Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter | Grassroots Since 1972
Established in 1972, Kiap-TU-Wish has had a long history of protecting coldwater resources in western Wisconsin and the Driftless Area of the Midwest. We are a grass-roots organization that works with other conservation partners across the region. Currently we have approximately 390 chapter members—primarily from western Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota.
Kiap-TU-Wish is one of 22 chapters that make up the Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited. Wisconsin currently boasts over 4,000 members and volunteers. All Wisconsin chapters belong to the national organization, Trout Unlimited. From September to May we hold monthly chapter meetings in River Falls Wisconsin, the first Wednesday of the month. We discuss new projects, funding, governmental and environmental issues.We are a hard-working, friendly group and would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend our meetings.
Make sure to check out our chapter meetings page for more information on attending our meetings. We also try to get out for stream improvement work sessions from January thru the summer. Various projects such as stream bank improvement, storm water monitoring, environmental action, and other hands-on initiatives support the common goal of protecting and preserving our coldwater resources.
Our Mission:
To protect, reconnect, and restore the coldwater fisheries and their watersheds in Polk, Pierce, and St. Croix Counties of Wisconsin and to insure access to fishable coldwater streams.
Our Unique Name:
The Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter of Trout Unlimited gets its name from our parent organization and the rivers of St. Croix, Pierce and Polk Counties that we protect.
Kinnickinnic, Apple, — Trout Unlimited — Willow, Rush
The Prestigious Silver Trout Award
In 2012, the TU National office had recognized Kiap-TU-Wish to receive the Silver Trout award. This is the second highest award that is given each year to a chapter, and is held in high regard for one of the top Trout Unlimited Chapters in the Country.
Advocacy and conservation projects are accompanied by periodic educational efforts by the chapter, including a well-regarded and well-run youth fly-fishing workshop on the banks of the Kinnickinnic River, as well a fly-tying and fly-fishing classes for adults.
Kiap volunteers have also long taken an active role in addressing state coldwater resource issues through their membership on the WI Trout Unlimited State Council. A well-rounded, mature chapter doing solid research, advocacy, and first-rate stream restoration projects benefits us all by its strong reputation and projects. We are proud to receive this high honor as well as other stewardship awards over the years.
