Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 23, 2009) – James D. Range, an original founder of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), passed away this week. Range served on RBFF’s board for nearly 10 years, as well as on the board of directors for a number of respected and successful conservation organizations.
“Jim was a highly respected colleague and he will be deeply missed,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “Jim was a true champion for RBFF’s mission. As we mourn his loss, I know that the legacy he has left behind will endure.”
“Jim was a tremendous leader and effective advocate for angling and conservation issues,” said RBFF Board Chairman and National Marine Manufacturers Association President Thom Dammrich. “He was a strong proponent of the RBFF mission to increase participation in boating and fishing and I am fortunate to be one of many he personally introduced to fly fishing. People were naturally drawn to Jim by his intellect, wit and sense of humor. His passing is an incredible loss for sportsmen everywhere.”
A lifelong conservationist and avid fly fisherman, Range was instrumental in the 1970s in marshalling through many of the nation's most important environmental laws, including the 1977 Clean Water Act, the 1977 amendments toughening the Clean Air Act and the 1980 Superfund law. As then-minority counsel to the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, under former Sen. Howard Baker, R-Tenn., he helped to create fundamental policies of environmental protection. At his most recent firm, Baker Donelson, Range represented the interests of companies and organizations on public policy issues concerning resource management, environmental pollution, endangered species, water quality and quantity and agriculture.
For more, visit the Jim Range Memorial Web site.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.
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