|
The Arizona Game and Fish Department has been
honored with the Federally Assisted Civil Rights Award for its
initiatives in making department programs and services more
accessible to a diverse public.
The award is given by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to
recognize diversity efforts by entities that receive federal
financial assistance from the service.
"As a public service agency, it's important for us to make sure
our programs are available to as wide a spectrum of people as
possible," says Arizona Game and Fish Director Duane Shroufe. "We're
proud of the efforts our employees have made in accomplishing that."
Some of the department initiatives include the following:
- architectural and structural changes to Game and Fish
facilities and wildlife areas, to improve access for physically
challenged members of the public;
- changes in law to enable individuals with certain disabilities
to qualify for free fishing licenses or for special hunting
permits and hunts;
- nature workshops and fishing clinics in predominantly minority
communities and on reservation land;
- production of Spanish-language versions of several department
publications, including fishing and hunting regulations,
mountain-lion awareness materials, and Operation Game Thief
brochures, and
- outreach efforts to women through the Annie Oakley Sure Shots
Program, a weekly class at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility. The
program teaches firearm safety and provides a comfortable
environment where women can mentor each other, have fun, and
compare experiences with others who share a common interest in
shooting sports.
|
