Total Disclosure and…

…a few more photos…

I have not always been the biggest TU fan or supporter. I’ve been a member of TU on and off several times over the last decade. I’m sure my opinions of TU National over the years has irked more than a few TU members. The truth is, I can’t make apologies about the opinions I held in the past because I still feel those opinions were warranted at the time. This “Blogger Tour” event where we got to sit down and really talk to some of the leadership has possibly even confirmed those former opinions, because the light has been shined on the way TU is transforming itself into a bigger, better organization.

I think I can safely say that no one here is more conservative politically than I am and in the past some of those conservative views conflicted with TU’s positions so much that my support was off-and-on based on whether or not I thought they deserved my money. Occasionally here in Georgia, many people felt a little ignored in the past and true enough much of the discussion out here was about TU’s impact out west. However, enough time was spent talking about their plans to expand the outreach of TU into other areas – both demographic, geographic and otherwise – that it’s pretty evident there’s good stuff going on that deserves support from a much larger base composed of every political background and belief.

As was said several times over the weekend – conservation isn’t a political issue. Is that news to you? From TU high-ups? That conservation isn’t a political thing? I have to admit that in the not-so-distant past, many folks in my area didn’t hesitate to label TU National as a liberal organization. Some groups lip-service the words “middle of the road” but after spending two days with these guys, I can promise you that that phrase fits them very well right now. ( I’d love to tell you more, but some things just have to stay at trout camp. )

Folks, these guys are on the absolute right track to expand the advocacy base and continue to expand their work in conserving habitat and improving ecosystems. I’m not blowin’ smoke. These guys are the real deal and I can also feel pretty safe saying that no one is more surprised about that than I am.

And now…how about some photos:

Typical Montana Sat. Night....

They're EVERYWHERE!

{ 6 comments }

Jay July 25, 2011 at 11:24 pm

I like “middle of the road”… it’s where I’m most comfortable.

Brian Koz July 26, 2011 at 7:47 am

It is not only nice to hear the view from you, but also refreshing. Sometimes we, TU on local and state level, feel like we are beating our heads on concrete bridge abutments on various issues that never seem to get the attention deserved. Various issues like invasive species, CAFO’s, membership attrition, degradation of rivers, water withdrawal, and impoundments, when the bottom line is getting kids outdoors and showing them the valuable natural resources that we need to protect and preserve for many generations to come. Thank you for fresh eyes.
Tight Lines,
Koz
MVWTU

Brian Koz July 26, 2011 at 7:49 am

p.s.~ I like Montana on a Saturday Night*

Milliam July 26, 2011 at 11:13 am

I’m glad good things are happening with TU. I look forward to this change continuing to improve things. Guess I might have to re-join…they always had the nicest calendars anyway .

BTW…pictures are awesome. I can’t wait to see them all!