Native Fish Restoration Documentary
Donation protected
Hello and thank you for taking the time to consider a donation to this project!
WHY
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (YCT) are a highly threatened native species upon which the ecosystem inside of Yellowstone National Park depends. Efforts over the last ten years have improved the situation, but there's still help needed over the next ten years to continue the positive momentum. Over the course of the next two years I'll be making a documentary to raise awareness, create more funding, and help improve upon the efforts already being made to save these native fish.
Through this fundraiser, I hope to raise enough money to fund a two week trip to volunteer at Yellowstone National Park this summer. During the trip, I'll create a documentary-style "Sizzle Reel" (a trailer of sorts) in order to garner interest and funds from investors who are able to contribute towards a full length film about restoring Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.
WHO
My name is Ben Newman and I'm an actor, fly angler, and conservationist. I've been in the business of storytelling for over 20 years and have been a passionate angler since the age of 6. 10 years ago, I discovered fly fishing and quickly became obsessed. Along with that obsession came an ever-growing interest in clean water, native fish restoration, and conservation.
For the last several years, I've been looking for a way to merge storytelling and fly fishing. This fundraiser and Sizzle Reel will be Phase One of making that dream a reality.
WHERE
Due to several actions by mankind over the last 150 years, the YCT along with West Slope Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Greyling have become highly threatened species in Yellowstone National Park. These actions included the stocking of Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout for recreational purposes, and the invasion of highly predacious Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake. I first learned of this in an online forum associated with Trout Unlimited and wanted to learn more. As a result of my investigation, I learned about an incredible project ran by the National Park Service and a small group of conservation-minded anglers whose aim is to mitigate the disastrous effects of human transgression on these important and native fish by creating volunteer restoration programs in the watersheds of Yellowstone National Park.
What are native fish and why are they important, you ask? The National Park Service says:
"A native fish is a species of fish that occurred within a river, stream or lake historically and was not introduced into that water body by man."
"Native Fish are important to aquatic ecosystems because healthy fish populations tend to mean a healthier aquatic environment. Conserving native fish is part of a larger movement to conserve biodiversity on earth. More variety of species leads to better ecosystem services.
Fish provide many services for both humans and the ecosystem. They serve as food sources and support economies all while adding to the diversity of aquatic systems.
Some native fishes may not be economically important, but conserving these native creatures is still vital. Many native fish are only able to exist in one environment, like the Humpback Chub, and that means that some species are only able to be found in one place on earth! Conserving native fish helps to create unique and vibrant ecosystem."
Watch this video for great info about the efforts thus far.
You can also read more specifically about efforts to save YCT here: An Approach to Conservation of Native Fish in Yellowstone
WHAT
1) Bear spray x2 ($70per)
2) Panasonic GH5 Camera Package ($2,195.98)
--consists of camera body, Panasonic 12-35mm digital lens, extra battery.
3) Panasonic 14-140mm lens ($597.99)
4) Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Video Tripod Kit with Twist Leg Locks ($198.88)
5) Rode Video Mic Pro w/ wind cover ($288)
6) SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II 128 GB Memory Card x2 ($199.99 per)
8) LaCie 5TB Rugged USB 3.0 Type-C External Hard Drive x4 ($149.99 per)
9) Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible backpack for all camera gear in the field ($300)
10) Campsite Fees ($22 per day)
11) Food (budgeting $25 per day)
12) Fishing miscellanies ($200-$400)
MORE
I haven't included flights to CO from NYC (credit card points!), GoPro Hero 8 (already gifted by my amazing partner and her parents!), time off of work (boo!), and emergency funds (hopefully won't be needed!). I also already have $1,000 saved for the project, which is mostly going towards gas to drive Dad's awesome 19' 1990 Toyota camper from CO to YNP!
MORE MORE
While I'm hoping to raise half of my funding ($4,000) through this GoFundMe effort, the truth is that any amount will help. If you'd like more information on the project, have questions, want to provide moral support, or would like to just have a chat, please reach out through this medium and I'll be happy to contact you! Your help is SO VERY MUCH appreciated.
If you're interested in these issues, but don't feel inclined to donate towards my specific project, Yellowstone Forever , the official non-profit partner of Yellowstone National Park would be a great way to give. As would Trout Unlimited .
"Philanthropy is education and education is philanthropy".
WHY
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (YCT) are a highly threatened native species upon which the ecosystem inside of Yellowstone National Park depends. Efforts over the last ten years have improved the situation, but there's still help needed over the next ten years to continue the positive momentum. Over the course of the next two years I'll be making a documentary to raise awareness, create more funding, and help improve upon the efforts already being made to save these native fish.
Through this fundraiser, I hope to raise enough money to fund a two week trip to volunteer at Yellowstone National Park this summer. During the trip, I'll create a documentary-style "Sizzle Reel" (a trailer of sorts) in order to garner interest and funds from investors who are able to contribute towards a full length film about restoring Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.
WHO
My name is Ben Newman and I'm an actor, fly angler, and conservationist. I've been in the business of storytelling for over 20 years and have been a passionate angler since the age of 6. 10 years ago, I discovered fly fishing and quickly became obsessed. Along with that obsession came an ever-growing interest in clean water, native fish restoration, and conservation.
For the last several years, I've been looking for a way to merge storytelling and fly fishing. This fundraiser and Sizzle Reel will be Phase One of making that dream a reality.
WHERE
Due to several actions by mankind over the last 150 years, the YCT along with West Slope Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Greyling have become highly threatened species in Yellowstone National Park. These actions included the stocking of Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout for recreational purposes, and the invasion of highly predacious Lake Trout in Yellowstone Lake. I first learned of this in an online forum associated with Trout Unlimited and wanted to learn more. As a result of my investigation, I learned about an incredible project ran by the National Park Service and a small group of conservation-minded anglers whose aim is to mitigate the disastrous effects of human transgression on these important and native fish by creating volunteer restoration programs in the watersheds of Yellowstone National Park.
What are native fish and why are they important, you ask? The National Park Service says:
"A native fish is a species of fish that occurred within a river, stream or lake historically and was not introduced into that water body by man."
"Native Fish are important to aquatic ecosystems because healthy fish populations tend to mean a healthier aquatic environment. Conserving native fish is part of a larger movement to conserve biodiversity on earth. More variety of species leads to better ecosystem services.
Fish provide many services for both humans and the ecosystem. They serve as food sources and support economies all while adding to the diversity of aquatic systems.
Some native fishes may not be economically important, but conserving these native creatures is still vital. Many native fish are only able to exist in one environment, like the Humpback Chub, and that means that some species are only able to be found in one place on earth! Conserving native fish helps to create unique and vibrant ecosystem."
Watch this video for great info about the efforts thus far.
You can also read more specifically about efforts to save YCT here: An Approach to Conservation of Native Fish in Yellowstone
WHAT
1) Bear spray x2 ($70per)
2) Panasonic GH5 Camera Package ($2,195.98)
--consists of camera body, Panasonic 12-35mm digital lens, extra battery.
3) Panasonic 14-140mm lens ($597.99)
4) Manfrotto Befree Live Aluminum Video Tripod Kit with Twist Leg Locks ($198.88)
5) Rode Video Mic Pro w/ wind cover ($288)
6) SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II 128 GB Memory Card x2 ($199.99 per)
8) LaCie 5TB Rugged USB 3.0 Type-C External Hard Drive x4 ($149.99 per)
9) Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible backpack for all camera gear in the field ($300)
10) Campsite Fees ($22 per day)
11) Food (budgeting $25 per day)
12) Fishing miscellanies ($200-$400)
MORE
I haven't included flights to CO from NYC (credit card points!), GoPro Hero 8 (already gifted by my amazing partner and her parents!), time off of work (boo!), and emergency funds (hopefully won't be needed!). I also already have $1,000 saved for the project, which is mostly going towards gas to drive Dad's awesome 19' 1990 Toyota camper from CO to YNP!
MORE MORE
While I'm hoping to raise half of my funding ($4,000) through this GoFundMe effort, the truth is that any amount will help. If you'd like more information on the project, have questions, want to provide moral support, or would like to just have a chat, please reach out through this medium and I'll be happy to contact you! Your help is SO VERY MUCH appreciated.
If you're interested in these issues, but don't feel inclined to donate towards my specific project, Yellowstone Forever , the official non-profit partner of Yellowstone National Park would be a great way to give. As would Trout Unlimited .
"Philanthropy is education and education is philanthropy".
Organizer
Ben Newman
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY