Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited (TU) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of freshwater streams, rivers, and associated upland habitats for trout, salmon, and other aquatic species. Founded in 1959 by a group of 16 fishermen along the Au Sable River in Michigan, TU has evolved into one of North America's leading coldwater fisheries conservation organizations.

Purpose and Activities

Trout Unlimited's mission is to conserve, protect, and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. The organization achieves this through various projects, programs, and advocacy efforts, both at the volunteer/chapter level and at the staff level. TU members contribute extensive volunteer hours annually, focusing on activities such as stream restoration, citizen science projects, educational programs, youth outreach, and advocacy campaigns.

Stream Restoration

A key aspect of TU's conservation work is stream restoration. This involves improving habitats for trout and other cold-water species by planting trees and shrubs to reduce erosion and increase shade, strategically adding boulders or woody debris to enhance water depth and flow, and removing or improving barriers like culverts and dams. TU frequently partners with organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to carry out these projects.

Advocacy

Trout Unlimited is an active advocate on environmental issues affecting coldwater fisheries. It has opposed projects such as the Pebble Mine in Alaska's Bristol Bay and legislative efforts to transfer public lands from federal ownership. Additionally, TU has taken positions on broader environmental issues like climate change, calling for a carbon tax and opposing large-scale mining and fossil fuel extraction projects.

Funding and Donors

TU is supported by a diverse range of donors, including environmentalist foundations and federal grants. Major donors include the Nature Conservancy and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Membership and Structure

Trout Unlimited claims over 300,000 members nationally, organized into local chapters across the United States. The organization is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and has an annual budget of approximately $50 million.

Leadership

The organization's leadership includes a president and a chairman of the board of trustees. Past leadership has included individuals with backgrounds in both environmental advocacy and government service.

Conservation Tools

Trout Unlimited utilizes tools like the Conservation Success Index (CSI) and the Brook Trout Portfolio Analysis to assess and prioritize conservation efforts for cold-water fish species and their habitats. These tools help guide restoration and protection initiatives across different regions.

Sectors of Focus

Trout Unlimited focuses on sectors related to Advocacy or Policy, Climate Adaptation, Coastal & Ocean Sinks, and Drawdown Solutions. Its work involves not only protecting aquatic habitats but also engaging in broader environmental stewardship efforts.

Community Engagement

TU emphasizes building a diverse community of stewards for coldwater resources, including youth, veterans, and women. This includes promoting fishing as a way to engage people with natural environments and foster support for conservation efforts.