Simms, Mayfly Brands, Join Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance (TCA), a coalition of businesses dedicated to protecting North America's wild places and outdoor spaces, is expanding its membership to include seven prominent fly-fishing brands. Abel, Airflo, Emerger Strategies, Dyna King, Rare Waters, Ross Reels, and Simms Fishing Products have joined TCA bringing its total membership to nearly 300 companies across various industries, including outdoor recreation, brewing, banking, sports, and renewable energy. Mayfly Outdoors owns Abel, Airflo, Dyna King, and Ross Reels. 

"This represents an exciting moment for the growth and expansion of our membership at The Conservation Alliance," said Conor McElyea, Senior Director of Membership at TCA in a press release. "Fishing ranks second in annual outdoor participation, and having these reputable fly-fishing brands join our membership is key to improving representation from a segment that has long been absent."

TCA has a proven track record in conservation. Over its 35-year history, the organization has helped protect over 4,500 river miles, removed 38 dams, and conserved over 80 million acres of public and private lands.

Dexter Levandoski, North American Fly Fishing Sales Manager at Patagonia, a founding member of TCA, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnerships: "Our industry has been deeply rooted in conservation, but it has historically been a brand-by-brand endeavor. With these partnerships, our industry now has power in numbers to make real change."

Ben Christensen, Head of Simms, emphasized the shared commitment: "Despite differences in tackle preference, target species, and geography, we share a common desire to protect the resources that enable our pursuit."

The angling community has always been invested in conservation. Healthy waterways are critical not only for their businesses but also for their way of life. By joining forces with TCA, these companies aim to have a significant impact on conserving outdoor spaces essential to millions of anglers.

“In the same way AFFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association) looks to bridge between economy and ecology in the fly fishing industry, we are excited to see The Conservation Alliance acting as a bridge between the greater outdoor industry and fly fishing. We speak the same language when we are outside in our natural places. It is time we speak up together for those places,” said AFFTA Executive Director Lucas Bissett.

For more information about TCA and its conservation efforts, visit www.conservationalliance.com.

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