As the newly elected state president of the South Dakota Division of the Izaak Walton League, I have several goals that I would like to accomplish during my term. My number one goal is to unite the chapters within the state. We have chapters that are not active on the state level, and by attending divisional meetings they will be able to see what is being accomplished at the state and national levels.

We need to increase the membership within our chapters. We all need to work towards this effort. Because I am familiar with the area, I would like to work with the Day County Chapter to increase membership and increase activity at the state level. There are numerous sportsmen in this area and they have several issues that they could be addressing.

I also want to encourage the chapters throughout the state to develop Youth Programs and possibly have the chapters form Youth charters.

The South Dakota Ikes have been instrumental working in the wetlands area. I would like to see this continue and hope to make everyone aware of the necessity of this program.

I would like to organize all the materials that each chapter has so we have a unified South Dakota Divsion and can preserve our heritage.

This is a lot and I know it will take time, but by working together and going one step at a time we can make progress, increase membership, and move forward.

 Jerry Schlekeway, President
South Dakota Izaak Walton League