Sara Strassman--New Program Manager for the Driftless Area Restoration Effort (DARE)

Many of you may remember Jeff Hastings, who presented to our chapter last year on DARE.  Jeff has recently retired, and we are excited to announce his replacement by Sara Strassman.  Here is Sara's self-introduction.
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Hello TU Chapters!  I am the new Driftless Area Program Manager.  As many of you may have heard by now, Jeff Hastings, the longtime manager of the Driftless Area Restoration Effort, has retired.  He has passed the reins to me to continue the management and support of the Driftless Area program activities for Trout Unlimited. 
I am excited to be joining Trout Unlimited!  For the past 9 years, I have worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on the Mississippi River.  During my DNR tenure, I was responsible for coordinating with two Corps Districts on dredging activities, sediment evaluation, water quality, restoration projects and regulatory activities for the 9’ Navigation Channel Project on the Mississippi River.  I also worked on policy and partnership issues among the federal and state agencies who share management duties on the Mississippi River.​

I served on numerous work groups and committees, including the DNR Integrated Sediments Team, Recreation Work Group for the St. Paul District and the Technical Committee for the Wisconsin Mississippi River Parkway Commission. 
Prior to my work at Wisconsin DNR, I was a restoration program director for American Rivers in the Midwest and the Mid-Atlantic.  I managed over 60 dam removal projects reconnecting more than 400 miles of streams.  During that time, I served on the steering committee for the Fishers & Farmers Partnership and participated in the Northeast Stream Barrier Task Force and BOI Subcommittee on Sedimentation.  I have also been a Certified Floodplain Manager through ASFPM since 2009.  
When we are not on the clock, my husband and I are busy with our two kids and their activities.  I am a runner and cross-country skier and our family enjoys outdoor adventures in all seasons.  Just like all great things, Trout Unlimited among them, I am a native Michigander.  I will disclose now that I do not know how to fly fish, but I grew up spincasting in the lakes and streams of western Michigan.  I tied my first fly, a pheasant tail nymph, with an extremely patient mentor earlier this month, so maybe there’s hope for me yet! 
I am humbled to be stepping into such a strong program that has been built through partnerships with Trout Unlimited chapters, state and federal agencies, private donors, local collaborators and landowners. The Driftless Area has a wealth of beautiful, working landscapes and natural resources, with a broad range of potential collaborators. In time, I am hoping to invite more partners to the table to strengthen the program and to share your successes with those audiences. For now, I will be busy getting oriented to the daily tasks of project management, connecting with partners and visiting project sites. I am also looking ahead to tasks and opportunities that lie ahead. 
I hope that many of you will continue to share your time and talents with Trout Unlimited.  I have already been impressed by the events on your calendars spanning science, monitoring, engagement and skill-building activities.  I hope to meet many of you and hear about your priorities and ideas, but in the meantime, enjoy some summer fishing!