Our Chapter
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.
Chapter Accomplishments and Awards
ACTU Chapter Awards Over the Years
2024 – Pennsylvania (PA) Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, Zeigler Mill Road Access Site
2023 – Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited (PATU) Best Chapter Project Award for the Zeigler Mill Road Access Site
2022 – PATU Outstanding Volunteer Award
2022 – Environmental Stewardship Award, Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce
2020 – Best Small Chapter Award
2020 – PATU Outstanding Volunteer Award
2020 – Best Chapter for Youth Diversity Award, PATU
2015 – Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award, Conococheague Stream Restoration
2015 – Best Newsletter Award, PATU
2009 – Best Conservation Project. PATU
2005 – Environmental Stewardship Award, Gettysburg Chamber of Commerce
2004 – Best Trout Unlimited Chapter in the Nation (Wow!)
2004 – Best Trout Unlimited Chapter in PA
1984 – Best Conservation Project.
Our Leadership
Frank Kozak – President
Dave Kamsler – Secretary
Bob Miller – Treasurer
Rick Franzese – Financial Reviewer
Bob Gordon – Board Member
Richard Lewis – Advocacy Coordinator
Joe Lysitt – Membership Coordinator
Lynn Rebert – Trout in the Classroom Coordinator
Dave Swope – Stocking Coordinator
Mike Waldron – Conservation Coordinator