BASS Contributes $15,000 to Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership
Category: press release
Oct 3rd, 2008 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Oct 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 AM
BASS has pledged $15,000 to the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership, a new group whose top priority is the conservation of man-made U.S. lakes.
The Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership was formed to address the declining habitat of the United States’ reservoirs. The organization is seeking recognition as a full partner of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, a ground-breaking initiative that brings together locally driven efforts to improve fish habitat.
“We are extremely grateful for the generous contribution by BASS,” said Phil Durocher, Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership chairperson and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Director of Inland Fisheries. “The Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership may be the most important national initiative ever undertaken to preserve and enhance freshwater habitats for fishes. This contribution shows the commitment by BASS to the future of recreational fishing.”
As its name implies, the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership focuses on the unique habitat management challenges presented by reservoirs. Issues addressed by the partnership include water quantity and quality, control of invasive species of plants and animals, sedimentation, shoreline development and management of upstream and downstream waterways.
BASS helped found the partnership and members range from local governments and property-owner associations to federal agencies and reservoir-controlling agencies.
“We were eager to be one of the founding members of this partnership,” said BASS Conservation Director Chris Horton, who serves on the partnership’s steering committee. “This focus on reservoirs was sorely needed. The partnership is the way to bring diverse interests together so we can work cooperatively to enhance reservoir fisheries and the angling experience for millions of Americans.”
Reservoirs provide fishing opportunities for about 20 million freshwater anglers in the United States, including bass anglers. About 70 percent of anglers fish on lakes and reservoirs.”
The Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership is a cooperative group of state fish and wildlife agencies, federal agencies and industry representatives that are committed to improving fisheries.