Fish your national forests

Families fishing © Future Angler Foundation

What do forests have to do with fishing and boating? A lot. The nation's 154 national forests contain literally thousands of fishable and boatable lakes, not to mention abundant streams and rivers. In that spirit, the Future Angler Foundation (FAF) collaborated with Into the Outdoors/Discover Mediaworks to create a PBS segment specific to maximizing your outdoor opportunities in our national forests.

The outstanding episode didn't go unnoticed, either. In fact, the United States Forest Service (USFS) awarded FAF the "National Rise to the Future Award," which is given to organizations that stand above others in recruiting, reactivating, and retaining (3R's) participants in fishing and boating.

The television series is part of the "Getting Families Fishing and Boating Education Initiative," which was launched by FAF in 2017 in partnership with the USFS, Into the Outdoors Education Network and KidsFishing.US.

This two-pronged national education program has produced and broadcast television shows in the Emmy-winning series that profiles and promotes family fishing on "Your National Forests". This particular episode outlines the benefits and pathways to family fishing on Wisconsin's Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Michigan's Huron-Manistee National Forest, plus provides an overview of both National Forests.

Anchored in the Chequamegon-Nicolet and the Huron-Manistee National Forests, the episode emphasizes not just the enjoyment from fishing our national forests, but the positive values of connecting with family and friends outdoors fishing, boating and spending time away from technology.

Families fishing - photo © Future Angler Foundation

The USFS writes about FAF, saying, "The organization was formed in 2012 by a small group of anglers dedicated to helping grow participation in angling and boating through education and outreach. The FAF has grown into a national partner, creating digital angling and boating content through production contracts with Discover Mediaworks, a Midwestern strategic communications and media production company, and their Emmy award-winning Into the Outdoors Educational Network. The Foundation works to "Create New Anglers" by collaborating with individuals, agencies, and organizations throughout the United States, and exposing potential new anglers and boaters of all ages to the sport of fishing and boating by demonstrating how to catch fish and boat safely. Using networking and a hands-on grassroots approach, FAF has proven to be extremely effective in reaching out to millions of eager new anglers and boaters, bringing the next generation of participants to the outdoors."

For more information visit www.futureangler.org.