How the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc Benefits Citizens Across Kentucky:

The Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery is a nonprofit (501©3) organization that directly supports the mission and programs of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery supports Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery with staff, volunteers and most importantly financially. Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery provides varying degrees of financial support for every program, event and activity of the Wolf Creek NFH. Funding from the license plate program would be used by the Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery to provide additional resources which would maintain, expand and enhance current activities and develop new programs at Wolf Creek NFH.

Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery—along with The Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery—provides value far beyond the Lake Cumberland region. Its work strengthens recreation, conservation, education, and the overall health of Kentucky’s natural resources, benefiting communities across the entire state.

1. Supporting Statewide Recreation and Tourism

Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery is one of the largest and most productive trout hatcheries in the nation. All trout stocked in Kentucky are produced at Wolf Creek NFH. Through extensive stocking efforts into 125+ waters across Kentucky, the hatchery:

• Expands high‑quality fishing opportunities for residents and visitors

• Generates tourism revenue for communities across the state

• Supports healthy, sustainable fisheries in federal and state‑managed lakes, rivers, and streams

2. Strengthening Kentucky’s Economy

Trout fishing is a significant contributor to Kentucky’s outdoor recreation economy. The hatchery’s stocking program results:

• Trout produced at Wolf Creek contributes $75 million in direct economic benefit annually to the Kentucky economy

• Increased revenue for local businesses, including outfitters, bait shops, restaurants, and lodging providers

• Job creation within tourism and outdoor recreation sectors

• Greater visitation to natural areas throughout Kentucky

3. Protecting Native Species and Ecosystems

Beyond trout production, Wolf Creek’s conservation mission supports Kentucky’s long‑term ecological health. Wolf Creek is involved with several non-game freshwater mussels and small bodied fish species, most of which are threatened or endangered. Staff and volunteers help:

• Maintain resilient aquatic ecosystems

• Improve water quality through habitat restoration and conservation work

• Support species vital to Kentucky’s environmental balance

4. Providing Statewide Environmental Education

Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery serves as a statewide center for environmental learning. Through on‑site programs and strong partnerships, the hatchery reaches:

• Schools and youth organizations across Kentucky. In 2026, the hatchery welcomed more than 50 school groups, along with church groups, senior centers, adult‑day programs, business cohorts, and more to learn about conservation and Kentucky’s native species.

• Families, homeschoolers, and visitors from every region of Kentucky—as well as other states and countries—who explore the Environmental Education/Visitor Center and receive hands‑on educational opportunities.

• Special audiences through inclusive fishing events designed for senior citizens, veterans, and children with special needs.

• Participants in workshops focused on nature appreciation and citizen science, covering topics such as birding, plant and tree identification, mushrooms, insects, wildlife, nature journaling, and other conservation themes.

Off‑site programs and partnerships include:

• Visits to community organizations seeking hands‑on science education, conservation learning, or guided fishing experiences, including libraries, adult day‑care centers, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and public events.

• Participation in fishing outreach events across Kentucky, where staff share information about trout stockings, conservation practices, and aquatic ecology.

• Providing trout eggs to multiple schools across the state (several in Lexington and Louisville) for the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program. Students raise trout from eggs to fry, monitor water quality, study stream habitats, and learn about watersheds and aquatic ecosystems.

• Offering Biologist in Training and Junior Ranger activity booklets that promote curiosity, environmental stewardship, and conservation education. Children statewide complete these curricula and visit the hatchery to earn a badge or ranger pin.

• Maintaining an active Facebook presence that shares timely conservation information, environmental updates, and hatchery news with followers across Kentucky and beyond.

• Partners with the Kentucky Association of Environmental Education to advance environmental education statewide through networking opportunities and teacher training in nationally recognized curricula including Project WET, Project WILD, and Project Learning Tree.

5. Enhancing Quality of Life Across Kentucky

The hatchery’s work contributes directly to quality of life for Kentuckians through:

• Expanded opportunities for outdoor recreation, supporting physical health

• Nature access that promotes mental well‑being

• Stronger connections to Kentucky’s natural heritage and conservation values

Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery continues to serve as a vital statewide resource—supporting ecosystems, educating citizens of all ages, and strengthening Kentucky’s environmental and recreational future.