Snake River Cutthroats – TU Chapter #163
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Our Mission
To promote and to provide assistance for the conservation, protection and enhancement of cold water fisheries, and to promote in education the sport of fly fishing and the art of fly tying in Eastern Idaho.
Our Goals
Support conservation projects and programs that improve fish and riparian habitat,
water quality, or stream flows.
• Work with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and other state and federal resource
management agencies to develop rules, policies and best management practices that
benefit fish and fish habitat.
• Work with government agencies, non-governmental organizations and private individuals
to provide high quality stream flows and habitat needed to sustain and improve cold water
fisheries in the region.
• Promote and expand fly fishing and fly tying opportunities throughout eastern Idaho.
• Provide opportunities to meet in a welcoming and inclusive environment and to share
ideas with others who share a passion for the wild fish and their waters.
• Promote angling in a manner which is consistent with our heritage, tradition, ethics.
• Promote and protect public access to Idaho’s fisheries.
• Promote and conserve angling resources, inspire its angling literature, advance its
fellowship, and broaden the understanding of all anglers in the spirit of true sport.
• Support our local youth by promoting concepts and principles consistent with Trout
Unlimited and Snake River Cutthroat goals and mission.
Snake River Cutthroats – TU Chapter #163 Bylaws
Article I. Organization and Purpose
Section 1: The name of the organization shall be the Snake River Cutthroats Chapter 163 of
Trout Unlimited, hereinafter referred to as the “Chapter”.
Section 2: The purpose of the Chapter is to conserve, protect and restore coldwater fisheries and their
watersheds. The Chapter shall operate as a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian
organization. The Chapter shall function exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific
purposes.
Section 3: The Chapter is a subsidiary organization of Trout Unlimited, Inc., a Michigan nonprofit
corporation and operates under its authority and under the umbrella of Trout Unlimited’s
IRS 501(c)3 non-profit status. The Chapter shall carry out the aims and purposes of Trout
Unlimited and all policies, objectives and activities pursued by the Chapter and its members shall
be in conformity with the Bylaws and policies of Trout Unlimited. The Chapter’s use of the TU
name, logo and Chapter affiliation with other organizations and businesses shall conform to
Trout Unlimited policies and guidelines.
Section 4: The Snake River Cutthroats are also an affiliated club of Fly Fishers International
(FFI).
Section 5: The Chapter and all members acting on its behalf shall not finance, promote or
oppose the candidacy of any person seeking election to public office and shall not participate or
intervene in any campaign on behalf of any candidate for public office.
Section 6: The Chapter shall not conduct or carry on any activities, including the expenditure
of funds, not permitted to be conducted or carried on by a tax-exempt organization under the
provisions of Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended.
Article II. Membership and Dues
Section 1: Payment of annual dues to Trout Unlimited or to Fly Fishers International or a Life
Membership in either organization shall make one eligible to be a member of the Chapter. The
Chapter shall not assess members additional membership dues or fees. Members of the Chapter shall
enjoy all the rights and privileges of membership in the Chapter, including but not limited to
receipt of the Chapter Newsletter. Receipt of the Chapter newsletter does not, however, confer or
imply membership.
Section 2: Chapter membership for Trout Unlimited members is limited to members in good
standing residing in the Chapter’s designated geographical area, or any Trout Unlimited member
in good standing from a different chapter’s geographical area who has elected to affiliate with the
Chapter. The Snake River Cutthroat Chapter membership roster maintained by Trout Unlimited
defines members in good standing.
Section 3: Members of FFI who wish to become or remain members of the Chapter must provide
to the Chapter’s Membership Chair evidence of a current or life membership.
Section 4: Suspension or expulsion of Chapter members will be governed by the Bylaws of Trout
Unlimited.
Section 5: No Chapter officer, director, committee chair, or any member of the Snake River
Cutthroats may transfer, sell, barter, or lease to any person or entity the membership list in part or
whole, or the names, addresses, email addresses or other personal information of Chapter
members.
Article III. Board of Directors
Section 1: The Board of Directors is responsible for the general supervision of the Chapter’s
affairs and finances
Section 2: The Board of Directors shall consist of the six (6) Executive Officers listed in Article
IV, Section 1, and no fewer than three (3) non-officer Directors and no more than nine (9). Each
non-officer Director shall serve a three-year term, with Directors’ terms staggered to provide for
continuity. All Directors shall be Snake River Cutthroat members in good standing.
Section 3: The Board of directors shall meet on a regular basis, generally once per month from
September through June, but no less than eight (8) times per year. The Board of Directors may
also act by email vote, provided all members of the Board of Directors are permitted the
opportunity to participate and votes are shown to all Board members, and recorded and reported
in the meeting minutes. Generally, Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern the
meetings on all matters relating to order and procedure, including nominations and elections.
Section 4. A quorum is required to transact any Chapter business that requires approval by the
Board of Directors. A simple majority of all members of the Board of Directors defined in
Section 2 shall constitute a quorum. A simple majority vote of those present and eligible to vote is
required to approve any official action by the Board of Directors, assuming a quorum has been
achieved. For example, if the board of directors is composed of 15 members, six officers and nine
directors, a quorum would require eight members. A board member must be present at the
meeting for his/her vote to be officially counted. A board member is considered present if they
are connected by telephone, video conference, or other approved electronic means.
Section 5: Special meetings may be called by the President or any two (2) members of the Board
of Directors. Unless waived by all members of the Board of Directors, notice of any special
meeting, including date, time, place and agenda, must be given at least seven (7) days in advance.
Notice may be in writing or by electronic communication, including fax or electronic mail.
Section 6: All members of the Board of Directors are required to attend board meetings. A
member who cannot attend a board meeting must inform the president prior to the day of the
meeting. A member who misses more than two meetings per year without informing the
president, or who misses an excessive number of meetings for any reasons, as determined by
majority vote of the Board, is subject to removal by a majority vote of the board.
Article IV. Executive Officers and Duties
Section 1: The executive officers of the Chapter shall include: a President, a Past President, an
Executive Vice President, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and a Vice President of Conservation, all of
whom shall be full voting members of the Chapter’s Board of Directors. All executive officers
shall be Snake River Cutthroat members in good standing, but only those who are members of
Trout Unlimited.
Section 2: The President shall serve as executive officer and shall nominate or approve the chair
of all Chapter committees. The President shall oversee all activities of the chapter, preside at all
membership and board meetings, and may sign and execute in the name of the Chapter, all
contracts, agreements, and other obligations of the Chapter. The President will be familiar with
the latest version of the Trout Unlimited Volunteer Leadership Manual and will
ensure Chapter compliance with Trout Unlimited policies and procedures. The President will
verify that the Chapter’s contact information and chapter leaders list maintained by Trout
Unlimited are accurate and current. The President is also responsible for transferring all Chapter
records in his/her possession to the incoming President.
Section 3: The Executive Vice President is President Elect and shall temporarily assume the duties
of the President if the President is absent or unable to perform the President’s duties. The Vice
President shall perform the duties assigned by the Board of Directors and the President.
Section 4: The Treasurer shall have custody of all the funds and property of the Chapter. Along
with the President, the Treasurer may sign and execute in the name of the Chapter all contracts,
agreements and other obligations approved by the Board and so documented in meeting minutes
that have been approved by the board, or as authorized in the Chapter’s annual budget that has
been approved by the Board. The Treasurer shall receive and safeguard all Chapter funds
utilizing such banks approved by the Board, make all authorized disbursements, and pay all
authorized Chapter expenses or contracts. The Treasurer will maintain current and accurate
financial records for the Chapter, full and accurate accounts of monies received or paid, with
receipts and authorizations allowing a clear and complete paper trail for annual audits. The
Treasurer shall provide the Board a current and clear summary of the assets of the chapter at
each regular meetings of the Board, together with a full listing of all monies received,
disbursements, and bills paid since the previous Treasurer’s report. The Treasurer shall be
familiar with and comply with Trout Unlimited’s current policy on financial and property
controls, including a monthly review of financial transactions. The Treasurer shall prepare or
have prepared in a timely fashion, all IRS tax forms and supporting documentation as required,
and shall submit a complete Annual Financial Report (AFR) to Trout Unlimited prior to the
deadline set by Trout Unlimited. The AFR will comply with the policies and requirements set
forth by Trout Unlimited as prescribed within the AFR form. An audit of the financial books
shall be conducted annually or at the request of the board. Bonding of the Treasurer is not
required. The Treasurer is also responsible for transferring all Chapter records in his/her
possession to the incoming Treasurer or the Chapter president.
Section 5: The Secretary shall record the minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and
the annual membership business meeting. He/she shall retain a copy of all meeting minutes
during his/her term of office and shall transfer all records in his/her possession to the incoming
secretary. He/she shall provide access to the files to any member of the Chapter at the direction
of the Board. If there is no membership chair, the Secretary shall keep an accurate and current
record of all members. Except when necessary for the purpose of communicating with chapter
members, the secretary shall not disclose or transfer to any person the names, mailing addresses,
telephone numbers or email addresses of chapter members without prior approval of the Board
of Directors. The Secretary is also responsible for transferring all Chapter records in his/her
possession to the incoming Secretary.
Section 6: The Vice President of Conservation shall be responsible for all the Chapter’s
conservation involvement including but not limited to organizing various conservation work
projects, maintaining contact with local representatives of state and local resource management
agencies to keep up to date with topics of concern, and be the voice of the chapter in all
conservation venues as directed by the Board of Directors. He/she shall maintain a record of all
volunteer hours and dollars spent on conservation activities and provide this information to the
Treasurer in a timely fashion for the completion of the Annual Financial Report submitted to
Trout Unlimited. The Vice President of Conservation is also responsible for transferring all
Chapter records in his/her possession to the incoming Vice President of Conservation.
Section 7: The Past President shall provide leadership continuity by helping the in-coming
President in any manner that facilitates the transition. The Past President can take on
responsibilities and duties as requested by the President or the Board of Directors.
Article V. Annual Business Meeting, Election,Nominations, Terms of Office, and Vacancies
Section 1: The annual Chapter business meeting shall be held prior to the summer break on a
date set by the Board of Directors, but no later than the month of May. The purpose of the
meeting is to elect officers and directors and to conduct other business of the Chapter as deemed
necessary. A brief annual report should be given by the Chapter president, summarizing
membership trend, finances, conservation projects, and other major activities and
accomplishments from the past year.
Section 2. Notice of the annual business meeting shall appear in the Chapter newsletter
distributed immediately preceding the annual business meeting. In addition to the date, time and
location of the annual meeting, a list of nominees for all open positions should also be
published.
Section 3: All officers shall be elected by the Chapter membership at the annual business
meeting for a term of two (2) years. Officers may serve more than one successive term.
Section 4: Directors shall be elected by the Chapter membership at the annual business meeting
for a term of three (3) years. To provide continuity, their terms shall be staggered so that no
more than one-third of the Director’s terms expire in any given year. Directors may serve
multiple terms but no more than two successive three-year terms.
Section 5: At the Annual Business Meeting, the members present shall constitute a quorum. A
majority vote of those present is controlling. Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall
govern the meetings on all matters relating to order and procedure, including nominations and
elections. A majority vote of those Chapter members in good standing that are present at the
annual business meeting will suffice to elect officers and directors.
Section 6: The Board of Directors may appoint a qualified Chapter member to fill any vacant
Board of Directors position (director or officer). The appointee shall serve until the next
scheduled annual business meeting.
Section 7 Nominations for all open elected positions can be made prior to the annual business
meeting by a Nominating Committee, the Board of Directors, or any member in good standing.
Nominations from the floor during the annual business membership meeting will also be accepted
if the nominee is present to accept or decline the nomination.
Section 8: Terms of office for all elected positions shall commence on July 1st following the election at the annual business meeting.
Article VI. Committees and Senior Advisors
Section 1: Chapter functions may be performed and represented by a Standing Committee,
including but not limited to: Conservation, Education, Expo/Banquet, Historian, Membership,
Merchandise, Outings, Programs, Publicity, Social, Website and Youth. The Chair of a Standing Committee is open to any Chapter member in good standing . The committee chair shall be approved by the Board of Directors for a one-year period and may be reappointed. Standing committee chairs shall have voting rights at Board of
Directors meetings, but their presence does not count toward a quorum.
Section 2: Ad Hoc Committees may be created as needed for a specific, short term purpose by the
President with the approval of the Board of Directors. Ad hoc committees cease to exist once
they have achieved the objective for which they were formed, and they must be renewed
annually by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Ad Hoc Committee chairs do not have
voting rights at Board of Director meetings, unless they are also a current member of the Board of
Directors. Any member of the Chapter can serve as the chair of an Ad Hoc Committee.
Section 3: Selection of committee members shall be the responsibility of the respective
committee chairs and the President.
Section 4: Senior Advisors shall be nominated by the Board of directors and approved by a
majority vote. Eligibility for a Senior Advisor position is limited to individuals who are no
longer on the Board of Directors, who have served on the Board of Directors for a period of not
less than six total years and with at least 2 of these years as an executive officer. Senior
advisors shall have voting rights at the Board of Directors meetings, but their presence does not
count toward a quorum.
Section 5: Standing committee chairs and Senior Advisors are expected to be active participants
in chapter affairs. If involvement in chapter affairs is not maintained the individual can be
removed from the position by a majority vote of the Board of Directors. An annual review of
involvement in chapter affairs and/or attendance at Board meeting s shall be conducted to
determine continued eligibility to serve as a Senior Advisor and Standing Committee Chair.
Article VII. Chapter Meetings & Newsletter
Section 1: The Chapter shall hold regular membership meetings monthly from October through
May at a date, time and place chosen by the Board of Directors. Meetings during the summer
months are optional.
Section 2: Special meetings may be called by the President, the Board of Directors, or called
upon receipt in writing of a request by at least 10% of the membership.
Section3: At any special meetings, the members present shall constitute a quorum. A majority
vote of only those present is controlling. Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall govern
the meetings on all matters relating to order and procedure, including nominations and elections.
Only chapter members in good standing shall be permitted to vote at any membership meeting
and no proxy voting shall be allowed.
Section 4: A Chapter newsletter shall be published and distributed to all members providing
appropriate contact information. A copy shall also be placed on the Chapter’s website. A copy
of the newsletter may also be distributed electronically to non-members having interest in
chapter activities. Printing, distribution and placing on the website should be completed in a
timely manner, typically a week before each membership meeting. Special newsletter editions
can be issued at the discretion of the President and Board of Directors. The newsletter should
include an upcoming meeting announcement, calendar of events, Officer, Board of Director and
Senior Advisor roster, and subjects of interest to the membership and the fly-fishing
community. A newsletter editor, appointed by the President or Executive Board, will have
responsibility of producing and distributing the newsletter. The Chapter treasury will
compensate financially for newsletter production and distribution costs.
Article VIII. Annual Reporting, Recognition and Awards
Section 1: The Chapter shall generate an Annual Report summarizing the Chapter activities and
accomplishments for the fiscal year (April1st thru March 31st ) by May 1st of each year. The
Annual Report shall consist of:
A. Financial Report;
B. Membership Report
C. Conservation Summary: including a summary of all volunteer projects and hours
donated by volunteers;
D. Program Summary: including a summary of the general membership programs that
were presented and a general feel for attendance;
E. Outings Summary: including a summary of the outings that were held by the Chapter
and the attendance at those outings;
F. Expo Summary: including a summary Expo finances and all activities carried out
during the Expo and which shall include a summary of hours donated by all
volunteers and staff.
G. Education Summary: including a summary of all classes and workshops that were
offered which shall include a financial summary of the events.
H. Standing Subcommittee Summary: including a summary of the activities of any
standing subcommittees
When requested, the Chapter shall report requested details from the Annual Report to the State
TU Council, regional FFF council, National TU and FFF offices. The chapter/State
Council/National TU Handbook sets forth the reporting forms for these reports.
Section 2: The Chapter can recognize significant contributions and outstanding dedication with
Chapter awards. These awards may consist of but are not limited to:
Heritage Award
The Heritage Award is the highest recognition award given by the Snake River
Cutthroats. The award, if given, will be presented at the East Idaho Fly Tying and Fly
Fishing Expo. The Heritage Award is given to individuals who have made a significant
and a sustained contribution by their commitment to the art of fly tying, the sport of fly
fishing, the conservation or the restoration of critical fish habitat and riparian areas, or
the education of youth or adults in the sport of fly fishing or the art of fly tying.
Priority Focus Area: Eastern Idaho. Nominations need not be a member of the Snake
River Cutthroats. Nominations should be submitted to an officer or director of the Snake River Cutthroats
prior to the March Board meeting when the decision will be made on whether and to
whom the award will be made. Those making the nomination are encouraged to provide a
short, written justification. The award shall be presented at the East Idaho Fly Tying and
Fly Fishing Expo.
Conservation Award
The Conservation Award is given to an individual or an organization that has made a
major contribution in the protection or the restoration of fish habitat in eastern Idaho.
Focus Area: Eastern Idaho
Nominations should be made to an officer or director of the Snake River Cutthroats,
along with a short, written justification. The award will be given in the most appropriate
venue, which would include but not be limited to the East Idaho Fly Tying and Fly
Fishing Expo. If the award is to be given at the Expo, it must be made prior to the March
Board meeting.
Stewardship Award
The Stewardship Award is given to individuals or organizations that manage the private
land and water resources that they control in a manner that protects, enhances, or restores
fish habitat and riparian areas.
Priority: private land owners/managers in Eastern Idaho
Nominations should be made to an officer or director of the Snake River Cutthroats,
along with a short, written justification. The award will be given in the most appropriate
venue, but generally not the East Idaho Fly Tying and Fly Fishing Expo.
President’s Award
The President’s Award is given to a member of the Snake River Cutthroats to
recognize participation.
Recipient’s Qualifications:
1. Someone who has many years of involvement in the chapter
2. Someone who participates and volunteers often
3. Someone who puts in many unseen hours
4. Someone who is presently active in the chapter
The recipient of the award is chosen by the President with input from previous
recipients. An appropriate Award will be presented at the Annual Christmas Party.
Article IX. Fiscal Year
Section 1: The Chapter’s fiscal year shall be the same as that of Trout Unlimited, April 1 through
March 31st.
Article X. Amendments of By-Laws
Section 1: The By-Laws may be amended at any Board of Directors meeting, upon proper
notice given, by a vote by at least a quorum of the Board. By-Laws may be amended by the
membership during the annual business meeting, upon proper given notice, by a majority vote of
those present.
Section 2: If any amendment of these bylaws is required in order to make them consistent with
the bylaws of Trout Unlimited, a vote of a majority of those present and permitted to vote shall
be sufficient to pass the amendment.
Article XI. By-Laws Provision Conflicts
Section 1: Any Chapter bylaws that conflict with the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws or
policies of Trout Unlimited will be void.
Article XII. Assets and Dissolution
Section 1: No part of the income, earnings or assets of the Chapter shall inure to the benefit of,
or be distributed to, any member, director or officer of the Chapter or any private individual,
except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the Chapter in
effecting one or more of its purposes. Chapter members, officers and directors may be
reimbursed for expenses incurred for or on behalf of the Chapter. A receipt must be presented
for reimbursement of all expenses.
Section 2: All Chapter expenditures shall be broadly consistent with the mission of Trout
Unlimited.
Section 3: The Chapter may not acquire or hold any interest in real property, including
easements, except with prior written approval from Trout Unlimited.
Section 4: Upon dissolution of the Chapter, all assets of the Chapter shall revert to the State
Council or, if none exists, to Trout Unlimited National.
ARTICLE XIII. Perpetuity
Section 1: The Chapter shall exist in perpetuity or until dissolved or de-chartered.
Approved 05/08/2019