RBFF and U.S. Forest System enter historic cooperative agreement
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced Tuesday it has entered into a new cooperative agreement with the U.S. Forest Service. Through the agreement, the Forest Service will help provide funding for the Take Me Fishing campaign while RBFF will promote the available fishing opportunities on or near U.S. Forest Service lands.
“The U.S. Forest Service manages some of this nation’s most pristine lands, and the fishing is top-notch,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “This new agreement allows us to bring more recognition to these great fishing opportunities, helping to bring new anglers and boaters to the water, generating more funds for conservation programs.”
More than 193 million acres of forest and grasslands are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and their programs reach millions of Americans, whether directly or indirectly, through partnerships. However, younger, more diverse audiences are underrepresented on U.S. Forest Service lands, all while the general population is becoming more diverse by the day. RBFF will help address this issue by reaching out to, and encouraging, diverse communities to enjoy these resources through awareness and conservation education through its Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar campaigns and websites.
“The National Forests belong to every American and we are glad to work with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation to connect people to these lands to enjoy and help conserve for the future,” said Forest Service Deputy Chief Leslie Weldon. “Our National Forests provide many benefits including clean water, clear air and a great outdoor experience.”
“Reaching out to new, diverse audiences fits right in with our 60 in 60 goal, which this cooperative agreement will go a long way in helping to realize,” added Peterson.
In addition to the promotion of recreational fishing on U.S. Forest Service lands, RBFF will assist with providing fishing gear for youth in need. The U.S. Forest Service will actively participate in RBFF’s 60 in 60 campaign through the new five-year cooperative agreement.
