MICHAEL MIECZNIKOWSKI
“Maybe your stature as a fly fisherman isn’t determined by how big a trout you can catch, but by how small a trout you can catch without being disappointed.”
MICHAEL MIECZNIKOWSKI is a conservation professional and lifelong angler with deep roots in western New York. Growing up, he fished throughout western New York and especially Allegany State Park. Michael developed a passion for native fish and the ecosystems that sustain them at an early age. While living in Salt Lake City, he spent much of his free time backcountry camping and fishing Yellowstone National Park's remote waters, which deepened his appreciation for wild native fish. Since returning to New York, Michael has focused on wild native brook trout in Adirondack Park. Michael is also an advocate for often-overlooked warmwater native species. Michael brings over a decade of experience in environmental management and conservation to NFC. He served as Deputy Regional Director at NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, where he oversaw maintenance and stewardship of parks and natural areas across the NYC region. Prior to that, Michael held positions with NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, including Senior Forester and Program Manager, where he coordinated large-scale projects and managed teams dedicated to urban ecosystem health. He also worked as a Forest Technician and Assistant Forest Ranger with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Michael holds a B.S. in Individualized Studies from SUNY Buffalo State and an A.A.S. in Environmental and Natural Resources Conservation from SUNY ESF Ranger School in Wanakena, NY. He can be reached at Info@NativeFishCoalition.org