Trout Unlimited (TU) Mission

To conserve, protect, and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds so future generations can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters.

TU Approach

TU has a basic approach to its conservation strategy. 
1. We use the best available science and research to protect headwater spawning habitat for native trout.
We reconnect tributaries with their rivers to ensure resilience, and we restore waters where development
has impacted trout and the opportunity to fish for them. 
2. We sustain our work on the ground by:
     • Using the best research provided by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission to drive conservation
       priorities in the state;
     • Promoting and maintaining a strong legal and regulatory framework to protect fish and fishing
       opportunity;
     • Connecting with passionate anglers who want to give back to the resource they value so much;
     • Increasing our ability to engage TU members in conservation by training, educating and building a
       strong community of angler advocates;
     • Connecting with generous partners in support of our financial realm; and 
     • Helping members connect and communicate with one another via our website, TROUT Magazine and
       the TU Blog.

ACTU Approach

ACTU, over the years, has pursued and advanced TU's mission in the following ways:
    • Spearheading the stream habitat improvement of numerous watersheds in Adams County, including:
      the Conewago Creek, Conococheague Creek, Marsh Creek, Mountain Creek, Latimore Creek and
      Opossum Creek;
    • Advocating for responsible real estate development through crafting agreements with various
      developers, governing storm water runoff and other watershed protection issues, in partnership with
      the Adams County Conservation District;
    • Leading the creation of handicapped fishing access on Latimore Creek;
    • Leading ongoing stewardship and monitoring of cold water watersheds;
    • Supporting an active grant and education program designed to assist landowners to become better
      stewards of their riparian watersheds;
    • Working closely with the Pennsylvania State DCNR and Adams County Conservation District to
      secure reimbursement for seedlings and fencing along streams to help control erosion; and
    • Sponsoring monthly speakers on fishing, fly tying, endangered species, and other conservation-related
      topics.

Chapter Stream Restoration Policy​



Trout in the Classroom (TIC) Program

Adams County has historically been home to one of the largest TIC programs in Pennsylvania. ACTU recently assumed leadership of the program and are working hard to ensure the TIC Program continues to thrive in county schools. To learn more about TIC, please visit http://www.patroutintheclassroom.org


Awards

Chapter Awards:

ACTU is the proud recipient of the following national-level and state-level awards:

    2020        Best Small Chapter Award from PA TU
    2004        National Prestigious Gold Trout Award from National TU




Individual Awards:

Each year, the Chapter presents the PA Fish and Boat Commission Adopt-A-Stream Award and the David Swope Merit and Recognition Award to active members who have demonstrated their commitment to the ACTU mission. We are pleased to recognize the following award winners:

                  PFBC Adopt-a-Stream                                   Chapter Merit and Recognition
2022         Frank Kozak                                                                     Rick Franzese
2021         Buzz Dettinburn                                                                Howard Hellyer       
2020         Gary Perry                                                                        Jerry Gladfelter
2019         Richard Lewis                                                                   Cindy Staub  
2018         April Swope                                                                       Hank Rajotte               
2016         Larry Hartlaub                                                                    Richard Lewis
2015         Dave Swope                                                                      Rebecca Plesic
2014         Gary Toner                                                                        Amy Stum
2013         Chris Plesic                                                                       Joe Whitmore
2012         Andy Murray                                                                      Jetsy Murray
2011         Edwin McGlaughlin                                                            Mona Lippert
2010         Dave Swope                                                                      Joe Heine
2009         Mark Kessler                                                                      Bob Marchio
2008         Edwin McGlaughlin                                                            Dave Lippert
2007         Dick Killen                                                                          Peg Bucher
2006                                                                                                    Mike Hossler
2005         Terry Sipe                                                                          Dave Swope
2004         Dave Swope                                                                      Terry Sipe
2003         Randy Wildasin                                                                  Edwin McGlaughlin
2002         Mike Hossler                                                                      Dan Herrick
2001         Dan Herrick & Bert Weisman (NVTU)                                Randy Wildasin
2000         Rick James                                                                         Mel Brown
1999         Mel Brown                                                                          Rick James
1988         Knouse Foods


Adams County Trout Unlimited Chapter #323