NFS Welcomes Daniel Ritz!

Native Fish Society is proud to announce that Daniel Ritz will serve as our full-time Northern Oregon Coordinator based out of Hood River, Oregon. This Coordinator role is essential for building and sustaining the grassroots community throughout Northern Oregon needed to revive abundant wild fish, free-flowing rivers, and thriving local communities. 

Daniel comes to the Native Fish Society with a diverse background of skills and experiences. Through his seven year stint in journalism as a reporter and editor he honed his ability for clear communication and nurtured a deep curiosity for the environmental issues impacting western communities. To combine his passion for reporting and conservation advocacy, he joined the Idaho Wildlife Federation’s staff, serving as their Communications and Outreach Coordinator. In this role he enabled conservation advocacy efforts in the Idaho State House for fish and wildlife populations, habitat, and public lands management. Importantly, Daniel built relationships with grassroots supporters from across the state, recognizing the importance of local people to champion durable solutions. 

At the same time, Daniel worked on behalf of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association on their For Tomorrow’s Fish Campaign, which educates, unites, and activates the fly fishing industry as leading advocates for policies to build resilience in the face of a changing climate. Native Fish Society’s work fits at a nexus of Daniel’s passion for wild, native fish, the rivers of the west and elevating the pragmatic benefits of science-based stewardship. 

We’re thrilled to have Daniel support and grow our network of grassroots volunteer River Stewards across Northern Oregon - from Wallowa County to the Coast, from Columbia to Eugene. Through his passion and skills we’re excited to write the next chapter in Native Fish Society’s collaborative efforts underway on the Deschutes, Molalla, Willamette and coastal rivers. 

Please join us in welcoming Daniel to the Native Fish Society staff at daniel@nativefishsociety.org!