Secretary Salazar Announces Appointments to Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the appointments of 19 individuals to the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, an advisory panel created in 1993 to advise the Secretary on nationally significant recreational fishing, boating and aquatic resource conservation issues. The announcement was made on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. at the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation reception for members of Congress.

“This council plays a vital role in exploring ways to increase boating and angling participation, particularly youth participation, while conserving our precious aquatic resources” said Salazar. “The wealth of experience and expertise offered by both returning and new council members is impressive and their efforts will most assuredly enable us to reconnect more people with boating, fishing and the natural world.”

The Secretary announced the appointment of the following individuals – whose terms begin immediately – to serve on the Council for the upcoming two-year term:

• James Adams of the States Organization for Boating Access
• James Anderson of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission
• Lynne Borden of the University of Arizona
• Douglass Boyd of the Coastal Conservation Association
• Jeffrey Crane of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
• Thomas Dammrich of the National Marine Manufacturers Association
• Ned Dikmen of the Great Lakes Boating Federation
• Chris Horton of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society
• Betty Huskins of the Southeastern Tourism Policy Council
• Scott Kovarivics of the Izaak Walton League of America
• Ryck Lydecker of BoatUS
• Michael Nussman of the American Sportfishing Association
• Geoff Ratte of Water Gremlin Company
• John Sprague of the Marine Industries Association of Florida
• Roy Elicker, Director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
• David Graham, Chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife.

Three alternate Council appointments, who may attend meetings and vote when the primary member is unable to attend, were also announced. Alternates are Maria del Valle Hamilton of the American Sportfishing Association; Steve Miller of the States Organization for Boating Access; and Gary Kania of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation.

During its 17 year history, the Council's advice and recommendations have played a major role in helping the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shape the new strategic focus of its fisheries program and improve the efficiency of grant programs delivered through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. The Council played a leading role in the development of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, a groundbreaking, partnership-driven strategy to restore fisheries and aquatic habitat across the nation. It also continues to offer support and guidance to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, a non-profit organization it helped establish and whose mission is to increase the number of conservation-minded recreational anglers and boaters.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

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