Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Volunteers Team up to Refurbish Fishing Pier at Sheldon Lake State Park
OutdoorHub 05.20.14
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), a Nashville-based non-profit, conservation organization, is pleased to announce the completion of its latest Work Boots on the Ground project that brought together volunteers to refurbish a fishing pier at Sheldon Lake State Park, in Houston, Texas.
On Saturday, May 3, about 30 skilled workers from the Houston-area union trades along with members of the community, volunteered their time and talents to replace floor boards and hand rails and to make needed repairs to the pier.
Members of Ironworkers Local 84, IUEC Local 31, IBEW Local 716, IBEW Local 66 and UA 62 all came out, contributing to the job well-done. The project was led by Ed Vargocko, Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 84 in Houston.
“If we don’t give back to our community, who will?” said Vargocko of Rosenberg, Texas. “I like the idea of a state park so close to Houston, so that many people who would not regularly get a chance to be outdoors and fish have a safe pier to fish off of.”
Fred Myers, Executive Director and CEO of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, said the organization created Adopt-A-Park as a branch of Work Boots on the Ground to address the issues of budget challenges and a backlog of repair and maintenance projects facing America’s parks.
“American’s more than 7,000 state parks are an intrinsic part of our country’s culture and legacy,” said Myers. “All over the country, we are forming committees, identifying needs, raising money and taking on projects to ensure future generations can enjoy the outdoor opportunities that we enjoy today.”
Kelley Morris, Park Superintendent of Sheldon Lake State Park, said the park, just 20 miles north of downtown Houston, is available to the public, free of charge. “It is exciting to have the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance dedicate their time and give back to the community so others have a chance to experience and appreciate the angling and wildlife viewing opportunities that the reservoir provides.”
About USA’s Work Boots on the Ground: USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program is a volunteer initiative that mobilizes skilled labor union volunteers to tackle hands-on conservation projects.
