Hodge receives USFS award

Brian Hodge (left) talks to volunteers at Armstrong Creek field work day. 

by Randy Scholfield

What makes Trout Unlimited one of the most respected and effective conservation organizations out there? People like Brian Hodge.

Hodge, a TU biologist and project manager working in Colorado, this week received the U.S. Forest Service's Rise to the Future Award for his work restoring miles of streams and trout habitat in the Routt National Forest in northwest Colorado. Read the USFS release. 

“Since he arrived in 2010, Brian has become an integral advocate, partner, and colleague,” said Rick Henderson, Routt National Forest Fishery Biologist. “He has been involved in 19 stream and riparian restoration projects either on or immediately adjacent to the Forest, represented Trout Unlimited on numerous teams, and become a recognized leader in aquatic restoration within the region.”

Drew Peternell, director of TU's Colorado Water and Habitat program, called Hodge one of the "real stars" of TU's Colorado staff.  "He understands that collaboration and building partnerships are key to getting conservation work done on the ground, where it counts.”

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Armstrong Creek restoration: Getting the work done on the ground

Hodge will be honored by the U.S. Forest Service at the annual awards ceremony to be held on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Whitten Patio in Washington, D.C., on May 17, 2016.

Conservation work is a marathon, not a sprint. Hodge, like so many other excellent TU staff and volunteers, is quietly getting it done, day after day, making a big difference for the health of trout fisheries.

This prestigious award is yet another confirmation that TU is doing great work with our partners. 

Randy Scholfield is TU's director of communications for the Southwest.