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Welcome to the Upper Midwest Council web page. 2013 has arrived with the UMC in planning mode for the year and into 2014. There is alot to develop in which to create some interest and activity for the UMC. It has been a daunting task as there has not been council activity in this region for many years. It is good to see that the clubs have been functioning independently as they are set up to do - a federation of clubs. For some their message is what do we need a council for. And for some, operating as a FFF club, but not having paid dues for years.
The task at hand for the council is to create value and an identity for its dues paying members. For the members to be able to feel that the council and the national IFFF is there to offer fly fishing events and programs that enhance their enjoyment of the sport of fly fishing. Benefits range from the obvious of getting fly casting instruction from certified instructors, fly tying from accomplished fly tyers, and conservation efforts. But one activity that I hear from members that really gets them juiced up is going fishing. To that I aim am going to work with UMC board to create regional fly fishing events. Which gets to the other benefit, comaraderie on the water. Nothing better then catching fish with a great bunch of fly fishing enthusiasts.
The Great Waters Expo in Minneapolis was a huge success. I am told the attendance was up from last year and there was a new space for the vendors. Many of the attendees were able to take advantage of free fly casting lessons for the MCI's and CCI's from around the Council. The planning is still in progress with updates here and in the IFFF e-newsletter.
That's all for now. More to come. Please feel free to contact me at theggestad57@gmail.com. Todd
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