Manchester, Vermont - The American Museum of Fly Fishing announced today that it will honor President Jimmy Carter and the late President George H. W. Bush with its 2019 Heritage Award for their contributions to the sport of fly fishing and global conservation. The event will take place in New York City on the evening of October 29, 2019.
President Carter is a skilled fly fisherman and fly-tier, known for his extensive angling library. He is an admired conservation proponent and was responsible for the passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980, which protects more than 150 million acres of wild lands and scenic rivers. He and his wife, Rosalynn, have fished throughout the world, and The Carter Presidential Library devoted an exhibit to the sport. The Carter Center, established in 1982 in partnership with Emory University, is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering. President Carter became a Nobel Laureate in 2002 “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”
President George H. W. Bush spent many of his fishing hours in Maine and the Florida Keys. His concern for environmental issues is reflected in the revisions to the Clean Air Act in 1990 and the Global Change Research Act of 1990. He established 56 wildlife refuges, restored three million acres of wetlands and protected 17.8 million acres of public lands during his presidency. President Bush enjoyed the distinction of having the most national marine sanctuaries (six) designated during any presidential administration. He received the Keep America Fishing award for his key role in passing amendments to the Sportfish Restoration Act. He said of fly fishing, “There is something more sporting, more competitive, more difficult, more challenging about using a fly rod.” The George and Barbara Bush Foundation works to “educate our citizenry and inspire the leaders of tomorrow for lives devoted to serving their country and their fellow citizens.”
The guest speaker for the evening will be noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. Johnny is often referred to as a modern-day Teddy Roosevelt for his leadership, personal commitment and dedication to conservation efforts. He has worked with the administrations of both President Carter and President Bush on initiatives related to public land access and outdoor recreation. Both former presidents were recipients of the esteemed Bass Pro Shops Lifetime Conservation Achievement Award and served as co-chairs of Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium - the most important natural history museum to open in America in more than a century. AMFF proudly announced plans earlier this year to establish a new permanent fly fishing exhibition within Wonders of Wildlife, scheduled to open in 2020. Hearing Johnny share stories of time on the water with both President Carter and President Bush promises to be one of the highlights of the evening.
President Carter’s award will be accepted by long-time fishing friend Dr. Carlton Hicks. President Bush’s award will be accepted by his grandson and angling companion, Jeb Bush Jr.
Karen Kaplan, the President of the Board of Trustees, shared her excitement in the announcement saying “The sport of fly fishing is exemplified in the spirit of President Carter and President Bush. Their time in office and beyond reflects an unwavering passion for the preservation of natural world and AMFF is delighted to be recognizing their contributions to our sport and dedication to conservation.”
About the American Museum of Fly Fishing:
The American Museum of Fly Fishing is the steward of the history, traditions, and practices of the sport of fly-fishing and promotes the conservation of its waters. The Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, studies, and interprets the artifacts, art, and literature of the sport and, through a variety of outreach platforms, uses these resources to engage, educate, and benefit all. The Museum fulfills this mission through our public programs (including exhibitions, gallery programs, lectures, special events, and presentations), our publications, and our quarterly journal, The American Fly Fisher.
For more information about the Museum and the 2019 Heritage Award please visit our website http://www.amff.org or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram .
Media Contact:
Samantha Pitcher | | 802-362-3300 ext. 205 | spitcher@amff.org