Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited (TU) is a U.S. non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of freshwater streams, rivers, and associated upland habitats for trout, salmon, and other aquatic species.

History

Trout Unlimited was founded in 1959 by 16 anglers on the banks of the Au Sable River in Michigan. The organization's founding was driven by a desire to protect trout populations and their habitats in popular fishing rivers. It has since grown into a national organization with chapters across nearly every state.

Mission and Vision

Trout Unlimited's mission is to conserve and protect coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. The organization works to bring diverse interests together to care for and recover rivers and streams, ensuring future generations can experience wild and native trout and salmon. Its vision is for communities nationwide to engage in river restoration and protection efforts.

Activities

Trout Unlimited engages in several key activities:

• Habitat Restoration: The organization focuses on restoring coldwater habitats and fish populations that have been degraded. This includes reintroducing streams to their natural courses, removing or repairing faulty culverts, and enhancing water flow and ecological function.
• Community Engagement: TU involves local communities through educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy campaigns. It also publishes a quarterly magazine, TROUT, which is distributed to members.
• Advocacy: The organization advocates for environmental policies and opposes projects that could harm aquatic habitats, such as the Pebble Mine in Alaska and certain natural gas extraction projects.

Funding and Partnerships

Trout Unlimited is supported by various left-of-center environmental foundations and participates in partnerships with government agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife Service, to achieve its conservation goals.

Structure

Trout Unlimited operates through local chapters and regional offices across the United States, with a national office in Arlington, Virginia. It has approximately 220 staff members nationwide. The organization is structured into departments, including Volunteer Operations, Science, Eastern Conservation, Western Conservation, Government Affairs, Development, and Marketing.

Conservation Approach

Trout Unlimited uses a collaborative approach to conservation, emphasizing partnerships between stakeholders to protect, reconnect, restore, and sustain coldwater resources. It relies on scientific research to guide conservation priorities and assess the health of fish populations.

Membership and Impact

Trout Unlimited claims a large number of members and supporters, with volunteers contributing significant hours to conservation projects annually. The organization's budget supports extensive conservation work across the United States.