By Chris Hager, Executive Director
December 11, 2020
I f 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that our community of recreational anglers is resilient. Your overwhelming support for our campaigns and programs proved that, as a community, we can adapt to change, support one another from a safe distance, and push for bold conservation goals. Through it all, you made fighting for the survival of salmon and steelhead a priority.
Over the past year and a half, we’ve been working on revitalizing Northwest Steelheaders to better accomplish our longstanding goals to protect and enhance our local fisheries, increase fishing opportunities, and educate the next generation of conservation-minded anglers. We hired a new staff and participated in training to improve how we center diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work.
We responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by developing new programs and campaigns and reimagining our existing projects. We altered our communication methods to expand our audience and reduce waste. Because of these efforts, we’ve been able to reach more novice and experienced anglers, K-12 students, women, veterans, and partners than ever before.
The first of many, this report is a reflection on the triumphs we have achieved as a community this year. Though we’re proud of our progress, there is certainly more work to be done in 2021. We are doubling down on our efforts to enhance fish passage, improve water quality, and increase angling opportunities and access.
Forward we go, together
