ALEXANDRIA, VA (March 7, 2022) – Through its State R3 Program Grants, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) recently awarded funds to 11 programs in 10 states. Now in its eighth year, the State R3 Program Grants’ goal is to support state recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) initiatives to increase fishing and boating participation.
The programs must focus on one of three areas:
RBFF is providing approximately $208,000 in grants this year. Additionally, the 10 state agencies are contributing more than $300,000 in project funds and in-kind support, bringing the total amount of funding support to more than $508,000 for these programs.
“Over the years, we’ve seen how successful these programs can be when they have the financial support to achieve their goals,” said Stephanie Hussey, RBFF’s State R3 Program Director. “We are excited to once again support these state agencies in implementing programs to encourage and keep people on the water.”
The State R3 Program Grants fund sustainable and replicable angler and boater R3 initiatives and plans that focus on increasing fishing license sales and boat registrations to help increase fishing and boating participation. Proposals are reviewed and selected by RBFF staff and a Proposal Review Working Group made up of industry, federal agency and NGO representatives.
The 2022 grantees include:
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Nevada Department of Wildlife
Ohio Division of Wildlife
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The State R3 Program Grants are partially funded by RBFF thorugh a USFWS financial assistance award (#F18AC00145).