John Sikora is one of those river champions with staying power. John’s impact spans decades and has had lasting effects in his home waters in El Dorado County as well as across California.
John has been a member of TU for more than 45 years and a leader at the chapter and state levels for the last 20. John first became a TU member in 1980 and a Life Member in 2011. His leadership efforts started in 2005 when he became a Board Member for the Sac-Sierra Chapter. In 2011, he helped form the Eldorado Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Since then, he and has continuously held leadership roles with EDTU including Secretary, Vice President, and President. John’s contributions at the California State Level include serving as California Council Secretary from 2011 to 2013 and Council Chair from 2013 to 2015.
John’s accomplishments through this period are many. As a TU leader, he helped refine the organization of Chapters across California and the California Council itself to better meet TU National requirements. His efforts led to the formation of the Eastern Sierra and Central Sierra Chapters and the expansion of the North Coast Chapter to become the Shasta Trinity Cascade Chapter. These efforts generated increased chapter revenues supporting in-state restoration, conservation, and education programs. John also worked closely with the Redwood Empire Chapter and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to resolve issues in support of the Chapter’s Trout/Steelhead in the Classroom Program.
In the EDTU region, John has been active in organizing volunteer efforts including stream surveys, fish recovery from nearby lakes, stream and lake cleanup activities, meadow restoration, replacement of signage, and testing CDFW’s California Inland Recreational Angler Survey. John also served as TU representative on teams working with the USFS to address wildfire risks and impacts, where his contributions included input on fuels management, the protection of freshwater fisheries, and organizing EDTU review and comment on restoration plans following the devastating Caldor Fire.
John’s EDTU colleague Jon Bertolino summed up John’s nomination as a River Champion with the statement, “I have greatly enjoyed working with John. He is always looking at ways to engage members, support local resource agencies, and improve our cold-water fisheries, both locally and throughout the state. His mentorship has helped many members, including myself, become involved in TU’s mission.”
Thank you John!