Chapter Summary
Adams County Trout Unlimited (ACTU) Chapter 323 was started in 1977 by a group of individuals interested in restoring and enhancing a section of the Conewago Creek in Adams County, PA. Our chapter has grown since its inception, and now includes over 200 members. Our vision is to expand the scope of our efforts and the breadth of the community that we reach.

Over the years, members have enjoyed the benefits of a network of like-minded, knowledgeable anglers. We hone our fishing and fly-tying skills through seminars, talks, and demonstrations at our monthly gatherings. Plus, we have led scores of stream improvement projects and supported hundreds of trout stockings in county creeks. The Chapter’s many conservation and habitat improvement projects, which are intended to conserve, protect, and restore the county’s fisheries and watersheds, have resulted in recognition from both National and State Trout Unlimited organizations.
Today, the Chapter has taken a broader role in our community and is guided by three tenets: Conservation, Community, and Fishing. Guided by these tenets, our Chapter works to bring together diverse interests to achieve our mission of bettering the conservation-related educational and recreational opportunities in Adams County.
As important as our angling endeavors, many of the conservation and community efforts we now lead, or support, are focused on several annual youth programs in the county. For example, since the Chapter’s founding, thousands of students have participated in activities such as the Trout In the Classroom Program, the annual Latimore Creek Youth Fishing Derby, the Southcentral Outdoors For Youth Program, and the New Oxford Middle School Environmental Day.
As important as our angling endeavors, many of the conservation and community efforts we now lead, or support, are focused on several annual youth programs in the county. For example, since the Chapter’s founding, thousands of students have participated in activities such as the Trout In the Classroom Program, the annual Latimore Creek Youth Fishing Derby, the Southcentral Outdoors For Youth Program, and the New Oxford Middle School Environmental Day.
Accomplishments, Awards, and Recognition
Since its inception, ACTU has received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Best Trout Unlimited (TU) Chapter in PA: 2025, 2020, 2004
- Best TU Chapter in the Nation: 2004
- PA Governor’s Environmental Excellence: 2024, 2015
- PATU Best Chapter Newsletter: 2025
- PATU Best Conservation Project: 2023, 2009, 1984
- PATU Outstanding Volunteer: 2022, 2020
- Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce Environmental Stewardship: 2022, 2005
- PATU Best Chapter for Youth Diversity: 2020
Leadership
Frank Kozak
President
Dave Kamsler
Secretary
Bob Miller
Treasurer
Rick Franzese
Director
Jerry Gladfelter
Director
Bob Gordon Director
Joe Lysitt Membership Coordinator
Lynn Rebert, TIC and Equipment Coordinator
Dave Swope Director
Mike Waldron
Coordinator
