Alaska Stewardship in Action

June 26, 2025

TRCP, BHA, the Forest Service, and the Kenai Watershed Forum team up to help conserve the Russian River

At the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, we believe the most impactful conservation wins occur through collaboration and recent work on Alaska’s Russian River this past May perfectly personifies that sentiment.

This spring, as TRCP’s senior Alaska program manager, I volunteered with the Alaska Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Kenai Watershed Forum for the annual Russian River Stewardship Project. Being out in the field to help conserve crucial salmon habitat reminded me just how essential this work is to maintaining Alaska’s remarkable fisheries for anglers and local communities alike.

Each year, this effort brings together volunteers to maintain one of Alaska’s most cherished salmon fisheries. The project focuses on installing temporary fencing along the river to guide anglers to designated access points—a simple but effective way to prevent bank erosion and safeguard fish habitat.

The Russian River is one of the most popular and heavily used fisheries in the state. Each summer, the Russian draws thousands of anglers from across Alaska and beyond hoping to experience the thrill of sockeye fishing in a stunning wild setting. Its clear waters, strong salmon returns, and relatively easy access from the road system make it a treasured public resource—not only for anglers but also for local economies and outdoor recreation traditions. Conserving the river’s ecological health is essential to keeping these opportunities alive for future generations.

At the heart of this fishery are the sockeye salmon, whose migration drives fishing opportunities and the broader ecological cycle. These salmon nourish bears, eagles, and countless other species, and when they spawn and die, their bodies deliver vital marine nutrients deep into inland ecosystems. Ensuring healthy salmon runs means maintaining the health of the forest, the river, and all the life they support—including ours.

With clear skies above and snow still clinging to the distant peaks, ten volunteers suited up in waders, gloves, and hit the trail. Spirits were high, and the sense of community was strong.

Once at the river, the crew worked together to drive posts and stretch fencing along popular access points. While the task was physical, it was also rewarding—each stake in the ground was a small but meaningful investment in the health of the river. By guiding foot traffic away from vulnerable banks, fencing helps reduce sediment runoff, which can degrade spawning habitat and impact salmon survival.

Of course, no day on the Russian is complete without pausing to take in the scenery of water rushing through a lush green corridor framed by rugged alpine slopes. It was a beautiful reminder of what’s at stake and why this kind of stewardship matters.

This work fits squarely within TRCP’s mission in Alaska—to maintain public access and wild places and support the habitat that sustains fish and wildlife populations. Whether we’re weighing in on federal policy or rolling up our sleeves for on-the-ground projects like this one, TRCP is committed to ensuring Alaska remains a place where salmon run strong, hunting and fishing traditions thrive, and conservation is driven by people who care deeply for the land.

Thank you to our partners at BHA, the U.S Forest Service, and the Kenai Watershed Forum for leading this effort, and to the volunteers who made the time to show up and do the work. Your hands-on conservation helps ensure that places like the Russian River remain healthy, accessible, and fishable for generations to come.

We’re proud to support this project and look forward to continuing our work together in the years ahead.

Learn more about TRCP’s work in Alaska HERE.

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by: Christian Fauser

posted in: Conservation Field Notes

May 6, 2025

Lawmakers Tour Innovative Water Projects in Southeast Arizona

Bipartisan delegation explores federally funded water initiatives aimed at boosting Arizona’s resilience amid growing challenges.

On April 22, the TRCP and partners hosted a legislative field tour of four innovative water resilience projects in Southeast Arizona, all critical to ensuring water availability in the state for communities, fish and wildlife, and aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

TRCP’s Western Water Policy Associate Christian Fauser, along with Audubon Southwest’s Haley Paul and Business For Water Stewardship’s Harold Thomas, brought Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz., CD 6) and staff from Senator Gallego (D-Ariz.)’s office to projects that collectively demonstrate the extensive impact that large-scale state and federal funding for water resilience have on Arizona’s water future. The tour featured works from the Metropolitan Domestic Water Improvement District (Metro Water), Marana Water, the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative (SCWC), and Tucson Water.

One key project the tour highlighted was a Metro Water well site that treats Tucson’s drinking water for PFAS—chemicals that are linked to health conditions including cancer and reproductive issues. Marana Water also discussed improvements to water meters, and Tucson Water discussed the replacement of grass with turf to improve efficiency, save water users money, and conserve water supplies. The water conservation-oriented organizations all emphasized the importance of federal and state grant funding for water resiliency efforts.

Representatives from Tucson Water also discussed their Tucson Airport Remediation Project (TARP), in which a groundwater treatment plant produces up to seven million gallons of highly treated groundwater per day. Most of this water is delivered to the reclaimed water system and used for irrigation throughout the community. Treated water also goes into the Santa Cruz River, which has helped create new habitat for species such as quail and javelina, in the previously dry site.

While stopped along the banks of Tanque Verde Creek, Representative Ciscomani acknowledged the important role of federal and state funding for water resilience projects, through programs such as the Bureau of Reclamation’s Cooperative Watershed Management Program, in enhancing water security for the benefit of Arizona’s communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. Following his remarks, representatives from SCWC discussed their efforts to improve local drought responses that increase water resilience for the local community, as well as nearby habitat for numerous species.

Tucson’s local watersheds and the shallow groundwater areas beneath them sustain remnant riparian habitat, which has been impacted by drought and groundwater pumping over time. To address mounting pressure on the local water supply, SCWC, which includes government, nonprofit, Tribal, and university partners, is working to develop a Drought Coordination Blueprint to establish watershed-wide coordination between 40 varied stakeholders. The project will also develop a coordination plan for the collaborative and recommendations for local partners to help mitigate impacts during periods of local shortages and drought.

TRCP greatly appreciates Representative Ciscomani for his leadership on securing federal funds for watershed restoration efforts and we look forward to working with him, and other members of the Colorado River Caucus, as we strive to enhance water security in Arizona for the benefit of communities, wildlife populations, and their habitat as challenges continue to evolve. We also extend our thanks to Tucson Water, Marana Water, Metro Water, Watershed Management Group, Pima Association of Governments, and the Santa Cruz Watershed Collaborative for sharing their incredible examples of resilience projects in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District.

Learn more about TRCP’s commitment to habitat and clean water HERE

The TRCP is your resource for all things conservation. In our weekly Roosevelt Report, you’ll receive the latest news on emerging habitat threats, legislation and proposals on the move, public land access solutions we’re spearheading, and opportunities for hunters and anglers to take action. Sign up now.

by: Tristan Henry

posted in: Conservation Field Notes

February 12, 2025

Field Notes from the Deschutes: A Day with California Bighorn Sheep

TRCP’s Oregon and Nevada field representatives volunteered at a recent California bighorn relocation operation

A train of headlights and dusty-red taillights cut the pre-dawn dark as they rolled north from Maupin and downstream along the Deschutes River Access road. Our convoy, comprised of state-badged vehicles from both Oregon and Nevada and private rigs, rumbled to a halt at the Beavertail access site and quickly set about deploying various trailers, tables, and tools. Tangible excitement was suspended in the cold morning air, surrounded by the focused silence of folks preparing to work. Within moments, the crew had transformed the graveled boat ramp into a field veterinary station that rivaled any backwoods veterinary clinic. No sooner had the sun begun to crest the canyon wall when the helicopter’s blades split the calm to briefly touch down.

The reason for the early rendezvous was to capture and relocate California bighorn sheep from Oregon to Nevada. I, along with my TRCP colleague, Nevada field representative, Carl Erquiaga, joined the Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation and Nevada Bighorns Unlimited volunteers to assist biologists and wildlife managers from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

*“… a daisy chain of blindfolded ewes descended from the sky…”*

In the Lower Deschutes, some 900 California bighorns call the canyon home—a remarkable conservation success story, embodying resilience and the power of collaborative wildlife management. Once widespread across the state, bighorn sheep populations were driven to near extinction in the 19th and early 20th centuries due to habitat loss, overhunting, and diseases introduced by domestic sheep. By the early 1900s, bighorn sheep had vanished entirely from Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada. In the 1950s, efforts to reintroduce the species began, with state agencies and partners working tirelessly to restore these iconic animals to their native range. Transplants from neighboring states and Canada re-established herds, and through ongoing management, Oregon’s bighorn numbers are now strong enough to pay it forward.

Numerous sporting organizations whose missions revolve around bighorn sheep have risen to the challenge across the western United States and Canada to help bolster wild sheep conservation. National organizations like the Wild Sheep Foundation and many state-based groups like the Oregon Wild Sheep Foundation and Nevada Bighorns Unlimited hold fundraising events every year and contribute millions of dollars to wildlife agencies which have expanded their bighorn efforts. Many of these groups also provide much-needed volunteer labor for projects such as sheep relocations. In many cases those dollars and volunteer hours can be matched with federal funding through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937. Without these groups, projects like this would be nearly impossible to carry out.

TRCP Nevada field representative, Carl Erquiaga, takes a break between batches of sheep.

The helicopter roared up the canyon while the crew scanned rimrock bands for the unmistakable white rumps of bighorns. When groups were spotted, the pilots charged the sheep over steep terrain and the obvious pop from the net gun signaled a success. Not long thereafter, a daisy chain of blindfolded ewes descended from the sky where they were met with stretchers and gloved hands.

Whispers replaced conversation as each ewe was carefully carried to the processing area where they were handled reverently and deliberately. Vitals were recorded. Weight, temperature, and other measurements of body and reproductive condition were jotted in field notes. Blood and fecal samples were collected for analysis. Each sheep was fitted with a GPS collar and given a mild sedative to keep them calm in the trailer, as well as select vitamins and minerals to fortify them on their journey. Don Whitaker, ODFW’s chief ungulate biologist, moved through the scene with the quiet confidence of a man who’d spent decades working with wild animals and understood the dedication required to conserve them. Watching him work was like seeing a musician with their instrument, his passion and skill apparent with every gesture.

A young California bighorn ram lands softly on the stretcher to be prepared for relocation.

By noon, twenty sheep had been processed and loaded into trailers bound for Nevada’s Calico Mountains. This herd would bolster a struggling population in the high desert north of the Black Rock. Relocation is no easy task. It requires coordination, funding, and a level of commitment that transcends state lines and agency borders. This event is also a testament to the principles enshrined in the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. This system, which ensures wildlife is managed in the public trust with sound science, also includes the belief that access to nature should be available to all.

Biologists from NVDW take the vitals of a California bighorn ewe.

As the last trailer pulled away and the canyon settled back into its winter stillness, I was struck by what I had witnessed. The relocation done here was indeed wildlife management, but also a declaration of work beyond the status quo. This work is the legacy of conservation in North America: a system where hunters and anglers fund and passionately work for the future of species like the California bighorn.

Photo credit: Tristan Henry

by: Dan Morgan

posted in: Conservation Field Notes

January 23, 2025

In The Arena: Eeland Stribling

TRCP’s “In the Arena” series highlights the individual voices of hunters and anglers who, as Theodore Roosevelt so famously said, strive valiantly in the worthy cause of conservation.

Eeland Stribling

Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Occupation: Environmental educator, stand-up comedian, fly fishing guide
Conservation Credentials: Environmental educator, fly fishing guide, wildlife biologist and conservation advocate.

Eeland Stribling is more than a well-known stand-up comic (recently highlighted on Roots of Comedy on PBS) – he is an environmental educator, wildlife biologist, and fly-fishing fanatic (occasionally dubbed the “Black Steve Irwin”) who loves teaching folks about the natural world and helping to create connections that last a lifetime and beyond. Conservation is the backbone of everything he does.

Here is his story.

Nature and the outdoors have been in my life since before I could even tie my own shoes. One of my grandfathers, Gramps, was a wildlife biologist and the other one, Papa, was a nature lover from Mississippi. My Papa would wake me up at an ungodly hour— like 3 or 4 a.m. — and we’d head out to the water. We would sit on the shore for hours, barely speaking, just watching the world wake up around us as we waited for the fish to bite. It was simple and, yes, sometimes boring, but it taught me patience and presence as I learned to see the world through his eyes. My Gramps, a wildlife biologist, showed me the magic of the outdoors through a scientist’s lens. He had a way of making even the smallest insect feel like the most important discovery in the world and it showed me how to ask questions about everything—why do birds sing in the morning? Why do fish jump? Those lessons shaped how I see the world today — full of wonder, curiosity, and respect.

Those early trips were about more than just catching fish – although I still remember pulling in sunfish and bass and feeling like I had just won the lottery. They were about connection —to my family, to nature, and eventually, to myself.

“Conservation is the backbone of everything I do.”

Now, when I guide and teach, I teach a holistic view, where everything is connected – from the weather to the plants to the wildlife, to the slope of the river and everything in between. Catch-and-release practices, respecting wildlife, and leaving no trace all instill a sense of responsibility. It’s hard to spend time in nature and not want to protect it.

I teach everyone how to fly fish — kids in foster care, adults new to fly fishing, and even comedians through [my series] Comedians on the Fly. One moment that stands out was when a foster kid, after catching his first fish, then turned around and taught another kid how to cast. Watching him share what he’d learned was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. It was the first time I’d seen the results of many hours of work in action. I was shocked and it made it so worthwhile to be in that moment.

For me, introducing someone to fly fishing is the easiest way to nurture a budding conservationist. Whether it’s a kid catching their first trout, a comedian cracking jokes while learning to cast, or a weekend warrior finding peace on the water, it’s always special. The act of fishing is incredible, but people also get lost in the birds and trees and peacefulness of nature. Fly fishing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to connect with nature, with others, and with yourself.

One of my most memorable outdoor adventures was to New Zealand, it was a dream come to life. I spent two weeks hiking and fishing for wild brown trout in landscapes so beautiful they didn’t feel real. The rivers were impossibly clear, the birds sounded like an orchestra, and every step felt like walking through a painting. It was a place where the line between the natural world and the spiritual world blurred. What I brought home from New Zealand wasn’t just memories of giant trout or indescribable views—it was a deeper appreciation for the power of untouched nature and the communities that cherish it.

“I brought home a renewed sense of purpose—to not only enjoy these places but to fight for their survival so others can experience that same awe.”

Another place is Belize/Xcalack, Mexico. I have fully fallen in love with salt flats and permit, bonefish and tarpon – with tarpon being at the top of that list, followed by permit and bonefish. I was born and raised in the mountains, but I feel the closest to God when the sun rises on the beach, and I see nervous waters and tails on a calm salt flat. Part of my love and admiration stems from the lack of knowledge and the quick growth of new skills!

And now, if I could fish anywhere, it would be for tarpon. These fish are the ultimate challenge—massive, powerful, and as unpredictable as they are beautiful. Whether it’s West Africa, Costa Rica, Belize and Mexico, or the Florida Keys, tarpon fishing is like chasing silver ghosts. They demand respect and skill, and every encounter feels like a battle you’ll never forget. There’s just something magical about them that keeps me coming back. I love fish that eat other fish!

At home in Colorado, the Front Range is changing fast. Population growth is eating up wildlife habitat, and the pressure on our natural resources is immense. But what worries me most is “ballot box biology” — where decisions about wildlife management are made by public vote instead of science. It’s a system that can lead to emotional, uninformed choices that hurt the very ecosystems we’re trying to protect.

“We need decisions guided by evidence and science, not just good intentions.”

Steve Irwin said it best: “Humans want to save what they love.” My job is to help people fall in love with the natural world. Whether it’s a kid identifying their first animal track or a client catching their first trout, those moments create connections that last a lifetime. If I can inspire someone to care, I know they’ll fight to protect what they love, too. The future depends on it. Without conservation, the rivers will dry up, the forests will go silent, and the next generation won’t know what they’ve lost until it’s too late.

Conservation is how we honor the past and ensure the future. It’s what keeps the thrill of casting a line, the joy of tracking wildlife, and the magic of the outdoors alive for everyone who comes after us. Without it, the magic of the outdoors would fade.

by: Carlina Croston

posted in: Conservation Field Notes

November 15, 2024

Hands-On Event Exposes Students to Outdoor Recreation, Conservation Career Paths

MOA Fest, offered at locations around the country by TRCP partner Minority Outdoor Alliance, teaches hunting, fishing, and conservation skills and ideals

Earlier this month I was able to join one of our partner organizations, Minority Outdoor Alliance, for their annual MOA Fest. This festival has been held in various states throughout the country, including Texas, Alabama, and earlier this month, Pennsylvania.

The event is designed to allow college students who have had limited or no exposure to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation the opportunity to explore activities and careers in the outdoor and conservation space. Students are given the freedom to try new activities such as mountain biking, clay shooting, and rappelling. This year I watched as students from Temple University and Bucks County Community College kayaked, drew compound bows, and cast fly rods for the first time. Students were also able to participate in a community service project – planting and caging native trees in a local park. The setting was ideal to talk about conservation issues in Pennsylvania, where TRCP unifies the voices of hunters, anglers, and conservationists around key initiatives and works to ensure clean water, enhanced fisheries, and better public access and opportunities.

A student at MOA Fest 2024 learns how to shoot a compound bow. Credit: Carlina Croston

Husband and wife team and co-founders, Durrell and Ashley Smith, started the Minority Outdoor Alliance in the summer of 2020, and soon after offered the first MOA Fest.

“We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated sponsors and partners for making MOA Fest a reality each year,” said MOA President Durrell Smith. “The goals of the festival are unity and expanding the capacity of the host agency by serving as a bridge to connect younger and broader audiences with recreation opportunities and career opportunities in the outdoors.”

Durrell and Ashley Smith started the Minority Outdoor Alliance in summer 2020. Credit: MOA

“Watching students ask questions about how their current educational paths could intersect with the conservation industry was exciting to see.”

While it is always thrilling for students to watch a bird dog demonstration or to learn to cook wild game, MOA also expands participants’ ideas about what it takes to work in conservation and the outdoors. Many of the students who attend MOA Fest each year are from urban areas where spending time in the outdoors may not have been a focal point of their childhoods. When asked what types of careers they think are available, many are surprised to hear that they do not have to be park rangers or biologists to succeed.

The career fair portion of MOA Fest is an opportunity for the local state agencies and partner organizations to let students know about the various professional options available to them. Watching students ask questions about how their current educational paths could intersect with the conservation industry was exciting to see. Law majors discovered there is plenty of work to do in policy at all levels of government and communications majors heard about the teams at various agencies that are dedicated to sharing information across every platform. Facilitating conversations about their ability to protect our environment in diverse ways, early on in these students’ degree paths, may lead some to careers in the outdoors that they may never have considered if not exposed to an event like MOA Fest.

“The unity and diversity we witness at MOA Fest are reminders that the outdoors is a place for all to cherish.”
Durrell Smith, MOA president

What truly makes MOA Fest unique is the focus on underrepresented communities in the outdoor space. Students who have spent their lives in urban areas, with no regular exposure to all the great outdoors have to offer, are often shocked at the number of careers that are available. Being able to actively and effectively interact with this community of students is an asset to the outdoor and conservation space. Their unique perspectives and experiences will do nothing but enhance our collective ability to think nimbly and critically about issues central to our mission as we move into the future of conservation.

Students had the opportunity to experience kayaking at MOA Fest 2024. Credit: Carlina Croston

MOA has created a space where students are free to ask questions, try new things, and network with industry professionals across the conservation and outdoor industry. Their dedication to making the outdoors accessible to everyone and their goal of “Uniting Communities for Joy and Conservation” is truly embodied in this important event.

“MOA believes in the unity of humanity and in fostering authentic connections through shared experiences in the natural world,” Durrell shared with me. “The joy of seeing individuals connect with dogs, sporting traditions, and conservation leadership reaffirms our mission and fills us with pride. The unity and diversity we witness at MOA Fest are reminders that the outdoors is a place for all to cherish and a place for collective care and stewardship.”

For more information about MOA and events it offers, click here.

Banner image of Durrell Smith with bird dog credit MOA.