BoatUS Vice President of Government Affairs Chris Edmonston has been elected chairman of the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council. Senior-level representatives from state and federal wildlife agencies, saltwater and freshwater fishing organizations, recreational boating groups, recreational boating and fishing industries, conservation organizations, tribal representatives and the tourism industry comprise the 18-member body. The council advises the U.S. Secretary of the Interior on recreational fishing, boating and aquatic resource conservation issues.

Edmonston and the council will work on items such as improving access to recreational activities on America’s waters, conserving fisheries and waterways, combating invasive species, and a wide array of other topics that impact boating and fishing.

Throughout the council’s 26-year history, its members’ 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. This includes the recent funding of $20.6 million in Boating Infrastructure Grants for 56 projects in 35 states that will create and improve transient dockage facilities for recreational vessels 26 feet in length or greater, offering hundreds of new slips and improved amenities for visiting boaters to safely tie up for the afternoon or night.