August 17, 2022
B.A.S.S. And Wildlife Forever Sign National Agreement To Fight Invasive Species
White Bear Lake, Minn. — Wildlife Forever is proud to announce B.A.S.S., the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, as the newest partner of the national Clean Drain Dry Initiative. A recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) will raise awareness, educate anglers and implement the best practices to prevent invasive species. Through the Clean Drain Dry Initiative, B.A.S.S. members and pro anglers will have access to communication tools and educational content and have the opportunity to join the national public awareness campaign.
“B.A.S.S. anglers and members are on the frontlines, day in and day out. They see the impacts of invasive species and what’s at stake if species spread and new invaders arrive. We’re proud of their commitment to join the fight and protect the future of our fisheries,” said Pat Conzemius, president and CEO of Wildlife Forever.
The integration of Clean Drain Dry conservation messaging within the B.A.S.S organization is a call to action for all anglers to join the movement. Membership is free, and by signing up, anglers will receive the new Pro Ambassador Clean Drain Dry decal.
“Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to our nation’s waters. We’re proud to join the national conservation movement and encourage members to become a Clean Drain Dry Pro Ambassador in protecting the future of our sport,” said Gene Gilliland, conservation director for B.A.S.S.
Since 2006, Wildlife Forever’s nationwide coalition of partners has been united in educating America’s sportsmen and women on simple, effective strategies to prevent invasive species. B.A.S.S. will begin utilizing the vast array of Clean Drain Dry Initiative materials to empower and educate members and followers on how and why prevention is critical. Through this shared vision, B.A.S.S. and Wildlife Forever efforts seek to conserve America’s fisheries and waterways ensuring the timeless tradition of bass fishing is enjoyed by future generations.
“I grew up watching B.A.S.S. tournaments with my dad and grandpa, so it’s exciting to see this partnership promote the sustainability of the sport and the waters we enjoy. I hope it inspires the next generation of anglers to join the fight against invasive species,” said Elliott Engen, public service coordinator at Wildlife Forever.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, St. Croix Bassmaster Opens Series presented by Mossy Oak Fishing, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Abu Garcia Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Team Championship, Yamaha Rightwaters Bassmaster Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic.
About The Clean Drain Dry InitiativeTM
The Wildlife Forever Clean Drain Dry Initiative is the national campaign to educate outdoor recreational users on how to prevent the spread of invasive species. Strategic communications, marketing, outreach and educational services provide access to consistent messaging and tailored prevention planning. To learn more, visit www.CleanDrainDry.org.
About Wildlife Forever
Our mission is to conserve America’s outdoor heritage through conservation education, habitat restoration and management of fish and wildlife. Wildlife Forever is an organization dedicated to investing resources on the ground. Ninety-six percent of donations support our award-winning conservation programs. Join Today and learn more about the Art of Conservation® programs Fish Art and Songbird Art Contests, Clean Drain Dry Initiative and Prairie City USA at www.WildlifeForever.org.