Focus on Conservation
Conservation Committee Issues Report on Actions
The Conservation Committee has been doing some important work on issues affecting our world's fisheries. Below are two issues that need your involvement now, but to read the entire report please
click here.
Bristol Bay Needs Your Voice NOW - Comment Period Closes October 17
Many people ask, "Isn’t Pebble already dead?"
Unfortunately, no. In 2014, we asked you to help mobilize your supporters to comment in support of the EPA’s proposal to use its authority under section 404(c) to limit mining activities that would harm salmon, a.k.a. the Proposed Determination. Hundreds of thousands followed through! The EPA received more than 1.5 million comments in support of strong protections for Bristol Bay. In short, Americans made it abundantly clear that the Pebble Mine is not worth the risk to the salmon, jobs and culture of Bristol Bay.
However, following a series of lawsuits and a change in political leadership within the EPA, the proposed protections so many of us asked for are on hold and are on the verge of being reversed. Please click here to comment about this important issue.
Boundary Waters in Minnesota Needs Support As Well
Recently Rep. Tom Emmer officially introduced a bill, H.R. 3905, that singles out Minnesota as being unworthy of the fundamental environmental protections afforded to the rest of the country and directly puts public lands at risk. This unprecedented bill would eliminate at least 5 bedrock conservation laws that have been in place for nearly 50 years, overturn the will of Minnesotans and allow a foreign mining company with a history of environmental violations to build dangerous sulfide-ore copper mines on the edge of the Boundary Waters watershed.
Click Here to Take Action or call your representative and ask them to oppose Rep. Emmer’s H.R. 3905 202-224-3121.
Conservation Grants an Important Part of FFI's Program
Completed Fish Passage
We encourage clubs and councils of FFI to apply for conservation grants. Klamath Country Fly Casters were awarded a grant and provided a final report to FFI on their work. They completed a fish passage project on an important tributary of the Sprague River in Oregon. The project had many partners and volunteers to assist.
Click here to read the full report>>
If your club or council is interested in applying for a grant, the Committee will consider applications throughout the year.
Click here for info>>
2017 Fly Fishing Fair A Success
Hundreds of fly fishing enthusiasts descended on Livingston Montana for the annual Fly Fishing Fair. Fun was had by all during the week-long educational event. Two of the highlights of the week were Iron Fly, a fun competition that provides a tier an opportunity to "strut their stuff." This year's winner was none other than Jeff Sirbu from Basalt Colorado (pictured right). Thanks to Gene Kaczmarek (left) for his work to produce the Iron Fly.
Another great highlight was the Women's Program that offered fly tying, casting and general fishing skills. Thanks to the program coordinators this year Mary Ann Dozer, Patty Lueken and all the instructor volunteers.
We thank all of our donors to the Gear Sale and especially Phyllis & Bob Tabbert for the Yellowstone Quilt won by Bunny Steiner. Everyone's effort raised over $1000 for a conservation project on the Yellowstone River.
Join us in Boise August 7-11, 2018 for another great event.
Boise Centre,
Century Link Arena and
the Grove Hotel will be our hosts. It's probably the first time we've ever had casting demos on a ice hockey rink, so come join the fun!
Tying Times Newsletter Available
The Fly Tying Group has issued the October newsletter and it's now posted to the FFI website. Enjoy editorial comments by Jerry Coviello, Part 7 of the Design Strategy and Construction Tips for Buidling Fly Plates with Steve Jensen, Dyeing Materials for Flytying by Dr. Eunan Hendron and Steelhead Bee pattern by Kevin Erickson
Click here to access the current and past issues of the newsletters of the Fly Tying Group! Thanks to Larry Murphy for his editorial and design skills!