Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sport Fisherman, Inc., of Delta County, received a Partners in Conservation Award from the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at the commission’s annual Upper Peninsula meeting in Ontonagon on Thursday, Oct. 11.
Partners in Conservation Awards are presented to organizations or individuals nominated for their outstanding contributions to natural resources management or initiatives in Michigan.
When presenting the award, Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh noted the dedication of Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sport Fisherman to improving the fishery in Lake Michigan and Upper Peninsula waters, and to providing opportunities to introduce youth to the sport of fishing.
The club members contribute to eight such events each year, including a Kids Fishing Day that annually attracts between 200-300 participants. The club also spends hundreds of hours per year assisting in operation of a DNR walleye rearing pond and working to deter avian predators from fish stocking sites.
“The members of Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sport Fisherman have a long history of partnering with the DNR to assist in on-the-ground fisheries management work, while working cooperatively with Fisheries Division staff to develop improved management strategies,” Creagh said. “This work has not only enhanced local fishing opportunities, but has served to benefit the economy and quality of life in the Upper Peninsula as well.”
In addition to hosting a number of fishing derbies and volunteering time to assist Fisheries Division in the field, the club members are involved in philanthropic work. The group coordinates a Special Olympics fishing event at the DNR’s Upper Peninsula Pocket Park each year, and also funds two scholarships for local students.
For more information about the Natural Resources Commission visit www.michigan.gov/nrc. To learn more about Great Lakes Sport Fisherman, Inc. visit the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council’s website, www.great-lakes.org/mi/bay-de-noc.html.
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