For years, the Upper Peninsula Sport Fisherman’s Association has been working on improving many forms of fishing throughout the Western Upper Peninsula. It was at a meeting they held this past Wednesday that the effort to obtain funding to enhance the fisheries in the area was announced.

JR Richardson, UPSFA board chairman, discussed the Bond Falls Mitigation and Enhancement Fund Grant.

“There is approximately $20,000-$25,000 that could be awarded through this grant to enhance the fishing in our region,” Richardson stated at the meeting, held at the Ontonagon Veterans of Foreign Wars post. “This is an annual grant that is renewed each year. The deadline to apply for this year has passed.”

A former chairman of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, Richardson stated that the UPSFA will apply for the funds in 2023.

Over the past decade, the UPSFA has worked on improving fish habitat and fish plants. They have also been active in promoting the kids fishing tournament on one of the state of Michigan kids/family fishing ponds. The one located in Rockland, which is a joint project between the Rockland American Legion, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and promoted by the UPSFA.

It was at Wednesday’s meeting that the organization discussed a fundraiser for two other projects.

“We have a fundraiser currently underway for an autographed Ted Nugent guitar,” explained Richardson. “All proceeds from the sales for this fundraiser will go toward Camp Josh, the UP Sports Fisherman’s Association, and the Kandy Richardson memorial Scholarship at Gogebic Community College.”

Camp Josh, outside of Ontonagon, is a camp for physically challenged individuals. The camp has a fishing pond where individuals in wheelchairs are able to fish from a specially designed dock.

The UPSFA is totally a volunteer organization.

“The annual membership drive will take place beginning in November and run through December 31. Anyone is encouraged to become a member,” Richardson stated.

Membership fees are $10.00 for single and $15.00 for family.

“All proceeds going directly toward enhancing the fishing experiences in the Ontonagon County area,” concluded Richardson.

For more information, contact Pam Karttunen, UPSFA board secretary, at 906-884-4016.