Trout Unlimited has awarded its top chapter honor to the Kennebec Valley Chapter, based in central Maine. TU vice president Steve Moyer presented the award at the organization’s annual meeting in Boise, Idaho, in September.

The Gold Trout chapter award is granted annually to the chapter that has made the most noteworthy contribution to the cause of cold water conservation during the previous year.

The Kennebec Valley Chapter is a leader in conservation efforts in the Kennebec River basin. In the past year, the chapter continued efforts in its defense of challenges to the 1998 Kennebec Hydro-Developers Agreement and the Kennebec River Fishery Restoration Plan. The chapter worked in collaboration with state and federal agencies and environmental groups to continue its advocacy for fish passage on the river.

The chapter also worked in conjunction with the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission to create streamside incubation, pilot new streambed egg injection technology and to continue its public education about Atlantic salmon.

Youth education is a large component of the chapter’s work. Chapter members work with six local schools and provide monthly programs to children, teaching them about fly-tying, fly-casting and conservation. Chapter members also work with other community groups and teach adults. Each summer, chapter members serve as core staff for the Maine TU Trout Camp, a weeklong summer camp for youth on the Kennebec River.

The 300-member chapter is also the lead organization in supporting Project Healing Waters, a program in which TU members work with wounded veterans.

“The Kennebec Valley Chapter in Maine well deserves this award for their continued dedication to river conservation in New England,” Moyer said. “They have worked tirelessly to improve the future of Atlantic salmon.”

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