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2008 FFF Southern Council NominationClub of the YearFree State Fly FishersFree State Fly Fishers was formed in August 2005 as a charter club of the Federation of Fly Fishers to promote the enjoyment of fly fishing through education, conservation efforts and local community outreach. After growing from a handful of local fly fishing enthusiasts to 70 members in the club’s first two years, Free State has attracted another 50 members in the past year to stand at 120 strong as of this writing. As an FFF charter club, all members of Free State Fly Fishers belong to the FFF. This growth has been achieved through providing members ample opportunity to receive and provide fly fishing education, get involved in local water conservation efforts, promote fly fishing in our area communities and of course, enjoy the fellowship of each other’s company through club social events. Conservation efforts include the recent completion of a habitat restoration project at Douglas County State Fishing Lake that spanned 2 ½ years and involved the construction of 200 cedar tree structures and 90 artificial PVC “trees” placed to provide vertical structure. This project was a partnership with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and was partially funded by a grant from the Southern Council. This year the club formed a partnership with another Kansas FFF club, Flatland Fly Fishers, and received a Southern Council grant that will help purchase plants and grasses to stabilize the banks of the Kanopolis Reservoir seep stream. This stream is now being managed for trout year-round and undergoing habitat enhancements by the state wildlife agency. Water quality testing on the Wakarusa River continues through the club’s Stream Team and has grown to include local junior high students. Education highlights from the past year include partnering with a Lawrence school to provide indoor casting lessons to put a shine on a long cold winter. Thirty-five adults and kids took advantage of this opportunity. In addition to hundreds of hours of casting and tying instruction, the jewel of the education programs is the birth of new partnership with Topeka Seaman High School. Through their new outdoor education curriculum, members of Free State Fly Fishers will be teaching a comprehensive fly fishing and tying program to an estimated 60-75 students each school year. The spring 2008 pilot program saw 15 kids learn how to tie, cast and fish their own flies for high school credit. Fly fishing maintains a high profile in the local communities with demonstrations at Cabela’s, Lawrence Farmers Market, Bass Pro Shops, the Topeka Boat and Outdoor Show, Yager’s Flies and Lawrence high School. Free State Fly Fishers have taken an active role in the Southern Council Conclave as well, serving as Conclave host club for 2007 led by Conclave Chair Kurt Moomau. Twenty-four club members served as on-site volunteers during this event. For the 2008 Conclave club members are serving as Programs Chair and Exhibitor Chair. I appreciate your consideration of this nomination and recognition of the contributions of Free State Fly Fishers to the growth of fly fishing and the FFF. Craig Phillips |
