Volume 20, No. 2 urrents Spring 2014 Trout Unlimited ’s national newsletter CONSERVATION UPDATES NEWS FROM NATIONAL C MORE AWARD-WINNING CHAPTERS

Re-creating Québec’s Chateauguay River Chapter by Thibaut Millet

rout Unlimited Canada was founded in filled with brook trout and later, brown trout. were still holding on in the Chateauguay’s Montréal, Québec in 1972. Despite its In the 1970s and ‘80s the river was stocked tributaries as well. T birth in “La Belle Province”, the organi- by government agencies, and became popular The headwaters of the Chateauguay and zation no longer had an active chapter there with many anglers. The Chateauguay’s relative most of its important tributaries arise in the

— until recently. Thanks to the leadership and proximity to the largest urban concentration of upper Chateauguay brown trout. Thibaut Millet photo. vision of Stan Usakowski, the formation of a in made it particularly attractive. State. The river flows north and reaches Qué- new Chateauguay River Chapter in 2012 has As funds dwindled, the stocking programs bec near the town of Athelstan. It receives brought TUC back home to its roots. The new stopped in the late 1990s. Crowds disap- several small tributaries on both sides of the chapter’s objectives are conservation and en- peared, believing “Since they don’t stock any- boarder, most of which hold trout, providing hancement of the Chateauguay River — a gem more, there are no fish left.” critical rearing habitat. Its “trout” (coldwater) located less than an hour south of , This couldn’t have been further from the section in Quebec is not long — only a few close to the US-Québec border. truth — a thriving, and quite discreet popula- kilometers from the border to near the town Stan spent his childhood fishing the Cha- tion of brown trout, now completely wild, had of Huntingdon, where the Chateauguay trans- teauguay and its tributaries, which were then established itself in the river. Some brook trout forms into a warm water fishery.

Our mission: To preserve, protect and restore... 1 Re-creating Québec’s Chateauguay River Chapter

Stan’s vision is to restore

the Chateauguay and its

tributaries to their former

glory as a healthy ecosystem

and a vibrant sport fishery.

Stan’s vision is to restore the Chateauguay • Ensure outreach to local landowners and session will enable better decision-making. and its tributaries to their former glory as a communities in order to garner support for The survey program will continue. healthy ecosystem and a vibrant sport fishery. the chapter’s work, and reinforce the sense • In the fall 2012, a spawning survey was con- That’s why he created the Chateauguay river of stewardship from local stakeholders; ducted in the main River. Not a single redd chapter, thus “re-establishing” Trout Unlim- • Carefully plan for, and launch rehabilitation was discovered, suggesting that spawning ited Canada’s presence in the province with a work — for which there are ample opportu- probably occurs upstream in NY State and/ new, active chapter. nities throughout the watershed. or in tributaries. In a short period of time, Stan’s relentless Since 2012, the Chapter has been active • A few fishing days were organized on the dedication created a base of dedicated passion- conducting the following activities: river for members and non-members alike ate Chapter members. • Survey boxes were installed along the River to promote the river and the Chapter. The The chapters’ key objectives include: for anglers to provide critical information fishing days also attracted new members. • Develop a monitoring program to better as- about their catch, allowing a better charac- • A change in regulations has been proposed sess the health and challenges of the eco- terization of fish population dynamics. Two to the Ministère du Développement durable, system; years’ worth of data in the chapter’s pos- de l’Environnement, de la Faune et des Thibaut Millet photos.

2 Our mission: To preserve, protect and restore... Parcs. The idea is to reduce fish har- vest by strategically designing three stretches of the river as limited har- vest or catch-and-release areas. Stan toured the watershed with three people from the Ministry in the last week of October. They visited all the small streams and the main river at numerous places. The Ministry still classifies the Chateauguay as a warm water fishery. The goal of the tour was to overturn this classifica- tion to a salmonid fishery. From all indications there was a keen interest by them to create a trout fishery. The Ministry has also forwarded docu- mentation on different programs that the Chapter could take advantage of and expressed interest in promot- photos. TUC ing projects for the river next year. If catch-and-release trout regulations the Anglers Roost Fly Shop in Pointe-Claire tional members paying dividends for the trout were implemented on the Chateauguay, this and TCB International Inc. (Stan Usakows- in the process. would be a first on Québec’s public waters. ki) has been funding the chapter activities. The Chateauguay River is a wonderful wa- • In order to create awareness on the future • In the short term, some tributaries have tershed providing habitat to wild trout less catch-and release section, Chapter member already been evaluated for potential early than an hour away from three million people. Mike Yeomans designed a specific catch and rehabilitation work. Its recreational potential has largely been un- release sign. Lifetime member Wye Yoshida, In the coming months and years activity derestimated along with its potential for con- paid approximately $10K for the image’s continues on and around the river. The hope is servation and rehabilitation work. production work. Mr. Yoshida will be do- that the renewed visibility will bring in addi- nating the image to the chapter. The image now needs to be trademarked as a potential revenue stream for the Chapter should other organizations wish to adopt the image. • A temperature monitoring project be- gan in 2013. Twelve thermometers were strategically located along the main channel and the tributaries to better understand the effect of physi- cal alterations (dams), identify main sources of groundwater discharge which helps keep the river cool in sum- mer and stable in winter. The chapter retrieved 10 of the 12 thermometers placed in the river and tributaries in November 2013. Due to high water level fluctuations this past summer, many of the units were buried under 5-8 inches of gravel requiring a diver and metal detector to recover them. • The chapter will be turning to ad- ditional corporate sponsors. To date,

Canada’s freshwater ecosystems... 3 What’s Going On? Important developments in coldwater conservation, by Jeff Surtees

3. Habitats must be large, contain upon when making habitat decisions. These various habitat types, and be of nine principles and the policy recommenda- good quality as defined by dy- tions reflect agreement amongst a respected namic chemical and physical group of scientists who have dedicated their characteristics. lives to fisheries management. Some of us who 4. Habitats must be connected to spend a lot of time on streams tend to develop, support fish throughout their life shall we say, fairly strong opinions about what cycle. should be done to protect or enhance oppor- 5. Fish health is dependent on tunities for anglers. If our own opinions about watershed scale processes, and what should be done do not fit with these therefore can’t be managed by fo- principles and recommendations, we might cusing on individual water bodies. want to rethink them. 6. High biodiversity — both within 1. Environmental Reviews, 10.1139/er-2013- and between species — makes 0038. The full paper can be accessed at this aquatic ecosystems more resilient address: http://nrcresearchpress.com/doi/ to stress and able to use energy abs/10.1139/er-2013-0038#.UuvYhvldWSr more completely. The authors are Nicolas W.R. Lapointe, 7. Beyond the watershed scale, fish Steven J. Cooke, Jack G. Imhof, Daniel Bois- are impacted by longer term clair, John M. Casselman, R. Allen Curry, changes in temperature and pre- Otto E. Langer, Robert L. McLaughlin, cipitation associated with climate Charles K. Minns, John R. Post, Michael change. Power, Joseph B. Rasmussen, John D. Reyn- 8. Each of the preceding effects acts olds, John S. Richardson, and William M. TUC’s CEO Jeff Surtees. TUC photo. cumulatively — rather than in Tonn. t TUC we want to be involved in AC- isolation — on fish populations. 2. Sarah Boon’s excellent summary can be ac- TIONS that lead to habitat being rescued. 9. These cumulative effects are resulting in cessed at http://www.cdnsciencepub.com/ ABut sometimes it makes sense to step rapid changes in fish evolution. blog/its-not-just-about-the-fish.aspx back and think about how we decide what to Anyone who is making decisions which af- do. What are the “key principles” that should fect fish and fish habitat MUST understand govern our actions? Once we figure those out, these principles. Policies which ignore them Planning should be done at an what should we do next? all are most likely going to fail. It was in that spirit that Jack Imhof, TUC’s Among other things, the authors recom- National Biologist and Director of Conserva- mend that fisheries management plans should ecosystem level. Whenever we tion Programs, recently teamed up with a include protection of habitat and biodiver- group of respected fisheries scientists from sity. They point out baseline data and ongo- across Canada to write a paper called Prin- ing measurement of the right things over long face uncertainty and risk, we ciples for ensuring healthy and productive freshwa- periods of time are critical. Because change is ter ecosystems that support sustainable fisheries, constant, we must collect and pay attention should follow the precautionary now published in the journal Environmental to the scientific evidence and adapt our plans Reviews1. continually. Whenever we face uncertainty In a recent blog post, Sarah Boon, PhD, FR- and risk we should follow the precautionary principle: if we don’t know the CGS succinctly summarized the nine prin- principle. If we don’t know the result, don’t do ciples this way2: it. Planning should be done at the ecosystem 1. Fish harvest — whether by humans or level and should include consultation with result, don’t do it. other organisms — is limited by the en- all stakeholders. Finally, our institutions and ergy available within an ecosystem. laws must be structured in a way that mean- 2. Fish populations are affected by repro- ingful action can actually be taken. duction, growth and mortality, and the It is important to remember that there is effects of stress on these variables. a large body of science which can be drawn

4 Our mission: To preserve, protect and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems... NewsTUC NEWS FROMfrom NATIONAL National TUC’s national and chapter activities and updates A couple more trips in February Trout Unlimited Canada’s yielded no fish but Mitchel’s enthu- 30th Annual Calgary siasm didn’t waiver. We were both National Conservation enjoying our time together. Dinner After hearing about our trips to n March 20th, over 700 of Calgary’s the river, a good friend and accom- business and community elite gathered plished fly fisherman, Adam Rempel, O at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for the an- was so moved by Mitchel’s enthu- nual Trout Unlimited Canada conservation siasm and tenacity that he offered dinner and auction. to take us out to his, “Special spot.” Chaired by Doug Suttles, President and With Adam’s promise to get Mitchel CEO of Encana Corporation, the dinner fea- into his first fish we were off. tured an outstanding selection of auction We parked within spitting distance items. of the river and set out on a short hike downstream. Though Mitchel never uttered a complaint, I could see his thoughts through his eyes, “Why are we walking so far?”, “What’s wrong with the spot on the river right where we parked?” “I want start fishing and catch a fish.” Eventually we arrived at the designated spot, with a couple of casting pointers from Adam, Mitch- Mitchel Webb’s enthusiasm rewarded. James Webb photo. ell was knee deep in the river. As I watched Re-devoted Fly Fisherman Mitchel it triggered a rush of memories of my and Trout Unlimited father taking me fishing and teaching me to Canada Member fish. hen my father passed away a few years Then it happened, Mitchel hooked up! I 2014 Dinner Chair Doug Suttles, President and CEO of Encana Corpo- ago, I inherited his fly rod and reel. have never seen that level of excitement in his ration, at the podium March 20 in Calgary. TUC photo. W With a busy life they sat in the cor- eyes, as I did when that fish hit. With a little ner of the basement collecting dust until my help he had caught and landed his first fish, a TUC is extremely grateful to the passion and nine year old son Mitchel discovered them. He beautiful rainbow trout. A couple of casts later, leadership shown by everyone at Encana for brought them up to me and asked if we could with Mitchel still beaming, I hooked and land- making our 30th Annual National Conserva- go fishing. It was January in Alberta. I told him ed a rainbow of my own. A smaller fish than tion dinner an outstanding success. The time we would have to wait until summer. I then Mitchel’s that he affectionately pointed out. and effort put in to secure what was the best heard on the radio that The Western Canadian Mitchel’s excitement for my success equaled assortment of corporate donations TUC has Fly Fishing Expo was just around the corner. his, he was hooked. It was at that moment, as I ever had made the evening for everyone. How serendipitous. I was on a mission. I was looked at Mitchel’s face that it occurred to me, While TUC owes thanks to many compa- going to do what my dad had done for me — this experience was about something greater nies and individuals, TUC would particularly teach my son to fly fish. than catching a fish. This was about the time like to single out Precision Drilling, Focus While Mitchel and I were at the Expo, we spent together, the experiences and the memo- Engineering, Ensign Energy Services, Halli- bought a rod, reel and waders, learned to tie ries left by them. The only thing Adam caught burton, Baker Hughes, Sanjel, and Trican Well a Woolly Bugger, and received casting lessons. that day were pictures, the best catch of all! Service for the combined total of $300,000 in A week later we were on the Bow fishing. It Thanks Adam, and wherever you are Dad, oil patch services they contributed. Precision was cold. We didn’t catch a fish — or even get thank you for all the times you spent fishing led the way with a donation offering a range of a bite. This didn’t diminish Mitchel’s enthusi- with me and fostering all my wonderful mem- their services valued at $100,000 which sold asm one bit. We had a great day together, and ories. for $110,000. on our way home Mitchel’s only question was, For the first time the Calgary dinner fea- “Can we go again next weekend?” James Webb, Bow River Chapter member tured dinner sponsors beginning with Encana

and their coldwater resources... 5 TUC NEWS FROM NATIONAL

as the Presenting Sponsor, Lexus of Calgary as a Silver Sponsor ($20,000 plus) and ARC Resources, CEDA and Tourmaline Oil Corp. as Bronze sponsors ($10,000). Thank you for your generosity. Overall the Live Auction had a combined value of $605,000 in merchandise which sold for $565,500. These are tremendous numbers and TUC owes a huge shout-out to the many generous buyers and bidders in the audience. Thanks to their generous buying in the Live and Silent auctions and in raffle ticket sales, the dinner is expected to gross approximately $1,000,000 for TUC’s programs and projects. Last but not least, TUC could not do this without the help of many volunteers. The din- ner was a gold medal event that was a credit to everyone involved. When one experiences an evening that brings the Calgary commu- nity together to get behind what TUC and the

Auction Committee has brought together, it is Artist Mya DeRyan (above), the “Fish Rubber,” donated one of her unique one of the best feelings in the world. Well done paintings. Mya’s stunning artwork was auctioned off just moments after she everyone. finished it. At right, the Rolex Date Watch donated by Birks proved one of the most popular raffle items at the Calgary dinner. Thanks to generous donations Don Pike, Director of Special Events, Trout Unlim- like these, and phenomenal support from attendees, the 2014 Calgary National Conservation Dinner is expected to gross $1 million. TUC photos. ited Canada

TUC’s Northern Lights to a variety of educational programs and projects Fly Tyers Chapter Receives furthering the sport of fly fishing and Alberta National Fisheries Award fisheries conservation since 1993. Regarded as the go-to source for conservation education, the Chapter is seen by many as the face of fly fish- fish size and location, habitat conditions and ing in the greater water temperature, along with any other perti- Edmonton area. nent observations. Volunteers also collected tis- More recently, sue samples from partial fin clips that were pro- Northern Lights vided to a graduate student from the University has been heav- of Alberta for DNA profiling. This information ily involved in is invaluable to gaining insight into the genetic a project to col- diversity of Arctic grayling to improve the suc- Northern Lights members accepting their National Recreational Fisheries Award. L-R: Peter Little, Jim O’Neil lect and analyze cess of any future re-stocking program within (Golder Associates Ltd.), Ken Monk, David Burdon (Director General, DFO), and Dennis Southwick. TUC photo. data on Arctic the region. n February 12, 2014 Director General grayling distribution and abundance within the In addition to their work on the Arctic gray- David Burden from the Department of Pembina River watershed. The Pembina River ling project, the club has been and continues OFisheries and Oceans was on hand to represents the southernmost extension of Arctic to be, involved with kids learning to fish events present the Northern Lights Fly Tyers Trout grayling within the Arctic basin, not only in Al- such as Casting For Life, learn to fly tie pro- Unlimited Edmonton Chapter with a presti- berta but in North America. Chapter volunteers grams, and Project Healing Waters. gious National Recreational Fisheries Award. have undertaken a systematic angling survey on Trout Unlimited Canada congratulates the Northern Lights Fly Tyers has been committed ten tributaries of the Pembina River, recording Northern Lights Fly Tyers Trout Unlimited Ed-

6 Our mission: To preserve, protect and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and their coldwater resources... TUC NEWS FROM NATIONAL

monton Chapter. For additional information on the Northern Lights Fly Tyers Trout Unlimited Edmonton Chapter please visit their website, www.nlft.org. Niagara Chapter Awarded Funds ecently, the province of Ontario awarded Trout Unlimited Canada’s Niagara Chap- Rter just over $22,000. These funds will be used by the chapter to protect and native species within Ontario’s Twelve Mile Creek. Chapter members and volunteers will use these funds to protect native fish species with- in Twelve Mile Creek by planting trees, shrubs and plants along its banks. These plants will provide cover and shade for native fish species and improve water quality in the process. Twelve Mile Creek flows into Lake Ontario and combined with the other Great Lakes is home to over 4000 plant, fish and wildlife A justifiably-proud Lynn Robb, TUC’s Director of Conservation Education, marking the start-up of Yellow Fish Road™ in EdmontonA. TUC photo. species. Yellow Fish Road™ News Fish ID Photo Contest — We Need YOUR Fish Pictures his year’s Greater Edmonton Teachers rout Unlimited Canada recently launched Convention Association’s theme was the Alberta Fish Quiz, the first in a series TInspiring Leaders, a perfect fit for Trout T of online quizzes targeting the major game Unlimited Canada’s Yellow Fish Road™ pro- fish species in each province and territory. gram Edmonton start up. The Albert Fish Quiz presently contains 40 Through the Yellow Fish Road Program™, image based questions on Alberta’s game fish Trout Unlimited Canada hopes to inspire our such as bull trout, brook trout, brown trout, youth to be leaders in the community as wa- and rainbow trout. In the event of an incorrect ter stewards, protecting our freshwater eco- answer, a graphic image appears detailing the systems and coldwater resources for genera- key identifying features to help ensure correct tions to come. identification in the future. The keynote speaker, Craig Kielburger dis- At the end of the quiz a total mark is provid- trout from selected streams in the Bow and cussed techniques to raise and mentor kids to ed and people can immediately take the quiz Oldman River watersheds. be active, engaged citizens of positive social again should they wish to do so. Each time the We are looking for additional pictures of change. Trout Unlimited Canada’s, Yellow test is taken the question order changes. any and all freshwater game fish — including Fish Road™ program challenges all youth to To take the Alberta Fish Quiz please visit trout, salmon, northern pike, walleye, sauger, be part of a culture of caring and contribute www.tucanada.org. Once on the TUC home yellow perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth to a positive change for our waters! page look for quiz under the Education drop bass and panfish (including sunfish and crap- TUC members and supports can now fol- down menu located at the top of the page. pie) — that we can add to our database for use low the progress of the Yellow Fish Road™ The Alberta Fish Quiz is an important edu- in future Fish Quizzes. You are encouraged to start up in Edmonton along with other YFR cational tool, not only for recreational anglers submit your fish pictures for a chance to win activities through the new YFR Facebook but for Trout Unlimited Canada volunteers some great prizes. page. Search for Yellow Fish Road™ on Face- wishing to take part in TUC’s Stewardship Li- • First Place: Orvis CFO Reel (#1, #2, or #3) book to drop by for a visit and like the page cense Project, whereby Fish Research Licenses Value $250 while you are there. (Stewardship Licenses) are issued to qualified • Second Place: Fishpond Nimbus Guide Pack Lynn Robb, Director of Conservation Education, anglers, allowing them to harvest unlimited Value $125 Trout Unlimited Canada numbers of non-native brook and/or rainbow • Third Place: Two TUC Baseball Hats.

for current and future generations. 7 TUC NEWS FROM NATIONAL TROUT UNLIMITED CANADA

OUR STAFF Jeff Surtees Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Kimberly Davidson Director, Member and Chapter Relations [email protected] Dean Orlando Director, Finance and Administration [email protected] Jack Imhof National Biologist and Director of Conservation Programs [email protected] Don Pike Director, Special Events [email protected] Lynn Robb Director, Conservation Education [email protected] Phil Rowley Marketing and Communications [email protected] Brian Meagher The images will be used to illustrate addi- Alberta Provincial Biologist tional quizzes and will allow TUC to periodi- [email protected] cally update, augment and refresh our quizzes. Silvia D’Amelio Each image submitted will be placed in Ontario Program Manager [email protected] a Facebook album on the Trout Unlimited Canada Facebook page. Winning photos will Lesley Peterson Project Biologist be chosen in part by the number of Facebook [email protected] ‘likes’ and the overall photo composition as Stacey Stevens judged by TUC staff. You are welcome and Ontario Office Coordinator encouraged to submit multiple images to im- [email protected] prove your odds of winning. Underwater shots Beth Anne Fischer are also welcome. Bronte Creek Watershed Project Biologist [email protected] If you would like to participate in our Fish Quiz Photo Contest we ask that your images: Colin Oaks Duffins Creek Project Biologist • Be clear and high quality (500 kB or greater); [email protected] • Be side shots that display the entire length Take your photos quickly — less than 30 of the fish; seconds should do — and let the fish go if you NATIONAL OFFICE • Show the fish being supported in a ‘fish Ste. 160, are practicing catch and release (feel free to 6712 Fisher St. SE friendly’ manner, with hands not obscur- send us an image of you releasing the fish). Calgary, AB T2H 2A7 ing key identifying features such as fins or Our photo contest closes Friday, September Tel: 403-221-8360 Fax: 403-221-8368 markings (see examples on this page); 26, 2014. To enter, e-mail your photoes to Phil 1-800-909-6040 • Contain no identifiable people. Rowley, Director of Marketing and Communi- Ontario Office We will not accept photos displaying im- cations, Trout Unlimited Canada, at prowley@ Rm. 273, Axelrod Building, proper fish handling techniques such as fin- tucanada.org. Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 56588 gers in gills or one handed belly squeeze tech- Please Note: Entering your photos implies Fax: 519-780-1696 niques. Check out our current Fish ID images formal authorization for TUC to use to get an idea of proper handling techniques. your images for our Fish Quiz project. [email protected] / tucanada.org

Currents layout: Help us help — join today! Visit us at tucanada.org David Soltess, [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter 8 Our mission: We’re building it with you! @TUCanada1