Submitted by americandesi on Tue, 2016-05-31 12:20 Ridge & Valley - 156 Vote Up Down +3 + chriswoodtu.jpg On the evening of May 19, 2016, RVTU joined with other TU chapters to host Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited. TU chapter members from all over NJ were in attendance, and special thanks to John Montefusco of Hacklebarney TU and Fredy DeLeon of Ridge and Valley TU for their work in making sure that RVTU members had the opportunity to listen to Chris and ask him questions. Chris told us his personal story about growing up in Montclair, NJ, and how he became passionate about coldwater conservation as an young adult on a trip up to Alaska during a salmon run. He also spoke about TU's mission, vision, and direction of future conservation efforts. Also, with 2016 being a presidential election year, he stressed to us that Trout Unlimited is apolitical. This means that TU stays out of partisan politics. Chris also made sure we knew he was aware of recent restoration work done on the Musconetcong River and the Glen Brook in Sparta, much of which was spearheaded by our conservation chair, Brian Cowden. Chris also spent about a half hour fielding questions from TU members about all things regarding TU. However one interesting thing Chris told us is that he has never fished for trout in NJ. Well Chris, you are always welcome to wet a line with us when the time is right.