2017 ANNUAL REPORT CONSERVATION AND SCIENCE COMMUNITY The work that Trout Unlimited does to make our nation’s watersheds more resilient in the face of development and Dear Reader: a changing climate also makes our communities stronger. For example, when we protect public land, we reduce downstream drinking water On behalf of Trout Unlimited’s 300,000 members and supporters, 220 professional staff, and our trustees and grassroots leaders, we want to share with you the 2017 Trout Unlimited annual report. We realize that filtration costs. When we reconnect rivers to their flood plains, we reduce the effects of downstream flooding. When we restore rivers, we annual reports are essentially ritualized bragging, and should be generally read as such. Please consider these produce thousands of high-paying family wage jobs in rural communities. When we help wounded veterans to heal through fishing, teach kids to numbers, however, before you dismiss this one: fish and train the next generation of conservation stewards, we make the world a better place. • 1,164 miles of streams protected. • 737 miles of streams reconnected. • 361 miles of streams restored. P Protect: That is what Trout Unlimited accomplished on-the-ground in 2017. Aldo Leopold, who we like to think was We protect the highest quality rivers and streams— the intellectual predicate for that dozen or so people who first met on the banks of the Au Sable 59 years ago and the sources of cold, clean water. founded Trout Unlimited, once said: “The only thing that matters is progress on the landscape of the back 40.” It is difficult to think of an organization that accomplishes more on that landscape than Trout Unlimited. R Reconnect: What do these big numbers mean for the places we live and love? Because fish need to move in response to floods, fire, drought, In the Driftless Area—the unglaciated portion of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois—we­ have accom- and, in some cases, their lifecycles, we reconnect high-quality plished more than 100 miles of restoration in the past 10 years, including 20 this past year. Pre-restoration, we streams to downstream areas through changes to law and policy, and by removing unneeded dams and addressing find about 200-300 trout per mile in a Driftless stream. One year after restoration, those numbers increase to stream blockages such as perched culverts. 2,000-3,000 fish per mile. In Pennsylvania’s Kettle Creek—a stream decimated by the scourge of acid mine drainage—after more than R Restore: 15 years of hard and patient restoration work, we have recovered populations of wild and naturally reproduc- We identify and restore ing , which is a first for an Appalachian acid-mine damaged stream. Similarly, in Kerber Creek in areas where we see the southwestern Colorado, the work of Trout Unlimited and our partners has led to the first wild, naturally repro- highest return on invest- ducing trout populations in an area lost to the impacts of hard rock mining over 100 years ago. We could tell you ment for coldwater fish. story after story about once-dead, now-recovered landscapes because of Trout Unlimited. We have a national tendency toward forgetfulness in this country. We see it reflected in how we treat the elderly and those who served our nation’s flag. Relative to conservation, that lends itself to an “out-of-sight- out-of-mind” perspective. How else to explain tolerance for abandoned mines, dry western rivers, disregard for public lands, and loss of protection of headwater streams under the Clean Water Act and in places such as Bristol Bay, Alaska? Trout Unlimited never forgets. Instead, in thousands of communities across our great country, our mem- bers and staff work quietly and patiently to bring people together to apply common sense to common problems for the common good. We literally build community in a fractured world. And in so doing, we make your fishing better. Consider the fact that our 400 chapters and councils this past year donated over 730,000 hours of service to the places they live and love. 730,000 hours. That represents a passel of volunteers who educated state and federal legislators about clean water. That represents tens of thousands of kids who learned about the wonder of S Sustain: nature. That represents thousands of veterans whose lives have been made better through our Veteran’s Service We sustain this work over time by investing Partnership because of time on the water and fly-tying. Most important is that those veterans—and all of us who in kids, volunteers, fight to protect the places we live, love, and fish—are welcomed into the hundreds of communities built by Trout veterans, and the Unlimited volunteers across the country. communities in which That is the secret sauce of Trout Unlimited. No-one, no-one does a better job of protecting, reconnecting, we live. and restoring the places you love to fish—and by so doing to make these areas more resilient to a changing -cli mate—but our work to rebuild the communities that make America great truly distinguishes us. We hope you enjoy the report, and that it motivates you to give back to the resources that give us all so much joy.

All our best,

1,682 672 3M 737 361 YOUTH & VETERANS Chris Wood James Asselstine PROJECTS EVENTS ACRES MILES MILES President and Chief Executive Officer Chairman PROTECTED RECONNECTED RESTORED TO SUSTAIN THE MISSION 2017 ACHIEVEMENTS

COVER PHOTO BY JOSH DUPLECHIAN 1 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Trout Unlimited is a conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring TROUT UNLIMITED’S UNLIMITED’S 300,000 MEMBERS 300,000 AND MEMBERS SUPPORTERS trout and and the ANDWORKING SUPPORTERS THROUGH OVER IN 400 2017… LOCAL CHAPTERS AND watersheds upon which they depend. STATE COUNCILS MADE AN INCREDIBLE IMPACT IN 2017.

“Take care of the fish and the fishing will take WHAT IS care of itself.” –Art Neumann, Trout Unlimited founder 734,824 volunteers hours Trout Unlimited is a community of more than 300,000 members and supporters operating out of over 400 local chapters and state councils. We are the most dedicated trout, salmon and steelhead anglers in America, who not only appreciate the pastime of fishing, but who are also dedicated to keep- ing our resources around for future generations. And we act with incredible 1,013 Total volunteer hours valued at resolve. These “boots in the water” ac- conservation projects TROUT held on local streams counted for 734,824 volunteer hours $17,312,453 of work in 2017… rolling rocks, plac- ing structure, planting trees, cleaning up riverbanks, engaging local commu- nities, teaching the next generation of river stewards, and doing all the other 1,682 UNLIMITED? necessary “dirty work” it takes to make education projects that (and keep) trout water fishable. Mile by engaged youth mile, acre by acre, no organization in the world has the bandwidth, nor phys- ically does more to improve, protect, and sustain trout and salmon waters Raised than Trout Unlimited. Served $10,044,329 veterans Trout Unlimited is guided by science. in revenue and their From evaluating the effects of climate families change on our rivers to devising with strategies to counter these effects, to Spent over understanding the interplay of fish 672 and their habitats, Trout Unlimited’s events network of scientists bring their $8,718,687 and on conservation, education activities collective expertise and experience to and other local projects bear on the key management questions facing coldwater fisheries. Knowledge is power, and Trout Unlimited relies Over the past 10 years, Trout Unlimited volunteers spent $92,524,260 to on the most credible professionals implement our mission locally, including over 11,000 unique conservation in the world, from within Trout projects and over 15,300 youth education projects. Unlimited and through our state,

TROUT UNLIMITED 2 3 2017 ANNUAL REPORT agriculture, mining and outdoor TROUT UNLIMITED STAFF IN 2017 recreation to find solutions that work for coldwater fish and people. We work to help families coalesce around conservation ethics that are passed More than 220 from one generation to the next. medium Trout Unlimited is a for professionals angler conservationists to communi- in 45 offices nationwide, including 25 cate with each other, in print, on- RESULTS- staff in Trout Unlimited’s national headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. line, through social media, and most importantly, in person. We inform. We entertain. We educate. We inspire peo- ple to think about fishing… to become better anglers… and to understand Specialized the imperative of giving back to the expertise: resources that give all anglers joy. Trout Unlimited is fun. We are a Restoration Specialists place for learning, camaraderie and Scientists working together to protect and restore Policy Experts DRIVEN the places where people love to fish. Lawyers Whether your idea of fun is learning Communicators new fishing tips or creating and sharing Organizers fly patterns or teaching kids how to fish … all working together in or conducting stream assessments or a strategic, coordinated The following pages illustrate some examples of the work walking the halls of Congress and state manner for the benefit of Trout Unlimited did in 2017. In many cases, these efforts have already coldwater habitat throughout houses, we afford opportunities to get North America. more out of conservation and the sport had a significant impact. The real impact of Trout Unlimited’s work of trout fishing. And with over 400 local chapters and councils initiating will be seen and measured for generations. activities in communities across the federal, and university partners, to where conservation and sporting country, we have many opportunities guide and measure the effectiveness of communities intersect. From Capitol and a lot of fun. its conservation strategies and programs. Hill to state capitals, from government We are one of the nation’s most respected agencies to local town hall meetings, In short, Trout Unlimited is first and scientific resources for understanding we have a clear presence wherever trout foremost about conservation. For more issues related to trout, salmon and the and salmon conservation and fishing than half a century we have embraced waters in which they live. are concerned. In nature, diversity the mantra that if we take care of creates strength; and so it is with the fish, the fishing will take care of Trout Unlimited is a voice for all organizations, too. Trout Unlimited is itself. And while the work of Trout anglers. In turbulent political times, committed to increasing the number— Unlimited clearly makes fishing better, it is imperative to be measured, and voices—of women, minorities, one does not have to be a serious angler reasonable and respected. Intentionally and young people engaged in the to appreciate our work. Understanding non-partisan, Trout Unlimited conservation of coldwater fisheries. that trout and salmon are bellwethers advocates on behalf of cold, clean water of healthy cold water… and that all and responsible Trout Unlimited is a catalyst for waters ultimately flow downstream… on the national, regional and local change, growth and healing. Our our work to protect, reconnect, restore levels. We also advocate for public programs extend beyond fish, rivers and sustain cold, clean fishable habitat lands that belong to all of us to enjoy and lakes to also focus on people. literally has a ripple effect on issues that as an American birthright. Trout We build bridges with communities affect millions of Americans, from the Unlimited occupies the nexus position centered around industries such as rivers they fish, to the water they drink.

TROUT UNLIMITED 4 5 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Protecting Pennsylvania Trout Waters

Driftless Area Restoration In Pennsylvania, we are racing to secure protective designations for trout streams before pipeline construction and other forms of development occur. Since 2011, Trout Before Trout Unlimited started the Driftless Area Restoration effort, there Unlimited field crews have sampled roughly 750 streams. In most years, wild trout were three to five miles of restoration occurring in the area each year. In 2017, are found in approximately 40 percent of the streams Trout Unlimited hit its highest annual total yet with 20 miles of restored habitat. sampled. Trout Unlimited passes that information along to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which then And the future for Driftless Area restoration is bright. The Natural Resources Protect Conservation Service recently awarded $9.2 million over five years to Trout considers the streams for formal listing. Over the past year, P Trout Unlimited has gained Wild Trout Stream designation Unlimited, which will be boosted by our chapters and partners for a total Halley Creek before investment of $12.6 million. Since its inception, the Driftless Restoration Effort PARTNERS/FUNDERS: for 503 new waters totaling an estimated 1,500 miles. This National Fish and Wildlife has recovered more than 100 miles of river, and provided access easements classification under the state’s water quality regulations Foundation, triggers more stringent environmental protections when on 450 stream miles along private land. By eliminating William Penn Foundation, impairments, Driftless Area restoration projects have led R.K. Mellon Foundation the Department of Environmental Protection reviews to as much as a tenfold increase in trout populations from permits for development activities. Restore R 200-300 to 2,000-3,000 fish per mile. PARTNER/FUNDER: Natural Resources Conservation Service Cleaning the Animas

Halley Creek after In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would include the site of the 2015 Gold King mine spill, plus 47 other mine sites in the Great Lakes Bonita Peak Mining District of the upper Animas River basin, to its “Top 21” priorities for cleanup under Reconnection and Superfund. This federal program is responsible for cleaning up some of the nation’s most contaminated lands Restoration Efforts and waters. It was an encouraging development for southwestern In the Great Lakes Basin, Trout Unlimited Colorado and the Animas River—including the Gold has built up to a staff of eight, who in 2017 Medal section of trout river 50 miles downstream from completed more than 70 miles of habitat the mines, that runs through Durango and is the lifeblood reconnection and restoration work on of the region’s communities and recreation/tourism- Great Lakes tributaries. Trout Unlimited based economy. It was also a major victory for Trout and our partners also succeeded in Unlimited and local stakeholders, maintaining funding for the Great Lakes who have been steadfast in our Restoration Initiative, which will set us up push for prioritization of the upper Restore for another productive field season. The Animas River basin among the over Partnership in West Virginia Halley Creek Aquatic Organism Passage 1,300 Superfund sites in the United R Project shown above reconnected 7.2 miles States. Trout Unlimited’s direct and PARTNERS/FUNDERS: of high quality, Class I trout stream to the sustained advocacy with the EPA, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, The Wyss In West Virginia, Trout Unlimited partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Peshtigo River in northern Wisconsin. and our continued push for mining Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Two Chiefs Initiative Foundation, and The reform legislation such as Good William and Flora projects to complete complementary, watershed-scale restoration efforts on public Samaritan legislation and 1872 Hewlett Foundation and private lands in the upper Greenbrier and Potomac Headwaters. Accomplishments General Mining Act reform, will help included riparian plantings along 33 miles of stream, obliteration of 88 miles of road, 70 Reconnect PARTNERS/FUNDERS: ensure that other mining-impacted fisheries do not suffer miles of instream wood additions, opening of 36 U.S. Forest Service, R National Fish and Wildlife the same fate as the upper Animas. That’s great news miles of native trout habitat, protecting 6,400 Foundation, PARTNER/FUNDER: for anglers who love the Animas’ world-class in targeted hemlocks, and establishing more than Great Lakes Restoration Durango, and rivers throughout the West. U.S. Forest Service, Initiative Restore Natural Resources 160 sites for fish and habitat assessment. In 2017, Restore R Conservation Service Trout Unlimited received a national partnership R award from the USFS for this work.

TROUT UNLIMITED 6 7 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Empowering Anglers to Gather Important Data

In our strategic plan, Trout Unlimited identified Angler Science as one of five strategic opportunities. Since then, we have trained more than 1,000 people in the eastern United States Protect Sustain and have found new ways to apply citizen science to our P S conservation work. In Maine, Trout Unlimited-affiliated anglers have been surveying wild brook trout ponds to be added to the PARTNERS/FUNDERS: Virginia Environmental state’s protective Heritage Waters list. We recently adapted that Endowment, Flows in the program to search for sea-run or “salter” brook trout in Maine’s U.S. Geological Survey, coastal streams, and volunteers have found thriving populations in some unlikely places where for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Rio Grande and the past 30 years it was assumed there were “no trout present.” In Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Maine Outdoor Heritage Trout Unlimited volunteers have collected paired air and water temperature data to input into U.S. Fund, Geological Survey climate models to understand how and where groundwater may buffer streams Horizon Foundation, Conejos Maine Audubon, from the impacts of climate change. The data will be used to prioritize projects for our Shenandoah Maine Department of Home Rivers Initiative. And volunteers are being trained to complete redd counts to provide data Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Since they were constructed during the that helps to prioritize culvert replacement projects and evaluate their results. Sea Run Brook Trout last century, storage reservoirs on the Rio Coalition Grande and Conejos Rivers in southern Colorado reduced flows to no more than a trickle during winter months, severely limiting the rivers’ trout populations. Over the past four years, Trout Unlimited built a water bank to restore flows to these two beloved rivers. A locally-based Trout Un- Volunteers from Trout limited biologist Unlimited’s Cape Cod chapter, have invested negotiated with more than 40,000 hours irrigators and Restore installing in-stream water districts, structures and planting R convincing them as many as 5,000 trees PARTNERS/FUNDERS: to adopt more and shrubs along the Conejos Water flexible sched- Making Communities (and Rivers) riparian corridor to Conservancy District, ules for their recover salters on Cape San Luis Valley Water Cod’s Quashnet River Conservancy District, water deliveries Resilient to Flooding and Red Brook River. Rio Grande Water to boost flows Conservation District, during fall and Colorado Parks and In 2017, Trout Unlimited made significant progress on tsi Flood Resiliency Wildlife, winter. The re- Bureau of Land sults have been work, another of the five opportunities identified in its strategic plan. In New Management, dramatic: During Hampshire, we held workshops in 24 communities for road agents and town San Luis Valley Irrigation officials to discuss how to mitigate and prepare for floods District, the winter of Colorado Division of 2016 and 2017, in ways that benefit both infrastructure and river health. Fending off an Alaskan Dam Water Resources when we might As one town official put it, “We, as a local community, otherwise have can’t afford to have these culverts blow out…[Restoration Reconnect seen no water in the Rio Grande and is] good for the environment, aquatic species and town R The Snow River is a tributary to the Kenai River that provides 40 percent of water to the Kenai River. It is also home to key a mere seven cfs in the Conejos, flows finances.” In California, our scientists helped to develop PARTNERS/FUNDERS: reached as high as nine cfs and 40 cfs on a new Central Valley Flood Protection Plan that will shift New Hampshire spawning habitat for sockeye and coho salmon in this legendary Protect the two rivers, respectively. the focus from levees and dams to multi-benefit projects Charitable Foundation, part of Alaska. A dam proposed for the Snow River in 2017 U.S. Fish & Wildlife P that restore river function and floodplain connectivity for was immediately identified as a huge threat to the fishery. Trout Service Fish Passage PARTNERS/FUNDERS: Trout Unlimited’s pioneering, market- fisheries, increase groundwater recharge, and reconnect Program, Unlimited organized opposition to the dam, turned out local Kenai Peninsula based program benefits not just the trout California Central members to meetings, provided technical support and organized rivers to floodplains. Conservancy, Valley Flood Protection fisheries in the Rio Grande and Conejos expertise for local guides and community members in Cooper Trout Unlimited Business Board and its Advisory members Rivers, but also the agricultural community Committee Landing who started an opposition group and educated folks about of this rural section of Colorado. the dam. The proposal was withdrawn in an astounding 29 days.

TROUT UNLIMITED 8 9 2017 ANNUAL REPORT California’s Mill Creek Dam

Improving Flows, Water Quality, and Habitat Trout Unlimited and our partners improved access to 11 miles of prime rearing and spawning habitat in Mill Creek, part of California’s on the Upper Colorado Russian River watershed, completing one of the highest-priority actions for coho restoration in this region. What made the Mill In late 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service announced $7.75 million in grant Creek Dam project particularly unique funding to Trout Unlimited for an ambitious slate of restoration projects to help offset the West Slope to Front Range trans- were the challenging site conditions and mountain diversion impacts on the Colorado River. The funding came about after years of wrangling, threatened litigation, and multiple landowners involved. After the Reconnect ultimately negotiation, resulting in an accord with the major water providers that will directly benefit more than 30 miles of project had been stuck for more than five R the Colorado River and 4,500 acres of irrigated lands. In addition, negotiated settlements with Denver Water and Northern years, Trout Unlimited was able to free it up and complete the project—which PARTNERS/FUNDERS: Colorado Water Conservancy District will make available up to 11,000 acre-feet of water to improve the river during low-flow NOAA Restoration conditions. With this funding, Trout Unlimited, our Colorado Council and its local chapters, and our partners will be able to is now winning national recognition. Center, put the ecosystem pieces of the upper Colorado River More importantly, it paid off for the fish. CA Dept. of Fish and As winter rains raised streamflows for Wildlife, back together and restore the river and its trout fishery Sonoma County to health. It is also one of the best recent examples PARTNERS/FUNDERS: the first time since dam removal, fish Reconnect Water Agency of how a local Trout Unlimited effort, led by the 547 - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Denver Water, immediately moved past the old dam site. Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, Colorado River Headwaters Chapter members and the R Colorado Water Conservation Board, Colorado Council, can blend with national staff work to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Grand County, maximize on-the-ground conservation results. Colorado River District, Upper Colorado River Alliance, Restore Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Farm Bureau of Middle Park, Middle Park Stockgrowers Association R Methow Valley Irrigation System Upgrade

On Upper Columbia River tributaries in Washington, Trout Unlimited is working with federal, state, tribal, and local partners on Veterans Service Partnership Changing Lives some of the largest irrigation infrastructure projects in the West. The fish-friendly redesign and construction of the Methow Valley Irrigation District water diversion, delivery, and use system is the latest, and was completed and up and running in 2017 after a $15 million-dollar investment. It is an incredible example of melding agricultural producer and fishery benefits. For the ranches, farms, Trout Unlimited aims to give back to as many veterans as we can and the City of Twisp, the project guarantees a modernized and reliable system that includes miles of open canal converted to pipe, by sharing the healing aspects of standing in a cold, clear trout an automated and pressurized system, and over 70 users transitioned from surface to ground water use. For stream and extending the arm of our community support network. the fishery, the infrastructure changes significantly benefited ESA-listed chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull Mostly, we do this through our chapters, 200 of which are actively Reconnect trout and at-risk native Westslope by permanently protecting Methow and Twisp River (11 cfs engaged with veterans outreach. Our national Veterans Service conserved in perpetuity) and Alder Creek flows and implementing fish passage and dam removal projects. Partnership program provides these chapters with a multitude R of resources in order to improve the quality and impact of that PARTNERS/FUNDERS: outreach. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Last September, for example, over 30 volunteer leaders, many Methow Valley Irrigation District, of whom are veterans themselves, gathered in Sun Valley, Idaho Washington State for a four-day training retreat on topics such as how to work Department of Ecology, with disabilities, understanding military culture, working with National Marine Fisheries Service, the VA, utilizing adaptive equipment, and post-event Washington Department follow-up. Importantly, these volunteers were instructed on how of Fish and Wildlife, to teach other volunteers the Town of Twisp, The Methow Conservancy, same subject matter. As a result, National Fish and Trout Unlimited is transforming Sustain Wildlife Foundation, the culture of our outreach to Rapids Coordinating S veterans in communities across Committee, PARTNERS/FUNDERS: the nation. And for many served Chelan and Douglas George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. by Trout Unlimited’s Veterans Tributary Committee, Salmon Recovery Foundation, Service Partnership, their local VA Adaptive Sports, Funding Board Higher Ground Sun Valley, chapter has become a place Telos Corporation, CACI, where a passion is born and a Trout Unlimited’s commitment to conservation is Coldwater Conservation fostered.

TROUT UNLIMITED 10 11 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Restoring Comanche Creek Trout Unlimited Science: Comanche Creek is a tributary to the Rio Costilla, New Mexico’s largest contiguous Building New Tools to Quantify Extinction watershed occupied by native Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Trout Unlimited’s role in Comanche restoration took a big step Risk and Opportunities for Native Trout forward in 2015, when we partnered with Coca Cola, the National Forest Foundation, and U.S. Forest Service Trout Unlimited scientists and university and agency colleagues are at the leading edge of applying remote sensing to expand wetland restoration to a to transform our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and fish populations. With funding from NASA, we are using much larger portion of the Comanche satellite-derived imagery to measure key environmental and habitat metrics we know influence trout populations— watershed. distribution of stream-side vegetation, stream flow, and stream temperature—and combining this information with From 2015 to 2017, Coca Cola’s $140,000 actual field data on native trout to develop new population viability models. annual investment has cumulatively re- Sportsmen’s Conservation Project: sulted in over 500 acre-feet of water per Our first completed model, focused on the federally-listed Lahontan cutthroat trout, links information on every year being retained in Comanche Creek Lahontan captured since 1985 with the above outlined environmental variables (plus the presence of non-native Protecting the Best of the West riparian aquifers. These partnership efforts trout, a primary threat) to predict the extinction risk for every population across the range, including waters with culminated in little or no historical fish sampling. Working with agency partners, we have built an interactive platform to explore 2017, when model results and evaluate the impact of management scenarios such as non-native trout eradication, Lahontan In 2017, Trout Unlimited’s 300,000 members and supporters fought to protect local contractors cutthroat reintroductions, or stream warming. fish and wildlife through legislation and policy initiatives. We helped generate dug out cobble Restore thousands of comments to the Secretary of the Interior in support of National accumulated in R This new tool is a game-changer for Trout Unlimited and our state and federal partners by allowing us to make Monuments. We held rallies across the West, including one in Boise, Idaho, that pools and used PARTNERS/FUNDERS: data-informed management and recovery decisions. We are currently building models for Bonneville cutthroat and brought 3,000 outdoor enthusiasts to the steps of the state capitol to call for it to harden Coca Cola, National Redband trout as well. public lands protection. Our staff and volunteers beat back dozens of state and lift adjacent Forest Foundation, U.S. Forest Service bills in western legislatures seeking to relax protections for fish and wildlife. In riffles, causing the Wyoming Range, we closed the book on a decade-long effort to protect wider base LAHONTAN CUTTHROAT TROUT some of the finest public land cutthroat trout habitat in the United States. Trout flow distribution throughout surrounding FEDERALLY THREATENED SUB-SPECIES Unlimited was instrumental in securing a mineral withdrawal to protect the meadows. This extra aquifer storage will Kalmiopsis region of Oregon, canceling 25 mineral leases to protect 33,000 acres be a needed reserve in the years ahead on Thompson Divide in Colorado, and expanding the Cascade Siskiyou National and complements the deeper pool habitat Monument to protect 50,000 acres of providing better overall winter habitat for PARTNER/FUNDER: critical redband trout habitat. native cutthroat. Images? Hansjorg Wyss Foundation, Protect William and Flora Hewlett P Foundation Riparian Vegetation Condition

PARTNERS/FUNDERS: Protect Reconnect Restore Sustain NASA, Bureau of Land Management, P R R S U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

TROUT UNLIMITED 12 13 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Native Fish, Young Anglers, Keeping Cold Water in the Yellowstone and the Road Trip of a Lifetime

Many anglers remember with alarm the 2016 fish kill and subsequent closure on the in Last summer, as part of the Trout Unlimited Costa 5 Rivers Program, five college students Montana—a shocking occurrence on one of the Lower 48’s “last great wild rivers.” One year to the date later, embarked on an epic cross-country conservation and fishing tour. Their mission was to Trout Unlimited signed an agreement with Kinross—a mining company out of Toronto—that will result in at least 3 explore public lands across 10 states, in search of 18 native species of trout, in 10 weeks. billion gallons of water per year remaining instream in critical tributaries of the Yellowstone. It is the first-of-its kind Their goal was to raise awareness about the importance of preserving public lands and agreement with a mining company and one of the largest and most ecologically significant water right donations in waters for future generations while highlighting the role that these lands play in preserving history. Notably, it also is one of the first times that water conservation will provide tax benefit similar to the one habitat for native trout. They crossed 22 states, fishing in 10, catching 16 distinct native commonly taken by landowners for land conservation. species, and wrapped up their adventure in Washington, D.C., to share their experiences with lawmakers. Along the way, they spread our message about the importance of native Kinross was under no obligation to donate either the land or water, and in fact, they never actually mined the area. fish in public waters through over a million impressions on social media. They acquired the property in a larger transaction with another mining company, and then performed an award- The Trout Unlimited Costa 5 Rivers Program is the capstone of Trout Unlimited’s Stream winning abandoned mine clean-up prior to donating the water of Engagement model that provides outdoor education experiences for young people and the land. This is an example of how Trout Unlimited is from kindergarten through college. Working closely with our 400+ local chapters, Trout building bridges to industries that can make dramatic, immediate Unlimited staff implement positive effects on the nation’s most legendary trout waters. programs tailored to Sustain individual communities S across the country. Our impact is leveraged by PARTNERS/FUNDERS: The U.S. Forest Service, empowering volunteers to Costa Del Mar, facilitate scores of youth , education activities annually, Fishpond nurturing thousands of young conservationists, anglers, and ecologists from Alaska to Georgia. Trout Unlimited’s unique youth education experiences often create profound, life- long connections between students and nature and also foster a greater respect for our environment.

Restoring Cantrell Creek in North Carolina for Native Brook Trout

Cantrell Creek, located in the Pisgah National Forest in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is classified as an “Outstanding Resource Water” by the state and supports native brook trout and wild rainbow and brown trout. Along the creek runs the Cantrell Creek Trail, a 2.4-mile hiking and biking trail crosses Sustain the creek nine times over its course, including sections that are in the stream channel, resulting in habitat S destruction and downstream sedimentation. Thanks to a Trout Unlimited Embrace A Stream grant, the local PARTNERS/FUNDERS: PARTNER/FUNDER: Pisgah Chapter partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to upgrade and relocate the trail so that it no longer The Orvis Company, Restore Kinross Gold interferes with the stream while still allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty. Sweetwater Brewing Company, Corporation U.S. Forest Service, R The project is one of 47 distinct volunteer-run efforts that Trout Unlimited’s Embrace A Stream funded in 2017, Trout Unlimited chapters and members putting $214,000 into grassroots conservation projects at the local level.

TROUT UNLIMITED 14 15 2017 ANNUAL REPORT In Bristol Bay, Alaska the proposed Clean Water Protections in the With millions of acres, and thousands Pebble Mine remains a catastrophic United States are at risk. This is an of river and stream miles at stake, this threat to one of the world’s most prolific issue whose impacts can and will be is a public access issue that affects all wild salmon fisheries. Together with felt throughout the country. Clean of us. From the state level, to Capitol

THE partners and allies, Trout Unlimited water certainly is important to anglers, Hill, Trout Unlimited projects one of CHALLENGES has successfully applied major hur- but the impact of clean water (or lack the clearest voices in favor of public dles for Pebble and galvanized diverse thereof) is felt far downstream, and lands, and we need the support of our and widespread public support for the deep into communities who need clean members and supporters to make sure 2014 Clean Water Act proposal to place water for drinking, for health, and we are always heard. sensible limits on mining in the region. more. Trout Unlimited is working to In 2017, the new EPA Administrator ensure the Clean Water Act continues But with challenges, come opportu- started down a path to roll back the pro- to apply to small, headwater streams. nities. And a promising one is Good posal, but, after receiving over a million Our sport cannot exist without clean Samaritan legislation for which Trout comments in opposition, announced in water and our communities depend Unlimited has lead the charge on Cap- CONTINUE January that the EPA would not move on us to be the vanguard for protecting itol Hill. Passage of this federal legisla- forward with withdrawing the proposed cold, clean water. We need the help of tion will allow organizations like ours limits. While this is an important step, our members and supporters, as well to work on abandoned mine cleanup, the Pebble Mine remains a very real and as the outdoor recreation industry, to which could lead to the reclamation of pressing threat. And throughout the maintain the fight for clean water. thousands of more fishable river and Trout Unlimited is engaged in a number of issues multi-year permitting process, Trout stream miles throughout America. We Unlimited and our partners will have America’s Public Lands are see abundant opportunities to restore that have been evolving over the years, and will likely continue to be to continue to demonstrate at every jeopardized. Relinquishing control and support native fish in native waters. around for years to come. That’s fine. We’re ready. We aren’t going level that—for scientific, economic, and and responsibility for federal lands No organization does more to physically cultural reasons—the mine should not (and waters)—which all Americans protect, reconnect, and restore wild and anywhere. We will remain vigilant, engaged in the debates, and actively be permitted. We know that this is the enjoy access to—is a bad idea that native fish in North America than Trout working to affect the best outcomes for trout and salmon and the wrong mine in the wrong place and with pops up once a generation. And for Unlimited does… or will. the continued support of our partners, generations, Trout Unlimited has waters in which they live. donors, members and supporters, we been at the forefront of the effort to We stand on our record. We are engaged in the will win this fight. keep public lands in public hands. moment. We have plans for the future.

TROUT UNLIMITED 16 17 2017 ANNUAL REPORT Trout Unlimited had strong fiscal year 2017, increasing For the fiscal years ending on September 30, 2017 & 2016 Trout Unlimited Coldwater National State Council its net assets by over $1.7 million to over $20 million. Total support and (Dollars in thousands) revenue increased by over $1 million to $47.4 million, allowing Trout Board of Trustees Conservation Leadership Chairs Unlimited to continue to expand its mission. Expenses also decreased by STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES Chairman of the Board Fund Council over $1 million to $45.6 million, reflective of operational efficiencies. The SUPPORT & REVENUE FY 2017 FY 2016 increase in net assets consisted of a $683 thousand increase in unrestricted Contributions 22,018 19,843 President Representatives rizona Chairman of National Leadership A Government grants 18,621 19,315 yler ill a rkansas, Steve Reiter net assets and a $1 million increase in restricted net assets. Trout Unlimited Council T H , P . Jim Asselstine, A program efficiency ratio decreased slightly to 87% but remained strong Landowner revenue 732 645 Chair alifornia, John Sturgis Membership contributions 4,765 4,468 Executive Committeeilson yo C compared to industry standards. W , W . olorado , Cindy Noble President/Chief Executive Officer Kirk Wortman, C Investment income 912 1,032 airview exas , Cam Chandler F , T Secretary onnecticut The financial results depicted here are from Trout Unlimited’s audited Events & other income 339 850 Mick McCorcle, C ewport each alif Mick McCorcle eorgia , Alicea Charamut Secretary Phillip Belling, N B , C . G September 30, 2017 financial statements, which contains an unmodified audit ashington an rancisco alif daho , Carl Riggs Total Support & Revenue 47,386 46,153 W , D.C. S F , C . opinion. Trout Unlimited’s complete, audited financial statements can be Chris Wood, Douglas Biederbeck, ew ork I llinois, Ed Northen N Y , N.Y. Paul Doscher found online at tu.org/about-tu/financial-legal. Treasurer Stephan Kiratsous,ew ork I EXPENSES olf reek ont Directors rizona owa , Darwin W C , M . N Y , N.Y. Nancy Mackinnon, Jeffery Morgan, A , Joe Miller I Program Services rkansas ent,u Jamescky Kelehan Matt Renaud A K Secretary of theash ingNationalton alifornia, Bill Thorne aine , Lee Squires Conservation Operations 32,252 33,658 teamboat prings olo Chief Financial Officer Leadership CouncilW , D.C. C M Terry Hyman, S S , C . olorado , Mary Tealdi assa,ch Kathyusetts Scotthode sland Volunteer Operations 4,846 4,678 Bruce Allbright,ryon C M /R I Communications 1,990 2,002 T , N.C. onnectic,u Mact Cunningham , John Bell, eesburg a Legal Advisor C Paul Beaulieu Government Affairs 634 727 eare L , V . eorgia , Doug Jann ichigan R. Scott Blackley,lenc oe ll Paul Doscher, W , N.H. G M Total Program Services 39,723 41,066 daho , Mack Martin id tlan, Tomtic Quail Brian Doyal, G , I . etchum daho I M -A Trustees reenville , Chris Jones innesota , Don Haynes Renee Faltings, K , I llinois Fundraising 3,555 3,520 G , S.C. ew ork I M David D. Armstrong, Esq., N Y , N.Y. owa , Gerald Sapp issouri , Stevezark Carltonouncil Matthew Fremont-Smith,ashingt on General & administrative 2,360 2,318 I M (O C ) an rancisco alif W , D.C. ent,u Ryancky Maas Steven B. Gewirz, ucson riz S F , C . K Mattontana Tucker Linda Rosenberg Ach,eth esda d T , A . aine , Gene Slusher Total Expenses 45,638 46,903 Thomas Grogan, enver o M B , M . M ew amp, sChrishire Schustrom Bernard C. Bailey, ancho anta e alif D , C . assa,ch Davidusetts Vanho dBurgele sland Kent Heyborne,iedm ont alif N H Support R S F , C . M /R I ew ersey , Thomas Ives Increase (decrease) in net assets 1,748 -750 Sherry Brainerd, ewisville P , C . , Peter Hunt, ouston exas N J , Glenn Tippy L , N.C. Garryichigan Crago ew exico & Revenue Noel (Skip) Dunn,ilson yo H , T Jim Jackson, ew ork M N M W , W . id tlan, tRobbic Smith ew ork , Art Vollmer Lawrence Finch,roken rrow kla N Y , N.Y. Hamilton James,tlanta a M -A N Y B A , O . innesota , Noel Gollehon orth arolina, Ron Urban Scott Hood, an rancisco alif A , G . Jim Kelley, oulder olo M N C , John Kies SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION S F , C . issouri , Johnzark Huntouncil hio Patsy Ishiyama, ilmington B , C Cargill MacMillan,harlo tte . M (O C ) O ASSETS W , N.C. klah, oDonaldma ndian Deanations ouncil Richard Johnson,urango o C , N.C. Ivan Marcotte, ainbridge island ash Michael Riley O (I N C ) Cash and cash equivalents 4,743 628 D , C . ontana Thomas Jones, estlake illage alif B , W . M Michael Maroni, cottsdale riz , Harry Murphy Gregregon Mann ■ Contributions 46% ■ Government grants 39% Investments 9,184 11,367 W V , C . ew ampshire Howard Kern, rookfield is S , A . N H O Jeffrey Marshall,elray each la ennsylvania, Terry Turner Accounts receivable, net 9,432 7,189 B , W . ew ersey , March McCubrey ■ Landowner revenue 2% ■ Membership contributuions 10% Henry Koltz, ackson yo D B , F . N J P Jay Martin, owson d outh arolina, Charlie Charlesworth Promises to give 1,298 1,417 J , W . ew exic,o Kelly Buchta Alex Maher, owson d T , M . N M S C ■ Investment income 2% ■ Events & other income 1% Gregory McCrickard, ackson yo ennessee , Paul McKee Inventory 550 673 T , M . ew ork , John Lopez Gregory McCrickard,archm ont J , W . N Y T J. Thomas McMurray,ew ork exas , Mike Bryant Prepaid assets 462 376 L , N.Y. orth arolina, Scott Seidman Stephen Moss, innetka ll N Y , N.Y. N C T Fixed assets, net 1,427 2,146 Daniel Miller, archmont , Rusty Berrier tah , Phil Dopson W , I . hio Dan Needham, hiladelphia a L , N.Y. O U Stephen Moss,co ttsdale riz ermon, Jefft Taniguchi P , P . klah, oChrisma n dSteffenian ations ouncil Total Assets 27,095 23,796 James Nevels, anover S , A . O (I N C ) V Ken Olivier, ilson yo irginia , Clark Amadon H , N.H. Robert Oden,c oJr.,tts dale riz W , W V Edmond Opler, ey est la . Philregon Curtis ashing, tKevinon Daniels LIABILITIES S , A . Ken Olivier, ozeman ont K W , F . O W , Brian Paavola, hapel ill ennsylvania, James Fraser est irginia Brad Throssell B , M . Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 6,469 5,128 Al Perkinson, ast ranch C H , N.C. P W V H. Stewart Parker,ew ork outh arolina, Brian Wagner isconsin , James Christie Program E B , N.Y. Refundable advances 452 241 Daniel Plummer,aye tteville r N Y , N.Y. S C W John Redpath, ummit ennessee , Malcolm Leaphart yoming , Linn Beck F , A . Kerri Russell, ynnwood ash S , N.J. T W Efficiency Total Liabilities 6,921 5,370 Steve Renehan, ainbridge sland ash exas , Steve Brown , Cole Sherard L , W . Mark Taylor, ivingston ont B I W . T Thomas Reveley, sprey la tah , Mark Dillow L , M . Dan Vermillion,cott sdale riz O , F . U NET ASSETS Andrew Roberts,ew ork ermon, Kellyt Marquart S , A . Jim Walker, hicago ll N Y , N.Y. V Leigh Seippel, ilson yo irginia , Jared Carpenter Unrestricted 832 148 C , I . John Willis, olumbia o W , W . V Temporarily Restricted 14,337 13,272 Robert Strawbridge,heri dan yo ashing, tGrahamon Simmerman Jeff Witten, C , M . S , W . W Permanently Restricted 5,006 5,006 Margaret Taylor, ew ork est irginia, Tim Gavin N Y , N.Y. W V ■ Program 87% ■ Fundraising 7.8% Andrew Tucker, ro alley riz isconsin , Lee Orr Total Net assets 20,174 18,426 O V , A . W ■ General and administration 5.2% Daniel Zabrowski, ullivans sland yoming , Kim McCarthy W Stephen J. Zoukis, S I , S.C. , Jim Broderick Total Liabilities and Net Assets 27,095 23,796

TROUT UNLIMITED 18 19 2017 ANNUAL REPORT

FEATURED DONORS

Trout Unlimited gratefully acknowledges all of the many individuals, companies, government partners and foundations who donate to our organization. Their generosity is the lifeblood that allows us to fulfill our mission. “As donors, we want to help find new answers to age-old questions by partnering with effective, efficient “The American West features some of the country’s most beautiful natural non-profits who collaborate willingly landscapes and, as an American company, we’re committed to protecting to solve problems that are beyond the these remarkable places. Unfortunately, a legacy of abandoned mines, as well scope of government and business. as new mine proposals such as Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska, threaten Watching Trout Unlimited and part- the long-term vitality of the region. The Tiffany & Co. Foundation has been ners working together utilizing their supporting Trout Unlimited since 2005 to both restore and protect critical respective expertise and resources to habitats throughout the American West. We believe the organization is uniquely test and adopt new approaches and positioned to carry out this important work, given its proven track record in policies for coastal water management implementing large-scale mine reclamation, its ability to build the capacity of has brought us great satisfaction.” local stakeholder groups to carry out restoration, and its expertise in educating Ken Olivier and Angela Nomellini Members since: 2008 affected communities about the importance of liability protection for those Favorite River: Moraine Creek, AK engaged in mine cleanup.” Anisa Kamadoli Costa Chief Sustainability Officer, Tiffany & Co. Chairman and President, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation “Trout Unlimited works collabo- ratively with rural communities, farmers and ranchers, tribes, busi- “Trout Unlimited upholds American values by protecting places like ness leaders, policy-makers, and Bristol Bay that are too important to be disturbed by senseless sportsmen and women to advance development. Trout Unlimited has tremendous traction across the innovative conservation solutions that political spectrum because they have not only the support of locals, conserve fish and wildlife habitat and but the respect of decision-makers in Board rooms across the nation. I support Trout sustain the Western way of life. The Unlimited because I know the staff and know that they transform my support into William and Flora Hewlett Founda- work that makes a difference in the places I care about.” tion is proud to support their work.” Nancy Leavens Andrea Keller Helsel Member since: 2002 Program Officer Favorite River: Kvichak River, AK The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

“We’re supporting Trout Unlimited with a gift through our will, because it’s more about leaving a legacy not just for your children and grandchildren, but for future generations… it means everything to us that we do our small part.” Martin & Karen Voss Eau Claire, WI Home Waters: Driftless Area

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