Submitted by trgavin on Thu, 2017-12-28 10:53 Yakima - 094 Vote Up Down +1 + DSCN0038.JPG WCTU Conservation Challenge: Let's Turn $6k into $12k for Conservation! It's an exciting time to be a part of the Washington Council of Trout Unlimited’s efforts. With a new strategic plan guiding us, fresh leaders to carry us and passionate conservation advocates like you--we are posed to reform suction dredge mining, offer STREAM Girls programs, protect your home waters and more ! You can help protect, conserve and restore coldwater fish and their watersheds across the evergreen state by donating to the Council. Each dollar you donate--$10, $40, $100--will be matched, dollar for dollar, to a maximum amount of $12,000. With your contribution and the match, we can really move mountains for coldwater conservation, restoration and protection in Washington. Funds from donors like you have made the following WTCU highlights possible in 2017: Washington STREAM Girls– The Council is the first in the country to offer the Trout Unlimited outdoor education program to train chapter leaders to facilitate events to empower today’s girls to be tomorrow’s leaders. Thus far we have hosted two events with more in the works! Protecting Fish with Policy—The newly appointed Council Advocacy Committee is organizing efforts to protect fish in partnership with TU chapters and staff across the evergreen state. The committee will strategically work to engage concerned constituents on coldwater conservation policy issues like suction dredge mining reform. Washington Communications—The Council strives to increase TU awareness across Washington by highlighting chapter and council activities on social media, increasing our electronic communications and building a new state webpage. Chapter Support—Chapters spoke up and the Council heard! The Council’s strategic plan highlights the need for chapter support. Offering fun opportunities to learn, share information and celebrate successes is a focal area. New leadership development opportunities [Women’s Initiative planning retreat, updated Council meeting format, financial support for the PNW Volunteer Coordinator (staff)] and increased communication will maximize our efforts across the 42nd state. Chapter Reinvigorations—The Council strives to work with local communities to revitalize key chapters. The Clark County Chapter is one example of a chapter who is building momentum with restoration events, participation in Bull trout protection and community-minded engagement opportunities. Women’s Initiative – The Council supports and encourages the seven Women’s Initiative’s (WI) committees to successfully offer women’s specific opportunities in communities across Washington state. Washington is leading the WI effort with Council WI Chair Heather Hodson and additional Council support. Fundraising Prowess—Four Washington chapters have received TU Embrace a Stream grants to fund eDNA research to restoration of key coldwater habitats. The Council also offers grant funding opportunities to support the chapters in bringing the coldwater conservation mission to life in their community. This is just the beginning! We have the opportunity to continue these efforts and build upon them in 2018 but we cannot do it without your support! Right now, if you donate to the Council, a donor will match your donation, dollar for dollar, to a maximum amount of $12,000. With your contribution and the match, we can really move mountains for coldwater conservation, restoration and protection in our home waters in Washington. Give online here: https://www.gofundme.com/wctu-conservation-challenge Mail your donation (checks only please) to: Washington Council of Trout Unlimited, 12819 SE 38th St #462Bellevue, WA 98006 Thank you for your continued support for coldwater conservation!