Potomac River Bass Tournament. 2000.

Potomac River Bass Tournament

Sponsored by the Friends of the Potomac, the Alexandria Seaport Foundation and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

June 5 to 9, 2000 (date to be selected)

Introduction:  The Friends of the Potomac is implementing an ambitious plan to assist watershed groups and localities in their efforts to pursue government and private sector assistance for locally-led initiatives promoting natural resource conservation, economic revitalization, historic and cultural preservation, environmental protection and recreation along the "Nation's River".

     

These activities are being assisted by the President’s American Heritage (AHR) Initiative, which is intended to support communities in their efforts to protect and restore rivers.  The Potomac River watershed was designated an American Heritage River on July 30, 1998.

     

The Potomac River was recognized as an American Heritage River, for its many values including its recreational fishery. Significant Federal, state and local government and private sector efforts over the last twenty years have brought about significant improvements in the water quality of the Potomac.  One of the benefits of these efforts to reduce and prevent pollution and protect and restore aquatic habitats has been the increasing use of the lower portion of Potomac River (from the District to Point Lookout) for bass fishing.

     

In recognition of the importance of clean water and the value of the bass fishery the Friends of the Potomac, the 

Alexandria Seaport Foundation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in cooperation with: the American Sportfishing Association; B.A.S.S. Inc., Hill & Knowlton Public Affairs Worldwide, Lockheed Martin, Maryland Bass Federation, the National Park Service and others, have agreed to hold Potomac River Bass Tournament on June 5-9, 20000.  The events include a Pre-Event Gala at either DeVos Boat/ Amway or Merlin Hanson/ Hanson Mold; the Tournament which will be launched from Gravely Point; and a Picnic & Fishing Auction at Columbia Island.

     

The tournament will be held in conjunction with "National Fishing Week" and is intended to:     

-- Promote the enjoyment of the natural and recreational fishing assets. 

-- Provide an innovative education program for at-risk and adjudicated youth.

--Raise funds to support community-led initiatives within the Potomac River watershed.

     

The participants in the Tournament will include: Administration and Agency Officials; Corporate Executives; area students, bass fishing experts; celebrities; and Board Members from the Friends of the Potomac.

     

Draft Program Agenda

Pre-Night Gala:

The evening before the Tournament there will be a 

Large cocktail/ press reception at DeVos Boat/ Amway or Merlin Hanson/ Hanson Mold from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Approximately 200 participants will be invited to celebrate "National Fishing Week" and to hear the Friends of the Potomac to announce the first Annual Potomac Living Resource Awards.  Sponsoring agencies and organizations will make brief remarks.

     

Tournament:

The Potomac River Bass Tournament will begin with a launch of 40 boats from Gravely Point at 6:00 a.m.  Each of the boats will include a team comprised of a fisherman from one of the clubs; one student; a corporate sponsor; and a celebrity.  The boats will be equipped with a devise, to be provided by Lockheed Corporation, which will enable the team to weigh and measure their catch and return the fish to the river as quickly as possible.  Cash prizes, made available through contributions from the sponsoring corporations, will be awarded to the teams who catch the most fish.  Additional prizes will be awarded at the Picnic & Auction for the best "Potomac Fish stories".  Bass boats and 

ground transportation will be provided to the participants and boats will be made available for press coverage of the event.

     

Picnic & Auction:

Following the Tournament a Picnic & Auction will be held at Columbia Island from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to present the 

Tournament awards; provide an opportunity for the 

participants to: meet event sponsors; talk with students and fishermen and enjoy a seafood lunch.  Celebrity awards are expected to be donated to educational organizations within the Potomac River watershed.

     

Next Steps 

A Steering Committee lead by the Friends of the Potomac will be formed to design and implement the plans for the Tournament.  For further information about sponsoring these events contact Mari Lou Livingood, Friends of the Potomac/ Alexandria Seaport Foundation at (703) 549-7078.