The new president of the Fort Frances Sportsmen’s Club is taking the infomercial route to try and spread the message about the benefits of his organization’s brand of outdoor recreation.
Blair Beadow said the club has purchased a series of tapes from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters which they’re planning to broadcast on the local Shaw cable channel later this year.
Beadow, who took over from long-time president Henry Miller earlier this year after serving as a club director since 2000, said in order for the club to reach its goal of increasing membership, it has to broaden its audience.
“We want to let people out there know what the O.F.A.H. does and how they help anglers and hunters in Northwestern Ontario,” said Beadow.
“We need new members, and members to be more active in helping out on projects, committees, and to bring new energy and thinking to the club,” he added.
One of the casualties of the club’s membership standing pat during recent years has been their annual conservation dinner, which has not gone ahead the past two years and probably won’t again this year due to the lack of new blood willing to step up and take over organizing it.
“[The dinner] requires a considerable amount of planning and work,” said Beadow, who noted that in previous years, the quest for sponsorship and prize donations usually began in January even though the dinner itself didn’t take place until November.
“The people that usually organize it are experiencing burn-out. We’re trying to get new members to come in and take over the running of the event,” he explained.
Beadow said the club’s agenda for the coming year includes the possible establishment of a conservation leadership camp for members of its junior conservation program; setting up electrical power for its new building; moving forward with its elk restoration program; and continued involvement with the Ministry of Natural Resources on analyzing fish biology.
He believes local outdoorsmen are environmentally conscious in general, but said there’s always room for improvement.
“Conservation is a lifelong experience,” Beadow stressed. “We expect our members to act in a proper manner and have respect for conservation.”
As for how long he’ll lead the club, Beadow said the situation will be evaluated on an annual basis.
“I’d like to stay on as a director, but I think it’s an advantage to the club to have a number of people experience the presidency and take a leadership role,” he remarked.
“That being said, I certainly wouldn’t mind taking things over for another year if that’s what the club decides.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
