LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 2016, as Fly Fishing Month in the State of New York

WHEREAS, Opening day of fly fishing season in New York State is April 1,
2016; and
WHEREAS, Fly fishing is a sport enjoyed by adults, youth and families
across this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2016, as Fly Fishing
Month in New York State; and
WHEREAS, Interest in the sport has increased with female athletes now
comprising over 35 % of the total number of participants in the sport;
and
WHEREAS, The sport of fly fishing provides necessary therapeutic exer-
cise for the joint and soft tissue of the female body after a mastectomy
which is promoted by Casting for Recovery, a not-for-profit promoting
physical, emotional and spiritual healing for breast cancer survivors;
and
WHEREAS, The project Healing Waters program offers physical and
emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel
and veterans through fly fishing, fly tying education and outings; and
organizations such as FamilyTyes, the Future Fisherman Foundation, and
the Trout Unlimited First Cast have realized the need to bring children,
and families closer to the environment; and
WHEREAS, The Kaiser Family Foundation's research shows that our kids
spend an average of 44 hours a week with television, computers and video
games, and suffer from what Richard Louv, author of LAST CHILD IN THE
WOODS, has termed "nature-deficit disorder"; and
WHEREAS, New York State Fly Fishing Month is designated and publicized
with the goal to get families moving in the right direction, to help
kids connect to nature and build a foundation which stays connected into
adulthood; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 2016, as Fly
Fishing Month in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.