The Peru Gazette

Plattsburgh, NY – 7/29/20 – With approval from New York State and the Clinton County Health Department, the City of Plattsburgh and Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau, a division of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, are happy to welcome the Bassmaster Elite Series back to Lake Champlain, July 30th to August 2nd. Although this year will look a lot different with no spectators, masks and a whole lot of hand sanitizer, all partners involved in this planning process have gone above and beyond in making sure all New York State guidelines have been followed and the health and safety of our community stays top priority. 

“The Safety Plan prepared by B.A.S.S., L.L.C., which was recently approved by the NYS Empire State Development (ESD) Corporation, is a thorough and comprehensive document,” says John Kanoza, Director of Public Health, Clinton County Health Department. “In addition to including a host of standard COVID-19 safety precautions, their Safety Plan also includes very specific conditions for the sport fisherman to be tested for COVID-19 in advance AND that they will additionally minimize their time in the public during their overnight stays in the North Country.” 

“We are very pleased to once again welcome the Bassmaster Elite Series to Clinton County and beautiful Lake Champlain,” says Clinton County Legislator, Mark Henry. “This welcomed event will not only showcase our beautiful region, but will also provide our local economy with a much-needed boost. I would like to thank all those involved with facilitating this tournament during these unusual times; especially B.A.S.S. for their willingness to adhere to all safety protocols prescribed by the State of New York.” 

In accordance with the Guidance for Professional Sports Teams traveling between states with significant community spread of COVID-19 and New York State, Bassmaster acknowledges that their anglers and staff will: 

 Seek diagnostic testing for COVID-19 at their first tournament stop in Clayton, NY to ensure that they are not positive – All anglers and staff have been tested and confirmed negative for COVID-19 

 Monitor themselves for a fever, or any other symptoms of COVID-19, wear a face covering, maintain social distancing, as well as clean and disinfect workspaces, equipment, and competition areas 

 Avoid extended periods in public, contact with strangers or anyone not associated with the tournament, as well as avoid large congregate settings, except for the competitive activity for which they are traveling 

Additionally, Bassmaster will not be allowing anyone other than staff or Elite anglers in or near the weigh-in area this year per New York State guidelines. “We have enjoyed record-breaking fan support in New York for years,” said Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO. “While fans won’t be able to attend the events on-site this year, we are thankful to everyone who is helping B.A.S.S. to safely bring the fun of competition and beauty of these fisheries into the homes of millions of fans via our live, on-the-water coverage.” 

“This tournament and the comprehensive plan behind it provide a model of effective teamwork on behalf of the area,” states Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “The tournament organizers have wanted nothing less than a thoroughly safe plan and, with incredible teamwork involving them, Clinton County, the city and our Visitors Bureau, we have a safe opportunity to support our hospitality businesses while also enjoying extensive national media coverage that will serve to maintain our place in people’s minds as a fishing and recreational destination for the future. Our thanks to the entire team and to Bassmaster for their commitment and flexibility.”