Wednesday, March 21, 2018

QUWF Expands Mission Statement to Include Increased Clean Streams

“From our beginning, our biologists and wildlife habitat planning are critically careful with regard to guarding clean streams and ponds on our members lands” explains Craig Alderman of QUWF. “From stream crossings to fencing along streams and creeks, chemical applications or fertilizers, QUWF wants to protect our clean stream waters as they make there way to major rivers and lakes of our nation. In Missouri for example, extra care is needed because of flash flood potential with erosion and soil movement from our pastures, forests and fields. In the West, erosion, from landslides to wild fire destruction of soil stabilizing forests, there is always much to plan for” Alderman points out.

“With the opening of “Wonders of Wildlife”, what QUWF considers the home of conservation in the U.S. Mr. Morris’s very personal message rang clear, our chapters and members can do more in getting our youth outside. Our board voted to engage the “Clean Streams” approach and begin supporting youth high school fishing teams across the U.S.” Craig said. Our driving motto is now “Making a Difference for Wildlife and Fish, One Acre, One Stream, at a time”. “Having worked at B.A.S.S. as Director of Marketing and Sponsorships with ABC Sports/Walt Disney and ESPN, I know first hand the passion and enjoyment of fishing. Sitting down many hours and many times with Ray Scott, founder of BASS, fishing is part of one’s outdoor soul on this earth” Craig reflected.

“Getting the youth outside in fishing tournaments set up for them is a lightning rod. We started our first team in Buffalo and thought we would have a few responding and have time to build a program of training for participation in 2019” states Christine Abmeyer, Chairman of the new QUWF Bison Fishing Teams. ”We have 24 youth and growing, many now who are already on the water and competing in tournament events here in Missouri. Last weekend in the high school youth event, there were 271 boats, what a testament to the entire project. We had five teams competing on boats with their mentors. The kids were wide eyed and having a ball, the looks on their faces was priceless” Abmeyer observed. “This is what conservation is all about, our youth enjoying the resources in a very responsible way” Christine points out.

QUWF is also coordinating tournament professionals from the B.A.S.S. and FLW tournament trails to come in and put on seminars for the kids. “The reception of the first professional angler was fantastic, the kids were absorbing information and thrilled about knowing tricks from the pro’s” Abmeyer continued.

Special logos and tournament fishing shirts, just like the pros, were created and have been donated by local businesses who are totally supporting the new QUWF youth fishing team effort. The local QUWF banquet will now feature fund raising efforts for the team to help defray costs of tournament fees and obtaining equipment. QUWF’s insurance to chapters and members has been expanded to include the fishing venues and work projects around lakes and streams for the youth.

The Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation (QUWF) is the only Veteran Founded and managed conservation organization in the U.S., and the only multi-specie and clean water national organization based in Missouri. To join QUWF and get involved with upland wildlife population and habitat restoration or clean streams and the new youth fishing teams, visit our web site at www.quwf.net.

“Preserve the land and Clean streams….Build the Habitat….Hunt and Fish for Generations” with QUWF.