Twin Cities Chapter 

Our Twin Cities Trout Unlimited (TCTU) chapter includes over 2000 volunteers. We work at the local and state level to restore trout streams such as the Vermillion River in Lakeville and Farmington.  Together with the other six other chapters that form Minnesota Trout Unlimited (MNTU), we’ve restored more than 40 miles of trout streams across the state, raising money to fund construction costs, and donating volunteer labor, all in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

Our mission is to “conserve, protect, restore, and sustain coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.” That includes educating local and state lawmakers about the nonpartisan goal of caring for Minnesotan’s public waters and conserving natural resources now and for the generations that will follow us.

We hold regular events such as free clinics to learn how to fly fish and presentations on where to catch trout in the metro area. We also volunteer to teach fly tying and educate people about our water resources through events such as the Dakota County Fair, the State Fair and local celebrations.

Restoration

From Trout Run in Troy, to Hay Creek in Red Wing, to the Vermillion River in Lakeville and Farmington, the positive environmental impact we’ve made on these resources is incredible. We not only have rebuilt riverbanks, which keeps sediment from washing downstream into rivers such as the Minnesota, St. Croix and Mississippi, but we’ve also restored adjoining native prairies: 12 acres of praire for every mile of stream we restore.  Restoration starts with protecting the land that sheds water to a stream–its “watershed.”  Protecting the landscape also protects  wildlife habitat.

Youth engagement

TCTU members know that to preserve these valuable resources for future generations, we must educate, engage and involve our youth.  

• Trout In the Classroom: In 2015, MNTU began a three-year program to bring watershed education into Minnesota schools. The program was piloted in 10 schools and has grown to 17 schools in 2016. 

•  T.U.N.E Camp (The Ultimate Nature Experience) We also partner with Pheasants Forever and their Minnesota Lady Slippers chapter to develop youth programs which give kids the opportunity get a blend of fun outdoor experiences while learning about the value and importance of preserving and restoring fish and wildlife habitat.

Community

TCTU also extends its reach beyond conservation, into our community, with special projects such as:

• Project Healing Waters: Designed for the rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through the sport of fly fishing.
• Casting for Recovery: Provides an opportunity for women whose lives have been profoundly affected by breast cancer to experience physical, emotional, and spiritual healing through retreats in a beautiful natural setting; and learn fly fishing, a sport for life.