From AFFTA:
The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) today heralded actions announced at the White House World Water Day Summit in Washington, D.C., to address the multi-year drought in California and across the West.
The mission of AFFTA is to promote the sustained growth of the fly-fishing industry.
“Our members and business partners are concerned about the toll the drought has been taking on California’s watersheds and fisheries, and therefore the outdoor recreation economy,” explained Ben Bulis, President of AFFTA. “We rest a bit easier knowing that steps are being taken to harness data to improve decision-making, which will lead to smart actions by state and local water managers. Fish and wildlife habitat, our sporting traditions and our economy are dependent upon thoughtful decision-making in the face of chronic drought and climate change.”
The White House announced a Presidential Memorandum encouraging agency collaboration in key watersheds, greater information sharing between federal and state agencies, and enhanced drought data collection and analysis, among other actions. These steps are among those called for by the Western Governors Association’s drought initiative last year.
“The fly-fishing industry has a strong presence in the West, so we really thank the White House for being responsive to the priorities flagged by Western governors for action on drought,” added Bulis.
