MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 16, 2003) - FLW Outdoors continues to promote conservation efforts at fisheries that host its professional bass tournaments, as evidenced by the $5,000 donation presented Saturday to the Virginia Department of Games and Inland Fisheries. The money will go toward projects in the James River watershed. The donation coincided with the 2003 Wal-Mart FLW Tour Championship, which took place on the James River in Virginia last week.
This contribution, FLW Outdoors' seventh $5,000 donation this tournament season, further establishes FLW Outdoors as an organization devoted to giving something back to the communities that host its tournaments. The money will be used for projects in the James River watershed that enhance fish habitats, increase fish stocks and improve water quality.
"Maintaining the fisheries that host our tournaments is critical to our livelihood. We are so grateful to the communities that welcome us and our anglers," said Charlie Hoover, president and CEO of FLW Outdoors. "The James River is an excellent fishery. FLW Outdoors is pleased to give back to the river for future generations to be able to enjoy its great fishing."
FLW Outdoors remains committed to conservation in 2003 through its partnership with the FishAmerica Foundation, the conservation arm of the American Sportfishing Association. FLW Outdoors' donations, administered through FishAmerica, go toward conservation efforts to benefit tournament host sites.
In 2000, FLW Outdoors announced its partnership with the FishAmerica Foundation. Since then, FLW Outdoors has directly donated nearly $200,000 and helped to generate more than $1 million for local conservation projects. "In partnering with FishAmerica, we make a definite positive impact on the fisheries and host cities where our tournaments are held," Hoover said.
FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the EverStart Series, and the Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League. FLW Outdoors also operates the Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail; the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, and the Wal-Mart RCL Walleye League.
Wal-Mart serves as the title sponsor of FLW Outdoors as it has since 1997. For a complete list of FLW Outdoors sponsors and more information about the quality products and services they offer, please visit flwoutdoors.com.