mountain oyster fry to The Gateway Improvement Group April 3 at Gateway Park in Marengo.

Gateway Improvement Group President Chad Mattison said the group is reworking the dock and putting up a new boat ramp at Gateway, and the $4,000 donation will help pay for that.

Gateway may also use some of the money for its annual kids fishing tournament June 7.

It’s the sixth year for the fishing tournament which began informally when some members of the community noticed a group of children regularly fishing at the lake during the summer, said Mattison.

The Izaak Walton League contacted Gateway Improvement Group looking for a place to donate money from its March fish and mountain oyster fry, said Mattison, “And we’re the lucky ones.”

Iowa County Izaak Walton League, based in Victor, is a small organization, said President Tim Glotfelty, but it continues to support outdoor recreation in the county.

One of its main activities is sponsoring hunter safety certification, which it’s done for more than 25 years, most recently this weekend in Victor.

New hunters — adults and minors — can complete reading assignments online, said Glotfelty, but then take in-person classes with Iowa Department of Natural Resources Brad Baker on a Saturday.

Izaak Walton League members and other certified instructors teach gun handling, and students must pass a test to be certified.

Anyone who wants a hunting license must have a certificate, said Glotfelty.

The League has canoes, paddles and life jackets that people can borrow at no cost, and it does roadside cleanup from Ladora to Old Highway 6 South twice a year.

In addition to fish and mountain oysters, the League usually serves donated wild game at the fish fry. The League has served turtle, and the last two years it has offered bear, which people like, Glotfelty said.

“We had a beautiful night, and we had a really good turnout,” said Glotfelty. “We had to set up more tables”

Additional money is raised through a silent auction and the sale of raffle tickets. The money always stays local, said Glotfelty.