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January 13, 2025

Recreational Angling, Conservation Community Supports Menhaden Science Funding

Renewed Virginia legislative effort to fund a three-year study would provide insights critical for a healthy Chesapeake Bay  

(RICHMOND, Va.)— During the 2025 legislative session, Virginia lawmakers will again consider providing funding for university research into the Commonwealth’s largest fishery: Atlantic menhaden. Delegate Paul Milde (R-64) is spearheading the effort to provide the $3 million necessary for the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to complete a three-year study of the ecology, fishery impacts, and economic importance of the menhaden population in the waters of the Commonwealth. 

Last Friday, Delegate Milde introduced House Bill 2713, which directs the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, in collaboration with VIMS, to conduct the menhaden study. In addition, an amendment to the state’s biennial budget, falling under HB 1600, Item 148 #4h, seeks to earmark funding separately for the same study as another potential vehicle to help ensure success.

Atlantic menhaden are a small, schooling fish targeted by industry to be turned into fishmeal and fish oil products through a process known as “reduction” fishing. Due to their high oil content, menhaden – otherwise called bunker – serve as the base of the marine food chain in Virginia, feeding iconic predators like striped bass, bluefish, and ospreys during critical points in their life cycles, especially inside the Chesapeake Bay. Although menhaden are managed on a coastwide basis by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, there is a lack of specific data related to how many menhaden are present within the Bay itself throughout the year and the impacts reduction fishing may have on the fragile estuarine ecosystem. 

“Current menhaden management relies on incomplete information. This research will provide the scientific foundation needed to make sound decisions that balance the needs of the fishery with the ecological importance of this keystone species,” said Delegate Paul Milde (R-64), who is sponsoring the efforts. “Menhaden are essential to the health of the Chesapeake Bay, supporting a variety of commercial and recreational fisheries. By investing in this research, we can make informed decisions about menhaden management and protect this vital species for future generations.”  

Photo Credit: Joanna Steidle

Concerns about the removal of menhaden from the Virginia portion of the Chesapeake are the primary reason ASMFC implemented a harvest cap on the state’s reduction fishery in 2006. However, this cap is based solely on historic landings and not actual scientific data on the current population of menhaden in the Bay.  

“As questions continue to mount about the health of the Chesapeake Bay’s menhaden population, the need for this important effort grows every day. We appreciate all the work that the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Virginia Marine Resources Commission have done in the development of the study,” said Chris Moore, Virginia executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “CBF is very appreciative of Delegate Milde for his leadership to ensure this effort is not further delayed.”  

This relatively low-cost education funding provision would allow VIMS to expand its knowledge about Virginia’s largest commercial fishery to improve sustainable fisheries management and give the Virginia Marine Resources Commission the information necessary to determine the role menhaden play in maintaining viable recreational fishing access and a healthy Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. A robust menhaden population directly supports Virginia’s $980 million recreational fishing economy, by serving as a critical food source for valuable sportfish like striped bass (or rockfish).   

“Making up the gaps in science is the only way to effectively evaluate the menhaden population in the Bay,” said Chris Macaluso, director of the Center for Marine Fisheries for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “The reduction industry removes millions of pounds of menhaden from the Chesapeake. Numerous economically, ecologically, and culturally important fish like striped bass, cobia, and red drum depend on this forage, yet little is known about the impacts of depleting menhaden inside the Bay. Establishing a baseline of knowledge for the Bay’s fishery is vital to support both sustainable commercial and recreational fisheries.” 

Recent fish spills by the menhaden reduction industry initially highlighted the need to find ways to mitigate the impact of these spills to local economies. As a result, the General Assembly passed SB 1388 during the 2023 legislative session, which required VIMS to develop plans for studying menhaden populations in the waters of the Commonwealth. In early 2024, Virginia lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have funded this necessary research. 

“For years, we’ve lacked the baseline knowledge we need to help establish robust and lasting protections for menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay,” said Romaric Moncrieffe, marine conservation policy manager for the National Audubon Society. “This funding bill is a step in the right direction towards achieving a lasting and healthy fishery that is able to support and protect vital bird and fish species along the entire Atlantic coast. We must do everything we can to preserve the health of the Bay.” 

“An investment by Virginia in science to better manage, use, and conserve public fishery resources in the Chesapeake Bay is a logical and long-awaited step towards establishing an important balance for stakeholders and the fishery resources we all share,” said David Sikorski, executive director for the Coastal Conservation Association – Maryland.  

“It’s clear advancing science in the Chesapeake Bay is important to understanding the ecosystem dynamics in the primary producer area for striped bass,” said Mike Waine, Atlantic fisheries policy director for the American Sportfishing Association. “Menhaden, as a key forage species, play a vital economic role in supporting recreational fishing businesses that serve hundreds of thousands of anglers across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.” 

“We need Bay-specific science to better understand the impacts of fishing on birds and other predators within Chesapeake Bay,” said Nikki Rovner, associate state director of The Nature Conservancy in Virginia. “Better science will help us make better decisions on how to manage those impacts and continue improving the health of the system.”  

Learn more on our Forage Fish Recovery Page about the recreational fishing community’s push for better management of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. 

Banner image courtesy Chesapeake Bay Program

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January 9, 2025

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Announces Four New Board Members

Experts in conservation, finance, and community building join the leadership team

(Washington D.C.)—The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership is pleased to announce the appointment of four new directors to its leadership team. George Cooper, Nick Seidenberg, Ashley Smith, and Bob Ziehmer join the 27-member board that oversees TRCP.  

“TRCP is fortunate to welcome these four individuals as new members of our Board of Directors,” said Alston Watt, TRCP board chair. “Their wide range of expertise will help us build upon our organizational strengths and help conserve hunting, fishing, and the wild places we cherish for future generations.” 

Bios for the incoming board members can be found below. To read more about TRCP’s full Board of Directors and leadership team, click HERE. 

“We are thrilled to welcome these industry leaders and dedicated conservation advocates to the TRCP family,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the TRCP. “Our Board of Directors plays a pivotal role in guiding our organization and empowers us to continue uniting and amplifying our partners’ voices to advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access. With the addition of George, Nick, Ashley, and Bob to the Board, TRCP is well positioned to achieve our mission of guaranteeing all Americans quality places to hunt and fish.” 

George Cooper 

George Cooper is a Partner at Forbes Tate Partners leading the firm’s natural resources and outdoor recreation government affairs practice, representing nonprofits, corporations, and trade associations on policy related to natural resource conservation, public lands, marine fisheries, agricultural land, tax, trade, and appropriations issues. George leverages his extensive network in DC to connect clients with the right people on Capitol Hill and in pertinent federal agencies and guide them in delivering messages and creating conversations that produce meaningful results. 

Prior to joining FTP, George served as President and CEO of TRCP. Throughout his nearly eight years at TRCP, both as CEO and as vice president for policy and communications, he helped create a new strategic advocacy niche in Washington for the nation’s 40 million hunters and anglers. George’s political experience is rooted in Washington, DC political media. Before joining TRCP, he worked for CNN serving as Senior Producer for prominent public affairs shows like “Evans and Novak,” “Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer,” and “Reliable Sources.” George also served as a Senior Producer on the White House and Capitol Hill beats. An alumnus of Denison University, Mr. Cooper earned a bachelor’s in history. He and his wife and their two children live in Chevy Chase, Maryland 

Nick Seidenberg 

Nicholas Seidenberg is a Managing Director at Eastdil Secured, a privately held real estate investment banking firm headquartered in New York. Nick co-leads Eastdil Secured’s Debt Capital Markets division and serves as a member of the nine-person Executive Committee. 

Growing up in Minnesota, Nick developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. From autumn weekends in duck blinds with his father and brother to summers spent fishing on Minnesota’s lakes, these early experiences instilled in him a lifelong love for nature and quality time in nature with loved ones. 

Nick and his wife, Casey, have been married for 29 years and reside in Washington, D.C. They have three children whom Nick enjoys taking on hunting and fishing trips to Minnesota, Montana and Rhode Island, continuing a family tradition of bonding through the outdoors. 

In addition to his professional achievements, Nick has been actively involved in nonprofit work in Washington, D.C. Most recently, he served on the board of Children’s National Medical Center. Nick earned a B.S. in Applied Economics from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from NYU’s Stern School of Business. 

Ashley Smith 

Attorney Ashley Smith is a bi-lingual thought leader, group cohesion expert, writer, and national public speaker. Ashley co-founded The Minority Outdoor Alliance with the mission of uniting communities for the enjoyment and conservation of our natural resources. Ashley is also the founder of NOS Global, LLC, which helps organizations uncover how to benefit from an ever-changing world through data-driven strategic planning and organizational cohesion programs. 

Ashley has had the honor of giving speeches, facilitating workshops, and hosting large outdoor recreational and educational events for a number of state agencies, conservation organizations, and corporations across the nation. 

Ashley completed her undergraduate education at the University of Georgia with degrees in journalism and Spanish. After college, Ashley completed her law degree at Georgia State University College of Law. 

Ashley seeks the outdoors as a place to renew and rejuvenate. Ashley likes to meditate, pray, and exercise outdoors. She also enjoys archery, biking, hiking, and fishing. Ashley believes that there is so much more that unites us as human beings than divides us and believes that being outdoors is the perfect setting for memory making, tradition keeping, and connecting with others. Ashley and her husband have a young daughter and son. 

Bob Ziehmer 

Bob Ziehmer currently serves as the Senior Director of Conservation for Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s where he is responsible for providing direction to advance priorities of protecting wildlife and habitat, connecting new audiences to the outdoors, and advocating for sportsmen’s rights and the outdoors. Bob serves as a liaison with state and federal agencies and over sixty national non-governmental groups to encourage advancement of projects, policy, and regulations advancing conservation and protecting our outdoor heritage. 

Prior to joining Bass Pro Shops, Bob served over 25 years (6 ½ years as Director) with the Missouri Department of Conservation, where his work included: ensuring Missouri remained a national leader in forest, fish and wildlife research, management, and education; and served as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, among others. 

Bob has an unwavering passion for hunting, angling, and other outdoor adventures. His father’s commitment to spending time afield with him instilled the importance of conservation and our individual responsibilities to manage fish and wildlife for future generations, which he has passed along to his children. 

Bob is a professional member of the Boone & Crockett Club. He currently serves as a national board member of: Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports; and National Deer Association. 

Four members also concluded their time with the TRCP Board of Directors in December: James A. Baker IV, who served as TRCP board chair from 2021 – 2023; Bill Demmer, who helped establish the Bill and Linda Demmer Chief Conservation Officer position; Tod Sedgewick; and Aileen Lee.  Their dedication to the TRCP mission and efforts to help advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access are to be applauded. 

 


The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.

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January 6, 2025

TRCP Announces New Development and Conservation Leadership

Key positions filled to strengthen conservation and development programs

Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership announces changes to leadership positions that will help the organization achieve its mission to guarantee all Americans quality places to hunt and fish.  

Al Clark joins TRCP as the organization’s chief development officer, bringing over 21 years of development and conservation experience to the organization. In his most recent role as national director of development of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Clark advanced the nonprofit’s fundraising activities and major gift development.  His professional background includes development leadership roles at Ducks Unlimited as well as in higher education at Furman University and Wofford College. 

At TRCP, Clark will lead a talented team of development managers for growth in philanthropic and foundation giving, build corporate partner relationships, and oversee the organization’s hallmark annual event, the Capital Conservation Awards Dinner

TRCP is also proud to announce the promotion of tenured staff to two senior leadership positions in the conservation program. 

Joel Webster will serve as the Bill and Linda Demmer Chief Conservation Officer. In this role, he will work with TRCP’s policy team, external partners, and decision makers to further conservation and access priorities for private lands, public lands, marine fisheries, and water. 

Webster has helped advance TRCP’s conservation portfolio since 2007 and is a member of the federal Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council, where he advises the secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture on habitat and access policy. He also serves as the vice chair of American Wildlife Conservation Partners, a coalition of 50 leading hunting and wildlife conservation organizations. 

Madeleine West will lead as vice president of western conservation. First joining TRCP in 2019, West will work to advance a wide range of federal and state policies, including those focused on wildlife migration and winter range conservation, forest management, backcountry area conservation, energy policy, special places conservation, and expanded public access. 

“I am pleased to announce these additions to TRCP’s leadership team.  Al, Joel, and Madeleine each bring a strong passion for conservation and the TRCP mission and are proven leaders in our conservation community,” said Joel Pedersen, TRCP president and CEO.  “I look forward to working with them as TRCP continues to build on our past successes. They will provide excellent stewardship to TRCP’s partners and community of hunters and anglers as we continue to advance America’s legacy of conservation, habitat, and access.” 

Learn more about TRCP’s leadership HERE.  


The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.

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December 30, 2024

Hunters & Anglers Celebrate Temporary Oil and Gas Withdrawal in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains

The Sportsmen for the Rubies Coalition encourages strong collaboration as the Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service seeks public input

Today, Nevada hunters and anglers celebrate the Bureau of Land Management’s announcement of a two-year oil and gas leasing moratorium on 264,000 acres in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The BLM manages the subsurface minerals, including oil and gas, beneath the national forest. This moratorium is a significant first step toward long-term conservation of crucial habitat for big game and coldwater fish species located within the Ruby Mountains.

The federal segregation notice, which was issued today by the Department of the Interior, removes the Ruby Mountains from oil and gas leasing for two years while the department further considers whether to implement a longer-term oil and gas withdrawal for the area. The Sportsmen for the Rubies Coalition understands resource extraction plays an important role in Nevada’s economy and provides jobs for its residents. However, the U.S. Geological Survey classifies the Rubies as having very low to no energy potential. The Rubies are far more valuable for hunting and fishing than speculative oil and gas development.

The Sportsmen for the Rubies coalition applauds this action and thanks Nevada Representative Amodei and Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen for being champions of conservation efforts in the Rubies for many years. The coalition urges Congress to pass the bipartisan Ruby Mountains Protection Act in the 119th Congress in order to make these temporary conservation measures permanent.


“This is a major victory for mule deer and everyone that loves to hunt them,” said Jim Rackley, president of Nevada Muleys. “We’ve been working for nearly a decade with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and political leaders in Nevada to conserve this landscape, and we sincerely appreciate everybody, particularly the hunters, who have stepped up for one of Nevada’s most iconic mule deer landscapes.”

“The Rubies are one of Nevada’s most iconic landscapes,” said Carl Erquiaga, Nevada field representative for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “From the trophy mule deer to the native Lahontan cutthroat, this range provides hunters and anglers with coveted opportunities. We look forward to working with the state and BLM to maintain the excellent hunting and fishing qualities of the Rubies.”

“The Rubies offer sheep, mountain goats, and many other animals some of the best habitat in the state,” said Marc Selph, president of Elko Bighorns Unlimited. “This announcement is the first step in ensuring that those animals will remain there for generations.”

“The alpine lakes and streams in the Ruby Mountains provide high-quality habitat for trout,” said Russ Meyer, president of Trout Unlimited’s Sagebrush Chapter in Nevada. “The range is home to the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout, as well as thriving populations of four other trout species that furnish important recreational opportunities. The Rubies are an angler’s paradise in the most arid state in the nation, and their riparian areas contribute habitat for many non-aquatic species as well. We thank Senators Cortez Masto and Rosen and Representative Amodei for their continued support of these conservation efforts.”

“Sportsmen consider the Ruby Mountains as the ‘Crown Jewels’ of our mountain ranges, being one of the rare places that host Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, mule deer, and the rare Himalayan snowcock in breathtaking scenery,” said Larry Johnson, president of the Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife. “With the ever increasing development pressure by man, the Rubies deserve every degree of protection that it can be afforded.”

“From the iconic big game species such as the mule deer and bighorn sheep to coldwater fish species and wild chukar and Himalayan snowcock, the Rubies are the crown jewel of northeast Nevada,” said Russell Kuhlman, Executive Director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation. “Hunters and anglers, bipartisan politics, and the support of these federal agencies has resulted in a decision that lays the groundwork to conserve this region for generations. And our coalition will be there every step of the way.”

“Nevada’s Ruby Mountains are truly a public lands treasure enjoyed by hunters and anglers. We thank the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management for their action to conserve this landscape for the next twenty years and we share our appreciation with Nevada’s congressional delegation for their leadership in advocating for the permanent protection of the Rubies,” said Dallas Hatch, Board Member for the Nevada Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and Elko County resident. “This incredible landscape supports all kinds of wildlife and alpine lakes that hold fish such as the native Lahontan cutthroat trout. High on the mountain peaks, you may find mountain goats, bighorn sheep, Himalayan snowcocks, and even the occasional pika. Lower down the mountains, there are herds of mule deer and elk, as well as a growing population of Shiras moose, the newest game species to be found on the Nevada landscape.” 

The Sportsmen for the Rubies Coalition includes Trout Unlimited, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Nevada Muleys, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited, Nevada Waterfowl Association, Coalition for Nevada’s Wildlife, Nevada Sporting Dog Alliance, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited Midas Chapter, Nevada Bighorns Unlimited Fallon Chapter, Nevada Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Nevada Chukar Chasers, Ruby Mountain Fly Fishers, Fraternity of the Desert Bighorn, Elko Bighorns Unlimited, and the Nevada Wildlife Federation.

Photo Credit: J. Harsha


The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.


December 20, 2024

Why the ACE Reauthorization Act Becoming Law is Important for Hunters and Anglers

The legislation passed the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2024, and will reauthorize multiple programs that benefit hunting and angling.

The America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act of 2024 passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Wednesday December 18, 2024. The legislation was sponsored by Senators Carper (D-Del.) and Capito (R-W.Va) and Representatives Wittman (R-Va.), Kiggans (R-Va.), Dingell (D-Mich.), and Thompson (D-Calif.) and will reauthorize multiple programs that benefit hunting and angling including: 

  • The National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP), which focuses on state-led, science-based, collaborative efforts to protect, restore, and enhance aquatic ecosystems across the United States. Since its founding in 2006 NFHP has provided over $320 million in funding support for fish habitat conservation projects. 
  • The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), which authorizes grants to public-private partnerships to protect, enhance, restore, and manage waterfowl, and the wetlands they rely upon. NAWCA has provided $2.28 billion in grants that have helped conserve more than 32.6 million acres of vital habitat.  
  • The Chesapeake Bay Program, which is a regional partnership that guides the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. Since its inception in 1983 there have been billions of dollars in leveraged funds that have reduced nutrient pollution in the bay.  
  • The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit organization chartered by Congress, is dedicated to sustaining, restoring, and enhancing the nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats. Since its founding in 1984 it has grown to become the nation’s largest private conservation foundation. 

The ACE Reauthorization Act also helps address threats like chronic wasting disease (CWD) by reauthorizing the CWD task force, which coordinates state, tribal, and federal efforts to limit the spread of CWD. 

“America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act benefits fish and wildlife while enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for millions of hunters and anglers,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We look forward to this important bipartisan legislation becoming law and ensuring the continued success of crucial conservation programs that will benefit hunters and anglers for generations to come.” 

The original ACE Act was passed in 2020 and portions of it were sponsored by Representatives Wittman, Dingell, and Thompson. Many of its authorizations were expiring in 2025, necessitating the passage of the ACE Reauthorization Act of 2024 to ensure these programs can continue to operate in good legal standing.   

The legislation was endorsed by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Ducks Unlimited, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the National Wildlife Federation, American Sportfishing Association, the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and the National Audubon Society.  

TRCP works to maintain and strengthen the future of hunting and fishing by uniting and amplifying our partners’ voices in conserving and restoring wildlife populations and their habitat as challenges continue to evolve.   Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to healthy habitat and clean water HERE. 


HOW YOU CAN HELP

TRCP has partnered with Afuera Coffee Co. to further our commitment to conservation. $4 from each bag is donated to the TRCP, to help continue our efforts of safeguarding critical habitats, productive hunting grounds, and favorite fishing holes for future generations.

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