CalTrout News
At CalTrout, we believe that conservation is not possible without policy. Strong relationships with legislators and state and federal agencies are essential to recover species and restore our ecosystems. That’s why we consistently show up in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., advocating for California’s fish, water, and communities – and working to bring everyone into the conversation.
In 2025, CalTrout expanded our federal advocacy to protect California’s freshwater ecosystems and public lands, engaging top DC lobbyists, visiting policymakers, and participating via the America the Beautiful initiative. We supported efforts to successfully oppose public land sales, and we continue to monitor federal priorities to safeguard rivers, habitats, and public access.
In 2026, we’re staying engaged, and earlier this month, Redgie Collins, CalTrout’s VP of Legal and Government Affairs, traveled to DC, trading his conservation tuxedo (jeans and flannels) for formal attire (paired, of course, with CalTrout’s fishy Mustard Beetle socks). He was joined by several other CalTrout team members, both from our Legal and Policy Department, and our regional teams. He met with the California delegation - the 54 congresspersons that represent California in DC - and federal agency partners to talk about the awesome work happening on the ground here in California. Despite the recent and disappointing repeal of the federal endangerment finding, we remain committed to leading with science and getting the work done to improve the lives of California’s fish, water, and people. In DC, we deepened relationships and formed new ones with decision-makers who feel similarly.
Redgie’s goal during his week in our nation’s capital was to explain just how important it is to fund conservation in California. Working with CalTrout’s policy consultants at Natural Resource Results, Redgie visited our closest allies on the Hill and built new partnerships with new appointees and agency staff. With all of our on-the-ground projects, collaboration is the secret sauce that makes things happen – and it's no different in the halls of Congress!
“What I found encouraging is that all of the people we met with were truly excited to hear about our projects across California” Redgie said. “Staffers and elected officials were so impressed and excited to learn more about our 60+ projects actively in progress. Whether it’s working with fish on rice fields in the Sacramento Valley, building literal bridges in San Diego, or giving ranchers and farmers the opportunity to increase yield while seeing habitat improvements on their land, our diverse work across California consistently resonated with congressional offices.”
Despite massive federal funding cuts to environmental-related projects, we were greatly encouraged by the sheer number of folks we met with who believe in the importance of funding restoration and working to support fish recovery. We have our work cut out for us, but it’s nothing we haven't been able to do before.
Redgie was proud to talk about our work because the impact is real and experienced by communities across California. Over 90% of our implementation dollars on any given project stays local. When you are implementing tens of millions of dollars each year throughout California, the impact stands out as a contributor to the health and recovery of both ecosystems and economies. Redgie also had the opportunity to meet with Congressman Huffman’s office, who is a longtime champion of CalTrout’s work, and to thank Congressman Kiley for his bravery in support of protections for public lands.
Finally, CalTrout was thrilled to also connect with our core agency partners, who continue to help fund critical work. Redgie ventured into the heart of the Pentagon to meet with the Army Core of Engineers to see how we can continue to support Rindge dam removal, and met with the head of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service at the Department of the Interior to discuss our funded and in-progress grant applications. These offices welcomed CalTrout’s ethos of getting work done, and staying committed to our mission, and we expect there might be a few more CalTrout hats around the capital this winter.
“Over the last 50 years, CalTrout has grown into a leader in freshwater restoration in California. Now, we’re expanding our leadership to DC,” said Redgie Collins. “Leaders in DC recognize the importance of our work, and we’re being acknowledged as trusted implementation partners for Congress and the Senate. Our impact will only grow as we continue to build our reputation in the nation’s capital.”
Redgie’s trip to DC highlights just how important collaboration is – whether it’s on the ground in California or in the halls of Congress. None of this work would be possible without our agency partners, legislators, Tribes, community members, landowners, nonprofit organizations, and as always – CalTrout members and supporters. As we look ahead to uncertain funding conditions and critical policy debates, your support is more important than ever. Stay tuned for more updates on CalTrout’s federal advocacy work!
