The Gila/Rio Grande Chapter of TU involves members from across southern New Mexico and the border region who are dedicated to the wild and native fish and their waters that include the nation's first designated Wilderness in the Gila NF, and the home of the original Smokey the Bear in the Lincoln NF. Chapter efforts are focused on restoration of native Gila trout and Rio Grande Cutthroat trout, stream assessment and monitoring with volunteer citizen scientists, and habitat improvement projects implementing low-tech construction approaches and available materials such as beaver dam analogs that are well-suited for work in Wilderness and remote sites. We collaborate with multiple federal and state agencies, other angling, outdoor recreation and conservation groups, provide education and outreach to local youth and college students, and are dedicated to achieving inclusive participation and representation of our rich cultural heritage and diverse populations.