CHARLESTON — The Ernie Nester Chapter of Trout Unlimited has announced that Chris Wood, president and chief executive officer of Trout Unlimited, will be the guest speaker at the chapter’s annual fundraising banquet that will take place March 14 in Charleston.

“We are very excited to announce that Chris Wood will be the guest speaker at our annual banquet,” said Mike Sayre, president of the ENCTU. “Our members look forward to hearing an update on the national efforts of Trout Unlimited. This will also provide an excellent opportunity to share some of the many projects our local Trout Unlimited chapter has done to help ensure cold, clean, fishable waters in West Virginia.”

According to Trout Unlimited, before becoming president of Trout Unlimited in September 2001, Wood served as the senior policy and communications advisor to the chief of the U.S. Forest Service, where he helped protect 58 million acres of publicly owned land.

Wood began his career as a temporary employee with the Forest Service in Idaho and also worked for the Fish and Wildlife program of the Bureau of Land Management. He is the author and co-author of numerous papers, articles and three books.

The ENCTU Annual Banquet is scheduled for March 14 at the Elks Club in Charleston. The evening will begin with a social hour at 5:45 p.m. and dinner will be served at

6:45 p.m.

Those who wish to attend may purchase a ticket in advance by contacting Jeff Nelsen at 304-768-3933 or by sending an email to

jefflnelsen@suddenlink.net., or at the door,

Sponsorship packages are available are also available. Rollin Smoke BBQ, a local favorite, will cater the banquet.