BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Forty Creek®, an award-winning Canadian whisky distiller based in Ontario, has signed on as a Conservation Partner of B.A.S.S. and sponsor of former Bassmaster Classic champion Casey Ashley of Donalds, S.C., B.A.S.S. CEO Bruce Akin announced today.
As part of the Conservation Partnership, the whisky brand will contribute $30,000 to B.A.S.S. Nation conservation projects in Georgia, Missouri and Texas. Each state organization will receive $10,000.
“We commend Forty Creek for focusing its support on two things our bass fishing fans care so much about — quality bass fishing and outstanding bass anglers like Casey,” Akin said. “These conservation donations will serve as an example of how other companies both outside and within the sportfishing industry can contribute to our natural resources and those who enjoy them.”
The B.A.S.S. Nation is a network of affiliated B.A.S.S. clubs in 47 states and 10 foreign countries. Organizations in each state or country have volunteer conservation directors who work with government agencies and volunteers to promote fisheries management, public access, youth fishing and more. Nation members are among the most avid and conservation-minded anglers among the 500,000 members of B.A.S.S.
“I think it is fantastic when companies that are not a traditional part of the fishing industry make a commitment to conservation like Forty Creek has done,” added Gene Gilliland, national conservation director for B.A.S.S. “It recognizes that our B.A.S.S. Nation members are dedicated stewards of our environment and that their work to protect and enhance aquatic habitats benefits the broader public.
“This partnership with Forty Creek will help shine a spotlight on projects in Texas, Georgia and Missouri and show how industry and bass anglers are not only working to make fishing better, but also are giving back to their communities.”
The company will be permitted to use the B.A.S.S. Conservation logo with its “Proud Partner” designation in signage and other media promoting the program.
Forty Creek also has engaged Ashley, one of the most popular and successful anglers on the prestigious Elite Series circuit, to promote and represent the brand. The 34-year-old professional angler has won four Bassmaster championships, including the 2015 Classic on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina.
“I’m really excited to partner with Forty Creek because, like us anglers, they are passionate about the outdoors and committed to the conservation and improvement of our fisheries,” Ashley said. “I’m fortunate to be working with a company that wants to use their resources to make a difference and that they’ve chosen me to take part in it.”