On Sunday, December 8, Bishop resident Chris Leonard attended the 2024 Pasadena Casting Club Holiday Party & Awards Gala. Chris is a proud member of PCC. PCC Club President Steve Terui extended an invitation to him to educate the attendees about the recently formed Crowley Fish Foundation. CFF was established in 2024, and has already come a long way since the initial board meeting occurring back in May 2024. About one hundred PCC members were present for this annual event, and to hear Mr. Leonard.
Chris shared the reason for the establishment of this organization. He gave a brief history of unofficial creel counts of Crowley Lake, dating back roughly the last decade. Creel count data that he shared is based on numbers that several guides have been recording over the years. While commending the recent efforts of California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Leonard stated the obvious that there are more outdoor recreational users now than ever before, and government agencies need the assistance of organizations like CFF to help keep up with pressure put on natural resources and environments. This is true of all forms of recreation from OHV users to climbers to skiers, etc.
He mentioned the creation of Bishop-based Valley Outdoors, spearheaded by Michael Lueders, as an example of addressing the need of growing assistance of such establishments. VO helps agencies such as USFS and BLM, in particular with backcountry access. The mission of CFF is to keep Crowley Lake and its tributaries as world-class fishing destinations and to preserve them for future generations. CFF is also working with veteran groups and youth groups, as Leonard stated. He referenced an excursion back in August when CFF worked with VO and Two Wolf Foundation to take veterans fishing on Crowley Lake. Education and conservation is a big part of CFF efforts.
The CFF website went live this last week, and Leonard enthusiastically shared the website with all in attendance. He humbly asked for the financial support of attendees. While CFF does not yet have 501c3 status, the organization is beginning the 501c3 process. Michael C. Tu – fellow Pasadena Casting Club member – is offering legal assistance including pursuit of 501c3 status. He is one of several people volunteering with this organization. Persons helping are listed on the website under the “Our Team” link found under “About.” All work is volunteer.
The CFF website is www.crowleyfishfoundation.org. Chris encourages everyone to look at the website, and consider making a donation to this great cause. Donations can be made through the website, or a check can be written payable to Crowley Fish Foundation. The mailing address is on the website.