Ross Purnell, editor and publisher of Fly Fisherman, recently took a trip to Trout Unlimited’s headquarters in Arlington to sit down with Trout Unlimited president and CEO, Chris Wood, on the Loop to Loop podcast.
During their nearly hour-long conversation, they discuss a few topics currently affecting coldwater resources and the what, the how and the why behind TU’s approach to them.
Roadless should stay roadless
They first discuss the recent rescinding of the Roadless Rule, Wood’s history with that topic before his time at TU, what the impacts of that could mean and why keeping areas roadless is so critical to habitat for trout and salmon.
“There’s no shortage of opportunities to drive your car to the edge of a stream and fish that stream.
What we do have a shortage of, though, are these remote places where you can go with your family, find solace in the backcountry, hunt, fish and just be together.
That’s why it’s so important to keep these places intact,” said Wood about the Roadless Rule.
Working towards a balanced approach to data center development
Regarding data centers and their insatiable thirst for water to operate, Chris and Ross discuss TU’s new science-based policy, which is based around common sense; avoid, minimize and if necessary, mitigate potential impacts to rivers and streams and their trout and salmon populations.
TU recommends:
Getting involved is crucial
“Nothing matters more than that,” said Wood regarding speaking up and letting your elected representatives know about an issue you care about and how it is impacting your life and your local waters. “We’ve got to remain vigilant.”
Raise your voice and be heard on any of the multitude of issues affecting coldwater habitats for the trout and salmon we love and love to fish for.
“When this community speaks with a single voice, politicians listen,” said Wood of the hunting and angling community’s powerful voice.
Be a champion for your rivers
Raise your voice today… and tell your friends.