One Bug™ fishing tournament helps fish habitat

HANCOCK, NY — The second One Bug™ fundraiser, sponsored by the Friends of the Upper Delaware River (FUDR), will kick off with a dinner on Friday, April 24, at the Old Capital Theatre, 116 Front St. in Hancock. The event also includes a fly-fishing tournament on Saturday and Sunday, in which all spots are already taken, but the Friday dinner, which includes an open bar, dinner, live and silent auctions, entertainment and a one-year membership to FUDR, is open to all.

Last year’s event raised $21,000 from fishing team entry fees and auction held at the Friday dinner. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation matched these funds dollar for dollar, and the $41,000 in total proceeds will be used to help restore Sands Creek and Cadosia Creek in the Hancock area.

Dan Plummer, chairman of FUDR, said the group wants to help make the tributaries safe from flooding.

“If we can get into these streams at the headwaters and work all the way down to where the streams meet the big river, we should be able to make a difference,” he said. “With thoughtful restoration, habitat will also be improved for the wild rainbow and brown trout.... This will be a win-win project for residents and the fishery.”

FUDR has been a leader in the battle to get a more efficient water-release plan in place from the NYC-owned reservoirs that will provide safety from flooding and a sustainable world-class fishery. The environmental group believes there is more than enough water behind the dams to satisfy all the needs of the fishery, protect residents from flooding and not deprive any NYC residents a drop of their drinking water.

In addition to helping the river system, FUDR also gave $5,000 to the Lourdes Clinic to provide better health care locally, $500 to the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank in Hancock and $1,300 to buy uniforms for the local youth wrestling team.

For more information visit fudr.org. Tickets may also be purchased from Theresa at Hancock Liquor.