Just some of the damage to the Oceola Fish and Game Club's fish incubator is pictured in this photo from Facebook.
Image Credit: FACEBOOK/District of Lake Country
December 14, 2018 - 2:00 PM
LAKE COUNTRY - The future of fish incubators in Lake Country is up in the air after a brutal vandalism attack earlier this month, according to the president of the Oceola Fish and Game Club.
Two weeks ago, Nick Kozub received a call about damage to the club's fish incubators at the Winfield Wildlife Preserve on Bottom Wood Lake Road. When he arrived on the scene, he was stunned by the extent of the vandalism.
According to Kozub, the metal tops and lids had been ripped off. The interior piping had been smashed to bits. Worst of all, the saddles, that are key components of the incubating process, were apparently thrown into the nearby pond. The club has no idea where they could be.
"It was clearly vandalism," Kozub said, brushing off suggestions of wildlife damage. "Bears wouldn't bust up pipes."
Kozub said the incubators, which were entirely operated by volunteers, have been at the preserve for over 30 years. They've helped to boost the Kokanee fish population by thousands.
"[Incubators] have done a lot for the community," he said.
While Kozub doesn't have an exact estimate on repair or replacement costs, he imagines they'll be expensive. The club's insurance doesn't cover the wildlife preserve, which makes the total bill more daunting.
Despite the setback, Kozub wants to thank the community for showing concern about the incubators. He posted the story on Facebook and he's seen strong responses and support. He said he's received offers from a metal fabricator and a plumber to take a look at the incubators. People have also expressed interest in volunteering to get the incubators back in action.
"The community rocks," Kozub said.
Kozub is saddened by the damage done to the incubators, but if he were to meet the vandals, he'd simply try to show them the importance of the incubators to the community.
"I'd want to educate them," he said.
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