We are deeply honored to share that Trinchera Ranch and Louis Bacon have been awarded the 2025 Western Division American Fisheries Society (WDAFS) Conservation Achievement Award, presented by Trout Unlimited. This recognition celebrates our long-standing commitment to native trout recovery and ecosystem stewardship in Colorado’s San Luis Valley.

This award is one of the highest honors in Western fisheries conservation and acknowledges more than a decade of collaborative work to restore and protect Rio Grande cutthroat trout habitat across Trinchera’s watersheds. Our efforts have resulted in the protection of over 72 miles of stream habitat, supported by conservation easements and driven by a shared vision for ecological resilience. 

A special congratulations goes to Reece Samuelson, whose exceptional leadership and fisheries work have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. Your dedication continues to inspire and elevate our mission.

Thank you to Trout Unlimited and our partners for this incredible recognition—and for standing with us in the fight to preserve native species for generations to come.