February 21, 2024

Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin,

I am writing to you today as a sincere thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the 2024 Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin Scholarship. This scholarship will assist me immensely as I continue pursuing my M.Sc. in Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and will allow me to pursue my research in northern Wisconsin to the utmost quality.

As somebody who has lived and worked near Boulder Junction, Wisconsin for the past two years, the culture surrounding the conservation and enhancement of Wisconsin musky fisheries is something that is truly near and dear to my heart. Whether it be musky fishing with friends after the workday or telling all the stories that a day of musky fishing will come to bring, the community of anglers, clubs, and institutions that all have a common goal of conserving this species for generations to come is what truly makes it special. By receiving this scholarship, I am extremely grateful to be integrated into the missions and goals of the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin and I would like to sincerely thank you for selecting me as a recipient.

The fieldwork related to my thesis research is based in northern Wisconsin at Escanaba Lake Research Station where I am researching the ecosystem effects that may result from shifting fish communities we are observing in some lakes. Namely, we are seeing increasing abundance of largemouth bass in some lakes concurrent with declines in walleye abundance, and I will be investigating some factors that may be causing this shift as well as the some of the indirect effects this may have on prey species. Because my fieldwork is based in northern Wisconsin, I will be moving to Boulder Junction where I will spend my spring and summer months collecting data. This scholarship will assist me greatly in offsetting the cost of living and learning in two locations throughout the year and will ensure that I can conduct my research to the highest quality.

I am truly grateful for the support of the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin and once again want to thank you for your generous support of my continued education. I strive to continually advance our knowledge of the fisheries that are extremely important to many throughout the State of Wisconsin and this scholarship will assist me greatly in doing so. Once again, I would like to thank you for your generosity and your support in my academic and professional career.

Sincerely,

Max Wilkeninson

Dear Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin,

I want to thank you for selecting me as a recipient of this year's scholarship opportunity. Your assistance is greatly appreciated as I work through my second year of graduate school here at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. With your assistance, I have now secured enough funding to attend this year's American Fisheries Society annual conference, where I hope to share my research with a broader audience, make valuable connections, and continue my education in fisheries. If there is any way I can show my gratitude to the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin for their support beyond this letter, please let me know. I am happy to share findings from my research or volunteer my time. Again, thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

Erik Cristan

Dear Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin,

I am writing to express my gratitude for choosing me to be a recipient of the Musky Club Alliance of Wisconsin Scholarship. This award will support me with the increased living costs and enable me to focus more intently on my research and education. A master's degree will be a step toward becoming a fisheries biologist, where I can use my skills to improve, restore, and preserve fisheries in the Midwest for future generations.

I am in my second semester as a master's student with the Wisconsin Fisheries Research Coop Unit. In my research, I am working to identify walleye and lake whitefish spawning habitats in the Lower Fox River to inform the placement of lake sturgeon spawning reefs. While my research may not directly affect musky, it aligns with the goals outlined in the mission statement by focusing on the protection and enhancement of habitat.

This scholarship is awarded to someone who strongly aligns with your mission statement through my experience and commitment to fishery research, habitat protection, and education. As a musky angler. I appreciate the crucial role the Musky Club Alliance plays in advocating for musky populations' well- being and conserving our lakes and rivers.

I am truly honored to receive this award. I am thrilled to be associated with an organization dedicated to improving, enhancing, and protecting musky fishing in the great state of Wisconsin.

Thank you for your support and the vital work you do for the Wisconsin musky fisheries.

Sincerely 

Braden Lensing

February 12, 2024

Dear Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin.

I am writing today to express my gratitude for receiving the scholarship offered through your organization. It is encouraging and exciting to see a stakeholder group such as yours investing in the education of future fisheries biologists. I am a graduate student in the College of Natural Resources and am currently completing my master's thesis project entitled, "Population Characteristics of Buffalo in Wisconsin: Contribution and Resiliency to Bowfishing Harvest". This has provided me with the unique opportunity to collaborate with a variety of stakeholder groups and I am excited to apply this experience to a future position as a sportfish biologist. I am a firm believer that successful fisheries management hinges on stakeholder satisfaction and involvement, and I will continue to advocate for resource users throughout my career.

This scholarship helps alleviate the financial burden of attending graduate school. I currently operate on a modest stipend and this scholarship will help cover school and living expenses. I anticipate not having to worry quite as much about week-to-week expenses and am excited by the thought of being freed up to focus on my thesis and coursework. Your organization's commitment to investing in education is inspiring and will hopefully serve as an example for other organizations to follow. Once again. I would like to sincerely thank you for awarding me this scholarship.

I wish you all the best in your mission to improve, enhance, and protect musky fishing in Wisconsin.

Sincerely,

Ryan M. Bohen

Trainer Natural Resources Building

800 Reserve Street

UW-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI 54481

Email: rbohe873 @uwsp.edu