Izaak Walton League of America Mountaineer Chapter

Goals:
Formed in 1922, the National Izaak Walton League is one of America's oldest and most respected nonprofit conservation organizations.  Today, total membership is around 50,000 nationwide all working together to defend the nation's and the world's soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife.  The league fulfills its conservation mission by; 1) promoting citizen involvement in local environmental protection efforts; 2) educating the public about emerging natural resources threats; 3) representing conservation concerns before Congress, state legislatures and government agencies, pressing for strong laws, regulations and funding to protect resources; and 4) enforcing these laws when necessary by taking violators to court.

History:
On January 9, 1956 an organizational meeting was held at the Elkins City Hall to determine interest in forming an Izaak Walton League chapter.  There was much enthusiasm and interest among local sportsmen to form such a club.  After several meetings the Chapter was officially chartered on April 12, 1956.  Sidney E. Neese was the founder of the Chapter and Ephe Olliver was elected as the Chapters first President.  The fall of '56 found members looking for a permanent home for the Chapter.  A tract of 806 acres was found on Files Creek, Randolph County.  The property was only 11 miles from Elkins, a public road ran through it, about half the property is bordered by the Monongahela National Forest and good timber was on the property.  In April 1957 the club voted to accept option on the property and on May 16, 1957 the deed was signed.  The Chapter was incorporated in Randolph County on February 6, 1957, as a nonprofit corporation exclusively for scientific and educational purposes.  On November 24, 1959 the mortgage and donated bonds were burned at a dinner meeting.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Membership Info:

Charles H. Friddle

P.O. Box 1891

Elkins, WV 26241

cpfriddle@suddenlink.net