FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 14, 2016
Contact: Jess McGlothlin, AFFTA Communication Director, 512-520-7104, jess@affta.org
American Fly Fishing Trade Association Applauds Nomination of Congressman Zinke as Interior Secretary
(Bozeman, MT) – The American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) applauds President-elect Donald Trump’s decision to nominate first-term Republican U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke of Montana, a former Navy SEAL commander, as his interior secretary.
The decision was announced Tuesday, December 13, and garnered applause from conservationists around the United States. The nomination would see Zinke at the head of the Interior Department, home to more than 70,000 employees across the States. The mission of the Interior Department states: “The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and affiliated island communities.
AFFTA President Ben Bulis commented, “As a Montanan, Congressman Zinke has been committed to ensuring public lands stay in the publics hands. He is committed to protecting fish and wildlife habitat, and has pushed for full and permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, our nation’s most successful conservation program. We have an excellent relationship with Congressman Zinke and I’m looking forward to working with him as Secretary of the Interior.”
K.C Walsh, the President of Bozeman-based Simms Fishing Products, also praised the move. “We’re thrilled with the nomination of Congressman Zinke for Secretary of the Interior. He is an avid fly fisherman, outdoor enthusiast and strong supporter of the LWCF. Ryan Zinke also understands the importance of public lands to the outdoor recreational industry, and has consistently bucked his party on the issue of public lands transfer. Simms commends AFFTA for their support of the President-elect’s choice of Ryan Zinke to lead Interior,” Walsh said.
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AFFTA advocates for and promotes the sustained growth of the fly-fishing industry. By igniting consumer demand for products and services, providing businesses the tools to be successful, and advocating for access, protection and restoration of fishing waters, we will continue to enhance the passion and profitability of the sport of fly fishing.