Berkley Conservation Institute Honors New York B.A.S.S. Nation for Conservation Efforts
Category: press release
Feb 17th, 2014 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Feb 17th, 2014 at 12:00 AM
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The Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI) announced the award of the 2013 Berkley Conservation Award to the New York B.A.S.S. Nation. The award, worth $2,000 in cash, will be presented at the B.A.S.S. Conservation Awards banquet February 22nd in Birmingham during the 2014 Bassmaster Classic.
“The New York B.A.S.S. Nation is a role-model for other organizations to follow,” said Jim Martin, BCI Conservation Director. “Their members are making a difference. They have a great plan, are organized and dedicated. The Ramp Monkeys concept is something that every state B.A.S.S. Nation should emulate. Getting youth involved in conservation efforts is vital to the future of our aquatic resources. I salute the New York B.A.S.S. Nation for their commitment to the principles that the Berkley Conservation Institute holds dear.”
In winning the Conservation Award, the New York B.A.S.S. Nation took a multi-pronged approach to battling invasive species in the Empire state. State Conservation Director Barb Elliott worked with NYBN youth clubs to form “Ramp Monkeys.” These groups attend area bass tournaments and first remove plant debris from launch areas, then as anglers pull their rigs out, the Ramp Monkeys use kid-power to “Clean, Drain and Dry” each boat and trailer. The operation is an opportunity for outreach to anglers and boaters and an educational experience for the youth members.
The NYBN members also continued to battle invasive water chestnuts by physically removing the plants from lakes, canals and rivers and worked with state agencies, lake associations, universities and watershed alliances to distribute educational/outreach materials to increase awareness of invasive species.
“The New York B.A.S.S. Nation is honored to receive this award,” said Fred Blom, NYBN President. “I am proud of the accomplishments of the whole organization. We are all working hard to make a difference.”