AFTCO continues its support of conservation with the 2020 AFTCO / B.A.S.S. Nation Conservation Grant program. The program was announced at the recent B.A.S.S. Conservation Summit held during the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk in Birmingham, Ala.
A long-time fixture in the saltwater world, AFTCO is making a splash in the freshwater market now with innovative and functional fishing apparel. But one thing that has not changed is AFTCO’s commitment to conservation and the company’s pledge to donate 10% of their profits each year to conservation initiatives.
Grants up to $5,000 each will be awarded to the best proposals for conservation-related projects from B.A.S.S. Nation states, clubs, high school or college teams.
Qualified projects must directly involve youth in such a way as to teach the importance of resource stewardship and the leadership role that anglers play as conservationists.
Each project must have an endorsement of the local fisheries management agency and work to accomplish goals of mutual benefit.
The project must have an evaluation component to determine success.
A project may be part of a larger project and working with partners is strongly encouraged.
Projects that will be considered should make a significant contribution to one or more of these areas:
- Protect or enhance natural or artificial fish habitat.
- Prevent, manage or eliminate aquatic invasive species via action or education/outreach.
- Demonstrate best practices in tournament fish care to maximize survival of released fish.
- Protect or enhance angler or boater access to public waters.
- Address an acute or chronic aquatic resource pollution issue.
- Demonstrate a new or innovative approach to conservation education.
This link goes to the AFTCO grant application page where the requirements are explained and proposals can be submitted online … https://aftco.com/pages/bass-conservation-grant.
The application deadline is June 1, 2020 with an announcement of the winners at the annual fishing industry trade show, ICAST, in July.
All questions about the program or application process should be directed to B.A.S.S. Conservation Director, Gene Gilliland at ggilliland@bassmaster.com.
