The Future Angler Foundation’s (FAF) President Patrick Neu, recently signed a 5 year partnership agreement with the United States Forest Service (FS) to work with the organizations the FAF supports to promote youth fishing events. The first of two events scheduled for June 2017 will be held at the Constitution Gardens pond on the National Mall, Washington, D.C. Through this partnership, the FAF in conjunction with the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) will support the Urban Kids Fishing Derby event created by Urban American Outdoors, the First Diverse Outdoor TV show creating the blueprint for connecting & inspiring communities and organization to the outdoors (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Urban Kids Fishing Derby held in 2015 at Constitution Gardens Pond.
“This agreement is an important step forward in our mission “Creating New Anglers,” as well as extending our programs to urban areas,” said Pat Neu. “Collaborating with the FS, the NPAA, and Urban American Outdoors will help to expose potential new anglers of all ages, races, and genders to the sport of fishing,” he continued. FAF will work with National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) members to coordinate volunteering of professional angler educators at the two 2017 events. Neu is also the Executive Director of the NPAA. The location of the second event has yet to be determined.
“The National Forests belong to every American and we are glad to work with the Future Angler Foundation to connect people to these lands to enjoy and help conserve for the future,” said Forest Service Deputy Chief Leslie Weldon. “Our National Forests provide many benefits including clean water, clear air and a great outdoor experience.”
Besides working at major urban events to teach participants how to fish, NPAA volunteers and FAF also understand that it is critical to teach new anglers and urban youth the importance of clean water and protection of our lakes and streams and ponds for future generations. Educating anglers on the steps that they can take to slow and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is a major component of education and outreach of NPAA volunteer participation.
The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) is a 501(c) (6) non-profit organization. The association was founded in 1997 and has grown to today’s level by working to develop programs to benefit their members and the sport. One such program includes financial and organizational support for “Future Angler Events” that are run by members every year. NPAA members have hosted over 450 of these “Future Angler Events” that have impacted nearly 50,000 young anglers since 2011.
Urban American Outdoors is produced by Urban American Productions based in Kansas City, MO. The show is hosted and produced by businessman and avid outdoorsman Wayne Hubbard and CEO/Executive Producer Candice Price. The show airs across the US on various TV Affiliates and Internationally in Europe. The show depicts the Outdoors Lifestyle, Entertainment, Travel, Cultural History and Cooking.
