Join the Celebration
2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Trout Unlimited. Founded 50 years ago in 1959, TU was created by a group of Michigan fishermen who wanted to protect their local waters. Throughout 2009, TU chapters and councils will commemorate the 50th anniversary with many celebrations around the country. From local stream clean-ups to banquets and other events, TU volunteers and staff will commemorate 50 years of protecting cold, clean, fishable water.
50 Years of Conservation Success
Conservation Highlight
Project: Gunnsion River, Colorado
Summary: Considered one of the most majestic places in the West, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a gold medal trout fishery. However, the river has also long been coveted by water development interests. In 2004, after almost 20 years of opposition, Trout Unlimited and its allies finally defeated the proposed AB-Lateral project, which would have diverted more than 1,000 cfs (cubic feet per second) of water from the Gunnison into the Uncompahgre River for hydropower development. In 2007, TU scored another huge victory for the river when a federal court ruled that the U.S. Department of the Interior had a responsibility to maintain ecologically significant minimum flows through the Black Canyon. Photos courtesy of Mark Lance. »Learn More
TU Volunteer Highlight
Kirk Otey
Kirk Otey of Charlotte, North Carolina has successfully served at virtually every level of TU leadership -- from banquet chair to chapter president to trustee. Kirk helped reorganize the entire grassroots leadership structure in 2005 by forming the National Leadership Council and serving as its first chairman.
TU Chapter Histories
Cheyenne Mountain Chapter
This chapter, a significant partner in its community, has proved vital in TU’s efforts to secure new in-stream flow water rights on local streams. This chapter’s achievements did not happen by chance—its members laid out a strategic plan that outlines chapter work and events, and they followed it successfully.
» Cheyenne Mountain Chapter
» Enter your history
ClackaCraft Drift Boat Winner
Congratulations to Jim Buckler, of Kansas City, Missouri, the lucky winner of the ClackaCraft drift boat, drawn in a raffle at the 50th anniversary celebration in Traverse City, Mich. on Aug. 22. Thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets for the drawing.
»Driftboat Winner
Sponsor Information
Thank you to our sponsors for helping create a successful 50th anniversary celebration:
Event Information
Mark your calendars to join us September 16-19, 2010 in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire for the 2010 Annual Meeting.