News Updates
Posted March 10, 2010
New York Trout Unlimited Leader Wins Award
Ron Urban, Chairman of the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited was recently presented the Conservationist of the Year award by the New York Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. The prestigious award was presented at the Society’s Annual Meeting at Lake George, NY.
Phil Hubert, Society Member and DEC’s Superintendent of Fish Culture, made the presentation and commented – “Ron Urban’s efforts to preserve and protect New York State’s cold water fisheries is an exceptional achievement. He and his cohorts in Trout Unlimited can be proud of their efforts and the great strides they have made in preserving New York’s natural heritage for our children and grandchildren.”
Urban, a resident of Port Ewen, NY, is the Chairman of Trout Unlimited State Council with over 35 chapters and 8,000 members in New York State dedicated to the conservation of trout and salmon. He is the third trout unlimited member to be recognized by this award. Dr. John Braico of Queensbury, NY was recognized in 2009, and Bill Wellman of Plattsburgh, NY in 2008.
[For additional information contact Bill Wellman (518) 563-1985, wellman1985@charter.net]
Posted May 31, 2009
FUTURE ANGLERS OUTREACH A BIG SUCCESS
Imagine over 70 youngsters with little or no fishing skill and experience, accompanied by parents who have no background in fishing, and turning them loose for a morning of fishing. While some might see a potential for chaos or havoc, others see this as an opportunity to hopefully introduce a life-long sport.
Thanks to Ted Dobs and the dozens of volunteers who lined the waterways of Marion Manor last Saturday, the occasion was a giant step towards the latter. The Future Anglers Outreach program held Saturday, April 25 was a huge success thanks to local sponsors and volunteers.
Future Anglers Outreach is not a derby or contest, rather it is a clinic designed for kids and parents with little or no fishing experience. Each child registered receives a free rod and reel and along with the family receives basic instruction from the volunteers present. The kids then have the opportunity to practice and learn by actually fishing. Of course refreshments, prizes, informative literature, supplies, and a visit by a DEC ECO are all part of the experience.
Future Anglers Outreach originated as a project started by Ted Dobs of Oneida Charters, a member of the NYSOHOF Association, working with the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame to reach kids interested in fishing and get them started on the right track. Last year the program hosted 35 kids and their famly members and was recognized by Bass Pro Shops with its “Pass It On” Award for New York State.
This year word of the success of the program and Capt. Ted’s recruiting had 50 youngsters signed up. As numbers applying continued to grow, some of the sponsors or those had contributed in the past were no longer able to help. Needless to say there was concern for this year’s event.
But local sportsmen stepped into the breech to not only save the program but to make it bigger and better. Capt. Matt White made sure that Pirate Charters and Hanifin Tires were major sponsors as well as hands-on volunteers. Dave Alberico and Marion Manor provided sponsorship as well as a spacious, suitable facility for the larger number. Many members of the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame Assoc. were on hand to assist youngsters or help in any way needed. The more than 70 young anglers spread out and with some assistance and encouragement; they eagerly tried out their new tackle. Catches ranged from tiny sunfish to large bass and bullheads but the important thing was that all the mistakes, snags, and snarls were handled without kids getting frustrated.
Hopefully a majority, if not all, of these boys and girls will continue to experience fishing, and all the fun it brings along with an appreciation of the outdoors world. At least they have a head start by having been equipped with proper tackle and given some basic instruction rather than becoming initially frustrated and discouraged.
The NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame and its Future Anglers Outreach program want to give a huge thank you to Matt White, Hanifin Tires, Pirate Charters, Marion Manor Marina, and all the volunteers for making this event a big success.
Posted June 10, 2009
M. Paul Keesler Outdoor Citizen Award
The NYSOWA M. Paul Keesler New York Outdoor Citizen Award will be presented to an individual or organization that effectively has raised the public’s awareness of outdoor recreational opportunities and conservation issues in New York State. The award recipient will be officially announced at the annual conference of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association (NYSOWA) this fall.
The award was created to honor worthy individuals and organizations, at the same time perpetuating the name of the late M. Paul Keesler. Paul Keesler was also a member of the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame and spent nearly five decades promoting and conserving the outdoor wonders and recreational opportunities within New York State.
Previous recipients of the award were William (Bill) Lloyd of Newport, N.Y. in 2007 and Dennis Money of Canandaigua in 2008, both inductees in the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame. Because this award recognizes individuals who have given of themselves to promote or conserve outdoor heritage, the many people who have been honored by induction in the NYSOHOF are natural candidates. In addition, the members of the NYSOHOF are active in organizations that also have these type of members. So let’s continue the tradition and nominate some deserving individual in 2009.
Anyone may submit a nomination of 350 words or less and have it endorsed by an active member of NYSOWA. To review award criterion and the nominating process, visit www.nysowa.org. To learn of a NYSOWA member in a nominator’s area who might endorse such a nomination, contact Bob McNitt (607) 334-6087, Will Elliott (585) 502-5207, Leo Maloney (315) 363-3896, or check the web site.
Nominations must be received by August 1, 2009.