Friends: 

Most of the TU staff know, but I wanted to pass along to Wyoming grassroots leaders the latest news about Warren Colyer.  Warren was recently named by TU to replace Laura Hewitt as Director of TU’s Watershed Program.  He and his family have moved to Montana and opened up shop in Missoula.  I know we all wish Warren the best on the well-earned promotion and move; TU couldn’t have found a better person for the job. 

But I also wanted to pass along a huge thanks to Warren for his work in the tri-state (Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming) area since 2002 and incredible on-the-ground success reconnecting and restoring native Bonneville cutthroat trout (BCT) habitat in the Bear River drainage.  As a TU staffer I’ve had the pleasure, and indeed the privilege, of working with Warren on a number of projects over the years.  I can’t think of anyone who has had a bigger positive impact on native trout resources so critical to achieving TU’s mission. 

And taking off my staff hat for a second and speaking purely as an avid angler known to frequent local hotspots in the Bear River drainage in all three states, I want to personally thank Warren for all he’s done for our local fisheries and for building positive relationships with ranchers, resource agency people, and local community leaders in the rural areas included in his project area.  Our fishing is better, native BCT populations are expanding, and TU is considered by many a conservation leader and valued friend and partner in small town Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.  It doesn’t get any better than that.  Much of this is due to Warren’s great work - and it’s greatly appreciated. 

So on behalf of TU members, staff, and fishermen in Wyoming, best of luck in Montana and with the new TU gig, Warren - you’re daily presence in the Bear River drainage will be missed but not forgotten.  

Scott   

Scott Yates - Director

Trout Unlimited Wyoming Water Project