Crawling up to a small stream in search of native brook trout in my home state of Pennsylvania is among my most vivid childhood memories. That was where my life-long passion for pursuing trout and salmon with a fly rod was born, and it continues to this day as I explore the rivers of the Pacific Northwest from my home in Seattle. As TU's Vice President for Western Conservation, I have the privilege of working every day to make sure that such opportunities are here for future generations. It is what I have done for 20 years as a conservation professional, and the longer I do this work the more I realize its importance to our quality of life. I'm proud to be part of a community of conservation-minded anglers who steward our waters and our rich tradition.