FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Heather Sieber, 703-778-5160, hsieber@rbff.org [1]
Nation’s Largest Coldwater Conservation Organization Celebrates 50th Anniversary This Year
ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 14, 2009) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced that Trout Unlimited (TU), the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation group, will promote Anglers’ Legacy this year, a program that encourages avid anglers to introduce newcomers to fishing and boating.
Coinciding with its 50th anniversary, TU will be distributing information to thousands of members this year, encouraging them to “Take the Pledge” and introduce at least one new person to the sport. By engaging Council and Chapter members in this national Pledge drive, and carrying the Anglers’ Legacy message in publications and on their Web site, TU expects to generate 10,000 new Ambassadors in 2009. Anniversary celebrations include reaching out to anglers, conservation partners, coldwater recreation beneficiaries, business and industry partners, youth, the general public and many others to reinforce the importance of protecting the nation’s aquatic natural resources.
“Trout Unlimited is a natural partner to spread the Anglers’ Legacy message through its network of professionals and outdoor enthusiasts,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “TU’s national promotion will help us move closer to our goal of 85,000 new Ambassadors this year, generating significant additional funds for state conservation efforts.”
“We look forward to partnering with RBFF and Anglers’ Legacy to pass the conservation message on to a new generation of boaters and anglers,” said TU Director of Volunteer Operations David Rogers. “TU’s organized membership base has a strong track record of conservation achievements and can help pass on the legacy of the sport. This fosters an understanding and appreciation of our natural resources at an early age.”
According to a 2008 survey of Ambassadors, most take more than four people a year fishing and also purchase 3.1 fishing licenses. To date, the Anglers’ Legacy program has signed on more than 85,000 Ambassadors nationwide.
“At 85,000 Pledges, this means the program may have already generated 145,000 new fishing licenses for states, supporting critical fish and wildlife management efforts,” added Peterson.
Launched in May 2006, Anglers’ Legacy asks avid anglers to share their passion for fishing and to visit AnglersLegacy.org where they're asked to "Take the Pledge" – promising to take at least one new person fishing each year.
About Trout Unlimited
America's largest coldwater conservation organization, Trout Unlimited includes 140,000 members organized in more than 30 state councils and 400 local chapters and more than 100 professional staff dedicated to conserving, protecting, restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Building on 50 years of success, Trout Unlimited will continue to work to ensure that robust populations of native and wild trout and salmon once again thrive within their North American range so that future generations can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.
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Date: 1/14/2009
Links:
[1] mailto:hsieber@rbff.org