BoatU.S. Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs Ryck Lydecker has been elected Chairman of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council. The Council advises the U.S. Secretary of the Interior on recreational fishing, boating and aquatic resource conservation issues.
This is the first time since its inception that the Council has elected its Chair from the boating community. Lydecker, who will serve a two-year term, has previously served on the Council for four years and was most recently Chair of the Boating Issues Committee.
“The next two years are going to be pivotal for the Council, given the number of key challenges – and opportunities – that face boating, fishing and conservation,” said Lydecker. “Boating and fishing access, especially on inland waters, will remain a top priority as we set our next agenda,” he added.
The Council also elected Douglass Boyd, of Boerne, TX, to serve as its Vice Chair. Boyd is a long-time member of the Coastal Conservation Association and is a member of its Board of Directors.
Over its 15 year history, the Council’s advice and recommendations have played a vital role in helping the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shape its fisheries and boating programs that are funded by boater and angler tax dollars. It recently played a leadership role in the development of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan, a partnership to restore fisheries and aquatic habitat across the nation.
BoatU.S. – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its 650,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a group-rate marine insurance program that insures nearly a quarter million boats; the largest fleet of more than 500 towing assistance vessels; discounts on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 870 Cooperating Marinas; boat financing; and a subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, the most widely read boating publication in the U.S.
