Richard Kicklighter is an avid angler who lives in the Burley area. He has a long history of fishing in the area, and he remembers the days when Freedom Park Pond was a cherished and heavily used fishery.
Freedom Park Pond is no longer stocked by Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The pond habitat had deteriorated and research had shown very few stocked trout were getting to anglers. The vast majority of stocked rainbow trout were being eaten by bird predators. Over the years, the pond has filled in with sediment leaving very little open water to fish in (see below photo).
Richard wanted to see Freedom Park Pond brought back to it's glory days. After doing to some calling around, he realized the best way to get it done was to take it upon himself to make it happen. Mr. Kicklighter began working on this project well over a year and a half ago. He began working with City of Burley officials (who own and manage the property) to help them understand his vision, and the potential gain for local families. He also took it upon himself to find donors to help fund the project, which is no easy task. Richard found cash donors and also private construction companies who were willing to donate their time and resources. His persistence paid off, and the project has started with public and private resources working together to increase the size and depth of Freedom Park Pond.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game played a minor role in this project. Staff provided technical guidance on pond dimensions, vegetation management, and gave a commitment to try stocking again once his renovation was complete. IDFG will stock the pond with tagged rainbow trout and see if the new, deeper and wider pond will help improve fishing opportunities for local anglers, and minimize bird predation. "There's been a long history of kids fishing events and family use of Freedom Park Pond, and the Department would love to be able to help Mr. Kicklighter bring that opportunity back to the area" said Doug Megargle, Magic Valley Region fishery manager. "We told Mr. Kicklighter if he rebuilds the pond, we'll be happy to give the stocking program another try" said Megargle.
Idaho Fish and Game, Magic Valley Region recognized Mr. Kicklighter for his efforts to help rebuild a lost fishing opportunity in the Burley area. Richard has spent and continues to spend a tremendous amount of his own time making this happen. The Department presented Richard with a "Caught in the Act of Doing Good" coin which is a small token of IDFG staff's appreciation. IDFG staff present these coins to folks they observe doing commendable actions related to Idaho's resources and those folks enjoying them. The metal coin, similar to a military "challenge" coin, provides a lasting memento for a selfless act that can be shared for years.
Mr. Kicklighter has plans beyond just rebuilding the pond itself. He hopes to build an enhanced ADA access and landscape the pond area to make it a nice place to spend time. His vision, one IDFG shares, is to see families enjoying the fishery. "It's all about seeing the smiles on kids faces" said Mr. Kicklighter.
Mr. Kicklighter is still fund raising for the project. If you're interested in donating, he has directed folks to contact Ellen Maier or Mark Mitton with the City of Burley at 208-878-2224. You can also contact Richard directly at 208-670-2871 if you have specific questions about the project.