Au Sable Opportunity

A matching grant offers a great chance to double your contribution to conservation efforts. photo courtesy Anglers of the Au Sable

The Anglers of the Au Sable have been given a wonderful opportunity. The Charlevoix County Community Foundation has stepped forward and offered to the Anglers a “Challenge Matching Grant” of $20,000. That means that the Anglers of the Au Sable must raise $20,000 in order to receive this matching grant of $20,000.00. The challenge is raising $20,000 by January 1, 2011.

This money will then be used to fund the very projects that are at the forefront of Michigan conservation.  From gas wells, to water rights, to fishing regulations, to such grassroots projects as erosion control and trout structures, the Anglers is known as an organization that gets things done in Northern Michigan.

But we need your help and we need it now.  Remember, we have only until January 1st to raise this money.  Any contributions should be directed to:

 

Anglers of the Au Sable,

P.O. Box 200

Grayling, MI 49738.  

Make sure to note on the memo of the check “Challenge Matching Grant.” Donations can also be made through the Anglers of the Au Sable Web site.

Last Year, Orvis and its customers raised $70,000 to help Anglers of the Au Sable’s effort to place large woody debris in the South Branch of the Au Sable to restore and maintain trout habitat from Smith Bridge to the confluence with the mainstream of the Au Sable. The debris increases the stability of the stream channel, reduces erosion, and serves as cover for the river’s fish. It will also return the Au Sable River to its natural state prior to the logging era. Let’s keep that ball rolling!