By Fly Fisherman
WHO'S NEXT?
Who will be the 2020 Conservationist of the Year ?
If you know someone who has made outstanding efforts in protecting or enhancing local watersheds, nominate them here or email your nomination to conservation@flyfisherman.com .
If that person organizes river cleanups, negotiates for improved streamflows, or campaigns against threatening industrial developments . . . we need to hear about it! That person’s outstanding volunteerism could result in a $10,000 CHECK FROM SIMMS FISHING PRODUCTS . The funds will go to the nonprofit organization selected by the 2020 Conservationist of the Year .
Joe Hemming 2019
As the volunteer president of the Anglers of The Au Sable, Joe Hemming filed a lawsuit against a private fish farm that threatened to pollute a 9-mile catch-and-release section of the Au Sable River known as the Holy Waters. Hemming forced a settlement out of court, and his $10,000 Conservationist of the Year Award will help Anglers of the Au Sable's continued efforts to protect the river.
Rich Simms 2017
His volunteer work resulted in catch-and-release sportfishing regulations for all wild steelhead in Washington State. Because of his efforts, Wild Steelhead Coalition received $10,000 to reduce the impacts of stocked fish in rivers with wild steelhead, combat habitat loss, and remove man-made barriers to migration.
Sandy Moret 2018
Moret was the first president of the Everglades Protection Association, and a founder of the #NoworNeverglades Declaration. Because of Moret’s active role in protecting the Everglades, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust received $5,000 toward its work in Florida estuaries and saltwater flats.