Conservation Actions-OLD
  • Translated
  • fr-FR
  • ja-JP
  • de-DE
  • it-IT

CONSERVATION

 

FFI Conservation Actions

Fly Fishers International works to preserve and protect fishery habitats.  Many times that protection comes in the form of biological opinion regarding policies and decisions by public agencies whose responsibility is to oversee the water body and surrounding habitat.  Fly Fishers International bases its decision about issues on a review of the existing policies or laws governing the agency's action and sound science-based facts.  FFI will post a report on this page giving our members an overview of our recent actions.  If you have any questions please contact the Conservation Coordinator at conservation@flyfishersinternational.org .

If you want to submit an issue for consideration by Fly Fishers International, please click here to review our process for doing so.

The FFI Conservation Committee has taken following Conservation Actions or signed off on letters with collaborating partners on the following issues. Senior Conservation Advisor and COB Tom Logan, Conservation Committee Chair Dave Peterson, Senior Conservation Advisor Rick Williams and Senior Conservation Advisor Bob Tabbert staff the subcommittee that approves these actions.
 

CONSERVATION ACTIONS

August, 2019 through May, 2020
 
  • Bristol Bay- 8/12/19- Posted social media (Facebook, etc.) supporting Bristol Bay fundraiser coordinated by Save Bristol Bay Coalition.
     
  • Klamath River Hydroelectric Settlement- 8/26/19 Provided comments authored by Mark Rockwell and Rick Williams to the Federal Energy Relicensing Commission supporting the Amended Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement and the KRRC applications for transfer and surrender.
     
  • Bristol Bay- 8/22/19- Second social media post supporting August 24 Fund Raiser for Bristol Bay. This was done at the request of the Save Bristol Bay coalition of which we are a member. 
     
  • Bristol Bay- 8/22/19- Sent letter supporting alternative legislation on Bristol Bay to 100 clubs and councils targeted by Scott Hed, coordinator of the Save Bristol Bay coaliton. 
     
  • Bristol Bay- 8/22/19- Sent Conservation E-News (25,000 fly fishers) on Bristol Bay encouraging members to contact their Senators. This E-News also included a fund raising promotion for Bristol Bay. 
     
  • Land and Water Conservation Fund Funding Bills- 8/23/19- Sent an FFI letters to members of the Energy Committee expressing our support for H.B. 3195 and S. 1081 which, if enacted, will ensure full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for now and in the future. Rhonda also communicated with Senator Daines office and verified his support of the bill. 
     
  • Land and Water Conservation Fund Funding Bills- 8/30/19- Provided a draft letter to all Councils and Clubs with Senators on the Energy Committee encouraging them to write their Senators supporting S. 1081.
     
  • Clean Water Act- 9/12/19- TRCP issues a major press release on roll backs of the Clean Water Regulations. A quote from Patrick Berry, FFI President and CEO, was prominently feature in this release. The release was also sent out via Facebook and other social media. Circulation, 200K.
     
  • Clean Water Act- 9/12/19- Sign on to TRCP letter urging EPA to provide 120-day comment period for interested citizens and organizations to comment on the agency’s proposal to make changes to rules governing states and tribes’ Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 water quality certification process. 
     
  • Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act- 9/18/19- Sign on toTRCP letter to House Natural Resources and Senate Energy and Natural Resources leadership, requesting that the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act be expeditiously advanced through the respective committees.
     
  • Aquila/Back Forty Mine- 10/12/19- FFI signed onto a letter to investors in the Aquila/Back Forty mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula citing the many deficiencies in the mining plan. 
     
  • Clean Water Act- 10/21/19- TRCP sign on in opposition to the agency’s proposal to make changes to the rules governing states’ and tribes’ Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 water quality certification process. 
     
  • Advancing Conservation and Education Act- 10/21/19- TRCP sign on letter to House Natural Resources Chair requestin a hearing in the House Natural Resources Committee regarding H.R. 244, the “Advancing Conservation and Education Act.” 
     
  • Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (PLREDA) 10/24/19- TRCP sign on in support of the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (PLREDA).
     
  • Upper Delaware River- 11/13/19- Sign on to Letter to Governor Cuomo supporting funding for protection of the Upper Delaware River.
     
  • Tongass Roadless Rules - 12/16/19- Signed on to letter to Hon. Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture and Vicki Christiansen, USFS expressing opposition to the proposed Alaska Roadless Rule, which would fully exempt the Tongass National Forest from roadless rules.
     
  • Upper Delaware River - 11/13/19- Sign on to Letter to Governor Cuomo supporting funding for protection of the Upper Delaware River.
     
  • Tongass Roadless Rules - 12/16/19- Signed on to letter to Hon. Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture and Vicki Christiansen, USFS expressing opposition to the proposed Alaska Roadless Rule, which would fully exempt the Tongass National Forest from roadless rules.
     
  • Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA) - 1/5/20- Sign on to letter to Secretary of Interior David Bernhardt supporting full implementation of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (FLTFA)as soon as possible.
     
  • S. 3051, America’s Conservation Enhancement Act - 1/10/20- Sign on to a TRCP letter to Senators Barrasso and Carper, Committee on Environment & Public Works, expressing support for introduction and passage of S. 3051, America’s Conservation Enhancement Act. S. 3051 includes an array of priority conservation provisions.
     
  • HR 5598 Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act - 2/3/20- Sign on to a letter with other conservation partners supporting Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act (H.R. 5598). H.R. 5598 withdraws 234,328 acres of public land and waters in the Rainy River Watershed of the Superior National Forest in the State of Minnesota from mining.
     
  • Fishing Closure in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - 2/27/20-  Sent FFI letter to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission supporting establishment of a seasonal no fishing closure at Western Dry Rocks in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to help ensure successful permit spawning.
     
  • U.S. Forest Service Funding- 2/27/20- Signed onto a TRCP letter to Senate Appropriation Committee leadership encouraging sufficient funding for the Forest Service budget depleted by fire suppression.
    Boundary Waters- 3/2/20-  Sign on to Save the Boundary Waters letter encouraging mark up of H.R. 5598 which, if enacted, will protect the Boundary Waters Wilderness from mining.
     
  • Everglades Restoration- 3/6/20-  Sign on to letter to House Appropriations Subcommitee on Energy and Water Development supporting funding in FY21 appropriations for Everglades Restoration.
    National Environmental Policy Act- 3/10/20-  Sign on to Water Protection Network letter calling for maintenance of current regulations specified in NEPA.
     
  • Columbia River System Operations Draft Environmental Impact Statement- 3/6/20- Signed on to Save Our Wild Salmon letter to the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Dept. of the Interior and U.S. Dept. of Energy asking for an extension of the public review and comment deadline for the Columbia River System Operations Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
    USGS Streamgaging Networks- 3/18/20- Signed on to a TRCP letter to leadership of Senate Appropriations Subcommitee on the Interior supporting funding for the USGS stream gaging network.
     
  • Missouri River Recovery Program- 3/26/20-  Signed on to a TRCP letter to Appropriations Committee leadership supporting funding for this program.
     
  • Great American Outdoors Act- 3/30/20- Signed on to a TRCP letter to Members of Congress supporting passage and enactment of S. 3422 which would help ensure funding for recreational infrastructure.
     
  • Columbia/Snake River Environmental Impact Statement Comments- 4/13/20-  Signed  on to a Earth Justice letter to the Army Corps, Bureau of Reclamation, Bonneville Power admininstration, Dept. of Interior, and Dept. of Energy providing comments on the Draft Columbia/Snake River Draft Environmental Impact Statement.  Senior Conservation Advisor Rick Williams played a signifcant role in the development of these comments.
     
  • Menominee River and Aquila Mine- 4/21/20- Signed onto a letter to the Wisconsin DNR and Michigan Department of Environment and Great Lakes regarding the delisting report on the Menominee River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
    Bristol Bay- 5/1/20- Signed onto a letter with other outdoor groups calling for protection of Bristol Bay.
     
  • Mapland Act- 5/4/20- Signed on to a TRCP letter supporting the Modernizing Access to our Public Land Act (S. 3427 and H.R. 6169) 
     
 

CONSERVATION ACTIONS 

July 2018 to July 2019 

  • National Environmental Policy Act- 7/15/18- Signed onto TRCP letter to Associate Director Boling on Council on Environmental Quality seeking comment period extension on the Update to the Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act.
     
  • Clean Water Act- 7/16/18- Signed onto TRCP letter to Andrew Wheeler, EPA and RD James Asst. Sec. of the Army requesting an extension of comment period on “definition of waters of the US.
     
  • Boundary Waters- 7/16/18- Social media post regarding favorable ruling on Boundary Waters mining-reposted their plea for signatures.
     
  • Endangered Species Act- 7/20/18- Signed onto a TRCP letter from 25 sportsmen's- conservation organizations opposing the inclusion of any Endangered Species Act provisions in the final conference report, most especially provisions relating to greater sage grouse and lesser prairie chickens.
     
  • Advancing Conservation and Education Act- 7/24/18- Signed onto TRCP letter requesting a hearing in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee regarding H.R. 4257 or the “Advancing Conservation and Education Act.”
     
  • Bonefish Habitat in Belize- 7/26/18- Social media post expressing FFI opposition to development on Cayo Rosaria in Belize.
     
  • National Defense Authorization Act- 7/29/18- Signed onto TRCP letter opposing the inclusion of any language in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that seeks to legislate wildlife management or otherwise delay, defund, or undo conservation efforts for wildlife such as the greater sage grouse and lesser prairie chickens.
     
  • Infrastructure - 7/31/18- Signed onto TRCP letter to USFS, the Corps of Engineers and Department of the Interior on infrastructure issues.
     
  • Penns Creek Catch and Release- 8/21/18- Sent FFI comments to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission supporting expansion of artificials, and catch and release regulations on Penns Creek.
     
  • HR 3144, Columbia River Steelhead and Salmon- 8/27/18- FFI sent a letter to John Barrasso, Chairman Thomas Carper, Ranking Member U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works opposing HR 3144 and requesting that it not be brought out of committee.
     
  • Responsible Mining Initiative in Montana - 8/31/18- FFI submitted on op ed piece to Montana newspapers expressing our support for I-186, the Yes for Responsible Mining Initiative.
     
  • Boundary Waters- 9/1/18- Social media post regarding unfavorable rulings on Boundary Waters mining permits.
     
  • Angler’s of the AuSable Fish Farm Victory- 10/1/18- FFI made a social media post publicizing the FFI Club, Angler’s of the AuSable victory in eliminating the possibility that a commercial fish farm will be built on the iconic AuSable River in northern Michigan. FFI supported this effort with a Conservation Grant.
     
  • Boundary Waters Mining- 10/12/18- FFI signed onto a letter to Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Agriculture;James Hubbard, Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment; and Vicki Christiansen, expressing disappointment about the Department of Agriculture’s actions cancelling the U.S. Forest Service’s applicationfor a withdrawal of 234,328 acres of Superior National Forest lands in the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from mineral leasing, and to open those lands to hardrock mineral leasing and mining.
     
  • Yellowstone River Watershed Mining Ban- 10/9/18- FFI posted an announcement on social media regarding Secretary Zinke signing the ban on new mining on federal land near Yellowstone National Park. Zinke withdrew more than 30,000 acres in an area known as  the Paradise Valley. The ban will last for 20 years. FFI previously joined other conservation organizations in advocating for this ban.
     
  • America’s Water Infrastructure Act- 10/15/18- FFI made a blog post announcing passage of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 - By a 99-1 vote, senators sent landmark legislation to President Trump that would expedite restoration efforts in the Everglades. “America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018” The act also takes important steps to advance nature-based infrastructure solutions—like restoring wetlands and dunes to reduce flood and storm damage—and more. The President has now signed the bill. FFI supported this effort through our affiliation with “Everglades Now or Never”.
     
  • Save the Seas Act -10/15/18- FFI posted a blog post regarding the Save the Seas Act. The legislation was signed into law by President Trump on October 11. The bill reauthorizes the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Debris Program through 2022. The program works to reduce debris through research, prevention and reduction. The Save our Seas legislation authorizes $10 million per year for the next five years. The bill also encourages the executive branch to engage

the leaders of countries — located primarily in Asia — that are responsible for much of the sea pollution found around the planet’s oceans.

  • Responsible Mining Initiative in Montana- 10/15/18 FFI’s Op-Ed supporting I-186, the Yes for Responsible Mining Initiative was published in the Bozeman Chronicle and Livingston Enterprise newspapers.
     
  • Penns Creek Catch and Release- 10/21/18 Social media post announcing the extension of catch and release regulations on in central Pennsylvania. Penns Creek is a 67.1-mile- long tributary of the Susquehanna River, n central Pennsylvania. The upper reaches of Penns Creek offer some of the best trout fly fishing in the Northeast, with a Green Drake hatch occurring in late May that is one of the largest in the world. FFI supported this extension by providing comments to the Pennsylvania Boat and Fish Commission.
     
  • Land and Water Conservation Fund- 11/8/18 FFI, along with 200+ other conservation and outdoor groups, signed on to a Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership letter to Congressional leadership encouraging action on the renewal of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
     
  • Wildlife Corridors- 11/30/18 FFI signed on to a letter to Congress supporting establishment of Wildlife Corridors.
     
  • Wildlife Act- 12/1/18 FFI, with many other groups signed on to a letter to Congressional leadership urging action on the Wildlife Act.
     
  • Clean Water Rules- 12/1/18 FFI signed onto a letter to the EPA regarding changes in Clean Water rules.
     
  • Asian Carp- 12/11/18 FFI signed onto a letter to the Corps of Engineers urging action on the plan to prevent Asian Carp from reaching the Great Lakes.
     
  • Farm Bill Conservation Provisions- 12/11/18 FFI signed on to a letter prepared by the Nature Conservancy supporting Conservation initiatives in the Farm Bill which subsequently passed.
     
  • Farm Bill Thank You- 12/12/18 FFI signed on to a letter to Congressional leadership saying thank you for Conservation provisions in the farm bill. 1/10/19 Sign on to thank you letter to Senators Stabenow and Roberts for conservation provisions in Farm Bill.
     
  • Public Lands Policy- 12/17/18 Sign on to TRCP letter to Members Murkowski, Bishop, Cantwell and Grijalva (Senate and House Natural Resources Committee leaders) supporting bipartisan public lands policy.
     
  • Clean Water Rules- 12/21/18 Sign on to TRCP Clean Water letter requesting extension of comment period.
     
  • Boundary Waters- 1/10/19 Signed on to Sportsman for the Boundary Waters letter requesting the Bureau of Land Management to extend the renewal application and comment period for the two Twin Metals mineral leases from the current 30 days to 60 days.
     
  • Asian Carp- 1/11/19 Signed onto National Wild Live Federation Asian Carp letter requesting extension of comment period.
     
  • Natural Resources Management Act- 2/1/19-Signed onto a Theordore Roosevelt Conservation letter to Senate Leaders McConnell and Schumer encouraging support for timely Senate floor consideration of the bipartisan and bicameral public lands package that was negotiated in the final days of the 115th Congress. That omnibus bill has now passed the Senate and has been signed by President Trump.
     
  • Natural Resources Management Act- 2/18/19-Signed onto a Theordore Roosevelt Conservation letter to House Leaders Pelosi and McCarthy encouraging support for the Natural Resorces Management Act.
     
  • TRCP Forage Fish Partnership- 2/20/19- Renewed endorsement of TRCP forage fish partnership.
     
  • USGS Streamgage Networks- 3/12/19- Signed onto letter supporting modernization of USGS streamgage network.
     
  • Pebble Mine- 3/15/19- Helped publicize the inadequacies in the Corps of Engineers Environmental Impact Statement on the Pebble Mine in Alaska through publication of commentary in the FFI E-News.
     
  • Pennsylvania Fishing Regulations- 3/25/19- Signed onto a letter supporting H.B. 808, which would grant the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) the authority to set license and permit fees as needed.
     
  • Highway Bill- 3/29/19- Signed onto TRCP letter outlining seven priority areas for the reauthorization of the 2020 highway bill. COB Tom Logan was quoted in an April 8 national press release on this bill.
     
  • National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act- 4/1/19- Signed onto a TRCP letter supporting the National Fish Habitat Conservation Through Partnerships Act.
     
  • Forage Fish Protection Act- 4/8/19- Signed onto TRCP letter supporting introduction of the Forage Fish Protection Act.
     
  • Clean Water Act- 4/15/19- Signed onto TRCP letter on Clean Water Act rules.
     
  • Smith River Mine- 5/8/19- Sent an FFI letter to Montana Governor Bullock and DEQ Director McGrath about deficiencies in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement regarding the proposal by Tintina Resources and Sandfire to develop a copper mine that could threaten the Smith River and some of its tributaries.
     
  • Coal Leasing on BLM Land- 5/28/19- Signed onto a letter requesting an extension of the public comment period and asking for public hearings on a proposal to open up coal leasing on BLM land.
     
  • HR 1373- the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act- 6/4/19- FFI sent a letter supporting HR 1373 that would protect the Grand Canyon watershed from mining threats.
     
  • Pebble Mine- 6/5/19- Signed onto a letter requesting that the Corps of Engineers require additonal information from the mining applicant and suspend the Pebble Mine permit applicaiton process until this information is provided.
     
  • Highway Bill- 6/11/19- signed on to a TRCP letter to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, outlining seven priority areas for the reauthorization of the 2020 highway bill.
     
  • Land and Water Conservation Funding- 7/1/19- FFI sent a letter to  Congress  expressing our support for H.B. 3195 and S. 1081 which, if enacted, will  ensure  full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund for now and in the future.
     
  • Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations- 7/7/19- FFI provided public comment to Dept. of Interior expressing our support for the proposed changes in 50 CFR Parts, 26, 32, 38 and 71 which will change Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations and open more public land to fishing.
 
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
May through September, 2017

The FFI Conservation Committee has taken the following Conservation Actions or signed off on letters with collaborating partners on the following issues.

Clean Water Act

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed rescinding the Clean Water Rule that was established in 2015. FFI joined with other conservation groups that are members of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership in opposing rescission of these rules.  We are concerned that this proposal, if enacted, will undo hard earned protections for streams and wetlands across the United States.  We are joined with many other like-minded conservation groups in recognition that many voices working together will have a greater impact.
 
Review of National Monuments 

FFI wrote Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to support the provisions of the Antiquities Act of 1906 and to express our opposition to any executive action that seeks to administratively overturn any national monument.
 
U.S. Budget Recommendations 
 

With other conservation groups in the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, FFI signed onto a letter to congressional leaders calling for a bipartisan budget agreement that provides relief from sequestration cuts and allows for strong annual funding of natural resources and conservation.

Net Pen Fish Farming in Washington
 

FFI sent a letter to NOAA and the U.S. Corps of Engineers urging swift action on mitigating the effects of a net pen failure in Skagit County, Washington.  This letter further urged the Corps to stop issuing permits for new net pens and to investigate the integrity of existing net pens.

Mining in the Yellowstone Watershed 
 

FFI sent a letter to Montana Senator Steve Daines encouraging him to support the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act that was introduced in the United States Senate. If enacted, the bill will provide permanent protection of the Yellowstone from gold and other mining activities on adjacent public lands.

FFI also sent a letter to Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke thanking him for his support for a ban on mining in the Paradise Valley.

Mining in the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area 
 

FFI sent a letter providing public comment to the United States Forest Service opposing mining in the areas bordering the Boundary Waters Wilderness Area in Minnesota.

Management of Forage Fish 
 

FFI signed onto a letter with other conservation groups included in the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership encouraging Maryland Governor Hagen to enact scientifically sound models for managing forage fish like menhaden.

Farm Bill Conservation Easement Program 
 

FFI signed onto a letter with other conservation groups included in the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership making recommendations regarding the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Priorities in the 2018 Farm Bill.

National Infrastructure Proposal 
 

FFI signed onto a letter with other conservation groups included in the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership making recommendations to President Trump regarding priorities in outdoor infrastructure enhancing access to public land and water recreation opportunities, and support for natural infrastructure solutions.

Blueprint for Energy Future 
 

Senior Conservation Advisor Tom Logan made contributions to a document entitled “Lessons Learned- A Blueprint for Securing Our Energy Future While Safeguarding America’s Sporting Heritage”.  The document was published by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

Banning Net Pen Fish Farming in the Great Lakes 
 

FFI joined with a number of other like-minded conservation groups in encouraging members of the U.S. Congress to co-sponsor a bill that would prohibit net pen fish farming in the Great Lakes. 

 

Previous Reports

IFFF Conservation Action Report

March 21, 2016

The following conservation actions were taken either in the form of a signed letter over IFFF letterhead or endorsement with signature on collaborative comments provided by organizations with whom we are formal partners.  The IFFF can have stronger influence regarding agency management and/or regulatory actions in some cases when issues relate specifically to fishes and/or their habitats.  But, in many cases the issues may be broader than fish and wetland and speak more too broadly to land and wildlife management and protection issues in ways that include fish and their habitats.  The IFFF often can have much more effective impact in these cases by collaborating through partnerships that have professional staff whose total responsibilities are monitoring and speaking on behalf of natural resources and our partners.  All documents are retained on file and available for review.

Re-authorization of the Water Resource Protection Act:

The Water Protection Network made a request of the IFFF to provide signature endorsement with other partners to congress regarding reauthorization of the Water Resource Protection Act with six specific reforms to language in the act as additional guidance to the US Corps of Engineers for how the agency reviews and evaluates projects that may adversely affect waters of the US under provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act.  We agreed with the submittal, found language and recommendations in the document consistent with previous endorsements and provided signature support and endorsement of the letter.

Crevice Mining Group, LLC Application:

IFFF was made aware of an application to the Montana Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) for permit authorization to mine gold on private property northeast of Gardiner and adjacent to the Yellowstone National Park and Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness.  A letter was submitted to the DEQ expressing concern for likelihood of adverse effects of the proposed activity on wildlife and wetlands, with specific bases for concern and requesting that the application and proposed activity be fully evaluated through preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement in accordance with applicable Montana Law that is administered by the DEQ.

Illegal Fish Introductions in Montana:

The Montana Wildlife Federation contacted the IFFF soliciting partnership support of a petition and plan of action to request the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks take additional regulatory steps to bring about an end to the illegal introduction of fish species that continues in Montana.  The plan of action was reviewed and found to be comprehensive and warranted.  Signature support was provided with intent to monitor progress and provide additional comment when and if appropriate.

Beaverhead River Hydroelectric Project:

It was brought to IFFF's attention that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) had received an application for permit authorization from the Clark Canyon Hydro, LLC, proposing to modify the existing Clark Canyon Hydroelectric Facility at Clark Canyon Dam and that the FERC proposed to process the application under an expedited review.  The IFFF chose, in this case, to support partners by submitting comments on IFFF letterhead.  Comments generally pointed out that impacts to downstream water quality, fisheries and recreation had already occurred as result of the existing facility and that the proposed activity would be more appropriately reviewed through preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement that would require best available scientific, social and economic data to evaluate existing impacts, necessary solutions and likely further adverse effects that may result from the new proposed activity.

Smallmouth Bass Study:

The US Geological Survey is partnering with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; Montana State University and the Joe Brooks Chapter of Trout Unlimited on a study of smallmouth bass impacts in the Yellowstone River.  The IFFF has been asked, at the recommendation of Orvis Company to partner on the project as the lead non-profit organization to both support the project but also to administer a $25K grant from Orvis for the project.  Orvis, by policy, does not provide grants to government agencies and if provided to the University, substantial administrative overhead would be subtracted from the grant amount before any dollars went towards the study.  Among other project support, IFFF has been asked to receive the grant and administer the grant to the agencies and university to both solve the Orvis policy issue and to maximize use of the grant amount for the study.  IFFF may charge a minimal percentage for administration of the grant, but this will be another unique opportunity for IFFF to play a vital role as a conservation partner on behalf of our members.

 

Prepared by:   Tom H. Logan

                                Senior Conservation Advisor