In early June 2022, a combination of an unusual atmospheric rain event and warm overnight temperatures coincided with Montana’s peak runoff, resulting in a devastating 500-year flood event. Due to the catastrophic flooding, all five entrances to Yellowstone National Park were closed, thousands of park visitors were evacuated, bridges, houses and roadways were swept away leaving millions of dollars in damages behind, and years of restoration ahead.
To the residents of southwest Montana, the Yellowstone River is not only a vital economic resource, it’s an ecosystem that’s essential to their way of life.
After the floods occurred, Simms immediately leaned into its longstanding heritage of making waders and embarked on a partnership project conceived to generate significant funding support towards a campaign to revitalize the iconic Yellowstone ecosystem.
Simms Fishing Products, based in Bozeman, Montana. came up with an idea to help raise money for the area. In association with Montana Freshwater Partners, the company launched the all-new Simms Watershed Stockingfoot Wader and earmarked sales to generate financial aid to the Yellowstone ecosystem.
Through Watershed sales, Simms says it will make a $50,000 contribution to the Yellowstone River Stewardship Campaign, a campaign developed to engage the community, out of state visitors, and business to give back to projects that support the overall health and vitality of the Yellowstone River. The $50,000 will be in addition to the $10,000 contribution Simms made in November 2022.
The total contribution will go through a fund that’s been established through Montana Freshwater Partners, a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Livingston, Montana. Funds earned through this campaign will be invested in conservation and restoration projects that will improve water quality, fish habitat, late season flows and floodplain connectivity. Allocation of Simms’ contribution will go towards priority based, on-the-ground projects implemented collaboratively with local nonprofit organizations such as Montana Freshwater Partners, Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group, Park County Environmental Council, Trout Unlimited and others working in partnership with the Department of natural Resources, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Custer Gallatin National Forest and Bureau of Land Management.
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Available now, the all-new Simms Watershed Stockingfoot Wader is patterned after Simms’ G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader and utilizes GORE-TEX Pro Shell fabric in a 3-layer upper and 4-layer lower portion of the wader. This lightweight fabric is breathable, durable, waterproof and offers an unhindered range of motion. Featuring an oversized stretch-woven zippered chest pocket and a microfleece lined, zippered, pass-through handwarmer pocket, the wader also comes equipped with adjustable suspenders with opposing buckles that allow for a waist-high conversion. For mobility and durability, Simms has incorporated their patented front and back leg seams. To round out the feature set, the wader includes integrated gravel guards and anatomically correct left and right stockingfeet with an antimicrobial finish.
Available in eight sizes, Simms Watershed Stockingfoot Waders are available now in limited quantities and can be purchased for $599.95 at simmsfishing.com and through the Simms retail network.
