FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Russell Thrall, President, Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited
Mobile: 570.620.8677 · Email: [email protected] · Web: coldwaterconference.org
2027 Keystone Coldwater Conference Set for February 26–27 in State College
“Defending and Restoring Coldwater Habitat in a Changing Pennsylvania Landscape”
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — [July 16, 2026] — The Coldwater Heritage Partnership will host the 2027 Keystone Coldwater Conference on Friday and Saturday, February 26–27, 2027, at the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center in State College, Pa. Anglers, scientists, students, watershed organizations, agency staff, and conservation partners from across the Commonwealth are encouraged to save the date.
The 2027 theme, “Defending and Restoring Coldwater Habitat in a Changing Pennsylvania Landscape,” reflects the dual mission at the heart of coldwater conservation: protecting the streams and watersheds that remain healthy, and restoring those that have been degraded. As development pressure intensifies across Pennsylvania — from warehouses and data centers to large-scale solar projects — and as weather patterns continue to shift, the program will focus on equipping chapters, watershed groups, and partners to engage effectively, from on-the-ground restoration to advocacy at the local planning and zoning level.
Drawing roughly 200 participants every other year, the conference brings together a diverse community — college students and faculty, conservation professionals, anglers, watershed volunteers, and others — to share science, exchange ideas, and build collaboration around Pennsylvania’s coldwater resources. The 2027 program is expected to follow the conference’s established format: a Friday of educational workshops capped by an evening social and student poster session, followed by a Saturday plenary session and concurrent breakout presentations spanning restoration, protection, advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Call for Presentations Coming Later This Summer. Organizers will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for presentations and posters this summer, inviting researchers, practitioners, agency professionals, students, and volunteers to share their work. Submission details will follow in an upcoming announcement; those interested in presenting are encouraged to begin developing their ideas now.
Mark your calendar for February 26–27, 2027. Registration, lodging, sponsorship, and program details will be released in the months ahead. For updates, visit www.coldwaterconference.org and follow the Coldwater Heritage Partnership and its partner organizations.
About the Keystone Coldwater Conference
The Keystone Coldwater Conference is a statewide gathering dedicated to the conservation, protection, and restoration of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams and the wild trout and other species they support. Each year it draws approximately 200 attendees — students and faculty, conservation professionals, anglers, watershed volunteers, and natural-resource agency staff — for two days of learning, networking, and collaboration in State College.
About the Coldwater Heritage Partnership
The Coldwater Heritage Partnership hosts the Keystone Coldwater Conference and provides funding, technical assistance, and recognition for the evaluation, conservation, and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. It is a collaboration of the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited; the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Environmental Stewardship Fund; the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds.
About the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited
The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited represents Trout Unlimited chapters and members across the Commonwealth, working to conserve, protect, and restore Pennsylvania’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds through volunteer effort, education, science, and advocacy.
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