A tireless volunteer from Pennsylvania's Doc Fritchey TU Chapter, Russ Collins is as comfortable leading a complex stream restoration project as he is moderating a national panel on climate change.
Russ's journey into coldwater conservation began on the water, with a rod in hand and a deep appreciation for wild places.
But it didn't take long before he found a calling beyond fishing: caring for and recovering the streams he loved.
His commitment to Pennsylvania's coldwater resources, and the trout that rely on them, proved infallible.
As Chapter president, Russ helped secure more than $4 million in project funding-- one of the largest and most impactful conservation portfolios in TU's grassroots network.
Under his leadership, the Chapter removed obsolete dams, restored stream banks, added in-stream structures and fenced out livestock.
These efforts reconnected, cooled and deepened streams, creating resilient habitat for native trout.
Even when [Mariner East natural gas liquids] pipeline construction severely damaged the Chapter's beloved Snitz Creek, Russ stepped up, holding polluters accountable, while rallying recovery efforts.
Beyond the field, Russ has become one of TU's most trusted national-level voices.
As co-chair of both the Climate Change and Communications Workgroups of the TU National Leadership Council, he fosters collaboration across the organization.
His leadership has helped TU navigate difficult terrain, bringing together volunteer advocates to focus on common ground where TU can make a lasting impact.
He has organized national panels, built partnerships and elevated bipartisan conversations around climate and conservation.
"Russ Collins is an everyman champion of conservation," said TU President and CEO Chris Wood. "He has been a stalwart on climate change education and awareness. He singlehandedly wrote a petition to convince the state of Pennsylvania to protect wild brown trout. Russ is a happy warrior for TU!"
All in all, Russ models the collaborative One TU concept in all that he does, never shy to share a win with others and always ready to help.
A true gentleman, respected, collaborative and deeply dedicated, Russ Collins is helping chart a hopeful future for trout streams and the communities that cherish them.
Click Here for a copy of the TU article.
Visit the Doc Fritchey TU Chapter and Trout Unlimited websites for information on programs, initiatives and how you can get involved.
Resource Links - Doc Fritchey:
-- Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited Volunteers Breathe Life Into Broken Trout Waters In Dauphin County [PaEN]
-- Chesapeake Bay Journal-Ad Crable: Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited’s Limestone Dosing Keeps Fish Habitat Livable For 36 Years [PaEN] Watch Video On Project
-- Doc Fritchey Chapter TU Setting The Pace In Restoring PA Coldwater Resources In Central PA [PaEN]
-- Doc Fritchey Trout Unlimited Is Recipient Of Best PA Chapter Award [PaEN]
-- Video Blog Feature - Doc Fritchey T.U. Guides Spring Creek Restoration Efforts [PaEN] Watch Video Here
-- Doc Fritchey TU Chapter: Spring Creek Phase II Restoration Completed In Dauphin County [PaEN]
-- Doc Fritchey TU Chapter: St. Margaret Mary Students Have Trout In The Classroom [PaEN]
-- In Memoriam: Remembering “Doc” Fritchey of Trout Unlimited – 1907-2006
Related Articles This Week- Leadership:
-- Discover NEPA: Bernie McGurl Of The Lackawanna River Conservation Association - Why NE PA? [PaEN]
-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests - Loving The Land: Ellery Troyer & His Family Manages A 3rd Generation Farm And The French Creek Nursery In Erie County [PaEN]
-- Trout Unlimited - Every River Needs A Champion: Russ Collins, Doc Fritchey TU Chapter Working In Dauphin, Lebanon Counties [PaEN]
Related Articles This Week:
-- 2024 Annual Report On DEP’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Reduction Program Highlights Abandoned Mine Drainage, Watershed Restoration Efforts [PaEN]
-- State Conservation Commission Launches New Farm Conservation Certification Program [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension: Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program Transforms Kitz Family Farm In Westmoreland County [PaEN]
-- Delaware RiverKeeper Network: Final EPA Lower Delaware River Water Quality Standards Praised By Environmental Leaders As Being Guided By Good Science [PaEN]
-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests - Loving The Land: Ellery Troyer & His Family Manages A 3rd Generation Farm And The French Creek Nursery In Erie County [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension Hosts Nov. 14 Water Quality Insights Webinar On Floodplain Wetlands [PaEN]
-- Penn State Extension Woods & Wildlife News Highlights Forest Stewardship; Current Fall Forest Conditions; What Is A Slash Wall? Wild Bird Wisdom; Carbon Contracts
-- DEP To Host Aquatic Resource Restoration Conference March 3-4 In State College [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Delaware Currents: Summer Flooding In Delaware River Watershed To Increase In Size, Frequency, Study Finds
-- The Center Square: House Committee Hearing Shows Bipartisan Alignment On Some PFAS ‘Forever Chemicals’ Regulations
-- Morning Call: Hanover Township Residents Deserve Better Than Warehouses And Broken Promises - By Monica Beaky, Hanover Twp. Residents Against Warehouse Development
-- Lehigh Valley’s Wildlands Conservancy Highlights Upcoming Experiences: Walk In Penn’s Woods; 10th Annual Big Sit! Birdwatching; Bushkill Creek Trail Challenge; Tree Plantings
[Posted: September 24, 2025] PA Environment Digest
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