Our Mission

The Washington Council of Trout Unlimited is dedicated to the protection, reconnection, and restoration of Washington’s watersheds and the ecosystems which sustain our salmon, steelhead, and trout. We embody Trout Unlimited’s nationwide efforts here, relying on their guidance, support, and leadership to ensure our home waters are preserved for generations to come.

The Council promotes effective stream, river, and fisheries management decisions by:

1. Restoring rivers and streams to their natural state by working with landowners and irrigation districts to improve and replace existing systems.

2. Assessing and prioritizing the removal of barriers and obstructions which block fish passage.

3. Raising funds for the completion of habitat restoration and barrier removal projects.

4. Actively building relationships and being the voice for our fish in our state’s politics.

5. Providing education and a foundation for our youth to protect and enjoy the outdoors.

6. Creating an inclusive, diverse, welcoming environment for all members to appreciate and support the conservation of our unique ecosystems throughout Washington state.

Our Values

Resourceful: We see opportunity in challenges. Rather than simply treating symptoms, we find pragmatic, lasting solutions.

Science-based: We are innovative and base our efforts on sound science to drive conservation action.

Collaborative: We operate through non-partisan collaboration and partnership. We work across differences.

Inclusive: We listen to, value, and respect all people and communities, and seek diverse voices and perspectives.

United: We mobilize behind a shared vision.

Hopeful: We are optimists and believe in a better future.

Strategic Plan

At the WCTU, we embrace the National Trout Unlimited Strategic plan and work to support the vision our leaders have for a future that has safe water and fish for all. As we add our energy, efforts, and time into better understanding the perils that our fish our facing, we also inviting all members of our community to join us in the joy of enjoying being outside, learning new skills, and strengthening bonds between us. By breaking down barriers between not only fish and their traditional spawning grounds, but those that stand between us and an inclusive, diverse, and safe community, we can begin to work together to create better, comprehensive solutions.

We believe that the best solutions come from understanding the needs of all stakeholders, well-researched plans of action, and a steadfast dedication to integrity and our values. By allowing nature’s wisdom to influence our decisions, we aim to rebuild ecosystems as naturally as possible. To us, conservation is an ethical obligation; while we may have the power to completely alter our environment, the consequences to not only ourselves but the others we share this planet with may extend far beyond our understanding. We see the strength that individuals and communities can bring to bear on difficult problems and the pricelessness of working together. Finally, we recognize that the work ahead is not easy; while some solutions may be simple, they will require persistence, dedication, and labor to ensure their success.

Our Goals

To harness the collective power of TU more fully over the next five years, we commit to the following three organizational goals:

1. Identify a national network of shared priority waters for native and wild trout and salmon, and take strategic action to care for and recover them.

2. Inspire a diverse corps of staff, volunteers, and partners to advocate for and participate in the care and recovery of our lands and waters.

3. Invest in systems and people—staff, volunteers, and partners—so we have the tools, technology, training, and resources necessary to achieve our shared goals.