Contact: Nick Gann, Rocky Mountain Communications Director, nick.gann@tu.org
Trout Unlimited is proud to honor Louis Bacon and Trinchera Ranch as the recipients of the 2025 Western Division American Fisheries Society (WDAFS) Conservation Achievement Award. This prestigious honor is awarded annually to an organization that has made significant, lasting contributions to fisheries conservation across 13 Western U.S. states.
Located in Colorado’s iconic San Luis Valley, Trinchera is a national leader in native trout recovery—particularly for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, a species whose survival hinges on bold, collaborative conservation.
“This recognition is a testament to the exceptional leadership and dedication shown by Louis Bacon, Trinchera and its partners for more than a decade,” said Kevin Terry, Southwest Program Director at Trout Unlimited. “Their work exemplifies the spirit of this award—grounded in science, driven by passion, and sustained through strong partnerships.”
Native to the Rio Grande river basin, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout now occupies just 12 percent of its historical range. The species has faced considerable challenges, including habitat loss, drought, and competition from nonnative species. Trinchera has committed to restoring the species in two of its major watersheds—Placer Creek and Trinchera Creek—ultimately creating 72 miles of protected stream habitat.
Trinchera is protected by conservation easements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Colorado Open Lands for the benefit of wildlife, including the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, Rio Grande sucker, and Rio Grande chub. Its ambitious conservation efforts reflect a long-term vision rooted in stewardship, ecological integrity, and the protection of native species. A firm commitment to native trout restoration has taken center stage, with a marked increase in restoration pace and scale since 2020.
The WDAFS Conservation Achievement Award, first presented in 1991, is one of the highest honors conferred by the American Fisheries Society in the Western region.
Trout Unlimited extends heartfelt congratulations to the entire Trinchera team, and the Trinchera Foundation and for this well-deserved recognition. Their ongoing dedication to conservation in the headwaters of the Rio Grande sets a powerful example for the West and beyond.
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Trout Unlimited 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.