FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 15, 2017

CONTACT:
Christina Bonini
Communications Coordinator
(804) 928-8111
cbonini@jrava.org

245 Fly Anglers – from President Jimmy Carter to Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard – Collaborate to Support the James River Association

First book signing with authors and contributors today

The James River Association is one of two organizations, along with the Oregon-based Native Fish Society, to be selected as a recipient of proceeds from the book America’s Favorite Flies. The book is a pro bono collaborative effort of 245 flyfishers from throughout North America who have provided essays, stories, artworks, favorite flies and much more – all to benefit healthy waters and fisheries through the work of the James River Association and Native Fish Society.

The first America’s Favorite Flies book signing will be held Friday, December 15, 3:30-7:30 p.m., at Kindred Spirit Brewing, 12830 West Creek Parkway, Richmond, VA. Also, America’s Favorite Flies merchandise will be available next door at C. Forbes, Inc.

The book’s contributors include notables such as President Jimmy Carter, Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard, and “The Waltons” creator/writer Earl Hamner; flyfishing icons such as Joan Wulff,; artist James Prosek,; and Richmonders such as philanthropists Pam and Bill Royall, Hunton & Williams Chairman Emeritus Thurston Moore, GWAR lead singer Michael Bishop, and the James River Association’s own Bill Street.

“We considered many organizations as beneficiaries of this project,” stated pro bono coordinators Rob Carter and John Bryan. “The James River Association rose to the top not only because of the many superlatives associated with the river itself, but especially because of the organization’s exemplary best practices including its State of the James report. Likewise the Native Fish Society’s work has nationwide implications and best practices.”

“The James River Association is honored to be the beneficiaries of this stunning piece of work,” said Bill Street, CEO for the James River Association. “Bringing public awareness to the need for clean rivers and streams that support healthy fisheries is at the core of our work. America’s Favorite Flies beautifully depicts the sport of fly fishing while promoting stewardship for our waterways.”

Widely recognized already as a “landmark publication” for fly fishing, America’s Favorite Flies’ 656 pages and 1,700 color images provide revealing and often intimate looks at the book’s 245 diverse contributors. Plus, the book is visually stunning – designed by internationally recognized graphic designer Rob Carter.

“The James River Association is a model for all organizations that are concerned with healthy waters,” said Bryan and Carter. “We are so pleased that America’s Favorite Flies can help put an even brighter spotlight on their good work!”

To find out more, visit www.americasfavoriteflies.com.

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ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION:
The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond and Williamsburg, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.jamesriverassociation.org.