Daniel Ritz

Northern Oregon Coordinator

Daniel Ritz joined Native Fish Society staff as the Northern Oregon Coordinator in March 2025, shortly after he and his wife Holly relocated to the historic center of the anadromous universe - the Columbia River - after years of living in and working in rural & riverside Idaho.

Academically trained in journalism, philosophy and natural history, Daniel brings experience in campaign management, effective grassroots advocacy and clear science communication to his role of elevating the pragmatic benefits of abundant and resilient native fish populations - and the healthy and connected habitats they inhabit - which sustain communities from Wallowa County to the Coast, from the Columbia to Eugene.

After graduating with dual B.A. degrees in Journalism and Philosophy from Salisbury University, Daniel launched into a career in newspapers as a reporter and then editor. He then decided to combine his love of reporting with his passion for conservation advocacy by becoming the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Idaho Wildlife Federation, the state’s only full-time staff exclusively committed to leading conservation efforts in the State House for fish and wildlife populations, hunting and fishing, habitat, public lands and access. Most recently before joining Native Fish Society, Daniel was the Campaign Coordinator of the For Tomorrow’s Fish Campaign, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association’s additive campaign to educate, unite and activate the fly fishing industry as advocates for climate resilient management, policy and funding, in the very fisheries the industry depends on for its future.

In addition to his grassroots and programmatic duties with the Native Fish Society, Daniel is the Editor of the Swing The Fly Online Journal. He and Holly reside in Hood River, with his two spoiled dogs and handsome - if-not oversized- cat. In his personal time he enjoys tying flies, riding rivers, and roaming the high country with his dogs.