End-of-Year Support
As the calendar year comes to a close and we reflect on 2024, give thanks, count blessings, and perhaps make holiday gifts, I urge you to consider the organizations, groups, and people that work to support, protect, restore, and/or foster the places and things that you or those you care for hold dear.
Everyone’s bandwidth and resources are limited so remember that ‘support’ translates in a variety of ways. You can support these organizations, and any others that call to you by donating your time, money, voice, mindspace, platform, creativity or more. Simply ‘following’ an organization, becoming informed, and sharing or spreading their words is extremely valuable!
So, for reference and consideration, following is a list, in no particular order, of non-profit organizations that I support, for various reasons and in various ways. I offer this list in support of the specific organizations as much as encouragement for you to create your own list. Additionally, please pass along the orgs that you support!
As a disclaimer, I do work full-time for the first organization and my partner Stacey works for one on this list as well.
WaterWatch’s unique area of focus and expertise is in water quantity issues in the state of Oregon. This means keeping water in the river itself for native fish, wildlife, and river recreation of all sorts – fishing, boating, hiking, birding, sightseeing, and more. We’re a small-but-mighty team of 12 and, as in 2025, we’ll celebrate our 40th anniversary!
TU’s work focuses broadly on coldwater fisheries projects. Leveraging a large, national team of talented scientists, policy experts, restoration project managers, and more, plus a giant, grassroots network of regional chapters and volunteers, they get great work done. I’m sure there’s a local chapter near you.
Focusing on native fish populations in the Northwest, NFS is another small and passionate team of advocates working to protect the special species we target with a fly. Their River Steward program, and the stewards themselves, are especially worth exploring.
Deploying a team around the Pacific Rim, in the ‘strongholds’ of native fish populations, Wild Salmon Center takes a holistic approach to fisheries conservation, working in policy and advocacy, habitat protection and restoration, science and research, as well as robust communications.
Working specifically on water quality issues in southern Florida and their effect on the delicate fisheries there, CFCW’s primary target is the flow of clean water out of Lake Okeechobee. I appreciate the clarity in their communications and quick advocacy work on policy issues that arise in short notice.
A science-driven organization working to understand and conserve populations of bonefish, tarpon, and permit and their fragile ecosystems.
My favorite radio station, offering music live and on-air, streaming online/on app, and through their awesome in-studio videos. I’m not sure I could count the number of artists and musicians – new and old – that I’ve discovered through KEXP.
A Missoula-based creative writing collective of thoughtful, caring, and incredibly talented writers and instructors, providing in-the-field and online writing workshops and education.
Citizen-science at its finest! SOTF is a branch of the Woodwell Climate Research Center, and they lean on the water sampling work of anglers around the world for their climate research and its effect on rivers and fisheries.
Another national organization with local chapters to plug into, BHA focuses on public lands and access issues.
My favorite in-person and online storytelling org! Check out their local shows, podcasts, books, and educational opportunities.
Focused on Atlantic salmon populations in North America, ASF has a long legacy of conservation work. Their print journal is filled with great research, news, character profiles, and storytelling.
Working to conserve Atlantic salmon in the mighty Miramichi River of New Brunswick, MSA is welcoming and worthy. All it takes is one visit to the Miramichi to become inspired to support this org’s work.
American Saltwater Guides Association
When fisheries issues start to involve commercial interests, things get very complicated, very quickly. ASGA works to protect a wide variety of fish species populations in the Atlantic, and partners with guide across the seaboard in doing so.
Simply put – protecting the Rogue River of southern Oregon. Part of the national Waterkeeper Alliance, and there’s probably a local affiliate near you.
Art Students League of New York
Near and dear to my heart because my grandmother taught here for many years. Offering art education programs in New York City.
Natural Resources Council of Maine
A large environmental conservation organization focused on issues in my home state of Maine, from fisheries and dam removals to waste, pollution, and clean energy.
CfR provides those affected by breast cancer with healing resources by organizing group fly fishing trips around the country and internationally.
