Written by Robb Cotiaux, Conservation Committee Chair
When one hears tales of a board meeting, one might imagine a smoke-filled room (back in the cigar days) of well-dressed men discussing profit margins and sales analysis. Most likely, you would be bored to death if forced to attend.
Last weekend, the Sebago Chapter of Trout Unlimited held its 2020 five-year planning retreat in Portland, Maine over two full days.
Attending were members of the board and the leaders of the Conservation, Education, Communications, Program, Event and Maine Women Fly Fishers Committees. Was the meeting one where boredom overflowed? Two days of torture in a dimly lit room? Speakers with no passion?
The answer to that is no. I was fortunate as your conservation chair to sit amongst the many talented groups discussing our successes and very attainable goals for the next five years. At no time was there a lack of enthusiasm toward the future of the Sebago chapter, Maine’s largest chapter.
The group reviewed the last five years of success stories and issues that need to be corrected. We realized that we need more volunteers with different skills in communication, education, hands-on conservation, and membership development. One of the issues debated to this group is how to attract those energetic skill laden individuals to this very successful team? We especially need those who feel the challenge and wish to serve on the Board of Directors and various committees that power the mission of Trout Unlimited in our region ahead.
As the Conservation Committee Chair, I will tell you that there is much to do. It has been very rewarding working with my small but mighty team out of doors addressing stream connectivity issues, habitat identification and working with fishery professionals such as those in our own Gray area Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife group. We have been very successful and well recognized in our objectives.
If conservation work in the field isn’t your forte, the communications, education, membership, program, and event committees need your knowledge and dedication.
This weekend’s planning session not only identified our five-year goals but also introduced me to the amazing people we have currently on board. Each of them has an area of expertise, life experience and is willing to share it all for the benefit of the resource. Our mission is to conserve, protect, and restore our coldwater resources and fisheries.
On March 21, our yearly Conservation Event is being held in Portland. Come and meet with the leaders of Sebago TU and discuss having a role in our very successful chapter. I can tell you, once aboard, you won’t be bored!