Izaak Walton League - Frederick #1

Founded in September 1923, Frederick IWLA Chapter #1 is one of the oldest chapters of the Izaak Walton League of America—a grassroots conservation organization with nearly 270 local chapters nationwide. The Frederick Chapter was one of the first in Maryland and remains one of only two oldest chapters in the entire nation.

Membership isn't just about shooting. The chapter provides educational opportunities across conservation, shooting, hunter safety, gun safety, and fishing. All instructors are qualified members—the chapter maintains a roster of a dozen certified instructors.

Membership Tiers: - Individual: $105/year - Family: $157.50/year - Student (18-24): $52.50/year - Youth (18 & under): $17/year

After your first year, renewals require either 24 hours of work (individual) or 32 hours (family)—or pay a higher renewal fee of $260/$315. Seniors (65+), youth, and students are exempt from work requirements.

Frederick IWLA operates both archery and firearm ranges on 50+ acres:

• •Critical requirement: All members must become NRA Range Safety Officers (RSO) before unsupervised range use. The chapter offers this certification course every three months on Sundays. Each participant purchases NRA training materials separately. RSOs must recertify annually to keep their credentials current.

The chapter conducts multiple courses throughout the year to support the youth program and community education:

• •NRA Gun Safety & Training Programs (NRA sanctioned)
• •Maryland Hunter Safety Courses
• •Maryland CCW/HQL Training (Handgun Qualification License)
• •NRA Range Safety Officer Certification (required for unsupervised range use)
• •Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP)
• •Junior Air Rifle Program (started 1991, teaches young people safe shooting)

Check the chapter website for the current training schedule—range access is occasionally limited during class sessions.

The Frederick Chapter takes land management seriously. The facility sits on 50+ acres, with 49 acres permanently protected through an environmental easement managed by the Maryland Environmental Trust. This means the land cannot be developed in perpetuity.

Conservation activities include: - Stream cleanups - Tree planting programs - Installation of duck and squirrel nesting boxes - Forest stewardship management - Adopt-a-Road initiatives - Habitat restoration projects

"Through easements, education and outreach the Frederick Chapter strives to develop and promote conservation efforts that are relevant to and supportive of our community and surrounding environment."

The chapter's youth program launched formally in 1997 and emphasizes outdoor education and hunter safety. A junior air rifle program started in 1991. Today, the chapter sponsors hunting and shooting sports courses annually with a dozen qualified member instructors.

Special events bring members together around shared interests—West Virginia canoe trips, Chesapeake Bay charter fishing, fall dove hunting, and regular outdoor trips.

On-Site Features: - Clubhouse (originally built 1963, renovated with central heating/AC in 2008) - New pavilion (completed 2011) - Outdoor 10, 20, 30 yard archery range - Outdoor 50 and 100 yard rifle and pistol ranges - Grounds maintenance equipment and shed - 49-acre conservation area - Bow hunting permitted on property

Frederick IWLA is a non-profit, all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization with 200+ members. The board meets monthly prior to regular membership meetings (open to observe, but members can't interact during board sessions—raise issues at the membership meeting instead).

Members satisfy participation requirements through: - Attending monthly meetings (1 point each) - Participating in conservation activities - Assisting with youth programs - Helping coordinate or teach NRA/HQL/Hunter Safety classes - Grounds maintenance (mowing, trimming, snow removal) - Fundraising events (raffles, annual pig roast)

• •Special Activities: Every Friday is reserved for special activities. Check the online calendar before heading to the range—shotgun practice happens the 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month (requires updated shotgun safety briefing).

• •Annual subscription to Outdoor America (IWLA's award-winning quarterly publication)
• •Monthly Frederick Chapter Newsletter
• •15% discount on L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School program advance registration
• •Online advocacy platform

• •Mailing Address: Frederick Chapter #1 IWLA, PO Box 3722, Frederick, MD 21701
• •Email: [email protected]

The chapter meets regularly throughout the year. Members are encouraged to attend a meeting to get to know the organization before committing to membership.