BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — AFTCO continues its strong conservation heritage by providing $25,000 in annual conservations grants to B.A.S.S. Nation Clubs in 2026. This year’s $25,000 contribution is divided among seven B.A.S.S. Nation groups to support local conservation projects in their respective areas. With this year’s grants, AFTCO’s total contributions to this program have surpassed $202,000, since its inception in 2018.
The seven grant recipients selected for 2026 are:
- Tennessee B.A.S.S. Nation for upgrades to a multi-purpose barge that will serve as a tournament live release boat and as a habitat installation barge used on projects statewide.
- Kansas B.A.S.S. Nation for habitat improvement on Lake Perry that will include introductions of native aquatic vegetation and artificial structures.
- Illinois B.A.S.S. Nation for habitat improvements on Wolf Lake, a popular water for youth fishing clinics as well as a destination for high school bass tournaments.
- Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation for the purchase of a PiranhO2 oxygen concentrator to upgrade their tournament fish care system.
- Lake Oconee Bassmaster for the purchase and installation of Mossback Fish Habitat structures to enhance angler catch in Lake Oconee.
- New Mexico B.A.S.S. Nation for the purchase of Largemouth Bass fingerlings to bolster fish stockings done by the New Mexico Game & Fish Department.
- Florida B.A.S.S. Nation for support of the non-profit organization, Mighty River Recovery, that is working to improve water quality, restore native vegetation, and bring back the fishery on the fabled St. John’s River.
All projects are locally coordinated by B.A.S.S Nation state chapters and clubs, government fishery agencies, local businesses and volunteers — including youth organizations — who contribute labor for the projects.
“We are impressed by the projects that this year’s grant recipients have taken on to improve fishing in their respective states. The projects are focused on habitat improvements and fish care which have been two important parts of our conservation efforts in freshwater. We are proud and excited to support these great projects in 2026,” said Casey Shedd, AFTCO president.
“Nine years and counting that AFTCO has supported the great conservation work that our B.A.S.S. Nation chapters and clubs are doing. The Shedd family and AFTCO’s commitment to supporting these grass-roots projects is a testament to their belief in giving back to the resource that our sport is so dependent on, and those of us at B.A.S.S. sincerely appreciate the continued support,” said Gene Gilliland, B.A.S.S. Conservation Director.
