Friends of Reservoirs

Overview

Friends of Reservoirs (FOR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and protecting fisheries habitat in reservoir systems across the United States. The organization functions as the financial arm of the Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership (RFHP), which is part of the National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP)[1][3][4].

History

The Friends of Reservoirs Foundation was established in 2010 with financial support from Bass Pro Shops. This followed a series of meetings and efforts by state agency fish chiefs, federal agencies, and corporate representatives to raise awareness about the importance of reservoirs within the NFHP framework. The Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership (RFHP) was formally recognized by the NFHP Board in October 2009, emphasizing its national relevance[1].

Mission and Activities

FOR's mission is to support local reservoir habitat restoration projects through public-private partnerships. Local and state-wide angling or conservation groups can become FOR members, contributing to a nationwide network of professionals and citizens working to enhance reservoir fisheries habitat[1]. This is crucial as many reservoirs in the U.S. face degraded habitats and water quality issues, often due to eutrophication or aging infrastructure[3].

Since its inception, FOR has funded numerous projects across multiple states. The first project was awarded in 2010 to the Seven Coves Bass Club for native vegetation efforts on Lake Conroe, Texas. By 2023, over 40 additional projects had been supported in 18 states[1].

Economic and Environmental Impact

The economic impact of reservoir fisheries is significant, with over 60 million anglers contributing to a substantial portion of the national economy. The fishing industry generates billions of dollars annually, making conservation efforts by organizations like FOR vital for both ecological health and economic sustainability[3].

Nonprofit Status

Friends of Reservoirs is registered with the EIN (Employer Identification Number) 273605852 and operates as a charitable organization. It has received a rating on Charity Navigator, reflecting its status as a recognized non-profit entity[5].