Simms Moving Away from Felt Soles ... by 2010

Going back to an earlier post on moving away from felt-soled wading boots in an attempt to avoid transferring invasive species from one fishery to another, Simms has announced that it will stop producing felt soles on its wading boots by 2010.

Simms president K.C. Walsh made the announcement last month at the Flyfishing Retailer Expo, noting that Simms’ decision to do away with felt is a result of the spread of invasive species such as the Quagga Mussel.

“We know felt is not the only material that has spread invasive species and disease, but felt is surely part of the problem,” Walsh said in a statement. “At Simms, we’ve decided to be part of the solution.”

Last month, Trout Unlimited asked wading boot manufacturers to phase out felt by 2011.

According to Simms, the company has responded to Trout Unlimited’s request and “is eager to lead the charge.”

I guess my only question is: Why are we waiting until 2010 and 2011 to start making a difference?

Feel free to add your thoughts on this subject below in the comments section.