La Crosse, Wis., October 6, 2011 – BoatUS Assistant Vice President of Government Affairs Ryck Lydecker was honored with a States Organization for Boating Access (SOBA) Outstanding Service Award at the group’s annual conference held last week in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The award is presented to an individual or agency that has made either a one-time or continuing contribution to improved access on our nation’s public waters for boaters and anglers.

Since 2000, Lydecker has been a member and eventually chaired the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, whose goal is to support and increase recreational fishing boating opportunities nationwide, and to promote the social, economic and conservation benefits of recreational fishing and boating.

In 2004, he became chair of the federal Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program Review Panel and conducted an evaluation of the program. Originally championed by BoatUS as a way to increase boating access through the building of transient boating facilities around the country, the BIG program is funded through a “user pay, user play” concept – money comes from sales and use taxes paid by boaters and anglers.

Today, Lydecker remains a member of BIG Committee for review of Tier 2 projects such as boat ramps and other launch facilities, and he’s also evaluated programs for the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.

“Ryck is a tireless champion of boating, boating programs and clean water,” said SOBA Awards Chairman David Kieffer. “He’s always willing to help individuals or organizations better understand boating related grant programs and the role they play in keeping our waters clean and accessible to all. “Anyone who has ever met Ryck knows that he’s not only devoted to the work he does, but he embraces boating and fishing in his personal life. It’s a passion that comes from within,” added SOBA President James Adams in presenting the award.

About BoatUS:

BoatUS – Boat Owners Association of The United States – is the nation’s leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.