Colorado fly-fishing company, Umpqua, has marked its 45th year with a $45,000 donation to conservation generated by sales of its products.

Umpqua pledged the contribution to Alaska’s Tongass National Forest two years ago at ICAST and raised the money from sales of its Tongass packs and bags.
The donation, made in collaboration with the Sportsman’s Alliance, Trout Unlimited and the American Salmon Forest Coalition, will be spent on education and awareness programmes, as well as spawning and rearing habitat preservation.

Best known for its extensive range of flies, the Louisville company took the decision to extend the brand into luggage. The range subsequently received a ‘Best of Best’ award from Field & Stream. “Instead of throwing parties and eating cake we decided to give something back to fishing’s resources,” Umpqua added. The Tongass National Park is the 17-million acre home to one of the United States’ largest salmon populations, providing jobs and supporting a lucrative industry.

Source: www.angling-international.com.