2023 Annual Report
YELLOW DOG COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION FOUNDATION
community & PARTNERSHIP
Partnership and collaboration are two values at the core of YDCCF. The work we fund isn’t possible without our partners on the ground in angling destinations across the globe. And, great outcomes are a direct result of open collaboration, a whole lot of listening and the willingness to understand the perspectives that our partners share with us.
Yellow Dog Flyfishing built its reputation in the travel business by fostering exactly these types of partnerships, so it’s natural that one of the benefits from almost 25 years of building relationships is that YDCCF can lend a hand in supporting our partners, elevating them, and helping the communities they serve.
In 2023, we rolled out the new YDCCF Lodge Partner Program with a goal of inviting our partners to support and participate in YDCCF’s mission. As we count on so many of them to be the leaders in their communities, and in some cases, even oversee project management and execution for the work we fund, it’s no surprise that many of them stepped up immediately to further deepen our relationship.
Our Lodge Partners are integral to our connection to the communities we serve. They live there, raise families, and have the type of deep knowledge that only comes from being a part of a place. We rely on them to be at the forefront of preserving the nature and resiliency of these special places.
BROOKS SCOTT, YDCCF Executive Director
YDCCF Lodge Partners commit to an annual donation to YDCCF, and in most cases, the money they are donating ends up back in their community being put to work solving issues and creating opportunities for residents through projects YDCCF supports.
In 2023, several of our grants supported programs initiated by our Lodge Partners. As you will see below, Lodge Partner projects received over 60% of YDCCF’s total funding allocated in 2023. This is a prime example of why these relationships are so important. Click here for the full list of our Lodge Partners.
We are proud to support all our partners across the angling world and grateful for the opportunity to work with them to help improve, enhance and protect the communities and fisheries they call home.
Global impact
Our work in 2023 again spanned the angling globe – from the Bahamas to Costa Rica to Mexico, Montana and Mongolia. A dozen projects received a total of over $170,000 in grassroots funding. To learn more, keep scrolling!
Ongoing Projects
Many of the projects that YDCCF supports are long term efforts requiring years of work and investment. Each of the below are examples of how we are investing for the long haul with some of our closest partners.
MONGOLIA
Healthy Taimen Festival | Mongolia River Outfitters
The Healthy Taimen Festivals are two-day events held in remote communities in Mongolia. YDCCF Premier Lodge Partner Mongolia River Outfitters provides opportunities for visiting health professionals to volunteer their skills, and partners with BioRegions International to bring in additional medical professionals – both international and Mongolian – to aid in local community health screenings.
BAHAMAS
East End Dorian Relief Fund
Hurricane Dorian completely wiped out the east end of Grand Bahama in 2019. The East End Dorian Relief Fund originally focused on providing basic needs in the wake of the storm and is now assisting residents of McLeans Town in rebuilding their homes so that they can return to the community.
MEXICO
Xcalak English Project | the XFLATS
On the southernmost tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico lies the village of Xcalak, whose primary industries are tourism and destination angling. A collaboration with YDCCF Premier Lodge Partner XFlats Lodge, the Xcalak English Project brings Bozeman-based ESL students and instructors into the community for a weeklong introductory course on English for up to 40 community members.
BAHAMAS
Mangrove Cay Recreational Community Park Association
The community of Little Harbour on Mangrove Cay on Andros in the Bahamas has been working for the last three years on building a recreational park for its residents. A basketball court has been completed that sees daily use and bleachers have been added as well as a clubhouse with restrooms. The plan also calls for a running track, tennis courts, a childrens’ playground and lighting for the entire park.
MEXICO
punta allen
Punta Allen, situated on Ascension Bay on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is where YDCCF got its start. We’ve been working to improve the daily lives of residents for over eight years and our commitment remains as strong as ever.
Projects with Purpose
YDCCF focuses on providing small, targeted grants to local organizations and communities in the places where great angling is found. We rely on our vast network of partners throughout the world to help find and connect us with the people on the ground making a difference in their communities and watersheds. Below you will find some of the projects we supported in 2023. A full list is available here.
COSTA RICA
Cano Negro Youth Education Program
The Rural Communities and Nature Coexistence Youth Education Program seeks to build on an existing environmental education program by taking the top 10 students from the villages of Cano Negro, San Antonio and Aguas Negras, Costa Rica and deepen their education.
MONTANA
SAVE WILD TROUT
SAVE WILD TROUT was launched to address the dismal Spring 2023 fish count numbers in Montana’s Jefferson Basin – an area that includes the world-famous Big Hole, Ruby, Beaverhead and Jefferson Rivers – legendary cold-water fisheries that have historically supported an abundance of wild trout. This coalition of anglers, river advocates, concerned citizens, businesses, guides, and outfitters have come together with the focused mission of protecting wild trout for the benefit of all.
BAHAMAS
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Northern Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project
When Hurricane Dorian struck the northern Bahamas in late summer of 2019, it left a path of destruction across the eastern end of Grand Bahama and the northern end of Abaco. Our partners at Bonefish and Tarpon Trust have been working on restoring the vast mangrove forests ever since, with a goal of planting more than 100,000 mangroves to help the ecosystem recover. YDCCF’s grant supports local guides in assisting in those efforts, as they are key partners in ensuring the resiliency of the fishery.
MONTANA
Montana Trout Unlimited
Montana Trout Unlimited’s goal is to conserve, protect and restore Montana’s cold water fisheries and their watersheds. Each year, they host a youth conservation camp where children have the opportunity to learn about fly fishing, conservation and advocacy.
MONTANA
guiding for the future (g4f)
Administered by the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana, G4F provides advanced levels of knowledge and skill development for professional fishing guides and outfitters. The program’s goal is to inspire dedicated stewardship of aquatic ecosystems while increasing knowledge, professionalism, and ethics of fishing guides, outfitters, and the fly-fishing industry throughout Montana.
ALASKA
United Tribes of Bristol Bay
The fight to protect the Bristol Bay region of Alaska has raged on for more than 20 years. After receiving a positive determination from the EPA regarding the potential effects of the proposed Pebble Mine project on the region’s water resources, the coalition of organizations leading the fight changed their focus from “Stop Pebble Mine” to “Bristol Bay Forever” in an effort to move to the next stage of the fight: securing permanent protection for Bristol Bay from mining and detrimental development. YDCCF supported the United Tribes of Bristol Bay with funding for their marketing campaign around this name change.
PHOTO: Ben Knight
BAHAMAS + BEYOND
Fish For Change
F4C’s mission is to use fly-fishing as a platform to make the world a better place by uniting a diverse group of students in wild fisheries where they engage in a variety of initiatives that promote Connection, Education, Conservation, and Exploration. They run weeklong programs in Honduras, Mexico, the Bahamas, Costa Rica and Colorado. Local students receive scholarships to be able to attend the program. Part of the curriculum includes partnering with local organizations in each location to participate and learn more about ongoing conservation initiatives.
MONTANA
Fish Kind
Fish Kind is a new effort created by One Montana modeled after their ongoing successful Outside Kind program. It seeks to raise knowledge and awareness of anglers and inspire them to become champions and effective advocates on behalf of Montana's fish and the waters they depend on. The early stages of the program focus on creating educational materials and outreach to local businesses and partners to help plant the seeds for growing the program in future seasons.
2023: The Year in Numbers
2023 saw an over 40% increase in YDCCF’s fundraising efforts, buoyed by the first year of the Lodge Partner Program, our first annual Online Auction and a number of destination fundraising events like the Big Yard Classic Tournament. Much of the funding raised in 2023 is slated for grants in 2024 as we ramp up our funding for projects through the Lodge Partner Program.
REVENUE
$303,964
EXPENSES
$286,978
Giving back with every trip booked
As a traveling angler, you have a choice – of places to go, and partners to help you on your journey. When you choose to work with Yellow Dog Flyfishing, know that a portion of your trip booking is donated back to YDCCF to help us in our efforts. Not only do you benefit (at no extra cost!) from Yellow Dog’s deep experience in crafting memorable trips, but some of your investment finds its way back into programs that benefit the community you’re traveling to. No other travel company does this.
Partners and Donors
Simply put: we couldn’t do the work we do without the support of a wide array of donors, including individuals and family foundations, the fly fishing industry (companies donate gear to our auctions and events) as well as our Lodge Partners. Roughly half the money we raise each year comes from individual donors and YDCCF welcomes your support! We thank each and every 2023 donor listed below!
Lodge Partners
Ascension Bay Lodge (Punta Allen, Mexico) -
Grand Slam Lodge (Punta Allen, Mexico) -
The XFlats (Xcalak, Mexico) -
Costa de Cocos (Xcalak, Mexico) -
Ascension Bay Lodge (Punta Allen, Mexico) - Grand Slam Lodge (Punta Allen, Mexico) - The XFlats (Xcalak, Mexico) - Costa de Cocos (Xcalak, Mexico) -
El Pescador (Belize) -
Belize River Lodge (Belize) -
Turneffe Flats (Belize) -
Victoria House (Belize) -
El Pescador (Belize) - Belize River Lodge (Belize) - Turneffe Flats (Belize) - Victoria House (Belize) -
Swain’s Cay Lodge (Bahamas) -
East End Lodge (Bahamas) -
Abaco Lodge (Bahamas) -
Mt Pleasant Lodge (Bahamas) -
Swain’s Cay Lodge (Bahamas) - East End Lodge (Bahamas) - Abaco Lodge (Bahamas) - Mt Pleasant Lodge (Bahamas) -
Bear Trail Lodge (Alaska) -
Mongolia River Outfitters (Mongolia) -
Madison Double R (Montana) -
Christmas Island Lodge (Kiribati) -
Martin Pescador (Chile) -
Owen River Lodge (New Zealand) -
Cedar Lodge (New Zealand) -
Avalon Outdoors (Cuba) -
Bear Trail Lodge (Alaska) - Mongolia River Outfitters (Mongolia) - Madison Double R (Montana) - Christmas Island Lodge (Kiribati) - Martin Pescador (Chile) - Owen River Lodge (New Zealand) - Cedar Lodge (New Zealand) - Avalon Outdoors (Cuba) -
Donors
$5,001 - $10,000+
Yellow Dog Fly fishing - Chris Baker - Foundation 33:11 - Mr. and Mrs. Flint McNaughton, Mr. and Mrs. Mason Reay -
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Yellow Dog Fly fishing - Chris Baker - Foundation 33:11 - Mr. and Mrs. Flint McNaughton, Mr. and Mrs. Mason Reay - -
Scott and Kathleen Nichols - Hunter and Andrea Parks - Phillip Bendele - Madison RR Lodge - Turneffe Flats - Patagonia -
Scott and Kathleen Nichols - Hunter and Andrea Parks - Phillip Bendele - Madison RR Lodge - Turneffe Flats - Patagonia -
$501 - $5,000
Mrs. Laura Bucholz - Robert Neher - Todd Ware - Miree Lee - John DiCola - Peter Mathieson - Mr. and Mrs. Wallis Higginbotham - Bryan Pearman - Sandhill Family Fund - Moorhead Family Fund
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Mrs. Laura Bucholz - Robert Neher - Todd Ware - Miree Lee - John DiCola - Peter Mathieson - Mr. and Mrs. Wallis Higginbotham - Bryan Pearman - Sandhill Family Fund - Moorhead Family Fund -
Heggie Wilson - Mr. David Morrissey - Sonny Culp - Todd Ware - Mark Adolf Schumacher - The McAdam Charitable Fund - Eric Yonke - Eric Scott - Sascha Douglass - Alex McAlister
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Heggie Wilson - Mr. David Morrissey - Sonny Culp - Todd Ware - Mark Adolf Schumacher - The McAdam Charitable Fund - Eric Yonke - Eric Scott - Sascha Douglass - Alex McAlister -
Brett Baker - Josh Smith - Piers Westerman - David Benson - Ross Wenger - Swains Cay Lodge - Thomas and Thomas Rods - The Villages CX - Hatch Outdoors - Kistler Rods - Orvis
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Brett Baker - Josh Smith - Piers Westerman - David Benson - Ross Wenger - Swains Cay Lodge - Thomas and Thomas Rods - The Villages CX - Hatch Outdoors - Kistler Rods - Orvis -
Simms Fishing Products - Sage Fly Fishing - RL Winston Rods - Jako Lucas - Ian Davis Art - Tom Morgan Rodsmiths - Sullivan Fly Rods - Umpqua Fly Merchants - Fishpond
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Simms Fishing Products - Sage Fly Fishing - RL Winston Rods - Jako Lucas - Ian Davis Art - Tom Morgan Rodsmiths - Sullivan Fly Rods - Umpqua Fly Merchants - Fishpond -
Up to $500
Ro Driftboats - Grundens - Alec Gerbec - Ian Rutter Art - Paul Puckett - Bozeman Reel Co. - Skwala - Bryan Gregson - AD Maddox - North Bridger Bison - Montana Fly Co.
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Ro Driftboats - Grundens - Alec Gerbec - Ian Rutter Art - Paul Puckett - Bozeman Reel Co. - Skwala - Bryan Gregson - AD Maddox - North Bridger Bison - Montana Fly Co. -
Parks Reece Gallery - Bozeman Spirits - Al Swanson Studios - Cody Richardson - JT Klug Photography - Craig Mathews - Jeff Currier - The Drake Magazine - 406 Fly Lines - Robert Wells
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Parks Reece Gallery - Bozeman Spirits - Al Swanson Studios - Cody Richardson - JT Klug Photography - Craig Mathews - Jeff Currier - The Drake Magazine - 406 Fly Lines - Robert Wells -
Josh Stapp - Mr. Jeb Howard - Doug Young - Ross Leggett - Michael Peck - Mr. Eric Little - Bryan Pearman - Chirstopher De Felice - Daniel Keller - Cameron Gammill - Alexis Summers and John Cowarc
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Josh Stapp - Mr. Jeb Howard - Doug Young - Ross Leggett - Michael Peck - Mr. Eric Little - Bryan Pearman - Chirstopher De Felice - Daniel Keller - Cameron Gammill - Alexis Summers and John Cowarc -
Steve Turner - Mr. Scott Bosse - Patrick Rulon-Miller - Phil Krehbiel - Mr. Joe Dilschneider - Sarah and Whitney Tilt - Mr. Jeffrey Metzger - Mr. Jeffrey Metzger - Mr. and Mrs. James Hoesley - Pursuit Coffee Company - Ron Hunter
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Steve Turner - Mr. Scott Bosse - Patrick Rulon-Miller - Phil Krehbiel - Mr. Joe Dilschneider - Sarah and Whitney Tilt - Mr. Jeffrey Metzger - Mr. Jeffrey Metzger - Mr. and Mrs. James Hoesley - Pursuit Coffee Company - Ron Hunter -
Marshall Kilduff - Neil Callahan - Dean McNaughton - Ms. Kris Spanjian - Heather Wagner - Rea Family - Corey Gammill - Mr. and Mrs. James Hoesley - Jim Klug - Vance Webb - Chat Gerhardstein - Jamison Southerland - Mr. and Mrs. Richard Park
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Marshall Kilduff - Neil Callahan - Dean McNaughton - Ms. Kris Spanjian - Heather Wagner - Rea Family - Corey Gammill - Mr. and Mrs. James Hoesley - Jim Klug - Vance Webb - Chat Gerhardstein - Jamison Southerland - Mr. and Mrs. Richard Park -
Jeanne and Jerry Angelo - Anne St Germain - Mr. George Stephan - Paul Dixon - Richard Trombley - Mr. Thomas Melvin
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Jeanne and Jerry Angelo - Anne St Germain - Mr. George Stephan - Paul Dixon - Richard Trombley - Mr. Thomas Melvin -
Vance Webb - Lee Gluck - Carol and David Zesk - Bill and Fran Kasprzynski - C Warren Vanderhill - Kip Sprankle - Deborah Wagner
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Vance Webb - Lee Gluck - Carol and David Zesk - Bill and Fran Kasprzynski - C Warren Vanderhill - Kip Sprankle - Deborah Wagner -
Chris Connolly - Chad Chorney - Pledgeling Foundation - Katie Gritter - Erika Evert - Carol and Kurt Von Achen
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Chris Connolly - Chad Chorney - Pledgeling Foundation - Katie Gritter - Erika Evert - Carol and Kurt Von Achen -
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