The convention will begin on Thursday and go through Sunday. Check in and registration will begin on Thursday at which time the Hospitality room will also open. Later that evening there will be an interactive photo tank build lead by Uland Thomas. Friday we will have a full slate of presentations followed by a banquet and the annual NANFA Auction. A choice of three field trips will be offered on Saturday (starting early this year and ending in the Hospitality Room with time to tell the tales of the day).Things will wrap up on Sunday with and another choice of three additional, small group collecting trips.
Watersheds To Visit
Middle Cumberland River Drainage
Lodging & Amenities
There are 5 dormitories available with 45 rooms for a maximum of 88 beds. Most rooms have 2 single beds and a sink. Buildings A and B are closest to the dining facility and each have 14 double rooms and 1 single, all with sinks. Building A, which will be our primary gathering place, has separate men and women's restroom/showers. Single women would most likely stay in this building, as well as couples. Our registration and auction can be held here. Building B has the same number of rooms but only one unisex shower/rest room. Both have microwaves, refrigerators, and TV. There is a large burn pit outside these buildings for gatherings. The Mountain Lodge sleeps 11 (1 single) and has a unisex shower/restroom. It also has a full kitchen. The River Lodge is the newest and sleeps 9 - one room has 3 beds. No sinks in these rooms. There are 2 shower/restrooms in this building so couples and single females could stay here also. Large gathering room upstairs. The Helitack Building is about a half mile away and sleeps 10, no sinks in the rooms. It has a full kitchen with 2 bathrooms.
Meals
Riverview Restaurant - Enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking the Cumberland River as it winds through the hillside while dining. The food is as outstanding as the view. Specialties include our famous catfish and hushpuppies as well as healthy wraps and salads. Homemade desserts top it off. As a support of Kentuck Proud program we utilize locally grown meats and produce when available. If you've never had a Kentucky Hot Brown, don't miss the opportunity!
Local Attractions
There are a number of campgrounds in the area including the one at Linville Falls operated by the National Park Service, which is only 6 miles away. Two motels are located in Linville Falls and one in Pineola, both about 5 miles away. There are a number of good restaurants in nearby Linville Falls, Crossnore, and Newland. The nearest airport is in Asheville some 70 miles and 90 minutes away.
Schedule
For those arriving sometime on Thursday, we hope to meet the WRC biologists and their electro-fishing boat on the French Broad River for electrofishing and seining. Friday will consist of collecting/snorkleing in nearby watersheds with arrival back at the facility at a reasonable time to enjoy the cook out and auction. Saturday will also be more collecting/snorkeling but there will also be a collecting challenge between 2 teams who will visit the same 4 sites, in reverse order � all catch and release. Numbers will be limited on these teams so when registration opens up, if you wish to compete, be prepared to register. There will an extra fee ($10) for this which will go to the funding of t-shirts for the winning team. Sunday will be more of the same with some groups heading in different directions on their way home or staying in the area.
Additional Details
Registration
Costs are very reasonable. If you come in on Thursday and leave Sunday, room and meals will be $154, plus registration. All registrations include cook out on Friday. Since the Forest Service needs to know how much food to buy, you will need to send your final payment to NANFA by May 9th in order to allow them to buy the right amount of food (but see below about early registration). Late comers may be able to stay at the facility but keep in mind that numbers are limited and they DO NOT take credit cards.
Registrant Options |
Price |
After Deadline |
Deadline |
Regular, Full Meeting with Banquet |
$75 |
$85 |
4-1-14 |
Non-member, Full Meeting with Banquet |
$95 |
$105 |
4-1-14 |
Spouse registration |
add $35 |
add $45 |
4-1-14 |
Student registration |
$35 |
$45 |
4-1-14 |
Friday only with Banquet |
$35 |
$45 |
4-1-14 |
Speakers |
$20 to include the Banquet |
$20 to include the Banquet |
N/A |
Reserve Your Spot Today