| FFC IS NOW AN INCORPORATED NONPROFIT! This marks FFC’s first newsletter as a standalone nonprofit. As of late spring, we are formally established as a 501(c)(3), incorporated in Washington, D.C. This achievement was made possible thanks to the expertise of the law firm Latham and Watkins, who graciously assisted with incorporation on a pro-bono basis. We took action to become a nonprofit to better advocate for the restoration of Fletcher’s Cove and to promote the site as one of D.C’s premier outdoor resources, and one of the best urban fisheries in the country. Moving forward, FFC will work to enhance Fletcher’s Cove across these key pillars: Achieve short-term and long-term sustainable access at Fletcher’s Cove through dredging and sustainable restoration; Build a strong and engaged community of supporters and volunteers at the Cove; Enhance access by contributing to the supply of iconic rowboats; Connect our region’s youth to outdoor experiences at Fletcher’s Cove. FFC is fortunate to have a great set of board members. These include Chris Wood, Mike Bailey, Sara Tucker, Mark Binsted, Michael Mazer, Seth Amgott, Gabby Bilotta, Josh Cohn, Will Poston, and Mitch Butler. Check out our website and learn about our board! Our first executive director is our longtime volunteer Rob Catalanotto (Robert@friendsoffletcherscove.org). |
| Donate to Protect Fletcher’s Cove! |
| “Rowboat Diplomacy” at Fletcher’s Cove: Our rare, extended spring made for fantastic fishing this year. Everyone at FFC loves getting folks out on the water. Chris Wood, whose organization, Trout Unlimited, does a lot of restoration in the headwaters of the Potomac in West Virginia, calls these efforts “rowboat diplomacy.” He shared this piece about how Fletcher’s Cove offers an excellent stage to showcase our public lands and waters and educate members of Congress about Trout Unlimited’s mission. Fletcher’s Cove was also featured on WAMU and DCist, in this story by Héctor Alejandro Arzate, highlighting the importance of the Cove for immigrant communities: At Fletchers Cove, immigrants fish for joy, connection and healing. Even our friends at Axios made an appearance at the Cove last spring. |
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| Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM) and Senator Jim Risch (ID) show off a schoolie striped bass and an American shad. |
| Youth Engagement: In April, FFC was fortunate to participate alongside the National Park Service, the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment, and Howard University’s Bison Outside—a part of the National Park Trust’s college program—for a day of fishing at the Cove. The shad and perch were biting! DOEE Fisheries biologist, Chris Campo, lent tackle and expert angling advice. |
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| National Park Service staff speak with Howard Univeristy’s Bison Outside members about fishing at Fletcher’s in front of DOEE’s Mobile First Catch Center. |
| Fletcher’s Cove Fishing Fiesta! On July 8th 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, the National Park Service (NPS) hosted a “Fishing Fiesta” at Fletcher’s Cove, within the C&O Canal National Historical Park. It was a great, family-friendly day highlighting urban fishing and outdoor recreation, with a casting clinic and other outdoor activities. We’re already looking forward to next year! |
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| Photo credit: Chris Campo |
| Support the Cove: As FFC gets up and running as a standalone nonprofit, we will need your support more than ever. To make a tax-deductible contribution, visit this link. Reach out to us with questions or to get involved! |
| Donate to Protect Fletcher’s Cove! |
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| photo credit: Gabby Bilotta |
FFC Summer Newsletter
