As part of a regular, internal grant-making program to Sierra Club Chapters and Groups, Sierra Club’s Environmental Partnerships Committee has awarded funding to a number of local projects that support hunting, fishing and conservation. This spring Sierra Club’s Environmental Partnerships Committee, in cooperation with Sierra Club Chapters and Groups, is committing over $31,000 to projects that support and enhance America’s outdoor heritage.
In West Virginia Sierra Club will be contributing $4,200 towards a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to build a disabled access fishing pier on the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Once completed, the pier will increase the ability of disabled Americans to enjoy fishing on their public lands along the Blackwater River. Additional partners in this effort include Friends of the 500th. This project is supported in full by a grant from Sierra Club?s Environmental Partnerships Committee.
In Montana and Idaho Sierra Club will be contributing $9,699 towards the purchase of inert cans of bear pepper spray for use by the Hunter Safety Education Program of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Idaho Game &
Fish. Instructing new hunters in the proper use of bear pepper spray will enable them to hunt more confidently in grizzly bear country by knowing the best way to avoid the rare but occasional grizzly bear attack. This project is supported by a $5000 grant from Sierra Club’s Environmental Partnerships Committee with the remainder of support coming from Sierra Club’s Montana Chapter.
In Colorado Sierra Club has committed $4,700 to help inner city youth experience the outdoors through fly fishing and learn about conservation through helping with water quality monitoring projects. As part of the project at least 20 fly fishing outings for inner city youth will be conducted, allowing them to experience the wonders of the outdoors.
Additional partners in this effort include Trout Unlimited, High Country Anglers and City Wild. This project is financially supported in full by a grant from Sierra Club’s Environmental Partnerships Committee.
In Kentucky Sierra Club will be contributing $10,000 to a water quality monitoring project in the Russell Fork, the headwaters of Fishtrap Lake and the site of a recent fish kill. Additional monitoring will be done in Fishtrap Lake’s tailwaters. Additional partners include the Eastern Kentucky Fly Fishers, Kentucky Grouse Hunters Association and the 7th District League of Kentucky Sportsmen. This project is supported by a $5000 grant from Sierra Club’s Environmental Partnerships Committee, with the remainder of support being given by Sierra Club?s Northern Kentucky
Water Sentinels Program.
In Idaho Sierra Club has committed $2,500 to improve fish passage for Kokanee and other coldwater fish in Mores and Grimes Creeks, both part of the Boise River Watershed. As part of the project, volunteers will also collect refuse along the creek banks. Additional partners include the Ted Trueblood Chapter of Trout Unlimited. This project is supported in full by a grant from Sierra Club’s Environmental Partnerships Committee.
Founded in 1892 Sierra Club is America’s oldest and largest grassroots conservation organization and is dedicated to the exploration, enjoyment and protection of the planet. For more information please contact Bart C. Semcer at bart.semcer@sierraclub.org
