PAGE A6, THE McINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT, Thursday, March 21, 2013

Half-Price Membership to OHS Includes 30 Sites The Pioneer Woman, Jim Thorpe's home and the Civil War's Honey Springs Battlefield are only a few of the more than two dozen historic Oklahoma locations covered under a new discount for AARP members. AARP Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Historical Society (OHS) announced last week. The two organizations have partnered to offer halfprice OHS membership to

Historic deal for AARP members

all AARP members. OHS membership includes free admission to about 30 historic sites scattered across Oklahoma, including the Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Sequoyah's Cabin, Overholser Mansion and Fort Gibson. A complete list of OHS locations can be found at www.okhistory.org. "This partnership presents a wonderful opportunity for our members to experience some of Oklahoma's most important and interesting sites," said Marjorie Lyons, AARP Oklahoma president. "The OHS staff maintains a first-rate system of museums and historic locations that truly bring our state's rich heritage to life." The one-time discount is for a half-price, one-year family membership. Normally priced at $50, the family membership grants unlimited access to OHS sites for up to 12 family members. AARP members can purchase a discount membership at the Oklahoma History Center, by phone at 800-750-4090 or at the OHS annual meeting, April 17-19 at the Frisco Convention Center in Clinton. "AARP and the OHS share a common mission to serve our members and improve their quality of life," said Dr. Bob Blackburn, OHS executive director. "Working together, we can make a difference in how we collect, preserve and share our collective history." The AARP /OHS membership also includes oneyear subscriptions to OHS publications The Chronicles of Oklahoma, Mistletoe Leaves and OHS Extra?, as well additional discounts and benefits, including advance notice of private events and exhibits. AARP members who join the OHS are invited to attend the OHS annual meeting, which will feature a concert by Dean Miller honoring his father, famed

Oklahoma musician Roger Miller. "We are excited to partner with the Oklahoma Historical Society to bring this money-saving option to AARP members," said Lyons. "This type of program highlights how AARP works to identify interesting and entertaining opportunities and discounts for our members and their families."

Fish farming basics

By Sean Hubbard OS U Extension

Many entrepreneurs are diving head first into the world of aquaculture. Fish

fanning has the potential of being a profitable and interesting enterprise, but there are some problems of which to be aware before making a significant investment. Any fish or aquatic animal can be economically raised on a fish farm, right7"Most can't be, said

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Marley Beem, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist. "The lack of control over reproduction and nutrition makes the farming of many desirable species impractical." Twenty-five gallons per minute of water is needed to fill and maintain each acre of production pond. In addition, soils with good water holding capacity are essential for pond construction. However, once a site is found many new fish farmers believe it will be smooth sailing. "Fish fanning is much like dairy farming it requires close management, hard work and the

ability to tolerate risk," said Beem. "As in other types of agriculture, the level of profit is seldom excessive." The idea of running a fish farm may be attractive to people who have fished their entire lives. However, experience with farming will be more beneficial for skills like operating a tractor, equipment repair and welding. New farmers will have to decide which type of production system to use. While most fish in the country are produced in smooth-bottomed ponds filled by wells that generate on the order of 1,000 gallons per minute, water resources like this are rare

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in Oklahoma. "The production system that is best for your situation will depend on the water source available," Beem said. "Existing lakes and ponds are seldom suitable for fish culture due to harvest problems." Wells, reservoirs and creeks can be used to fill smooth bottomed ponds, and springs or gravity flow from a reservoir can be used for continuous flow tanks and raceways. There are several other systems, which have been tested and proven successful. "To narrow these down and finally arrive at a detailed plan for one production system, you will need to read as much information as you can and then visit with aquaculture Extension specialists and experienced fish farmers," said Beem. "A proven spe-

ties and type of production facility is almost always the best choice. Imitation, not innovation, is the key." With a more solid idea of the industry, those continuing their pursuit of a fish farm need to decide what types of fish and aquatic animals they wish to produce. For insight on various species, check Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet NREM-9201. Beem suggests starting small and learning as you grow. "No matter how well you plan your aquaculture enterprise, you will learn a great deal during your first few years of operation," he said. "Starting small will allow you the flexibility to improve your facilities and time to develop your markets while minimizing your risk."

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