Friends Initiative Work Group

President George Goetz, Friends of Pendills Creek Hatchery with Stuart Leon, Chief of Hatcheries

The Fisheries Friends Initiative was revisited by 12 Fisheries Friends Group Members from around the country.  Also in attendance were several Fish and Wildlife Service employees from Fisheries in support of our friends. 

The meeting began with introductions and brief history/updates from each Friends Group.  The focus then shifted to the Fisheries Friends Initiative, based on the passage and implementation of the 2006 National Fish Hatchery Volunteer Act.  The Friends Initiative and the Volunteer Act then allowed for a vote by Friends Group Members present to begin the process of forming a National Fisheries Friends Association.  Richard Christian of the Fish and Wildlife Service's Washington D.C. Fisheries Office was charged with developing a National Charter. 

The meeting was a great success, highlighted by meeting with Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall in which he thanked the Friends Groups for working so diligently in support of the Service. 

Currently, there are 25 Fisheries Friends Groups representing 34 fisheries stations.  Once the National Fisheries Friends Association becomes a reality and develops into a strong cohesive association, its power as an advocacy group will help promote and support the Fisheries and Habitat Conservation Program nationally. 

The Friends of Pendills Creek Hatchery were represented at the meeting by President George Goetz, a strong supporter for the National Association.  The Friends Group members were also given time to call on their Representatives in Congress, nurturing the Fisheries cause.