About NFFP

Creation of "Friends"

Volunteers have been an important part of many of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Fisheries facilities throughout the country for some time. In the past several years, volunteers began forming "friends" organizations throughout the country in support of National Fish Hatcheries, Fish Health and Technology Centers, and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices (FWCOs). In 2006, the Congress formalized these Fisheries Friends and other volunteer efforts in support of the FWS Fisheries program by passing the National Fish Hatchery Volunteer Act.

 
National Fish Hatchery Volunteer Act

The Act provided the legislative vehicle for the FWS Fisheries program to formalize and expand its many volunteer groups by establishing the National Fisheries Friends Partnership (NFFP). Activities, goals and objectives for the NFFP are developed under the leadership of a volunteer board of directors, established in 2009, all of whom are Friends members. Guidance and coordination is provided by FWS Fisheries program staff in the Washington office.

 
MISSION

Create a meaningful working partnership between USFWS Fisheries Programs and citizen Friends Groups

Promote community engagement and partnerships for wise conservation and stewardship of our nation’s valuable waters and fisheries resources.

Help all of our nation’s fisheries thrive with positive public awareness, education and involvement.

Promote, events and opportunities for the public to enjoy the benefits and pleasures of healthy aquatic resources

VISION

Working in partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and others, we seek to promote volunteerism and opportunities for the stewardship and conservation of our aquatic resources.

Our shared experience and resources enable NFFP to help Friends Groups with programs and projects, building membership, and impacting legislation.

A strong network of Friends Groups can serve and enhance facilities, helping fisheries to grow and prosper in all 50 states.


ACTION PLAN

A priority for NFFP is reaching out to Fisheries Friends Groups not yet connected with Fisheries Friends Initiative to share our vision and support. We will identify both stations needing or wanting a Friends Group and communities wanting help starting a group for their Fisheries facilities.

NFFP’s Proposed Needs Survey is generating answers about how Friends Groups function, and the needs of FWS Fisheries stations where we can help groups get started.

Our 501(c)(3) status enables NFFP to serve as an umbrella organization for Friends Groups until they complete their own applications.

We encourage and foster open and effective communication among Friends Groups and within NFFP.