Since ESPN sold B.A.S.S. in November 2010 to Don Logan,
Jerry McKinnis and Jim Copeland the direction of the organization
and how our Federation fits into the grand scheme of things
is still unknown.
I like most of you am patiently waiting to see what 2011
brings for B.A.S.S. and I can only hope that means a resurgence
in support to all state Federation’s conservation programs
and with that some much needed funding that was absent in
2010.
Here in NY we do a pretty good job of staying engaged with
our State and Regional DEC offices and any additional funding
we can get to help our program is truly money in the bank…
well at least until we spend it.
Since my return in 2008 as our Federation’s Conservation
Director we’ve continued existing programs and implemented
new ones. From the Salt City BMs and the Good Ole Boys Bass
Club pulling Water Chestnuts in the Three Rivers area, or
the Long Island BMs continued stocking efforts on Lake Ronkonkoma,
to the Good Ole Boys Bass Club adopting 18 different DEC
or town boat launch facilities and working trash removal
and general cleanup of the areas. Our affiliate clubs continue
to find projects that not only improve our fisheries, but
they also enhance the overall outdoor experience for all
user groups.
So that’s my real message for 2011… Ask yourself, what you
are doing to make a difference?
Sure maybe those projects aren’t for you, but maybe just
maybe, there’s something you can do to help the effort.
It could be something as simple as sharing a talk with a
local youth about conservation, like picking up after yourself
or others when you go outdoors? Or could it be you make
an extra donation of a dollar or two to our Federation’s
conservation fund so we can continue to fund our programs?
I realize this may sound trite, but if I ask you to donate
the cost of a can of soda and a candy bar, would you be
willing to forgo that purchase? It’s just a thought, but
if everyone did that we’d have about $1,200 in our conservation
fund in short order. So, if you feel that manual labor or
physically getting involved in a conservation project just
isn’t for you, what do would you say about helping fund
the work that others are willing to do that ultimately benefits
us all.
Yes that’s my conservation message for this year… What
are you doing to make a difference?
Here’s wishing everyone a successful 2011 no matter what
you’re doing and try to set the example for others to follow.
Being part of B.A.S.S. is a big deal. Remember the public
is always watching the guys and gals in their shiny bass
boats, so let’s give them something to talk about.
