Press release:
Howell named to Outdoor Heritage Council
Local fly-fishing outfitter Kevin Howell has been appointed by the North Carolina legislature to serve on the state’s newly formed Outdoor Heritage Council. Howell, owner of Davidson River Outfitters in Pisgah Forest, will join 10 other members of the council in advising state officials on how to promote and expand youth participation in outdoor sports.
The advisory council was created under the 2015 Outdoor Heritage Act, which took effect Oct. 1. Howell was nominated for the position by state Senator Tom Apodaca and President Pro Tem Phil Berger. Howell was approved for the position by the N.C. Senate at its final vote of the 2015 legislative session.
The Outdoor Heritage Council will advise the N.C. Wildlife Commission, the General Assembly, the governor and other state agencies on how to promote and expand the participation of youth and children in outdoor recreation activities, including fishing, boating, horseback riding, camping, hunting, and shooting sports in order to preserve North Carolina’s strong outdoor heritage for future generations.
Howell and his fellow council members will also oversee the N.C. Outdoor Heritage Trust Fund, which will make allocations for programs, promotion and education of outdoor recreational activities for youth across the state.
An avid outdoors enthusiast, Howell has spent his entire life educating others about the fishing and outdoor opportunities of North Carolina. His fly shop and guide service has taught thousands of youth from ages 8 to 18 the art of fly fishing over the last 20 years.
“I consider it an honor and a privilege to even be considered for, let alone appointed as one of the first 11 members of the council,” Howell said. “I think this is a great opportunity to get North Carolina youth outdoors and reintroduce them to activities that were an essential part of life for hundreds of years here in the mountains.”
Howell will serve an initial two-year term, at which time he can be reappointed for another 4 year term.
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