Secretary Salazar Announces $13 Million for Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (3/19/10)

WASHINGTON, DC- Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) will receive a grant of more than $13 million to support their nationwide campaign to recruit anglers and boaters. The grant is part of a renewed cooperative agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has shown itself capable of working with states, conservation organizations and industry to develop and implement coordinated campaigns to get kids and families on the water,” said Salazar. “The Foundation’s campaigns have helped show millions of Americans how easy it is to find fishing and boating opportunities across the nation.”

The cooperative agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and RBFF fulfills the intent of the 1998 Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act by providing financial support for implementing and managing the objectives set forth in the National Communications Plan developed by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council.

Recreational boaters and anglers provide essential funding for America’s fisheries conservation efforts through their purchase of more than $620 million annually in state fishing licenses and through excise taxes paid by manufacturers on sport fishing equipment and fuels taxes paid by recreational boaters which are deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The National Outreach and Communication Program is one of several important conservation and recreation programs receiving funding from the Trust Fund.

The National Outreach and Communication Program (Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number 15.653) was authorized by the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 and has been funded since that time. The program was developed with significant input from the Department of Interior’s Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, a federal advisory act committee consisting of leaders from the government and private boating and fishing organizations.

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.

Contact:  Joshua Winchell
703-358-2279
Joshua_winchell@fws.gov