BVFF members Al & Gretchen Beatty were recently awarded the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFI) Award of Distinction for their years of service and contributions to FFI and promotion of fly fishing.

Al and Gretchen and their achievements are highlighted in the recent FFI magazine publication FlyFisher (Winter 2022).

The criteria for the FFI award is described by FFI as follows:

FFI Award of Distinction (formerly Lapis Lazuli Award)

The ultimate award of Fly Fishers International. Thus, the consideration for individual achievement is extremely strict. Services and contribution to FFI must be prominent and extraordinary, and above all, they must be long term (at least 8 years). They must be significantly above the criteria that would merit consideration for any other award.highest level of recognition bestowed on an individual who has demonstrated.

The criteria are as follows:

Eight years of service to FFI is required.

Service should be voluntary. Time as a paid employee of the Federation, although not totally discounted, would merit minor consideration.

Individual should not have previously won the award.

To preserve the integrity of this award, it is recommended that it be awarded judiciously and infrequently, but it is not intended that the frequency stipulation deprive a truly deserving individual.

This award is the ultimate award of the Federation. Thus, the consideration for individual achievement must be extremely strict. Services and contributions to the Federation must be prominent and extraordinary, and, above all, they must be long term. They must be significantly above the criteria that would merit consideration for any other award.

Election shall be by the Executive Committee. The vote shall require a 2/3 majority. The Chair of the Awards Committee shall be notified prior to the meeting of the Committee to avoid conflict or duplication. Nominations for this award should be made directly to any member of the executive Board.