The Twin Cities Metro area boasts of tremendous sportfishing opportunities on the doorstep of a human population of over 2 million.  The lakes are under increasing pressure however from shoreline development and surface water run-off.  Maintaining adequate water-quality and aquatic habitats is a challenging task that involves many stakeholders and a broad segment of the Metro population. 

Wildlife Forever and the Minnesota Twins have developed an innovative partnership that involves Major League Baseball personalities, local businesses and media to generate funds for aquatic conservation projects and youth conservation education while drawing public attention to the Metro lakes and the need to conserve clean water and aquatic habitats. 

The Wildlife Forever – Minnesota Twins Bass Fishing Classic showcases the fun of fishing and the value of clean water through competitive angling. Current and alumni Twins players and personnel, pro anglers, media personalities and sponsors take to the water in over 30 fishing boats and compete to see who can land the biggest bass while raising funds for conservation.  The tournament also promotes the ethic of catch-and-release fishing as all bass are released after the official weigh-in. 

NGO’s  - Wildlife Forever.  Private sector – Minnesota Twins, Ranger Boats, Yamaha engines, Fox Sports Net, WCCO Radio, Twin City Co-ops Federal Credit Union, Stearns, Jiffy Pop, Cabela's, Cambria, Maynard's Restaraunt, Carrier, Treasure Island Resort and Casino, 3M and Budweiser.  Government - Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The Wildlife Forever - Minnesota Twins Bass Fishing Classic has raised nearly $180,000 for aquatic conservation and youth conservation education projects. Significant radio and television coverage helped spread the word in the upper Midwest about the importance of conserving America's fish and wildlife and the Twin Cities Metro lakes.  Due to an exceptional fish holding system for this catch and release tournament, 98% of all bass weighted were successfully returned to the water to be caught another day, effectively promoting the catch-an-release ethic.