Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited (TU) is a US nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of freshwater streams, rivers, and associated upland habitats, primarily for trout, salmon, and other aquatic species. Founded in 1959 along Michigan's Au Sable River, TU has grown into a national organization with substantial influence in environmental conservation.

Formation and History

Trout Unlimited was established by a group of 16 anglers who sought to protect trout habitats in popular fishing rivers. The organization initially began as "Trout, Unlimited," later dropping the comma to become Trout Unlimited. Dr. Casey E. Westell Jr. served as the first president, while Art Neumann was the first vice president. Since its inception, TU has expanded to have a significant presence in nearly every U.S. state.

Purpose and Activities

Trout Unlimited focuses on protecting, restoring, and sustaining North American cold-water fisheries and their watersheds. Its conservation efforts include stream restoration, habitat protection, and advocacy for environmental policies. TU often partners with governmental agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement these projects.

Conservation Approach

TU's conservation strategy is built around four key elements:

• Protecting Intact Habitat: Preserving unspoiled habitats, often in public lands, to maintain biodiversity.
• Reconnecting Fragmented Habitat: Restoring connectivity in fish habitats by removing dams and improving culverts.
• Restoring Degraded Habitat: Implementing projects to revive damaged ecosystems through natural methods like reintroducing streams to their natural courses and adding woody debris.
• Sustaining Conservation Efforts: Ensuring long-term success by fostering community engagement and promoting stewardship.

Membership and Influence

With over 300,000 members nationwide, TU is one of the largest environmental organizations in the United States. Its membership is organized into local chapters across the country, facilitating grassroots advocacy and community involvement. TU members contribute hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours annually to conservation projects.

Funding

Trout Unlimited receives significant funding from both private and public sources, including environmental foundations like the Nature Conservancy and federal grants for environmental remediation projects. The organization's financial support extends to other environmental groups, further amplifying its impact on conservation efforts.

Advocacy and Policy

Trout Unlimited is an active advocate for environmental issues, particularly those affecting cold-water fisheries. It has publicly opposed projects like the Pebble Mine in Alaska and the Keystone XL pipeline, and supports broader environmental policies such as carbon taxation. The organization also works to protect public lands and promote climate change adaptation measures.