named programs · 7 · from sources
What they call their work
Annual Kids Fishing Derby
Community event engaging over 300 children and parents annually to learn fishing skills and win prizes
DEC Conservation Camp
Sends four children annually to the N.Y.S. DEC Conservation Camp for a week-long outdoor education experience
Handicapable Access Fishing Platform
Constructed accessible fishing platform at Tifft Nature Preserve to ensure fishing access for people with disabilities
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
Provides lifetime fishing licenses to local children to encourage lifelong participation in fishing
Monthly Educational Meetings
Hosts guest speakers on fishing, boating safety, and conservation topics for members and the public
Special People Fishing
Annual five-day event providing free fishing opportunities for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in an indoor pond setting
Youth Scholarships
Annual $2,000 college scholarships for students studying marine science, biology, conservation, or conservation law enforcement
activities · 11 groups
What they do
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Conservation-Focused Outdoor Sports Education 2 activities
- Lifetime Fishing Licenses for ChildrenProvides New York State lifetime fishing licenses annually to multiple local children, granting them permanent legal access to fish.
- Monthly Educational MeetingsHosts monthly meetings featuring guest speakers on topics including fishing, boating, and conservation.
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Lake and River Advocacy 1 activity
- Advocacy for Gill Net Ban in Lake ErieAdvocated for and contributed to the ban on gill netting in New York State waters of Lake Erie to protect walleye populations from over-harvest by commercial fishermen.
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Industry-Specific Student Scholarships and Competitions 1 activity
- College Scholarship ProgramAwards $2,000 annually in college scholarships to students pursuing studies in marine science, biology, conservation, or conservation law enforcement.
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Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Hunting Management 1 activity
- Game Fish Designation Advocacy for WalleyePlayed a key role in securing game fish designation for walleye in New York State, preventing commercial exploitation and promoting sustainable recreational fishing.
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Event Venue Rental Services 1 activity
- Hall Facility RentalOffers rental of a hall facility for community events or private gatherings.
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Facility Accessibility Improvements 1 activity
- Handicapped-Accessible Fishing PlatformBuilt and maintains a handicapped-accessible fishing platform at the Tifft Nature Preserve to improve inclusive public access to fishing.
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Community Event Fundraising 1 activity
- Harry A. Smith Installation Dinner and FundraiserHosts an annual dinner event for member recognition and fundraising, held in Hamburg, NY.
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Youth Outdoor & Conservation Education Scholarships 1 activity
- Kids Conservation Camp ProgramSends four children annually to the New York State DEC Conservation Camp for a week-long educational experience focused on conservation.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Kids Fishing DerbyHosts an annual Kids Fishing Derby serving over 300 children and their families, including large-scale food service such as cooking more than 1,000 hot dogs within one hour.
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Adaptive Sports Programs 1 activity
- Special People Fishing WeekendsRuns a five-day annual indoor trout fishing program during winter for individuals with physical or mental disabilities, serving over 600 participants at no cost.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Annual Walleye DerbyOrganizes and hosts an annual amateur walleye tournament, one of the largest in North America, featuring participant registration, weigh stations, and awarding over $100,000 in cash and prizes each year.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$191K
Contributions & grants$32K17%
Program service revenue$133K70%
Investment income$3320%
Other revenue$25K
expenses
Total expenses$196K
Program expenses100%
Admin / overhead0%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineOther
balance sheet
Total assets$58K
Cash$44K
Investments$12K
Liabilities$156K
Net assets$-97K
Liquid reserves3.4 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -14.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 12
- David Gwynne — Director
- Dennis Stachowski — Director
- Dick Kempf — Director
- Don Mullen — Director
- Doug Freeman — Director
- Jim Stechenfinger — Director
- John Held — Director
- John Kalinski — Director
- Mac Melnyk — Director
- Mike Kromke — Director
- Mike McCloud — Sgt at Arms
- Mike Sacca — Director
relationships · 10
Who they work with
- Erie Promotions and Expos Partner — Collaborates with Erie Promotions and Expos to present the Annual W.N.Y. Outdoor and Travel Expo at the Hamburg Fair Grounds.
- Erie Promotions and Expos Partner — Collaborates with the organization to present the Annual W.N.Y. Outdoor and Travel Expo at the Hamburg Fair Grounds.
- Facebook Partner — Uses Facebook to share information about current activities, products, and regional happenings with members and the public.
- Instagram Partner — Uses Instagram to share real-time updates about club activities and news.
- N.Y.S. DEC Government — Engages with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation through guest participation in meetings and collaboration on conservation initiatives.
- N.Y.S. Department of Environmental Conservation Government — Engages with the N.Y.S. DEC through guest speakers at monthly meetings and collaborates on conservation initiatives and youth programs such as the DEC Conservation Camp.
- NOAA Government — References NOAA buoy data and marine forecasts to support fishing activities and safety.
- NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Government — Provides links to NYS License Information and NYS Fishing Regulations, indicating alignment with state environmental and fishing regulations.
- STWA Network — Member organization using acronym STWA (Southtowns Walleye Association)
- SUNY Government — Utilizes SUNY-operated buoy data for environmental monitoring on Lake Erie.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Education as a Pathway to Conservation Stewardshipmethodology: education-for-conservationBy educating children and adults about fishing and natural resource preservation, the organization fosters long-term behavioral commitment to conservation, because informed individuals are more likely to adopt and advocate for sustainable practices.
- Inclusive Access to Foster Community Engagement and Equitymethodology: inclusive_access_fishingBy developing accessible infrastructure and ensuring fishing opportunities for people of all abilities, the organization strengthens community engagement and promotes equity in outdoor recreation, because physical and social inclusion increases participation and broadens stewardship values.
- Peer-Led Knowledge Sharing to Enhance Skill Development and Conservation Practicemethodology: peer-led educationBy facilitating peer-to-peer learning among experienced anglers and the public, the organization improves fishing skills and promotes responsible practices, because experiential knowledge transfer builds trust and reinforces conservation norms within the community.
- Youth Engagement Through Education and Long-Term Accessmethodology: youth_engagement_and_stewardshipBy combining early outdoor education with sustained access incentives, the organization cultivates lifelong conservation stewards, because formative experiences paired with continued opportunity create durable environmental values.