A camera seldom does justice to what your eye captures in the brief moment it takes you to push the button (technical term used by non-photographers), and it takes time to readjust your memory to match the photo your camera’s eye caught. And like anything else, time will fade both memory and picture, which will leave only a story. A story to be passed down. A story that will ultimately leave our legacy.
As I spent time speaking, listening, and observing, both on the water and back at camp, I felt at ease. As a passionate cold water junky, I was encouraged by the work that the aforementioned organization is doing. Not only in the physical labor that goes into preserving these wild places and their inhabitants, but also the work on the streets that get people motivated and involved to make a lasting difference to something we all share.
Whether it’s Dietmar Grimm (VP of Marketing and Strategy), who is looking for creative ways to enhance Trout Unlimited’s member base, realizing that the future of TU will be passed on to the next generation of avid cold water fisherman, enthusiasts, or anyone who loves spending time in the outdoors. Or listening to Michael Gibson (Montana TU Outreach Director) speak passionately about some of the real life issues TU is facing, balancing political winds with common sense work. Corey Fisher (TU’s Energy Director) also inspires. He works to ensure that in the search and consumption of our natural resources, that no short cuts are taken to protect a water and species that can’t speak for themselves. Tom Reed (TU’s OHV Policy Director) works tirelessly to protect the backcountry wilderness where these native fish live and breed, places that might get overlooked without a guy like Tom and an organization like TU. And lastly, Chris Hunt. Chris works with hunters and anglers, government representatives, businesses, landowners and industry to protect the lands we all own. And as he’d tell you, “Let’s just keep things the way they are, we have a good balance right now.” Although, I am not sure that it is that simple. These are only a few of the people Trout Unlimited has in place. There are countless more, working as hard to make a difference not only for their members, but also make a difference for anybody who cares about the natural world in which we live.
The four days spent in the Centennial Valley were more than just a great fishing trip, it was an education. It was important to see the people and places my membership dollars support. It was important to get that interaction. And as I continue to support TU and their ongoing efforts, I am confident that they have my best interests in mind.
The fact remains that the next generation will be left with a legacy we created. It is not only important to be focused on the short term and the hot button issues of today, but we need to be proactive and motivated to work towards the future. It isn’t a matter of wanting to make meaningful change. It is deciding to prioritize that these fish and these places matter enough to start the work today, while looking towards tomorrow.
Although memories may change, I can only hope that the story won’t be forgotten through the work of many. Protect what we have, restore what we've marred, reconnect to the environment and fish we care about, and sustain a healthy balance for the future. We owe it to ourselves, and we owe it to the generations yet to experience such beauty.
Notes:
It’s easy to idealize these thoughts into a perfect world scenario. It is never that easy. We all have different thoughts and ideas on how to keep this conservation effort going. Please let me know your thoughts on TU, as I am curious to hear what people think. We have the opportunity to speak up and put our membership dollars to work. What do you like? What would you change? Why or why aren't you involved with TU? You get the idea.
Also...if you are a lover of the outdoors, and you use these cold water fisheries and backcountry areas, and you are not a TU member…why?
Please get involved, or at the very least visit the Trout Unlimited website to learn more about a great organization.
Please get involved, or at the very least visit the Trout Unlimited website to learn more about a great organization.
Some great points made here Sanders. That place is a great example of why Trout Unlimited is such a great organization. I have heard a lot of different opinions on TU over the years some for it, some against it. Those who are against it are usually people who do not agree with catch and release and special regulations. The fact that T.U. is making sure these special rare fisheries are there for my kids and their kids to enjoy, that is something that brings a smile to my face. If that means using a barbless hook, sweet, more of a challenge. If that means I put back a beautiful little 8" Brookie, great, he will be there for the next fellow fisherman to enjoy next. Great Work Trout Unlimited. Great Post. Tight Lines.
ReplyDeleteYou bring up some very good points Sanders. I agree with all of them. TU has suffered from somewhat tarnished image, but I don't know why. I think people expect too much for nothing and certainly nothing in return. Let's keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult. The more we learn about these fish and their world, the more we realize that we have made mistakes in the past, or left wondering what we did wrong. It's going to be a long time before things are sorted out. Not in my lifetime, but I'm still here trying to help as I can.
ReplyDeleteI need to catch up on your posts! I shall return!
Well said, Sanders.
ReplyDeleteI have in years past helped in an effort to restore Atlantic salmon to a river system. It has been a tough and sometimes frustrating endeavor. The rewards came from a return of some of the fry that we stocked.
Also over the years I have seen some of TU's finest work. A restoration of a sea run brook trout stream on Cape Cod.
It's a great organization.
Thanks
I've been an active TU member for the past few years and think the organization does good work on the conservation front. Two thoughts on your post.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chris that we've got a pretty good balance today. But it's not going to stay that way. In the past ten years the US population grew by 27 million people. That's 27 million more people who will use our natural resources. So, we've got to up our game in order to maintain the balance 'cause all the other commercial and societal interests are upping their game.
While the conservation mission remains important, I think the organization has to demonstrate more effort in reaching out to non-members, especially young adults and children. TIC and other youth education efforts are critical to getting that next generation as not only members but advocates for the fisheries in all aspects of their lives.
Very nice post!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate this post, Sanders. As a life member of TU, I am biased. However, my perspective and experiences have also offered some insight as to why some folks, who love to fish, have found themselves at ideological odds with the organization.
ReplyDeleteThe first, and perhaps most pervasive issue, is hatchery vs. wild. The issue tore a deep schism in the Pacific Northwest, as TU committed itself to the sustainability of native, wild stock, and its science showed adverse impacts from hatchery programs on those precious genetics.
Second, TU is an organization that stands up vocally on behalf of coldwater resource conservation. This is done at local, state and DC levels. Many perceive this to be advocacy, a term tagged with a negative stigma by many who associate it with political fervor.
For my part, I will say that TU hasn't taken a stand on an issue that it can't substantiate with a quick referral to its mission statement. "Conserve, protect and restore coldwater fisheries and their watersheds" isn't just TU's mission. It should be the mission of every soul that is ignited by the primal beauty of a native salmonid, the raw spirit embodied in a line tight to a fighting fish. I say onward, TU, and with great vigor. No other organization does so much at so many levels for something we all should be able to agree is priceless.
Trout- Thanks for commenting, I didn't know if I'd get much of a response to this post. I agree, keeping these fisheries going for our kids and future generations is the most important thing. I think building and taking care of cold water habitat is a pretty cool thing.
ReplyDeleteCofisher- Thanks! I think they are doing some great work as well. From legislative work to stream restorations. We all benefit. Planted 60 willows and cottonwoods this morning with our chapters Youth Camp. It was fun to see kids involved.
ReplyDeleteI think TU does get a bad rap from people. A lot to do with perception. It was really eye opening for me to see this stuff first hand...in a good way.
BCFN- Good to hear from you...you must be coming down from altitude :-)
ReplyDeleteI remember doing work with Pheasants Forever, and it was the same thing. It just goes to show how fragile these ecosystems are, and what type of impact we actually have on them.
I hope that we can get the bad sorted out, and protect what we haven't messed up...ha!
Brk Trt- Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteI think that for a lot of people, they haven't been involved in the actual work to see its success. It's cool that you have witnessed these things first hand. TU is a great organization, doing a ton of good stuff.
Steve- I couldn't agree more, TU does have to do a much better job in getting more "active" members. Namely, young adults and people my age (30-40 year olds) I know that Chris and Dietmar are working really hard trying to figure out how to grow that demographic in their member base. It will be interesting to see what happens. I wish them a ton of luck.
ReplyDeleteAlso...as the population grows, you're right, we need to step up our game (as outdoor lovers, not just TU) in making sure these resources do not get abused.
George- Thanks for stopping by and following along. I appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteRuss- Thanks for jumping in on this!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting how perception is seldom reality (especially on your advocacy point), I think that is where TU needs to reach out to a broader audience(member base)and educate people on what exactly they stand for. In my opinion, most people associate TU with money, tweed, and dry flies. Maybe a tiny change in perception would help get more people involved (or at least strengthen membership).
I couldn't agree more, that if you are ignited by these fish and these places, get involved...anyway that you can.
Trout Unlimited is an amazing organization and has done so much good work in Colorado. In some cases they have restored creeks damaged by mining as well as improve regulations on crucial habitat. You cannot do anything these days without ruffling a few feathers so T.U. will always have to face a small percentage of discontent with someone. I personally want to thank everyone involved for what they have done in this beautiful state as well as beyond.
ReplyDeleteSanders
ReplyDeleteIt is rare that an individual like you gets to see and realize what a great organization like TU does. Trout Unlimited is the catalyst that keeps trout fishing alive and well. Our local club has been working with the largest power company in Alabama to enhance the fishing condition for trout fishing below the dam. As you know things with different companies and political groups doesn't happen overnight. It takes long hours of work to convince someone or some group to see your point of view. I am just thankful that we as sportsmen and women have an organization like TU to help us educate the general public about conservation. Outstanding Post!!
Too many always think "someone else will take care of it," and for good, and bad, someone always does. Good because they care now, and for later. Bad because it lets lazy people off the hook. But that's never the concern in TU or other quality organizations.
ReplyDeleteTheir work is to important to worry about such minor details. Most will never know how much TU has done to improve and keep what is wild just that way. We are lucky to live, and enjoy, their legacy.
Colorado- Well said, I couldn't agree more. You can't make everyone happy all of the time, and organizations like TU just have to keep plugging along. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteBill- Thanks! I did have a fantastic opportunity to observe great work first hand. And fortunately for me, it involved a ton of fishing as well. I think, as you know, when you get involved to make lasting change for the better, it's easier to see the benefit of getting involved with organizations like TU (Pheasants Forever, DU, etc...). Things certainly don't happen overnight, but like you implied, there are a lot of people we need to keep happy when trying to make any sort of "change".
ReplyDeleteDean- Thanks for the comment. You're right, no matter what, organizations like TU keep on working through it all. Even when we aren't...good or bad. We are very lucky to live with their legacy, and be involved to help preserve such great work. Making sure that their (and our) legacy will live on for generations to come.
ReplyDeleteJust gotta say... I love me some Russ Schnitzer... thanks for the kind words about the employer, my friend... much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteCH
CH- I'm glad that people weighed in on this post passionately. It's fun to know people care :-) I'm looking forward to reading what the others have to say.
ReplyDelete