Giving Tuesday is fast approaching and it's that time of year when members are considering how to allocate their year-end gifts. Your gifts to the Federation provide funds needed to further our mission of conserving our resources and educating future generations of fly fishers. Please consider the IFFF when making your year-end giving plans.
Conservation
Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell Agrees Yellowstone National Park More Valuable than Gold
Recently U.S. Department of Interior announced a two-year time-out on public lands gold exploration near Yellowstone National Park.
The IFFF applauds this decision as a crucial step towards protecting our public lands, water and wildlife on the doorsteps of Yellowstone National Park (YNP) -- a national treasure that deserves our protection and careful consideration when any activities impact the YNP ecosystem.
The decision immediately initiates a temporary two-year pause, or “segregation” on new mining activities on approximately 30,000 acres of public lands in Emigrant Gulch and Crevice Mountain, during which no new mining claims may be staked or mining activity approved within these areas. During that time a public process will analyze whether to keep the administrative withdrawal in place, including full consideration of the environmental impacts.
The withdrawal does not impact management of the public lands, meaning these areas will still be public land, open for outdoor recreation. The withdrawal will also have no impact on private land or the rights of existing claim holders on public lands.
Senator Tester also announced he plans to introduce legislation that will segregate these lands as well which will provide additional protections to the area surrounding YNP.
The IFFF has actively supported measures that will carefully study the impacts of mining around the Park. We applaud all the efforts that are being made toward that goal and we will continue to support efforts by the agencies and legislators toward protecting this national treasure.
Fly Tying Group
The Tying Times Now Available
Tying Times, the newsletter for the Fly Tying Group is now available online. Read about the history and lineage of the Western Coachman by Tom Logan and learn more about creating fly plates by Steve Jensen. Click here to read more>>
IFFF & Council News
GLC Volunteers Set Up Display at Michigan Tourist Center
Recently GLC President Dennis O'Brien and Membership VP Terry Greiner visited one of the major Michigan welcome centers and set up this simple display in one of their display cases. They have both permanent displays that they use and seasonal displays that are open to various groups, like the IFFF.
The Council had a request from the Center's manager to not only setup a display but to also provide some casting and tying lessons on a Saturday in the spring or summer to highlight things to do in the state.
It's a great idea that your council or club might want to pursue!
International Fly Fishing Fair Announced
Come join the fun in Livingston Montana, August 1-5, 2017. You'll have the opportunity for fun and fellowship with other fly fishers from around the world. We'll offer a great lineup of workshops and educational opportunities as well as fun events for the whole family. Mark your calendars and join us for another fantastic week! More information will be available on the IFFF website in early spring 2017!
Join/Renew Your Membership Today!
The Federation asks your support through your membership in the organization. If you have not joined or renewed your membership please do so today. Benefits include:
* Member only access to our website includes:
- The Flyfisher magazine
- The Tying Times
- The Loop
- The New Fly Tying Video Library (over 165 videos!)
- New discounts on hotels, car rentals and insurance
- And much more!
* Discounted entry into IFFF events
* Decals and an IFFF patch
* Perhaps, most importantly, the knowledge that you are helping to preserve fish habitats, the education of our next generation and on-going conservation efforts.