2024 Lifetime Achievement Award
A beautiful wild Brook Trout being returned back to the water safely.
(Following is the presentation of the Rhode Island Trout Unlimited Lifetime Achievement Award by Glenn Place, President of Rhode Island TU, at the RITU Annual Fundraiser Banquet on April 5, 2025, with 125 attendees at the Quonset “O” Club.)
The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual for their outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment to our Chapter in its mission, goals, and milestones.
Some of the criteria for the award are as follows:
Promoting an atmosphere of professionalism and leadership for Rhode Island TU
Helping Rhode Island TU pursue its brand throughout the conservation and fishing community.
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.
Participating in a wide variety of the Chapter’s education, conservation, and clean-up programs, projects, and activities.
Participation as a key leader or role model in the accomplishment of RITU Mission-based initiatives.
Assist in promoting interest in Chapter activities, projects, and meetings with other like-minded organizations.
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:
He is a true “Gentil Giant.”
Some would call him a “Late Bloomer,” catching his first trout at 15.
His knowledge of RI waters is unprecedented. In fact, he is the go-to guy for info and history on the Upper Wood River Watershed.
He is the living history book of knowledge of our Chapter since its inception in the 70’s.
He is a true sportsman in every sense of the word, willing to offer advice to others, and volunteer his time to ensure the beauty of our watersheds are preserved for future generations.
Not only can he identify most fresh and saltwater species, but his encyclopedic knowledge of flora and fauna is enviable.
The detailed log entries of his fishing outings, including day, date, weather, number of fish caught, species caught, time, temperature, and his photographic memory of just where his fly, one he likely tied himself, will work, is remarkable.
He always takes a plastic bag fishing with him to pick up trash.
He has offered me, and I have listened to his advice and enjoyed his companionship since the beginning of my involvement in TU. I truly count him as a friend.
And finally, if you find him enjoying a lobster roll or a PB&J by the river for lunch, please say hi.
This year’s recipient truly embodies Rhode Island TU’s new tag lines of Conservation, Community, Fishing.
I am pleased to to present the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Rich Benson.
Thank you for a lifetime of exceptional Volunteerism!!
