Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing began in 2005, serving wounded military service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing has expanded nationwide, providing structured fishing opportunities for military veterans in Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics.

The BLM Glennallen Field Office in Alaska has been hosting Project Healing Waters events at the BLM’s Tangle Lakes area since 2011. The program provides basic fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying and rod building classes for all experience levels. The waters - home to Arctic grayling, whitefish, lake trout, burbot, longnose suckers, and more than 100 species of migrating birds and waterfowl - provide participants with unforgettable experiences, fishing side-by-side.

For military veterans, America’s public lands can enhance physical and emotional well-being as they connect with the lands and waters they fought to protect. Public lands can have a profoundly healing effect. For BLM employees, Project Healing Waters is a small way to give back to these men and women and their families. #BLMproud