B.A.S.S. owner Jerry McKinnis (pictured) and B.A.S.S. conservation director Noreen Clough have been appointed to the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (SFBPC) by Ken Salazar, secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Through the director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the SFBPC advises the secretary on aquatic resource issues that impact recreational fishing and boating. The council also fosters conservation partnerships among industry, the public and government.
“I consider this appointment as one of the most important of my career,” McKinnis said. “I am excited that B.A.S.S. can contribute in yet another way to healthy fisheries for future generations.”
This is McKinnis’ first term on the council. Clough has served two previous terms, once as a primary appointee and once as an alternate.
“B.A.S.S. is honored to be able to continue our role with the council, working with the other members of the sportfishing and boating community to ensure that the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service understand and emphasize their commitment and responsibilities to America’s anglers,” said Clough, who was appointed as alternate to McKinnis.
The B.A.S.S. commitment to the SFBPC stems from the council’s inception in 1993, when then-B.A.S.S. owner Helen Sevier, along with Berkley’s Tom Bedell, spearheaded the council’s creation. In the years since, other B.A.S.S. leaders have been active participants on the council.
