All,

To those wishing to contribute to the Dave Willis Fisheries Science Endowment, the link to do so is now published online:

http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/people/willis.cfm

Thanks Shawn !

All the fisheries research supported by PB through Dave and SDSU is also online. Take a look and see what you have helped accomplish !


http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/research-endowments/west.cfm

We all loved Dr. Willis, and what he lived for. We saw all the great things he and his students did.

I'm all for supporting the program. Lynda and I will continue to support it.

Ken

Yeah guys, that's pretty cool what they have been doing at SDSU. Since I moved I don't get the news letters.

Next time anyone want's to do a fundraiser, count me in.

Guys,

I have been talking with Bob L. about donating some land in a gated community in Indiana, with a great fishing lake, to Dave's endowment. Any thoughts on the best way to do that which maximizes the benefit to the endowment would be appreciated.

Bill D.

Perhaps ewest could best work with you on that....

What an inspired idea, Bill!

Thanks for the feedback Rex,

Of course the land could just be sold with proceeds going to the foundation but my vision is much more. The HOA on this lake spends lots of money on stocking and prides themselves on holding several fishing tournaments a year. I would like to see the land go directly to the foundation. This would give the SDSU students direct access to a 250 acre lake in a location they might not be able to study otherwise. To push it further, I would like to work out an agreement with the HOA that all HOA fees are waived in exchange for the foundation providing results of their studies to the HOA as well as offering advice if questions come up.....It's a vision I know but I think Dave would have a big smile on his face if I could make it reality!

Bill D.

Thanks Rex ! Bill D thank you and I will send you a PM.

Thank you Sir! I sent you a PM with some more info.

An update...Ewest has hooked me up with the good folks at SDSU and they are enthusiastic about the idea. Please wish us luck as we work thru the hurdles I am sure we will face along the way. Wouldn't it be cool if we could set a precedent on forming partnerships between universities and these types of lakes? The opportunities for study and learning could be limitless if we could get these private BOWs all over the US to open their doors to students.

The idea /purpose of the endowment is to foster applied Fisheries Science -- that means hands on in the field work by students , teachers and the private sector !!!!!!

We lost Dr. Dave two years ago today. The link to donate to the foundation in his name is still open.

http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/people/willis.cfm

Dave Willis will have a profound impact on Fishery Biology for decades to come.

A number of projects are reaching fulfillment and in the process of publication. Amazing in the field work is ongoing involving students and teachers. The vision is alive and well ! Your help is needed and most helpful !