Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited (TU) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of freshwater streams, rivers, and associated upland habitats primarily for trout, salmon, and other aquatic species. It aims to protect, restore, and sustain America's coldwater fisheries for the benefit of current and future generations.

History

Trout Unlimited was founded in July 1959 by a group of 16 anglers on the banks of the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan. The organization's early efforts were focused on protecting trout in popular fishing rivers. Key founders included Art Neumann and George Griffith, known for creating the Griffith's Gnat fly pattern.

Mission and Vision

Trout Unlimited's mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, ensuring future generations can enjoy wild and native trout and salmon. The organization's vision is for communities across America to engage in the work of repairing and renewing rivers, streams, and other waters on which they depend.

Activities and Conservation Efforts

Trout Unlimited's activities span a wide range of conservation projects, advocacy, and educational programs. The organization conducts stream restoration work, participates in citizen science, advocates for environmental policies, and engages in educational outreach for youth, women, and veterans. Trout Unlimited partners with government agencies such as the United States Forest Service and United States Fish and Wildlife Service on many projects. The organization has opposed various environmental threats, including the Pebble Mine in Alaska and legislative efforts to transfer public lands from federal ownership.

Structure and Membership

Trout Unlimited operates with a national structure and local chapters across nearly every state in the U.S. It has approximately 300,000 members and supporters, organized into over 400 local chapters within 42 councils. The organization employs around 350 staff members nationwide.

Funding and Donors

Trout Unlimited is funded by both private donors and grants from left-of-center environmental foundations. Significant donors include the Nature Conservancy, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. The organization also receives federal grants for environmental projects.

Leadership

The current president of Trout Unlimited is Christopher Wood, who has been involved with the organization since 2001. Bernard C. Bailey serves as the chairman of the board of trustees.

Environmental Advocacy

Trout Unlimited actively supports environmental causes, including the removal of dams that block fish migration and opposition to large-scale mining and natural gas extraction projects. The organization has also advocated for climate change legislation and supported a carbon tax to fund environmental conservation.

Publications and Community Engagement

Trout Unlimited publishes a quarterly magazine called TROUT, which features articles on angling and conservation issues. The organization engages its members through its community outreach programs, aiming to build a strong network of conservation advocates across the U.S.