The Jim Range Conservation Leadership Award
Presented annually in recognition of exemplary efforts to advance the fisheries conservation and stewardship mission of AFFTA and the AFFTA Fisheries Fund. The award is named in honor of James "Jim" Range, a passionate champion of fish and wildlife who spent more than a decade as AFFTA's voice on Capitol Hill. A life-long sportsman, it was Range's bipartisan, cooperative style that made him as beloved as he was effective. Award seeks to recognize individuals in the AFFTA family who embody Jim Range’s commitment and passion on behalf of America’s fisheries and anglers.
2021 and 2022 Jim Range Conservation Leadership Award Winners Scott Hed (left) and Benny Blanco (right)
2021 Jim Range Award: Scott Hed, Businesses for Bristol Bay
So much of the conservation work we all get asked to do involves making something happen: Tearing down a dam; designating a Wild and Scenic River; creating a new Wilderness Area; reducing our carbon footprint. But sometimes, we end up fighting to prevent something from happening. For the past 15-20 years, at practically every flyfishing trade show, consumer show, or gathering, Scott Hed has been there, sitting behind a table handing out literature, or standing in front of a table explaining to someone why Pebble Mine in Alaska is a really bad idea. Environmental risks will always be present, but the threat of Pebble Mine is nearing its end, and Scott Hed has led the way in getting it there.
2022 Jim Range Award: Benny Blanco, Guiding Flow TV
An award-winning conservationist, tournament-winning fishing guide, ardent mentor and acclaimed television host, Captain Benny Blanco spends most of his time fighting for clean water initiatives to protect and restore Florida’s world class fisheries. Fed up with inaction, he set out to change the culture in the fishing industry and interjected himself into every available opportunity to speak up. Setting the example by holding the industry accountable and asking his peers to get involved, he plays an instrumental role in forcing the topic of water quality to the forefront of conversation everywhere. He is a key ambassador for organizations like Captains for Clean Water, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the Everglades Foundation, to name a few. When he isn’t in Tallahassee or Washington DC, you can find him on the pristine flats of Biscayne Bay or the farthest reaches of Everglades National Park. Guiding Flow TV was born from his deep passion for these places and the desire to empower our communities to become its stewards.
The Lefty Kreh Leadership Award
Presented annually in recognition of exceptional efforts to further AFFTA’s mission of promoting the sustained growth of the fly-fishing industry.
2022 Lefty Kreh Award, Diane Bristol, Simms
As Vice President, Culture and Community, for Simms in Bozeman, Montana, Diane has been with Simms for over 28 years honing her experience in customer service, marketing, and management. Among her many hats, Diane focuses on Simms’ employees and community - continuing to build a culture at Simms that is as unique & special as the brand represents. Diane has been active in numerous organizations including AFFTA, Casting for Recovery, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, and Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation, to name a few. In 2019, Bristol, along with Simms, was recognized by Greater Yellowstone Coalition for her role in helping to protect the Yellowstone Ecosystem with the successful passage of the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act.