2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual for their outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment and to our chapter in its mission goals and milestones. Some of the criteria for the award are as follows:
1) Promoting an atmosphere of professionalism and leadership for Rhode Island TU
2) Helping Rhode Island TU pursue its brand throughout the conservation and fishing community.
3) Providing a lifetime of knowledge to members and like-minded organizations based on their education, training, and/or experience that enhances the accomplishment of RITU’s established programs, projects, and activities.
4) Participating in a wide variety of the Chapter’s education, conservation, and clean-up programs, projects, and activities.
5) Participation as a key leader or role model in the accomplishment of RITU’s Mission-based initiatives.
6) Assist in promoting interest in the Chapter’s activities, projects, and meetings to other like-minded organizations.
7) Respected for effectively balancing the conservation needs of the Chapter with the recreational needs of all members, partners, and friends.
Some things about this year’s recipient:
You may know him as the trout whisperer, but his talents go beyond the waters. His impact began with the Trout in the Classroom program, which he founded with the Croton Watershed Chapter. For years, he devoted hundreds of hours recruiting teachers, welcoming students from New York City and the Croton Watershed schools, guiding them as they released the trout they raised from eggs to fingerlings. His vision and energy have helped TU and Trout in the Classroom grow into a program so impactful that it is now a line item in the NYC city budget, serving thousands of students each year. His dedication, teaching, organizing, and passion for conservation have inspired countless students, volunteers, and community members. These experiences were not just about fish—they were lessons in care, patience, and stewardship. He also created a map of fishing locations in his local Croton Watershed that countless anglers still rely on today. Through his fly-fishing classes and mentorship, he inspired many. He brought countless new faces into TU, strengthening the organization and leaving a lasting legacy. There are so many stories that capture his spirit. One favorite is the day he picked up a hitchhiking NYC TU member walking from the train station, rod in hand—Andy is now an active member of the NYC TU chapter. Even though he moved to Rhode Island in 2016. His dedication has even influenced his family—his grandson has caught the fly-fishing bug, continuing the legacy.
Now onto Rhode Island:
He was instrumental in spearheading Trees 4 Trout, the largest annual conservation event associated with our chapter. Ask anyone what RITU is, and they shake their head, (We’re working on that)--say “Trees 4 Trout” and they know the event. One time, he asked me about my luck on the cinder worm hatch. I said great, but lost all of my successful flies, only to have a shred of a fly to show him. He returned a week later with a handful of exact imitations!! He is the only person I know to be personally interviewed by Chis Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. This past school year, he began to work with RIDEM Aquatic Resource Education department to introduce “salmon” in the classroom, something that he was truly passionate about. He has served on the Board of Directors at RITU for as long as I can remember, bringing his knowledge and advice to chapter business. He can be found on Wednesday mornings tying flies (or so he says) with a group of “like-minded” individuals. He is on the board of the Wood River Fly Fishing Club. A banquet co-chair extraordinaire and master donation gatherer and organizer. Always ready to jump in and volunteer, and has educated and instructed, I’m sure well over 500 individuals since I’ve known him. Organized our first RITU fishing mentoring program, compiling names of RITU volunteers available on our website to take fisherfolk to areas of the watershed they are not familiar with. Was instrumental in developing our RITU Teens Program, working with a cadre of volunteers to ensure its success. Has an MGM-sized stable of slide shows, how-to videos, PDF’s, PowerPoint presentations, and who knows what else, all dedicated to his passion. I truly appreciate his guidance and mentoring through my RITU Journey. This year’s recipient truly embodies Rhode Island TU’s new tag lines of Conservation, Community, and Fishing.
The Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to present the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award
Award to
John Genovesi
Thank you for a lifetime of exceptional volunteerism!!