Contact:
- Greg Fitz, Pacific Communications Director, greg.fitz@tu.org
- Erin Plue, Idaho State Director, erin.plue@tu.org
Boise, Idaho – Erin Plue has been chosen from a strong field of candidates to lead Trout Unlimited’s (TU) Idaho program. Since 2020, Plue has led TU’s watershed restoration work in northern Idaho, including the Coeur d’Alene, Pend Oreille, and Kootenai River basins. Building from a foundation in ecology, she brings diverse skills and experience including policy advocacy, project management and community-building to her new statewide leadership role.
Prior to joining TU, Plue managed communications and partnerships for Idaho Forest Group, one of the largest wood products producers in the United States. That experience has equipped her well to advance forest management strategies that support watershed health, conserve fisheries, and reduce wildfire risk.
“One of Erin’s great strengths is her proven ability and commitment to approaching TU’s steelhead, salmon and trout conservation mission from a community perspective,” said Rob Masonis, TU’s vice president for the Pacific region. “She has worked extensively with community leaders representing diverse interests to build support for clean water and healthy watersheds, which are essential to thriving fish populations and Idaho communities.”
Plue is excited about taking the helm of TU’s Idaho program. She replaces Kira Finkler, who recently retired after a distinguished conservation career.
“In my experience, effective conservation leaders have a comprehensive vision of natural resource use and management. They understand how to find common ground with a wide array of partners, including business and industry,” said Plue. “I understand that healthy watersheds and economic vitality are both important to community well-being. That perspective guides my work with our talented TU staff and volunteers to ensure that Idaho’s irreplaceable steelhead, salmon and trout are here for future generations.”
As Idaho director, Plue is part of Trout Unlimited’s Pacific Region leadership team that includes state programs in Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington.
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Trout Unlimited (www.tu.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization dedicated to caring for and recovering America’s rivers and streams so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. Across the country, TU brings to bear local, regional and national grassroots organizing, durable partnerships, science-backed policy muscle, and legal firepower on behalf of trout and salmon fisheries, healthy waters and vibrant communities.