In 1916, author Bradley Johnson's great-great-grandfather built a quaint log-cabin in Wyoming's Bighorn Mountains. The cabin and nearby trout stream provided refuge during a poverty-filled childhood; but now, this sanctuary is increasingly at risk.

Growing-up poor, but living rich, Bradley shares the personal history that made him realize the true value of our country’s natural resources. Throughout the western United States, native trout are struggling, and effectively protecting their habitat requires an ecosystem-spanning approach. The fate of apex predators like grizzly bears and wolves are inexorably tied to the fate of native trout, as illuminated by the Yellowstone experience. To conserve one is to fight to maintain the whole elegant ecological tapestry. Key to conserving native trout is the strategic removal of nonnative wild trout populations which, when coupled with an ecosystem-wide perspective to conservation, provides native trout a fighting chance for survival in a rapidly changing world.

Well researched and well argued, Johnson’s approach points the way to restoring the greatness of the streams, rivers, and mountains that define life in the American West. Weaving together science with trout fishing adventure he demonstrates that with personal involvement, we can effect positive change.