AFFTA supports Sportsmen’s Challenge to double donations to protect Bristol Bay, Alaska

From AFFTA:

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, AFTTA is urging sportsmen and sporting businesses around the country to contribute to the Sportsmen’s Challenge during the season of thanks. Funds raised by the challenge will go to protect Bristol Bay, Alaska from inappropriately large development, such as the proposed Pebble Mine. Donations received through Dec. 31, 2012 will be matched by a generous donor, up to $200,000, and will go to the Save Bristol Bay campaign.

Protecting Bristol Bay is one of AFTTA’s and the entire sport fishing industry’s highest priorities, that’s why we’re encouraging the fly fishing industry to put their money where their hearts are. AFFTA strongly believes that no matter the size of your business, you can make a difference by donating money, collecting donations from your patrons, or creating a special promotion tied into the Sportsmen’s Challenge.

“The Sportsmen’s Challenge is an incredible opportunity for the fly fishing industry, anglers and outdoorsmen to really get behind one of the most important conservation issues of an entire generation. It’s our responsibility to protect our nation’s fly fishing waters and unique habitats like Bristol Bay,” said Ben Bulis, President of AFFTA. “If we don’t take the necessary steps now to protect Bristol Bay…who will?”

Some businesses are offering special, limited edition products, with proceeds going to the Sportsmen’s Challenge. Fly fishing businesses can learn more about how to participate and make a difference here.

“At Loon Outdoors, we are committed to maintaining healthy fisheries and supporting the fight for Bristol Bay.  We have created two limited edition products and will be donating all of the proceeds from these sales to protecting the epic fisheries and outdoor experience that Bristol Bay has to offer,” said Alan Peterson, President of Loon Outdoors, based in Ashland, Ore.

With the EPA’s Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment near finalization, soon the Obama Administration will need to decide whether to pursue commonsense protections for Bristol Bay by using section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act. Sportsmen, Alaska Natives, commercial fishermen and others are all urging the EPA to take this next, reasonable step to ensure Bristol Bay is not jeopardized by a mine with a massive proposed footprint, including a series of tailings lagoons to store up to 10 billion tons of toxic mine waste behind earthen dams, forever.

“We’re really pleased to take part in the Bristol Bay Sportsmen’s Challenge promotion and ask our customers to get involved in protecting one of the world’s best sport fishing destinations. If we don’t protect such a productive fishery, it would be a failure for our industry, our sport, and for the greater good,” said Dustin Carlson, owner of Fishwest, a retail operator and fishing guide service.

Happy Thanksgiving, 
Ben Bulis 
AFFTA President 
[email protected]