Conservation Groups Participating in the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival

The main purpose of the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival is to introduce people to the quite sport of fly fishing and educating the public on the need for good conservation. We feel everyday on the water is a gift, and like most gifts it should be appreciated and cared for properly.

At our event you will be exposed to a large variety of free educational opportunities like fly casting classes and fly tying demos. As fun as these classes are, we strongly encourage you to spend time learning about what you can do to make a difference in the Old Dominion. Our state faces many problems which includes several challenges environmentally like urban sprawl, pollution and the over use of pesticides and chemicals. Below is just a portion of the groups you will be able to spend time with and learn from. All of these organizations are hand picked and afforded the opportunity to be at our festival free of charge. It is our sincere hope that you take the time to visit each of these fine organizations and see where you might fit in to lend a hand.

Trout Unlimited

Arguably the best known conservation group in the minds of fly anglers, TU strives to increase the awareness of issues confronting cold water species like trout and other salmonoids. Representative from the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited will be on hand as well as members of the Shenandoah Valley Chapter. See what outstanding progress these trout lovers are making in restoring some of the states best cold water streams. For more information on how you can get connected to your local TU chapter in Virginia contact John Ross at (540) 592-7020 or go to www.vctu.org

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Few of us are aware of the real crisis that faces the Chesapeake Bay due to urban development. Once inhabited by millions of stripers and oyster beds that were so large they threatened colonial shipping, the Bay now has dead zones: areas so deprived of oxygen that nothing can live, which stretch from the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania to the York River in Virginia. Come see how you can participate in bringing the Bay back to a healthy state. Think you can’t make a difference? Stop by their booth and learn how you and family can help bring the about a safer and healthier Chesapeake Bay. For more information on the Chesapeake Bay contact Charles Epps at (804) 780-1392 or go to www.cbf.org

Federation of Fly Fishers

Fly anglers and traditional anglers alike all have a vested interest in seeing fish and their habitat protected. The FFF strives to protect many species of fish that are less glamorous, but no less important than other game fish. With a strong sense of community involvement the Federation is actively seeking out those who are interested in learning about the sport of fly angling as well as conservation and passing that information on to the next generation. For more information contact Tom Sadler at (202) 957-4748 or go to www.fedflyfishers.org

Shenandoah National Park Trust

With 196,000 acres and 500 miles of trails the Shenandoah National Park is a true gem to those that love the outdoors. Although fly anglers might be familiar with the parks great brook trout water, the camping and sightseeing opportunities in the park are just as spectacular. As with any travel destination, the Shenandoah National Park has more to offer than meets the eye. Stop by their booth and learn what you can do to help preserve the Shenandoah National Park. For more information contact Cathy McNair at cmcnair@nationalparks.org or by calling (202) 238-4219.

NEW!