2024 AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Conservation Grant Updates
In 2024, as part of its longstanding conversation commitments, AFTCO awarded the following six B.A.S.S. Nation clubs $25,000 in conservation grants. In 2025, these projects are underway and are already making a positive impact.
2024 AFTCO x B.A.S.S. Conservation Grant Recipients
- Banner Creek Aquatic Vegetation Restoration Project with Leavenworth Bass Club
- East Tennessee Lake Improvement Project with Tennessee B.A.S.S Nation c/o Meigs County High School
- Lake Brownwood Fish Habitat Enhancements with Texas B.A.S.S. Nation
- Oregon BASS Nation Reservoir Enhancement Project with Oregon B.A.S.S. Nation
- Tennessee Statewide Habitat Project with Tennessee B.A.S.S Nation
- Georgia BASS Nation Fish Care with Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation
Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation with Leavenworth Bass Club Project
With AFTCO's support, the Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation purchased fish care equipment, including oxygen gas cylinders, air blowers, and dissolved oxygen meters. The dissolved oxygen meters will play a critical role in managing water quality. These meters are essential because the water's dissolved oxygen levels impact aquatic ecosystems' health and their biological, chemical, and physical processes. Measuring dissolved oxygen levels will allow the Georgia B.A.S.S. Nation to keep improving its weigh-in system and optimize the fish care environment by giving more recuperation time for the fish before release.
Another goal of this project was to educate the next generation of anglers on proper fish care practices, inspiring them to prioritize conservation. With these practices and new equipment, the future of bass fishing in Georgia is bright.
Kansas B.A.S.S Nation with Leavenworth Bass Club Project
With their AFTCO grant, Kansas B.A.S.S. Nation plans to build a canopy this winter. As they prepare for construction, they are growing and planting various aquatic plants. With help from the Leavenworth Bass Club, they’ll improve the barren three miles of shoreline at the Banner Creek Reservoir in Holton, Kansas.
To track the spread and survival of vegetation in the Banner Creek Reservoir, snorkel assessments, bathymetric mapping, and presence-absence surveys will be conducted through 2031. A Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) biologist will oversee the transplantation of the aquatic vegetation with help from youth anglers and local high school students while educating them on the crucial role native aquatic plants have in an ecosystem. Stay tuned for more updates once the canopy project is complete.
Tennessee B.A.S.S Nation on Tims Ford Lake Project
The Tennessee B.A.S.S Nation project on Tims Ford Lake had to wait for winter drawdowns before installing the fish habitat structures. However, over the last several weeks, Tennessee B.A.S.S Nation and local high school fishing teams, with Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency staff, have started to install the fish habitats.
This crew has used recycled Christmas trees for additional artificial fish structures, giving them new life after the holidays. These vital habitats will help support bass throughout their different life stages, continuing to foster strong bass populations in this aging reservoir. Additionally, this project has been an excellent community volunteer opportunity that engages local fishing clubs and youth anglers.
Other Updates
The other B.A.S.S. Nation grant projects at the Oregon Reservoir, Lake Brownwood in Texas, and the Tennessee Statewide Habitat project were delayed, but they plan to start in Spring 2025. Stay tuned for additional updates.
AFTCO is excited to continue partnering with B.A.S.S. Nation clubs, which collaborate with governmental fishing agencies and local businesses to support conservation efforts in their lakes and reservoirs.
