Role of the NYS Council
Council is the voice of Trout Unlimited in New York. It has the resources to stay current on and respond to regulatory proposals from the NYS DEC and NYC DEP to ensure a balance between protecting fisheries and fishermans’ rights. Council also supports cold water conservation and trout habitat enhancement through major initiatives involving one or more Chapters such as restoration of the famed Battenkill River flowing between New York and Vermont. It contributes to youth programs such as Trout in the Classroom and Youth Camps to educate the next generation of conservationists, enabling stream access for disabled veterans and others and fostering diversity and inclusion.
Trout Unlimited's Mission
To conserve, protect and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
Trout Unlimited's Vision
By the next generation, Trout Unlimited will ensure that robust populations of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within their North American range, so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters.
History
Trout Unlimited was established in 1959 along the banks of Michigan's Au Sable River by a group of 16 anglers who were interested in protecting trout in that and other popular fishing rivers. Founders included Art Neumann and George Griffith, creator of the popular fly pattern Griffith's Gnat. The first president was Dr. Casey E. Westell. Neumann was the first vice president.
By 1963, New York angler's began developing local chapters to help protect endangered streams and rivers.
Since then, New York has always been at the forefront of protecting over 15,000 miles coldwater streams and rivers, not to mention over 4000 lakes and ponds. Our successes through the decades are made possible by over 8000 members of Trout Unlimited in New York.
NY Council Leadership
Larry Charette
Chair/President
Scott Seidman
Vice-Chair
Steve Weiter
Secretary
Tom Loproto
Treasurer
Don Kieffer
National Leadership Council Representative and Fisheries Enhancement Fund Representative
John Braico
Resource Management
Tom Carroll
Chair - Conservation Committee
Bob Yunich
Chair - Development Committee
Lindsay Agness
Vice-President Membership
Robert Mead
Co-Director of Youth Camp
Mike Walcho
Co-Director of Youth Camp
Jeff Plackis
Vice-President Region 1
Roger Olson
Vice-President Region 2
Pat Crisci
Vice-President Region 3
Vince DuBois
Vice-President Region 4
Richard Redman
Vice-President Region 5
Paul Miller
Vice-President Region 6
Steve Weiter
Vice-President Region 7
Lisa Green
Vice-President Region 8
Chuck Godfrey
Vice-President Region 9