Over the last 20 years children's playtime has declined by 25 percent and unstructured outdoor activities have declined by 50 percent. Family dinners have decreased by 33 percent and family vacations have decreased by 28 percent (according to the organization Family Life First). How can you gain back some of the family time that is lost while increasing your child's interest in the outdoors?

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) says that boating and fishing are un

matched leisure activities that help make a true connection with family, friends and the natural environment. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) encourages people of all ages to re-connect with their family during National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW), June 3-11, 2006.

"Outdoor recreation strengthens the family as a unit and children as individuals," says WRD Chief of Fisheries Management Chuck Coomer. "National Fishing and Boating Week is an opportunity to remind all outdoor enthusiasts to teach their children and others the importance of natural resource conservation while introducing them to a sport that could last a lifetime."

NFBW began in 1979 as National Fishing Week and was created to recognize the tradition of fishing, to broaden the spirit of togetherness and to share the values and knowledge of today's anglers with tomorrow's anglers. In the spirit of introducing new family members or friends to the sport of angling, Georgia offers two free fishing days during NFBW - June 3 and June 10, 2006. Both are on a Saturday. On these days, Georgia residents do not need a fishing license or a trout license. Residents can fish on any public waters in the state including lakes, streams, ponds and public fishing areas (PFA). Additionally, residents do not need to obtain a WMA license to fish on a PFA or on Waters Creek on these two free fishing days.

According to author Ellen Galinsky (What America's Children Really Think About Working Parents), "the biggest wish kids had is that their parents be less stressed during the time they are together," and that 65 percent of children interviewed said they worried about their parents' stress levels, either frequently or sometimes. In other words - they notice! Participation in outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing, can help foster a healthy family life - so, get out of the office, get out of the house, get on the boat and just fish and be a family!

For more information on free fishing days or finding a place to fish, visit the WRD website at www.gofish georgia.com or call a WRD Fisheries Management Office. For more information on NFBW or the "Take Me Fishing" campaign, visit the national website at www.takemefishing.org .