Contact: Steve Pennaz 833-366-3474 info@MNFISH.com
Minnesota Anglers Building Stronger Voice
New MN-FISH Foundation & Coalition working to enhance Minnesota sport fishing.
ST. PAUL, MN – A new nonprofit grassroots fishing organization is launching this month. Its mission: enhance fishing in Minnesota by increasing state investment into fisheries and fishing-related programs.
And all 1.8 million Minnesota anglers are invited to join in.
MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation & Coalition is a new 501c3 nonprofit organization formed to bring a strong, unified voice to St. Paul to represent the interests of Minnesota anglers and other stakeholders.
The organization is exhibiting March 21-24 at the Northwest Sport Show in Minneapolis to share its mission, field questions and solicit new members to the organization.
“Here’s chance to stop by and meet famed anglers like Ron Schara, Al Lindner and Babe Winkleman,” said group Vice President John Peterson, “and become a member of this exciting new organization that is already making a difference in St. Paul.”
Individual, Club and Benefactor Memberships are all available, including a FREE 2-year Charter Membership for individual adult and youth anglers.
“For far too long, Minnesota anglers have lacked a strong voice in the legislature or DNR to promote good fish- ing programs and policies,” said MN-FISH Foundation president Ron Schara. “Our goal is simple: to improve fishing opportunities in Minnesota and shorten the time between bites.”
With more than 10,000 lakes and 69,000 miles of rivers and streams, Minnesota is truly the “State of Fishing”. Recreational fishing in Minnesota supports more than 27,000 state jobs and generates a whopping $4.2 billion dollars in economic impact to our state’s economy, including $271 million annually in state taxes derived from fishing and marine-related sales.
But the news isn’t all good. Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams are under constant attack from habitat loss, lakeshore development, invasive species and increased fishing pressure. The combination is lowering catch rates and the overall enjoyment of the sport.
Restore, Protect and Enhance Minnesota Sport Fishing
www.MN-FISH.com • 833-3MN-FISH (366-3474) • info@mn-fish.com
We are also witnessing a major decline in kid/youth fishing participation, a reduction in fish stocking programs and fishing license sales due to an aging generation of anglers.
State anglers and stakeholders are invited to stop by booth #716 at the Northwest Sport Show to learn how they can support the MN-FISH Foundation. Prizes, including lures from Minnesota companies Rapala, Clam Outdoors and Northland Fishing Tackle will be given to all who sign up for a MN-FISH Foundation member- ship. There’s even a chance to win the grand prize . . . a week’s stay at Trapper’s Landing Resort on Leech Lake!
MN-FISH MISSION:
Bring a strong, unified voice to St. Paul representing our anglers and fishing industry stakeholders before the State Legislature and DNR regarding all things fishing.
Seek greater state reinvestment of the $271 million in annual state and local taxes derived from Min- nesota’s $4.2 billion fishing and marine industry back into sport fishing.
Advocate, protect and restore aquatic fish habitat and spawning areas in Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams.
Support scientific and common-sense fish management for all gamefish species, and review DNR fish stocking policies and management programs to maximize anglers’ success.
Seek funding and assist in expanding the Minnesota Fishing Museum/Hall-of-Fame/Education Center facility and programs.
Advocate and promote youth fishing recruitment and fishing programs in school curriculums to sus- tain the next generation of anglers.
Promote the economics of fishing in Minnesota that creates more jobs, tourism and tax dollars to stimulate our fishing economy.
Advocate and seek funding for new investments in fish hatcheries, public accesses, fishing piers and shore fishing facilities.
Sponsorship benefits include visibility on MN-FISH website, eligibility for MN-FISH Benefit Rewards Program discounts, a window/boat decal, month e-newsletter access and invites to all special events.
Donors making contributions of $10,000 or more will receive additional benefit of a plaque at our annual MN-FISH Awards Banquet along with name recognition on the MN-FISH Headquarters “Wall- of-Fame”.
Platinum sponsors will receive the additional benefit of naming rights on Hall-of-Fame press releases and headquarters building for a period of five years.
MN-FISH Foundation & Coalition founders/board of directors: Ron Schara/President, John Peterson/ V.P., Dave Osborne/Treasurer, Chip Leer/Secretary, Tom Mackin, Steve Pennaz, Babe Winkelman, Frankie Dusenka, Jeff Arnold, Dick Sternberg, Tom Neustrom, Craig Wilson, Jay Pederson and Garry Leaf.