Simms Vice President of Culture and Community Diane Bristol with Fly Fisherman editor Ross Purnell presented the $10,000 award to Conservationist of the Year Richard May (far left) and California Trout Executive Director Curtis Knight (far right). (Michael Wier photo)
March 14, 2022
By Fly Fisherman Staff
About 100 of California Trout’s top supporters gathered March 10 at Gallery 308, in the San Francisco Fort Mason district, for the organization’s annual Watershed Evening, and to celebrate the lifetime efforts of California Trout founder Richard May. The event was also livestreamed on YouTube and Facebook. May was named the 2022 Conservationist of the Year in the Feb.-Mar. issue of Fly Fisherman , his many accomplishments are detailed in that issue, and online at flyfisherman.com .
Simms Vice President of Culture and Community Diane Bristol said “Richard was and is far away at the top of the list in terms of his incredible commitment to conservation. Not only do we want to recognize Richard tonight and celebrate him, we also want to make sure his work continues, so Simms is donating $10,000 to CalTrout in Richard’s honor so you can continue to do all of the wonderful work you do.” She thanked the entire group of attendees and donors saying, “Thank you for everything you do for California conservation efforts, and for protecting our fisheries.”
California Trout founder Richard May said the fight for California fisheries is now entering a critical phase, with drought and climate change exacerbating current problems, and dam removal offering new opportunities. (Michael Wier photo) Fly Fisherman editor Ross Purnell also spoke, and said Richard May’s accomplishments demonstrate, “One person can start an organization, one person can change or create legislation, one person can change the minds of legislators, one person can make a huge difference—and that is Richard’s legacy. I think everyone can be inspired by that, and make it their own future legacy."
