HISTORY
Updated April 25, 2009
In 1916 a group of sportsmen in Interior Alaska formed the Tanana Valley Sportsmen's Association, (TVSA). One of their first projects was to advocate for the transplant of 28 bison from Montana to Delta Junction. In 1936, the TVSA opposed the sale of wild game meat in roadhouses in the interest of conserving this natural resource.In 1937, the TVSA incorporated, with headquarters being located along the Chena River in Fairbanks, Alaska. (An Act of Congress had granted the TVSA about 20 acres of land). At this time, Americans were beginning to recognize that wildlife habitats were becoming threatened by development; wildlife conservation groups began forming across the country. The TVSA adopted wildlife conservation as one part of its mission. A second major goal of the TVSA has been to educate Interior Alaska's youth and adults in the safe use of firearms.
TVSA volunteer members constructed a log clubhouse in the 1940's and built a basement shooting range in 1955. A sister club, the Tanana Valley Rifle and Pistol Club, (TVR&P), was created to operate the shooting range. Meanwhile, conservation efforts continued: the TVSA worked to reintroduce muskox to the Arctic National Wildlife Range and in 1958, it advocated for a Yukon Delta Refuge to protect waterfowl habitat.
In the 1980's, interest in the TVSA's mission and goals surged and the association proudly recognized over 400 members. Over the years, women became increasingly active in the TVSA and the club has played a vital role in Interior Alaska by supporting the largest junior shooting club in the state, as well as three high school rifle teams, two middle school rifle clubs, and various adult programs. Several young people who began shooting in TVSA programs have earned positions on the University of Alaska Nanooks Rifle Team, and have competed in national, international, and Olympic venues. Valuable collegiate scholarships have been awarded to many Interior Alaskan youth in recognition of their shooting skills.
In 2004, efforts began to improve the TVSA clubhouse/range, including installation of a new air handling system that would reduce the amount of lead dust in the range. With donations for materials, this work was performed entirely by volunteer labor and was 99% complete when the building caught fire in 2007 and burned to the ground.
Efforts to build a new TVSA facility began almost immediately after the 2007 fire. By selling some of its property, the club has generated income to help finance construction of the new building. In addition, State grants, NRA grants, and many private and commercial donations have been invaluable.
Tanana Valley Sportsmen's Foundation, Inc. (TVSF) is the federally approved 501(c)(3) sister organization of the non-profit TVSA and was formed in 2008 to accept donations for the rebuilding and operations of a new clubhouse and shooting range. Also in 2008, the new By-Laws and Articles of Amendment were written and adopted by the TVSA that reflect the new membership goals and operations.
By Spring 2009, the shell of the new building has been completed. Volunteers are now working to complete the interior. In order to provide a safe, clean facility for shooters, a "state of the art" air handling and treatment system must be installed. The new facility will eventually consist of two eight-lane shooting bays and large class/meeting rooms.
Researched by Pamela Lewis
Updated April 2009
"Copyright © 2003-2009 TVSA"
