NSIA President Dan Parnel, center, and NSIA Executive Director Liz Hamilton present Randy Woolsey of Tom Posey Company with the Buzz Ramsey Foot Soldier Award for 2013. Woolsey has been a tireless advocate for the sport fishing industry.
Industry leaders honored one of their own, and heard from Senator Jeff Merkley about public land access at the 15th Annual Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association held Saturday, December 7.
Senator Merkley attended the event and received an award of recognition for his work in protecting public lands and continuing to fight to keep the current funding levels of the Land and Water Conservation Funds. He said during his speech that he supported a bill that would “fully authorize and make permanent” the LWCF funds.
These funds have been used to purchase land for public use along the Sandy River and in the Nestuccas basin this year. Oregon has received approximately $263.5 million in LWCF funds over the past five decades. These funds come from a portion of the offshore drilling fees paid by oil and gas companies.
Merkley said he grew up in Southern Oregon and called going outdoors into the public forests, streams and rivers part of the “Oregon identity” and said many Oregonians are passionate about the wilderness activities.
Merkley said he was also working with other members of the Oregon delegation on creating more public areas and also was involved with a plan for the Klamath Basin to help with fish restoration and agriculture.
NSIA Executive Director Liz Hamilton called Merkley’s comments during the banquet excellent news for anglers and businesses that are tied to sportfishing.
“Senator Merkley has been a champion for the outdoor industry and his comments echoed that,” Hamilton said. “We are very hopeful that public lands will stay in public hands and are heartened to hear that Senator Merkley supports fully-funding the LWCF.”
During the event the Hamilton also honored Randy Woolsey with the Buzz Ramsey Foot Soldier Award for his continued work in the industry. She said that he was the “epitome of what the industry was about.” When Woolsey was named there was a standing ovation.
“Randy is a gentle giant with a ready smile and a sharp mind,” Hamilton said. “He has been at the center of the NISA’s efforts for the last decade. Whether it’s the capitols of Salem or Olympia, or commissions of the ODFW or WDFW, he has participated in any process that was meaningful and made a difference to your bottom line. It’s not days he has put in, it’s weeks he has put in.”
More than 200 people attended the event, which was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Portland. The major sponsors for the event were Pro-Cure and Cabela’s, with supporting sponsors of Fred Meyer and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
In addition, the following companies and individuals also contributed to the event: All Sports, Alten Sakai & Co. LLP, Angler’s West TV, Assn of Northwest Steelheaders, Astoria Riverwalk Inn, Balloon Flying Service of Oregon, B.G. Eilertson, Bob Rees, Bob’s Merchandise, Brad’s Lures, Brad Staples, Cabela’s, Carlton Winemakers Studio, Chris Vertopoulos, Columbia River Knife and Tool, Dan Parnel, Del Stephens, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Eastside Distilling, eNRG Kayaking, Eric Leonard, Fisherman’s Marine & Outdoor, Frank Amato Publications, Fred Meyer, Gerber, G-Loomis, Grant Putnam, Grant’s Outdoor Adventures, Grundens, Helly Hanson, Helvetia Winery, Hilltop Tax Preparation, Jim Desch, Jim Teeny, Justin Wolff, John Platt, Kenai River Sportfishing Assn., Kershaw Knives,
Senator Jeff Merkley was presented an award of recognition for his work on keeping public lands in public hands by Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association Executive Director Liz Hamilton. Merkley attended the NSIA 15th Annual Oregon Banquet and Auction on December 7 in Portland.
Leisure Sales, Life Core, Liz Hamilton, Maurice’s, McMenamins, Morton & Associates, Mt. Hood Meadows, Naked Winery, National Wildlife Federation, Nelson Rutherford, Northwest Guides & Anglers Assn., Northwest River Guides, NW Sportsman’s Magazine, O’Laughlin Tradeshows, Oregon City Golf Club, Oregon Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, PEW Trusts, Phil Pirone, Plano, Pro Cure, Salmon & Steelhead Journal, Save Our Wild Salmon, Scotty, Shirlee Lind, Silver Horde, Smokehouse Products, Steve Leonard, Steve’s Guided Adventures, Stevens Marine, Tim Bailey & Associates, Tom Posey Co., Western Filament, Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willapa Marine Products, Willie Boats, Watertime Outfitters and Yakima Bait.
Volunteers for the event included Susan Basch, Larry Miller, Nancy Deland, Dori Hamilton, Anne DeRock, Terrie Marshall, Donna Severson, Laura Ticer, Don Swartz, Jean Poling, Martha Peterson, James Lynch, Jake Lynch, Cindy Johnson, Chuck Hamilton, Dawn Odle, Jessie Jones, Amber Coggin, Gwen Dilkes, and Breanne Parries.
NSIA committee members included Chairman, Dan Parnel, Lora Sanchez, Steve Lynch, Brian Kurzbein, Kelly Reichner, Martha Peterson, B.G. Eilertson and Susan Basch.
“Without this huge list of donors, volunteers and committee members, we wouldn’t be able to put on these events,” Hamilton said. “I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who was involved and participated in this successful event.”
Proceeds from the event benefit The Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association which was founded in 1993 by a group of sport fishing industry business leaders who understood the need for a strong voice in the local, state, regional and federal governments. The NSIA is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and improvement of sport fisheries and the businesses dependent upon them.
To see photos from the event, see the NSIA’s Facebook page at tinyurl.com/lkeflm3 .