Michele Cole's Contact Details

Michele Cole's Company Details

The Noel Cole Fish & Wildlife Project

Chehalis, Washington, United States • 1 Employees
Nonprofit Organization Management

Noel Cole, an individual with a passion for the outdoors and fishing, is the founder of the Noel Cole Fishing Project. His family homestead is in Chehalis Washington on the north fork of the Newaukum river. The Cole Family has resided on this property for over 100 years. After digging a fishpond and raising trout as a hobby for several years Noel decided to partner with the fish and wildlife department to raise steelhead salmon. When he heard about barrier free fishing, recreational areas designed with alternative means of access for those with physical or other disabilities, Noel was impassioned to offer this community service. After discussions with various organizations, a plan was put in place with the fish and wildlife department and the Olympia WA Chapter of Trout Unlimited in 1983 to offer barrier free fishing to local special needs students, facility-bound elders, and disabled veterans. Noel built wheelchair ramps over the pond and made all adjustments needed to make the pond accessible to everyone. Since inception, over 3,000 underserved community members have been through the program and have had an opportunity to experience trout fishing in the beautiful outdoors. His pride and joy extends to restoring the habitat of Steelhead and Coho salmon. The fry are brought to the pond and hand fed for five months before being released into the river where they begin their journey into the wild and eventually returning to the river to spawn and rebuild the population.