The Federation of Fly Fishers and Boy Scouts of America Team Together to Support Conservation Efforts in Local Communities Nationwide

LAKELAND, Fla., March 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) and the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) are partnering together to promote conservation and education of America's youth in the art, science and sport of fly fishing. The organizations signed a joint resolution of mutual support where the FFF pledged its assistance in connecting its members through more than 1,200 affiliated fly fishing clubs with BSA troops and Venture Crews to participate in a variety of activities including community projects, natural resource stewardship training, and fly fishing and conservation-related merit badges. The announcement will be made at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 29 at the National Fly Fishing Expo held at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida.

"The Federation of Fly Fishers is the preeminent organization dedicated to education in fly fishing and stewardship of our nation's fisheries and waters," said Ben Jelsema, National Chairman of Fishing Programs for the Boy Scouts of America. "By working with its membership and affiliated fly fishing clubs, we will not only strengthen our Boy Scouts fly fishing programs but as well as expand our Venture Crews nationwide."

Venturing is a youth development program of BSA for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 20. It is based on a relationship between youth, adult leaders and organizations in their communities. Local community organizations establish a venturing crew by matching their people and program resources to the interest of young people in the community.

"The FFF is a national federation of fly fishing clubs dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through conservation, restoration and education," said R.P. "Van" Van Gytenbeek, chief executive officers and president of FFF. "We are well-positioned to help Venture Crews in local communities participate in meaningful projects to help restore local fisheries and waters while educating them on the sport of fly fishing."

Gytenbeek said that over the years, FFF members and affiliated clubs nationwide have volunteered countless hours to help thousands of scouts earn merit badges in fly fishing and conservation. Today's announcement formalizes the relationship between the BSA and Venture Crews.

In addition to participating in joint conservation and restoration projects, the FFF and its local councils and clubs will work with scouts and Venture Crews enhance their fly fishing skills. FFF has the only program for teaching children and teens how to cast, to tie flies and how to appreciate aquatic ecosystems. Through FFF's Certified Casting Instructors, scouts and crew members will have the benefit of learning from the best in the sport.

About the Federation of Fly Fishers: The Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) is a 43-year old international non-profit organization dedicated to the betterment of the sport of fly fishing through conservation, restoration and education. The FFF and its councils are the only organized advocate for fly fishers on a national and regional level. The FFF is headquartered in Livingston, Montana.


Contact:
Kay Jackson
Federation of Fly Fishers
817-658-3004
kay@prbyjackson.com

SOURCE Federation of Fly Fishers