Wisconsin Council of Trout Unlimited NONPROFIT ORG. 2515 Bigler Circle U.S. POSTAGE News and Views from WI Trout Unlimited Verona, WI 53593 PAID www.WisconsinTU.org PERMIT NO. 1 MADISON, WI Wisconsin Trout April 2014

Final push needed to make license plate bill law

By Henry Koltz erans and Military Affairs, chaired by Sen. Jerry Petrowski (Mara- State Council Chair thon). From there, Rep. Ott and Due in large part to the many many of WITU's 5,000 members calls and emails from Wisconsin swung into action, and com- TU members, the Wisconsin State menced calling, emailing, visiting Senate on April 1 approved a bill and writing letters, requesting that allowing for a Wisconsin TU li- AB-173 be scheduled for a vote. cense plate. All that remains is Sen. Petrowski did exactly that, Gov. Scott Walker's signature. and set AB-173 for a public hear- We reported in the last issue of ing before his committee on Feb- Wisconsin Trout that AB-173, ruary 12. Ott and WITU Chair Henry Koltz spoke on behalf of

known by us as the Wisconsin TU To d d Fr a n k l i n License Plate Bill, sponsored by the bill. Sen. Bob Wirch, Mark Rep. Jim Ott (Mequon), had Meyer, Thomas Stulp, Jennifer KOLTZ ADDRESSES SENATE COMMITTEE Giegerich, Steve Born, Brandon passed out of the Assembly Trans- WITU Chair Henry Koltz explains TU’s mission to the Senate Committee on Scholz, Tony Goldburg, Scott portation Committee, which is Transportation, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Febraury 12. WITU’s chaired by Rep. Keith Ripp (Lo- Menske, Ivan Nohavica, Rick Fr- di). From there, the bill was sched- ye, Kurt Weible, Staush Gruszyns- ki, Tim Fraley, Matt Krueger, After countless emails, calls, and Petrowski (Marathon), and Sen. uled for a vote by the Committee meetings with legislators, however, Paul Farrow (Pewaukee), and on Rules, chaired by Rep. Stracho- Todd Franklin, Topf Wells and Rep. Andre Jacque all appeared AB-173 remained unscheduled for made the case to schedule AB-173 ta (West Bend), and was then a vote, with just one day of hearing for a vote on April 1. Calls and passed unanimously 92-0 out of and signed in support of AB-173. No registrations were made in op- remaining (April 1, 2014). On emails kept pouring in, and finally the Wisconsin Assembly. March 26, 2014, Henry Koltz and word came down that our bill was Ott had also sponsored a simi- position, and that same day Sen. Petrowski called the bill for an ex- Brandon Scholz traveled to Madi- scheduled for a vote. lar bill for WITU in the previous son, and met with the offices of On April 1, 2014, AB-173 was legislative session, but it unfortu- ecutive vote, and it was passed out of committee unanimously 5-0. numerous senators, including the called for a vote at roughly 3:30 nately never passed into law. offices of Majority Leader Scott p.m. Then AB-173 was referred to Thereafter, AB-173 became avail- able for scheduling, and once Fitzgerald (Juneau), Sen. Michael Continued on page 23 the Senate Committee on Trans- Ellis (Neenah), Sen. Glenn Groth- portation, Public Safety, and Vet- again the State Council and Wis- consin TU members mobilized. man (West Bend), Sen. Jerry State Council banquet an overall success By Kim McCarthy to even larger crowds in the future as the word spreads that the council The State Council held its annual banquet is a first-class event with a meeting and State Council Banquet great prize package and a complete- February 1 at the brand new Osh- ly enjoyable atmosphere. kosh Waterfront Hotel and Conven- The council would like to offer tion Center. We found the new thanks to those members who made facility to be a fantastic venue for up this year’s Banquet Committee. both the meeting and the banquet, Bill Heart, Heidi Oberstadt, Henry and we will be returning to Oshkosh Koltz, Linn Beck, Mike Kuhr, Kim for our annual event again next McCarthy, Todd Franklin, and Jim Todd Franklin Todd year. Wierzba made up the 2014 commit- SMILING, HAPPY TICKET SELLERS The new facilities proved to be a tee. Each committee member skill- Nikki Benishek, Amy Snyder and WITU and TU Women’s Membership perfect match for the council event. fully handled an area of the Coordinator Heidi Oberstadt (right) were clearly enjoying themselves while Having plenty of space allowed us to banquet, and all of their efforts pro- selling raffle tickets at WITU’s annual banquet February 1 in Oshkosh. bring back the DNR-sponsored cast- duced a great event. ing class and allowed everyone to be The banquet is also an opportu- very comfortable as they moved nity to honor those members who through displays and fund-raising have given tremendous amounts of raffles and auctions. We were also time and effort to Trout Unlimited In this issue... able to present break-out sessions and the cold water resources. on membership and advocacy. Planning is already underway to State Council award recipients ...... p. 4 The crowd of just under 200 make the 2015 event even better. helped the State Council raise al- Advisory trout season questions discussed...... p. 8 Next year’s banquet will be held Sat- most $15,000 to continue its work urday, February 7, 2015. If you hav- Westby Workshop April 12-13 ...... p. 10 for the coldwater resources in Wis- en’t been to a State Council banquet Chapter Reports ...... p. 12 consin. The council wants to express in a few years, you will be presently its great appreciation to all of our DNR to increase easement purchases ...... p. 18 surprised at what a quality event it members who were in attendance at has become. We hope to see many Farm bill pros and cons ...... p. 20 the event. We are looking forward of you at the next banquet. PagePage 2 Wisconsin Trout AprilJuly 2014 2006

Wisconsin TU Chapters, Presidents, and Websites

Aldo Leopold (#375): Mike Barniskis, 805 S. Center St., Beaver Dam, WI 53916 (920) 356-0081; [email protected] Antigo (#313): Scott Henricks, 213 Mary St., Antigo, WI 54409-2536 (715) 623-3867; [email protected] WILD RIVERS Blackhawk (#390): Gordon Long; 4850 Cardamon Ln., Rockford, IL 61114 (815) 877-8614; [email protected]; Bayfield Douglas NORTHWOODS www.BlackhawkTU.org

Iron Central Wisconsin (#117): John Tucker; N5424 Sunny Hill Rd., PO Ashland Box 20, Saxeville, WI 54976 (920) 622-5401; Vilas [email protected]; www.cwtu.org, Burnett Washburn Coulee Region (#278): Jim Cox, North 4311 Cty. Rd. M, West Salem, Sawyer Price Florence WI 54669 (608) 397-9448; [email protected]; Oneida Forest www.CouleeRegionTU.org MARINETTE Polk Rusk Fox Valley (#193): Joe Bach, 3213 S. Poplar Ln., Appleton, WI 54915 Barron Marinette (920) 570 2632; [email protected]; ANTIGO GREEN BAY Lincoln Taylor Langlade www.foxvalleytu.webs.com WOLF RIVER Frank Hornberg (#624): Matt Salchert, 1800 Minnesota Ave., Ste- St. Croix Chippewa vens Point, WI 54481 (715) 321-1394; [email protected]; Dunn WISCONSIN Menominee RIVER VALLEY Oconto www.Hornberg-TU.org OCONTO WI CLEAR Marathon Shawano RIVER Green Bay (#083): Randal Rake, 2883 St. Anthony Drive, Unit#4, Clark WATERS Door Pierce Eau Claire Green Bay, WI 54311 (920) 455-0656; [email protected]; SHAW-PACA Kewaunee www.GreenBayTU.com Pepin Wood Waupaca Harry & Laura Nohr (#257): Todd Templen, 10476 Lake Eleanor Portage Buffalo Outagamie Brown FOX Rd., Dubuque, IA 52003 (608) 778-7271; [email protected]; Jackson FRANK HORNBERG VALLEY www.NohrTU.org Trempealeau Manitowoc Waushara Winnebago Kiap-TU-Wish (#168): Tom Henderson. 1206 Eagle Ridge Trl., KIAP-TU-WISH Calumet LAKESHORE Adams CENTRAL Stillwater, MN 55082; [email protected]; Monroe La Crosse Juneau WISCONSIN Marquette www.kiaptuwish.org Sheboygan Green Lakeshore (#423): Gordy Martin, N7601 Royal and Ancient Dr., Lake Fond du Lac Vernon Elkhart Lake, WI 53020; [email protected]; ALDO LEOPOLD www.WisconsinTU.org/Lakeshore Dodge Ozaukee Columbia Richland Sauk Marinette (#422): Doug Erdmann, 2418 Woodview Lane, Marinette, Washington WI 54143 (715) 735-7407; [email protected]. Crawford Northwoods (#256): Laura MacFarland, 3116 Tremolo Trl., Rhine- COULEE Dane SOUTHEASTERN Jefferson Waukesha Milwaukee REGION Iowa WISCONSIN lander, WI 54501 (715) 482-0394; [email protected] Grant SOUTHERN WISCONSIN Oconto River (#385): Dale Halla; W2811 Zastrow Rd., Cecil, WI 54111 (715) (715) 745-2099; [email protected]; Rock Walworth Racine Lafayette Green www.WisconsinTU.org/OcontoRiver HARRY & Kenosha Shaw-Paca (#381): Dave Ehrenberg, 324 East Fourth St., Manawa, LAURA NOHR WI 54949 (920) 740-0981; [email protected];

BLACKHAWK www.WisconsinTU.org/ShawPaca Southeastern Wisconsin (#078): Jim Wierzba, 2817 W. Country Club Dr., Mequon, WI 53092 (262) 238-0282; [email protected] www.SEWTU.org Southern Wisconsin (#061): Steve Wald; (608) 836-3338 [email protected]; www.swtu.org Wild Rivers (#415): Dick Berge, 67725 E. Deep Lake Dr., Iron River, WI 54847 (715) 372-5228 (H); [email protected] www.wisconsintu.org/wildrivers Wisconsin Clear Waters (#255): Bob Swanson, PO Box 822, Eau Claire, WI 54702-0822 (715) 354-3745; [email protected] www.WisconsinTU.org/ClearWaters Visit WITU online at: Wisconsin River Valley (#395): Patrick Esselman, pesselman@char- ter.net; www.wrvtu.org www.WisconsinTU.org Wolf River (#050): Tim Waters, 409 Second St., Menasha, WI 54952; (920) 751-0654; [email protected]; WolfriverTU.org

State Council Leadership Contact TU National when you State Chair: Henry Koltz, 2300 N. Communications: Chris Long, 5460 change addresses or chapters Mayfair Rd., Ste. 1175, Milwaukee, Reeve Road, Mazomanie, WI 53560 WI 53226 (414) 331-5679 (H); 608-658-7901; [email protected] TU National manages WITU’s mailing list, so update your address by calling 1-800-834-2419 or e-mailing [email protected]. Address changes can also be [email protected] Friends of WITU and Watershed Vice Chair: Linn Beck, 160 W. 19th Access Fund: Doug Brown, R4800 done on-line by going to www.tu.org Ave., Oshkosh, WI 54902 (920) 379- Timber Ln., Ringle, WI 54471 (715) 2974 (H); [email protected] 574-4706; [email protected] If you are moving to a different city and wish to be affiliated with the TU Secretary: Mike Kuhr, 3219 N. 77th Legal Counsel: Winston Ostrow, chapter in your new area, note the new chapter number. Chapter numbers St., Milwaukee, WI 53222 (414) 588- 233 N. Broadway #120, De Pere, are listed above. 4281 (C); [email protected] WI 54115 920-362-6609 (W); Treasurer: Gary Stoychoff, 1326 [email protected] 14th Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304 Legislative Committee: Jeff Smith, [email protected] 7330 Old Sauk Rd., Madison, WI WISCONSIN TROUT Past State Chair: Kim McCarthy, 53717 (608) 836-5974 (H); Vol. 26, No. 2 — April 2014 736 Meadowbrook Ct., Green Bay, [email protected] WI 54313 (920) 434-3659 (H); Wisconsin Trout is the official publication of the Wisconsin Council of [email protected] Membership: Scott Criqui, 16530 Burleigh Pl., Brookfield, WI 53005 Trout Unlimited and is distributed to the members of Wisconsin’s 21 Vice Chair, Central Region: Bob (262) 271-2719; scott.criqui@ TU chapters. Non-member subscriptions are $12.50/year. Publication Haase, W7949 Treptow Ln., gmail.com dates are the first weeks of January, April, July and October. Dead- Eldorado, WI 54932 (920) 922-8003 (H); [email protected] National Leadership Council lines for articles and advertisements are the 10th of December, March, Representative: Vice Chair, Northeast Region: Paul Bill Heart (see June and September. For a current advertising rate sheet, contact the Kruse, 500 Saint Jude St., Green above) editor. Publications: To d d Fr a n k l i n Bay, WI 54303 (920) 494-4220 (H); Contributions and letters to the editor are welcomed. Submit articles [email protected] Resource Management: John and photos by email to editor Todd Franklin: Vice Chair, Southern Region: Henry Meachen,1111 Marquardt Rd., Koltz, 2300 N. Mayfair Rd., Suite Wausau, WI 54403 Todd Franklin 1175, Milwaukee, WI 53226 (414) 2515 Bigler Circle 331-5679 (C); [email protected] Water Resources: Bob Obma, 12870 West Shore Drive, Mountain, WI Verona, WI 53593 Vice Chair, Western Region: Bill 54149 (715) 276-1170 (H) (608) 516-3647 Heart, 29450 Verners Rd., Ashland, [email protected] [email protected] WI 54806 (715) 209-0431; [email protected] Webmaster: Jim Hlaban, Henry Koltz, Chair Linn Beck, Vice Chair [email protected] Awards: Todd Hanson, 4514 2300 N. Mayfair Rd. Ste. 1175 160 W. 19th Ave. Elgar Ln., Madison, WI 53704 Women’s Initiatives: Heidi Ober- Milwaukee, WI 53226 Oshkosh, WI 54902 (608) 692-6914 (W); stadt, 456 Wadleigh St., Stevens [email protected] Point, WI 54481; 715-573-5104; hei- Mike Kuhr, Secretary Gary Stoychoff, Treasurer Education: Bob Haase (see above) [email protected] 3219 N. 77th St. 1326 14th Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53222 Green Bay, WI 54304 April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 3 TU a family worth growing By Henry Koltz, State Council Chair come from. But they did know that they’d scrape together $35 so that Back in 2009, the volunteers of they could renew their member- the Southeastern Wisconsin Chap- ship, so that they could continue to ter were recognized by Trout Unlim- work for others for free. Those ited when it gave SEWTU its members knew that while their un- national chapter of the year award, employment was temporary, the dis- the Gold Trout Award. The award abled U.S. Military Veterans they was well earned, and based upon the worked with through our Project incredible efforts, sacrifice and ded- Healing Waters program suffer ication of SEWTU’s from issues that are members. It was the permanent. TU pro- second time that TU vides perspective and a recognized a Wiscon- When outside place for its members sin chapter with this groups look at to do something very award. The Harry and Wisconsin TU right positive in the midst of Laura Nohr Chapter now, they see a a dark spot in their had won it previous- roster of 5,000. The lives. How very Mid- ly. western. At the time I was truth, however, is Finally, I witnessed fortunate enough to that we are so a long-time member be SEWTU’s presi- much larger. who had just lost the HENRY KOLTZ WITH TU’s TWO NEWEST FAMILY MEMBERS dent, and to stand and love of his life, and Henry and his two daughters spending family time on a stream somewhere in say a few words about who didn’t know how Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. what made our chap- he was going to cope ter tick at TU’s na- with going back to an tional meeting. Make no mistake, I empty home where every second of es it, believes in it and understands become official TU members. take no credit for the award. Our silence amplified the sounds that why seeing it carried out is so im- This is my challenge to you, and portant to me. But despite doing so family of volunteers earned it, and I were now missing. But he did know it’s an important one. When outside much for TU, she isn’t a member. was simply the guy who was lucky that if he showed up to our casting groups look at Wisconsin TU right enough to stand up and accept it, clinic, he’d be surrounded by friends My kids, likewise, come fishing now, they see a roster of 5,000. The and to say a few words. – his TU family – who would talk with me. They come to see what I noted that being a member of him through his grief, give him the we’ve built, what we’ve protected, truth, however, is that we are so Trout Unlimited in Wisconsin isn’t hug he needed, and remind him that what we’ve restored. They hear me much larger. If everyone steps up just being a member of a fishing he was not alone. How very Wiscon- talk about the books I’ve read, and signs up the one person in their club. It’s not just showing up to a sin. about Leopold, about Yellowstone, life who is not a member on paper, and about how important cold clean meeting a few times a year, or re- The concept of the conservation but who is in fact a believer and sup- water is. They are bombarded by ceiving a newsletter, or an e-mail community being a family is not a porter of what TU does, our ranks here or there. Being a part of Wis- new one. Theodore Roosevelt once trout art, flies, rods, materials, and will swell significantly. consin TU is being a part of a fami- said, "Of all the questions which can family vacations which seemingly al- ly, and that’s what makes us so come before this nation, short of the ways involve moving water. But de- Larger ranks are important be- unique, so effective and so success- actual preservation of its existence spite being so immersed in the cause Wisconsin TU is a voice for so ful. in a great war, there is none which mission of TU, they aren’t members many things. We’re a voice for cold- I noted that in my time as a lead- compares in importance with the either. I bet that most of you reading water conservation. We’re a voice er at SEWTU, I got to know many great central task of leaving this for funding for public access to cold, of our members and I saw firsthand land even a better land for our de- this column have someone under how they turned to TU when they scendants than it is for us." your roof who does more for TU clean, fishable water. We’re a voice needed something positive in their When conservation is viewed in than even they’d realize if they sat for the billions of dollars in annual lives. Even when everything else this broad sense, it is clear that we down and actually thought about it. economic impact and the countess might have been falling apart, TU are all one family, and that our They sacrifice, they give, they un- jobs that trout angling brings to Wis- was there, providing a chance to en- lands and waters are a gift to be derstand, and they aid and abet our consin. We’re a voice for getting mission. gage in something positive while passed down in a better condition children outside. We’re a voice for First and foremost, I encourage surrounded by friends. than we received them. We are all in anglers – whether they use bait, I witnessed individuals who, in this together. everyone to sit that person down the midst of a horrible economic Thinking about this, I realized I and tell them how much you appre- lures or flies – and the fisheries that downturn, were about to lose their am the only person within my imme- ciate the sacrifices that they’ve they utilize. And we’re a voice for homes and didn’t know where diate household who is a TU mem- made so that you can do this thing working with disabled U.S. Military they’d be laying down their heads ber. That makes absolutely no that you love. It might seem awk- Veterans. These are incredibly wor- the next week. But they did know sense. My wife deserves an award ward, but it’s truth, and it’s worth thy missions, and our voice in sup- saying. Tell them, in no uncertain that on Saturday morning they simply for dealing with me, and does port of them must be strong, loud terms, how important their role is in would be at a workday surrounded as much or more for TU than I do. and numerous. by friends. These friends would pick For every workday she helps me carrying on and spreading the in- them up and give them a reason to prepare supplies and food. She self- credible spark that is TU, and tell It’s time that that we make our be positive, all while working on a lessly gives up her evenings to watch them how much it means to you that official ranks reflect our actual stream for little more than a pat on our kids when I have meetings, or they allow you to be an active mem- membership. Doing so will increase the back and a free bratwurst. How when I’m working at one of our ber. our clout, and increase the attention And then, finally, sign them up. very American. events. She rearranges schedules, that must be given when Wisconsin I witnessed individuals who had arranges rides, and is a taskmaster Just like the SEWTU members I TU speaks on an issue. I challenge just lost their jobs and didn’t know in our home. Most importantly, she discussed earlier, make the sacrifice where their next paycheck would understands TU’s mission, embrac- and find $35 to make sure that your you, Wisconsin TU, to make this household’s unofficial TU members happen. Volunteer at WITU Youth Camp Council takes position on stamp questions The State Council's executive officers and regional vice president, with in- With the development of our are invited. put from the policy committee, recently voted and took a formal position as youth fishing camp, this is an excit- We hope each chapter will spon- being OPPOSED to questions 32 and 33 in the Spring Conservation Con- ing time for WITU. Thanks to the sor a child, and we will hold this op- gress ballot. The ballot can be found at http://dnr.wi.gov/About/WCC/Docu- hard work of committee members portunity for all chapters until April ments/spring_hearing/2014/2014SpringQuestionnaire.pdf Linn Beck, Bob Haase, Carmen 30. Then we will open the enroll- The council is not opposed to simplification and is intrigued by the idea of Hardin, Ben Cheesman, Peter Geis- ment to any chapter that would like a single stamp if it woud increase income flowing in to trout work. sal, Bob Jozwowski and Margaret to sponsor additional youth. The But there is currently a lack of information concerning these questions, Lebien, we have developed what we cost is $250 per attendee, and covers and we have received no guaranty that trout work would receive equal or feel is very solid curriculum for the accommodations and meals. greater funding than it currently receives under our existing trout stamp camp. We are also looking for volun- program. There is also no guaranty that funds would be segregated for only The camp is July 24-27 at the teers to help out with any aspect of trout work, in the fashion that they currently are under our existing trout Pine Lake Bible Camp, south of the camp. This is a great chance to stamp program. Waupaca. The camp is open to the learn fly tying and lure making as a Because there is the possibility that trout work would receive less funding, first 20 students to sign up. volunteer. We are still looking for and because our chapters have generally indicated in informal polling that There will be 14 areas of instruc- 10-15 more volunteers. If you are in- they are in favor of increased trout work funding, the State Council is, at this tion, from knot tying to habitat res- terested, please contact Linn Beck time, opposed to these questions. toration. The camp will cover fly- at [email protected] or 920-379-2974; If additional information becomes available, or a guaranty is made a part fishing and spin-fishing, and will or Bob Haase at flytier@milw- of this question that trout work would receive equal or greater funding than cover lake and stream fishing. The pc.com or 920-579-3858. it currently does, then the council's executive officers, regional vice presi- curriculum is very rounded, and will This is a great opportunity to dents and policy committee might amend our position. include fishing excursions and a tour help get youth involved with fishing, Thank you for all that you do for Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. of the Wild Rose Fish Hatchery. and maybe get involved with Trout — Henry E. Koltz Girls and boys from ages 12 to 16 Unlimited. Page 4 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 Heidi Oberstadt

PROUD RECIPIENTS OF WITU AWARDS AND RECOGNITION (WITU), Steve Born (SWTU), Tom Krauskopf (SWTU), Stefanie Fieck The following received awards and recognition from WITU at the annual (representing the Fred Wolf family, Bob Selk (SWTU), Al Noll (Wisconsin Clear banquet February 1. From left: Todd Mau (Buffalo County), Pat Sutter (Dane Waters TU), Michael Campbell and Jay Glanville (Cabela’s). Brian Larson of the County), Rich Erickson (Fox Valley), Bill Heart (Wild Rivers), Tina Murray Harry and Laura Nohr Chapter and Rick Bauer, a landowner on Bear Creek in (Shabazz HS/Project Green Team), Ivan Nohavica (SEWTU), Mark Green Pepin County, who received certificates of appreciation, were unable to attend (accepting for Oconto River TU), Mike Barniskis (ALTU), Winston Ostrow the event. Council bestows awards at annual banquet

The Wisconsin State Council of trout researcher from Waupaca, is Bill has served both his local Wild There are few individuals who Trout Unlimited honored 16 indi- credited with providing the underly- Rivers Chapter and the State Coun- have donated as much time and en- viduals, one council and one corpo- ing scientific research proving that cil for many years. His most recent ergy to Trout Unlimited and coldwa- rate supporter at the annual in-stream habitat improvement service includes three years as State ter conservation as Bill. For his banquet in Oshkosh February 1. techniques increase trout numbers Council Chair and another three tireless work, he is this year’s Award The council has been presenting and size. years as Wisconsin’s representative of Merit honoree. awards since 1984. Thanks go out to Daniel Flaherty, and attorney on TU’s National Leadership Coun- Todd Hanson for overseeing the from LaCrosse, used Hunt’s re- cil. banquet awards and for assembling search to advocate for the trout Under Bill’s leadership, the State Tina Murray -- Joan and and editing the following award nar- stamp program while he served on Council grew into a more effective Lee Wulff Conservation ratives. the state’s Natural Resources Board organization, membership increased Leadership Award This year the banquet was dedi- from 1975-1981. The trout stamp dramatically, and the State Council Noted angler Lee Wulff is fa- cated to the memory of Robert program went into effect January 1, banquet began a rejuvenation pro- mous for saying, “Game fish are too Hunt and Daniel Flaherty. The two 1978. cess that turned it into the primary valuable to catch only once.” In that had been involved in Wisconsin TU funding source for the State Coun- spirit, our annual Joan and Lee since its beginning. They later Bill Heart — Award of cil. Wulff Award for Outstanding Con- played key roles in establishing Wis- While serving as Wisconsin’s servation Leadership is caught by a consin’s trout stamp program. Both Merit NLC rep, Bill was responsible for deserving person and then released passed away recently. This year we give our top honor, the development and implementa- for someone else to win one year Robert Hunt, a Wisconsin DNR the Award of Merit, to Bill Heart. tion of a badly needed regional later. This year the award is entrust- meeting for the Midwest. This gath- ed to Tina Murray. Tina has been a ering has awakened the national or- teacher at Shabazz High School in ganization to both the opportunities Madison since 1996. She is an avid and the challenges in our part of the fly fisher and member of the South- country. ern Wisconsin Chapter. She has be- There is one ongoing activity on come a well-known pioneer in the Bill’s resume that rises above all the TU community for engaging women others, and that is the leadership in fly fishing and coldwater conser- role he has played in organizing the vation. opposition to the proposed Penokee Perhaps Tina’s most innovative Hills iron mine. Opposition to the and far-reaching leadership arose mine has been the focus for Bill from an idea she had about a de- over the last several years. He has cade ago. That’s when she came up spent countless hours and a good with a way to incorporate fly fishing deal of his own money leading tours as an integral component of a cur- of the proposed mine site and edu- riculum that introduces students to cating anyone who will listen about outdoor ecology. Through Tina’s vi- the damage the project will cause to sion, determination, and organiza- coldwater systems. tional leadership, Shabazz High

AWARD WINNERS HEART, MURRAY AND MAU State Council Chair Henry Koltz presented Bill Heart with WITU’s top annual award, the Award of Merit. (left) Koltz presented Tiny Murray of Shabazz High School witth the Joan and Lee Wulff Award for Outstanding Conservation Leadership (below left) and Todd Mau, Buffalo County conservationist (below), with the newly named Robert Hunt Resource Professional Award. Todd Franklin photos Franklin Todd April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 5 Todd Franklin photos Franklin Todd OCONTO RIVER TU, RICH ERICKSON, MIKE BARNISKIS, IVAN NOHAVICA School started Project Green Teen Oconto River Henry Koltz presents the Silver Trout Award for Chapter Merit to Mark Green of in 2005. Watershed Chapter — The Project Green Teen course the Oconto Rover Chapter (left); Koltz presented Rich Erickson of Fox Valley TU runs for many weeks. It ends with a Silver Trout Award for with the Gold Net Award (above); Aldo Leopold Chapter President Mike five-day-long field trip to the Ava- Chapter Merit Barniskis recieved the Jeffrey Carlson Volunteer Award (below). lanche campground along the West The Oconto River Watershed Fork of the Kickapoo River. There Chapter is a very good example of a students study the qualities of cold- smaller chapter that quietly goes water ecosystems and do hands-on about the business of doing great trout habitat restoration. And then conservation work, making it this it’s time for some fun as students year’s winner of the Silver Trout are introduced to fly fishing through Award for Chapter Merit. The one-on-one instruction and mentor- chapter is active in many ways. The ing from volunteers. Most of those chapter has a strong sense of com- volunteers are TU members, many munity involvement, providing fish- of whom consider this to be a high- ing outings for a variety of Oconto light of their year. County residents who wouldn’t oth- We know Project Green Teen is erwise have the chance to experi- having an impact on its students by ence the fun of fishing. The chapter virtue of the fact that many of its also sends kids to conservation graduates are pursuing college ca- camps and has helped natural re- reers in various fields of natural re- source students with their educa- sources. We fully expect one of them tions. to catch and release this award some At the state level, the chapter has time in the future. been a strong supporter of the State Council, both with donations to the council’s banquet and by attending Todd Mau — Robert state events. They have also been a Hunt Resource key participant in the northeast re- Professional Award gional structure that helps fund im- raiser for the past 12 years. Give groups, land owners, experts, fund- Last year we saw the passing of portant habitat work in northern Rich something to build and he is ing sources, and chapter members Bob Hunt, Wisconsin’s internation- Wisconsin. The Oconto Chapter is right on it as soon has he designs it. who are key players in a project of ally recognized WDNR trout re- well represented at work projects There are many memorial Leopold this magnitude. searcher and one of the founders of around Northeastern Wisconsin. benches and kiosks that bear his Mike’s vision for Bear Creek is our Wisconsin TU State Council. To Oconto TU leads all other chap- trademarks along our steams. now casting a wider net, as the chap- honor Bob, the awards committee ters in Wisconsin in its involvement As with most people, Rich has a ter changes its focus from the creek has added his name to the Resource with TU’s Trout in the Classroom flaw — he does not tie flies. Howev- to the entire Bear Creek Watershed. Professional Award recognizing program. Oconto currently has this er he does a great job assisting fly ty- Last summer, the chapter funded professionals who work with us to program up and running in four dif- ing demonstrators and selling TU at and installed water monitoring sta- improve coldwater resources. This ferent school districts. This involve- his chapter’s fly tying demonstra- tions on Bear Creek to study ther- year we recognize two such profes- ment is a key factor in educating tions. Finally, Rich has also volun- mal conditions and flag impact sionals, the first of whom is Buffalo hundreds of students about the teered his services and worked many events. County Conservationist Todd Mau. ecology of trout and their habitat. State Council banquets. Todd’s leadership in Buffalo For all of their good work, the Ivan Nohavica — Most County has resulted in a burgeoning State Council is pleased to award Mike Barniskis — Unsung Valuable of stream restoration activity in re- the 2014 Silver Trout Award to the Jeffrey Carlson Trouter Award cent years. He has garnered NRCS Oconto River Watershed Chapter. Volunteer Award resources for stream projects with Ivan Nohavica has capably We don’t give out the Jeffrey served as treasurer of the Southeast- landowners whose properties bor- Rich Erickson — Gold der streams, and with other part- Carlson Volunteer Award every ern Wisconsin Chapter for nearly a ners. As a result, Buffalo County Net Award year, but this year the honor goes to decade. He has also lent his finan- has seen almost five miles of trout Rich Erickson is approaching his Mike Barniskis of the Aldo Leopold cial skills to the running of our State stream restoration in the last four 15th year as a member of the Fox Chapter. Jeff Carlson worked for Council banquet the past five years. years. Work has been done on Eagle Valley Chapter. He is a role model many years on coaster brook trout Any why stop there — Ivan played a Valley, Waumandee Creek, Danuser for all TU members, our children, restoration. This award recognizes significant role in the preparation Valley, and Swinns Valley. Todd has and grandchildren. A retired teach- someone who, like Jeff, has taken a and management of the finances obtained public access easements er and active volunteer in his com- leadership role on a major project and setup for the TU National for these restoration projects, as munity and church, Rich still finds that either improves an entire meeting that Wisconsin TU hosted well as several more miles waiting time to be a real asset to Fox Valley stream, reach, or watershed, or last fall. for restoration attention. TU, for which he is this year’s win- which has preserved or restored a Ivan does more than financial Todd has forged a partnerships ner of our Gold Net Award. species in a body of water. work, though. He is a stalwart at al- with local teachers, students, WD- Rich has served as board mem- Mike has been president of the most every one of his chapter’s NR fisheries personnel, local con- ber or officer for more than half of Aldo Leopold Chapter for more workdays. In fact, it is rare for him servation groups, TU chapters, and his years in TU. For years he has than a decade. Through his leader- not to attend one, no matter where TUDARE. You won’t find Todd been the pace setter on his chapter’s ship, a dormant chapter has been it is located around the state. He al- leading the rah-rah section at any habitat days, working most of the revitalized. Of particular note for so takes the time to do legislative meeting. He speaks quietly and younger members into the steam this award, Mike led the Aldo Leop- outreach, actively pushing several thoughtfully, leaning on his 30+ bed. He has also been the key player old Chapter into being the guiding recent initiatives. He helps man his years of experience as a professional in the planning and management of light and major financial contributor chapter’s fundraising and sports conservationist. When he does Fox Valley’s Fishing Day for People to the multi-year restoration effort show events, and the veterans in- speak, it is with common sense, hu- with Disabilities event. on Bear Creek in Sauk County. volved with the Project Healing Wa- mor, and an abiding conviction that Most all trout fishing vendors in Six years later, three stream ters program have benefited from healthy streams lead to healthier the state remember Rich as a result miles have been restored, and a his mentoring and camaraderie. He communities. of their sore arms. That’s because fourth mile of restoration is on track is a humble man whose contribu- Rich has been procuring bucket raf- for the summer of 2014. Mike’s en- tions go way above and beyond the fle and silent auction items for his thusiasm, optimism, and commit- call of duty, which is why he is this chapter’s Cabin Fever Days fund- ment has opened doors of year’s Most Unsung Valuable Trout- cooperation with all of the various er. Page 6 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 Council presents 18 awards at banquet

Cabela’s-Richfield — These men were partners. Reel Corporate Sponsor partners. To recognize them, the State Council is commissioning a Award Leopold bench to be placed in their This year’s Corporate Sponsor honor along Black Earth Creek. We Award is the Cabela’s store in Rich- hope that those who rest there get field, Wisconsin. Store Manager inspired to undertake their own Stephanie Crangle and Fly Shop partnerships to improve our streams Manager Jim Belanger in particular and communities. have helped us carry out Trout Un- limited’s mission on a variety of fronts. Winston Ostrow — For instance, every year the Gold Trout Award Richfield store provides space and Every good organization needs a publicity for the Southeastern Wis- person it can rely on to keep it oper- consin Chapter to conduct its spring ating legally. Trout Unlimited is no fly tying classes. The store also helps exception. We are subject to many SEWTU’s Project Healing Waters state and federal laws covering cor- program with discounted supplies porate and tax reporting. Strict re- and by giving veterans and mentors quirements address our lobbying access to the store’s stocked ponds. activities on behalf of clean water. Cabela’s Richfield store has Occasionally Wisconsin TU even helped chapters across our region, becomes involved in lawsuits. For To d d Fr a n k l i n p h o tand o s it regularly helps our State us, Green Bay attorney Winston Os- Council with prizes and manpower. trow has been our go-to legal advi- Cabela’s even provided significant sor for over 15 years. donations to TU National’s Annual In his day job, Win is a partner in Meeting held this past summer in the statewide firm of Godfrey & Madison. Kahn. When we need help with liti- In recognition of Cabela’s Rich- gation, he heads a team of pros who field store being such a strong sup- advise us. From year to year, he porter of TU, we are proud to honor keeps our corporate and tax records them with this award. up to date and filed on time. And when a special issue arises and keen Steve Born, Tom legal oversight is essential, Win has always been there for us. Krauskopf, Bob Selk, Four years ago we were asked by Fred Wolf and Steve National TU to review and catalog Born — Reel Partners all the easements held by Wisconsin Award TU or our chapters. Win reviewed Thirty years ago, most Trout Un- the assembled material to make limited habitat projects were low- sure the easements were properly cost affairs that a half dozen people recorded and executed. Then he with strong backs could accomplish helped revamp our easement forms on their own. Now imagine all of the and instructions to make sure no parties involved in doing the follow- ticking land mines would come back ing — diverting a major trout and explode in our faces. stream so it doesn’t warm up by As a result, Wisconsin TU set a flowing into a popular park pond, national standard for the handling creating a new habitat-rich stream- of easements for public access and bed around the pond, and building a projects. For all this good work on public walkway along this resource our behalf, this year Wisconsin TU that connects a community with its gives its Gold Trout Award to Win high school. Ostrow. Today we give a Reel Partners Award to five of the key players who Pat Sutter — Robert made this scenario happen along Hunt Resource Black Earth Creek outside of Mazo- manie, Wisconsin. Three of these Professional Award people are TU members — Steve Our second Robert Hunt Re- Born, Tom Krauskopf, and Bob source Professional Award goes to Selk. The two others are project ar- Dane County Conservationist Pat ea landowner Fred Wolf and local Sutter. For almost 30 years, Pat has leader Scott Stokes. been the first and most critically im- They helped shape the leader- portant person to work with dozens ship vision for the project. They of landowners who have trout then acted as key operational re- streams on their properties. He has sources to assist with project admin- persuaded most of those landown- istration and coordination, ers to restore their streams. He then including grant writing, financial developed the technical plans for management, construction over- those restorations, cobbling togeth- sight, logistics, and trouble shooting. er funding from a variety of local, They even got DNR certification to state, federal, and nonprofit sourc- patrol the construction zone for the es. endangered Blanding’s turtle! NOHAVICA, OSTROW, CABELA’S The State Council is familiar with the fruits of Pat’s work, but AND WOLF RUN LEADERS here is the roll call of streams he has HONORED worked on: Black Earth Creek, Gar- SEWTU’s Ivan Nohavica (top) earned foot Creek, Vermont Creek, Sugar the Most Unsung Valuable Trouter River, Badger Mill Creek, Fry Feed- Award; Jay Glanville and Michael er, Deer Creek, West Branch Sugar River, Mount Vernon Creek, Prim- Campbell accepted the Corporate rose Branch of Sugar River, Gordon Sponsor Award for Cabela’s (second Creek, German Valley Creek, Pleas- from top); Winston Ostrow accepted ant Valley Creek, Kittleson Creek, the Gold Trout Award (above); and Syfestad Creek, and the East Branch of Blue Mounds Creek. Reel Partners Award winners are from left, Steve Born, Tom In all those years and on all of Krauskopf, Bob Selk and Stefanie those streams, Pat has been a great Fieck (representing the Fred Wolf friend, ally, and partner of Trout family). The Aldo Leopold Bench Unlimited. The keys to his success have been his technical knowledge, behind them will be placed along which is considerable. But maybe Black Earth Creek in their honor. April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 7 Todd Franklin photos Franklin Todd

PAT SUTTER, AL NOLL RECEIVE AWARDS Clearwaters Chapter received a Certificate of Appreciation from the State WITU Chair Henry Koltz presents Dane County Conservationist Pat Sutter with Council. the Robert Hunt Resource Professional Award (left). Al Noll of the Wisconsin more important has been the time, last year, TU and other local organi- habitat funding opportunities. Brian restoration priority by first learning honesty, reliability, and the bedrock zations mowed grass for angler has quietly plugged away at grant what stream project steps needed to decency he shows to every landown- paths adjacent to streams. Al also writing for over a decade now. The be in place before, during, and fol- er he deals with. The Golden Age of coordinated the removal of a quar- funds his grant applications have lowing a project by attending the trout fishing in Dane County is now, ter mile of willows, tag alders, and brought in total around one million Westby Trout Stream Project Plan- and Pat Sutter has helped make that other plant material along the banks dollars. Thinking outside the box ning Workshop. so. of Elk Creek. For Al’s leadership in when it comes to grant writing, Bri- Rick also took it upon himself to this effort, we award him a Certifi- an has leveraged all kinds of kindred host pre-planning project strategy cate of Appreciation. habitat improvements around the workshops at his home, with all the Al Noll — Certificate of streams we work on to increase our key players in attendance. He then Appreciation ability to get grants. Whether it be proceeded to lead the very first Bear In the fall of 2012, the Wisconsin Brian Larson — eagles, frogs, snakes, prairies, or Creek project on his property. Part- Clear Waters Chapter decided it was Certificate of wetlands, he has found a niche for ners in this project included the Du- going to place a greater emphasis on Appreciation all of them in his grant applications. rand Sportsmen’s Club, NRCS, maintaining its older stream resto- This year we award a certificate Brian has done all these things Pepin County LCD, Clear Waters ration projects. These older projects of Appreciation to Brian Larson of because he believes that what TU TU, WDNR, and many volunteers. were large-scale investments, not the Harry & Laura Nohr Chapter. does is important and matters great- Rick hasn’t stopped there. He only in terms of dollars spent, but in Brian has taken on almost all of his ly. He has never asked for thanks. has since become a Wisconsin Clear terms of volunteer hours and com- chapter’s major responsibilities at Tonight we remedy that and thank Waters board member and the mitments between various partner one time or another over the last de- him for all of his accomplishments. chapter’s stream project co-chair. organizations. cade. He has been chapter president He has continued to lead the effort Al Noll had just joined the Clear when no one else was willing or Rick Bauer — on his home water by securing a Waters board and was anxious to be able, and he has served on his chap- number of private landowner ease- involved in some capacity. Al took ter’s board for many years. Certificate of ments. Rick has recently led a sec- leadership of this simple concept, Throughout the years, he has always Appreciation ond restoration project on Bear and he has since created an ethic been the calm voice of logic in any Our final award of 2014 is a Cer- Creek for a neighbor upstream of that his chapter will continue to pur- given situation. Chapter members tificate of Appreciation for Rick his initial project, hosted a kid’s out- sue. say he has been their conscience and Bauer, a landowner on Bear Creek door stream monitoring class at his He frequently meets with DNR teacher in many aspects of chapter in Pepin County near the City of property, and spread the word all personnel and walks numerous work. Durand. Rick must know that the around his local community about streams to identify areas of opportu- Perhaps the single most impor- old saying “the squeaky wheel gets the many upsides to trout stream nity. Al organized chapter members tant thing that stands out in the the grease” applies to stream resto- improvement. who had not participated in activi- minds of his fellow chapter mem- ration projects. Rick went about ties in the past. During the course of bers is Brian’s tireless search for making his beloved Bear Creek a EAS provides chapter support, yet relies on our support Consider applying for Embrace-A-Stream grants, AND supporting EAS with your contributions. By Henry Koltz, State Council Chair plication, even if unsuccessful, is a worthwhile en- while also improving our chapter. deavor, however. By sitting down and writing a As the Great Lakes representative for the Wisconsin has 21 chapters, and each is unique. grant application, a chapter will need to answer EAS grant panel. I help make decisions about But nearly every Wisconsin TU chapter has a de- questions about what type of work will be done, which grants are funded, and I have seen some votion to in-stream and in-classroom projects. and how it will be done (and by whom). That will great and not-so-great applications. I also see the Such projects take money, however, and accumu- require chapter members to write grant applica- effect that a lack of funds has upon grants, and lating that money is often difficult. Fortunately, tions, and thus become familiar with the process how good grants remain unfunded as a result. there is a national Trout Unlimited grant program of how stream projects come together, and who To help support the EAS program, we encour- dedicated to funding such projects. performs the work required to complete a large- age all chapters to consider donating to EAS. TU’s Embrace-A-Stream (EAS) grant pro- scale project. This could include county land con- True, donated money may travel out of state, but gram is a matching-grant program administered servation departments, the DNR, NRCS and even we must embrace the mantra of “One TU.” What by TU, which awards funds to chapters and coun- members from one or more chapters. is good for trout and cold water in Wyoming, cils for coldwater fisheries conservation. Since its Secondly, when putting together a grant appli- Maine or Tennessee is good for TU, which is good inception in 1975, EAS has provided $4.2 million cation, a chapter will be required to evaluate, for Wisconsin TU. And what is good for Wiscon- toward nearly 1,000 projects. Local TU chapters learn, and understand how projects are funded, sin TU is good for our chapters. and councils contributed an additional $13 mil- and how a small amount of seed money, volunteer We also encourage individuals, businesses and lion in cash and in-kind services to EAS-funded labor, and in-kind contributions can be leveraged other organizations to support EAS. When you or projects, for a total investment of more than $17 through matching-grants (such as EAS, state, and your chapter supports EAS, you are supporting million. In 2013 the average grant award was federal grants such as WHIP grants) into large- cold water, as well as programs and efforts aimed $5,200, helping restore stream habitat, improve scale projects. as benefitting and restoring endangered, threat- fish passage, and protect water quality in 16 dif- Finally, when assembling a grant application, ened, native, and naturalized trout and salmonid ferent states. chapters will be required to focus on how a proj- species across the nation. It’s a great cause, and EAS is a competitive, grant-application-driv- ect will be used to grow and develop their chap- worth supporting. en program. Chapters must complete a grant ap- ters. They will need to provide goals such as Best of all, donations can be timed so that do- plication, describing their proposal, and giving membership increases, leadership increases, new nors will receive gifts. So, for instance, if your pertinent data and objectives and outcome mea- committee formation, etc., and how such goals chapter regularly donates to TU causes, why not surement devices for each project. TU’s national will be measured, as part of the grant proposal. donate to one where, for instance, you might re- office asks that chapters and councils submit pro- In short, learning how to create and submit an ceive a high-end rod, reel, or other prize that you posals for projects that best address the needs of EAS grant application is valuable not only be- can then use for a fundraiser or as a volunteer native and wild trout following TU's “Protect, Re- cause it might lead to project seed money, but al- award, or for some other fine purpose? connect, Restore and Sustain” conservation mod- so because it helps chapters consider and Wisconsin has a reputation nationally as a el. actualize plans to increase their productivity and strong TU state, and it would be fantastic to see Unfortunately, EAS is underfunded, meaning service to members. As a chapter leader myself, Wisconsin lead all states in the number of EAS each year there are more grant requests than I’ve written several successful and unsuccessful donors this year. there are funds available. Submitting a grant ap- EAS grants, which has made me a better leader, Page 8 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 Chapter input sought on Potental Fee Increase? Each chapter has been potential trout season changes asked to provide feedback on a proposed $5 increase in the By Henry Koltz, State Council Chair tent set of regulations to govern put- over, so opening on January 1 ver- and-take urban trout ponds. As WI- sus in March shouldn’t affect the re- trout stamp fee. As most trout anglers in Wiscon- TU understands it, when the DNR source. Here is some history: The sin know, the Department of Natu- stocks trout into urban fishery loca- Those who have spoken against price of a trout stamp has not ral Resources is working on refining tions (which are purely put-and- advancing the opener to January 1 increased for at least a decade. our current trout fishing regula- take), there will be a single set off have generally cited the following In that time, however, the tions. In a past issue of Wisconsin rules which governs such situations. factors: (a) concerns about mortali- price of materials, labor and Trout, I’ve written about the general We agreed that regulation simplifi- ty related to handling fish in cold notably fuel has increased. As framework that will be proposed for cation of this type makes perfect weather; (b) increased opportuni- such, the funding which our implementation. WITU has been in- sense. It allows enforcement war- ties for poaching; (c) increased op- trout stamp provides for trout volved on both the DNR’s trout reg- dens to deal with only one set of portunities for harvest of illegally work and habitat improve- ulation review committee, and as rules in all urban put-and-take fish- sized fish. ment simply does not accom- part of the Conservation Congress’ ery areas. Second, given that the Once feedback has been received plish as much as it once did. trout study group, and will continue fisheries at issue are intended solely from the remaining chapters regard- This has resulted in an ad- to remain engaged and a part of the to create fishing opportunities with- ing the January 1 opener, the execu- visory question to gauge pub- trout regulation review process as it in urban areas where no natural re- tive committee may decide to put lic response to an increase in moves forward. The end result of production or year-to-year this set of questions to a statewide the price of a trout stamp. The the currently ongoing trout regula- carryover is expected, there is no bi- vote, requesting a yes or no vote on rationale for the proposed in- tion review process will be questions ological argument to the contrary. each sub-question from the chap- crease of $5, as opposed to a which will appear as advisory ques- As such, this is the official position ters. Prior to that, our executive smaller number, is that fee in- tions on the annual spring Conser- of WITU, as voted unanimously by committee will provide an email up- creases are something which vation Congress hearing ballots. its chapters. date to the chapters, more fully ar- should be done infrequently, No questions regarding actual Next, we voted unanimously to ticulating the basis for yes or no and should be calculated to fishing regulations will appear on support a question asking for the positions received during the infor- have a lasting effect. Raising this spring’s Conservation Congress elimination of the one-week closure mal polling period. Each chapter the cost of a trout stamp by $1 ballots. between the will then be able or $2 every few years is not a What will appear on this spring’s “early” catch- to consider that process that is desirable, nor is Conservation Congress ballots are and-release information having constant debate about advisory questions regarding trout season and the when making its fee increases at the Conserva- fishing seasons. This article is being “regular sea- The executive committee final vote. tion Congress level. written as an update as to the pro- son” opener. It is creating a process and The second Of the 10 chapters re- cess and responses which WITU has is WITU’s un- environment where every set of questions sponding at this point, eight undertaken in response. derstanding which the WI- have offered an unqualified The questions that will appear on that under this chapter’s concerns and TU was unable “yes” in support of the fee in- the spring ballot were discussed at rule change voices may be heard to come to a crease. Some of the rationales this past February’s WITU meeting the previously regarding proposed clear consensus which have been offered by in Oshkosh, at which a clear quorum closed week on at the Febru- chapters in support of the in- of chapters was present. In fact, the would instead season and regulation ary meeting re- crease are 1.) that the increase meeting was well attended. now simply changes. garded is badly needed to keep pace In the past, questions regarding continue to re- extending the with increased costs, 2.) it has season extensions have been com- main open un- season state- been a significant amount of bustible. I am exceptionally proud der existing wide to October time since any increase oc- of the manner in which we were able early season 15 as a: (a) curred, and 3.) when viewed in to discuss season changes, and the catch-and-release rules. catch-and-release season; or (b) real world terms, the increase manner in which we were able to Biologists have told us there is no catch and keep. With respect to is still minimal and about the keep our discourse civil. substantial biological reason for the these questions, 12 chapters have cost of two gallons of gas, or The executive committee is cre- one-week closure, and many in the responded. Of the chapters re- the cost of one fast food lunch. ating a process and environment room recalled that the closure was sponding, four were in favor of ex- Of the two chapters that where every chapter’s concerns and part of a compromise which oc- tending the season, while eight were did not support an increase, voices may be heard regarding pro- curred during prior rule-making dis- against doing so. This sentiment was one “not now – maybe in a few posed season and regulation chang- cussions. It appears, based on the the same as to both questions, re- years,” and the other respond- es. Questions regarding season and commentary elicited at the February gardless of whether the season ex- ed “yes, but only at a $2 in- regulation changes are not easy, and meeting as well as the vote of the tension was catch-and-release, or crease.” In the instance of the such discussions can very rapidly de- WITU, that there is now a unanimi- catch-and-keep. “not now” response, the con- grade into hardened positions and ty of thought amongst the chapters Those chapters responding in fa- cern was that the increase anchored rhetoric. that the week closure is no longer vor of extending the season general- could make trout angling for To avoid those situations, we will necessary. As such, this is the offi- ly cited the following factors: (a) out-of-state anglers too expen- first identify those questions for cial position of WITU, as voted increased angling opportunities; (b) sive, when combined with oth- which the chapters are generally in unanimously by its chapters. information supplied by biologists er higher, out-of-state fees. In agreement. We will then plan to At the February meeting, howev- that extending the season would not the instance of the “yes, but take a vote on those questions and er, two sets of questions left WITU negatively impact spawning fish or only a $2.00 increase,” the fear articulate a formal position or posi- unable to formulate a firm position. fish population or size regimes. was that residents and TU tions. As such, I have, as set forth in the Those chapters responding members in the concerned With questions for which there is process above, informally polled the against extending the season gener- chapter area would simply not a clear majority position by the chapters as to their positions on ally cited the following factors: (a) view $5 as too high of an in- chapters, we will poll the chapters as these two sets of questions. concerns about spawning fish being crease (i.e., too big, too fast). to their positions and ask them to The first set of questions deals on redds, and being easily suscepti- In any event, as with the articulate the basis for their posi- with changing the opening of the ble to angling pressure; (b) concerns season questions, we continue tions. If that process reveals a clear early “catch and release” season to from biologists about pressure on to await responses from a majority as to a question, then a call January 1 either: (a) statewide; or spawning fish and fish populations; number of chapters. Please for a formal vote from the chapters (b) where the early season already (c) concerns about poaching; (d) provide your chapter’s input, may be taken. exist. As of the writing of this arti- concerns about issues associated to help the State Council de- Quite simply, our executive lead- cle, 12 chapters have provided feed- with easement acquisition/user termine if we can call this ership does not want any chapter, back regarding this question. As to group interference between bow question to a vote, and take a let alone any member, to feel that a opening the season on January 1 hunters and fisherman. firm position. position is being thrust upon them, statewide, seven have responded in As with the set of questions re- or that they have not had an oppor- favor and five against. As to opening garding a January 1 opener, the ex- —Henry Koltz tunity to be a part of the process the season where the early season ecutive committee will again send wherein WITU formulates posi- already exists, chapters have re- an e-mail to all chapters more fully tions. WITU must reflect the will of sponded two to one in favor (with articulating the reasoning provided its chapters, and this is the process eight speaking in favor, and four to it by the chapters for their straw by which it is endeavoring to do so. against). poll position. With such information To that end, WDNR has identi- In general, those chapters that in hand, we may call for a vote re- Scott W. Grady fied to WITU a set of four groups of have spoken in favor of advancing garding extending the season to Oc- Rodmaker questions regarding season changes the opener to January 1 have cited tober 15. which will be included on this the following as critical in their deci- Accordingly, if your chapter has spring’s Conservation Congress bal- sion making process, in no particu- not yet responded to our call for Split Bamboo Rods lot. Of those four sets of questions, lar order: (a) Wisconsin has no straw-poll positions on the ques- new & repairs we came to a unanimous consensus native spring spawning trout; (b) tions above, please ensure that it Bamboo Rodmaking Classes on two of them at our February 1 weather will be a self-limiting factor, does so immediately. Second, please makes a great Xmas gift! meeting. and will deter significant fishing be on the lookout for further e- First, we voted unanimously to pressure; (c) in many regions (nota- mails regarding the foregoing sea- Call or email Scott for details at support having one single, consis- bly in the north) streams will be iced son questions. 920/687-0987 or [email protected] April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 9 Outdoor Expo in Beaver Dam Cancelled for 2014 Volunteers needed for possible alternative event at MacKenzie Center near Poynette days, let Bob Haase know and he will contact you if this becomes a The Wisconsin Outdoor Expo that has been held in Beaver reality. You can reach Bob at 920-922-8003 or email him at flyti- Dam for the last few years has been cancelled for 2014. [email protected]. Part of the problem was that the coordinator for the Expo re- signed with short notice, and they have not been able to find a re- placement. This not only affects fund raising, but it also affects the coordination of the event. They hope to bring the Expo back to Women's fly fishing clinics in June Beaver Dam in 2015. Sign up now for the annual and fly selection. Equipment will There is a chance that a smaller version of the Expo might be Wisconsin Women’s Fly Fishing available for use. This clinic runs held at the Mackenzie Environmental Education Center near Clinics, hosted by SWTU at the from 3 p.m. Friday, June 20 Poynette on the same dates, May 15 and 16. Mark LaBarbera from West Fork Sportsmens Club in through Sunday, June 22 at 1 p.m. Avalanche, along the banks of the The West Fork Sportsmens the Professional Outdoor Media Association has been working West Fork Kickapoo. You will re- Club is located on County High- with Scott Gunderson from the DNR to make this happen. ceive instruction from top-notch way S, Avalanche, WI. All partici- If this can be worked out, we will need volunteers to teach fly ty- female anglers from all over the pants will receive a one-year ing and possibly fly casting. If you are available on either or both country. These clinics sell out membership to the club and two quickly. The early registration nights of camping (Friday and Sat- deadline has been extended to urday). We strongly encourage May 1. you to stay on site. There is plenty Gill lice found throughout state In the “On The Water Skills In- of room for trailers and a limited Trout anglers reported 52 obser- tion prevalence in Ash Creek was 82 termediate Clinic,” participants number of electrical hook-ups are vations of gill lice in 2013, and WD- percent for age-0 brook trout and 92 will receive one-on-one instruc- available. There is running water NR stream surveys found gill lice percent for age-1 and older trout in tion on several picturesque trout and flush toilets. Showers cost six present at 69 stream sites. Some October 2013; intensity averaged 5 streams of southwestern Wiscon- quarters for three minutes. We do streams were reported multiple (maximum 16) gill lice per age-0 sin's Driftless Area. Each partici- recommend bringing drinking wa- times by anglers, or were surveyed brook trout and averaged 23 (maxi- pant will have the opportunity to ter, as the water does not taste at multiple sites by WDNR. These mum 97) gill lice per age-1 and old- fish with three different guides, great. Alcohol is permitted in the results show that gill lice are wide- er brook trout. Brown trout are learning new skills from each campground. spread across the state with the ex- present in Ash Creek but are not unique experience over the course If you decide to stay elsewhere, ception of the Lake Superior basin. susceptible to infection by this spe- of a day and a half. Most of our please become familiar with Gill lice were not found at any of cies of gill lice. Impacts on individu- “guides” are volunteers from TU the location of the camp before the six streams surveyed in the Lake al brook trout growth and condition chapters who have experience in- making reservations. Other ac- Superior basin. were inconclusive, but stock-recruit- structing, and who know these wa- commodations may be found at The DNR surveys included data ment data indicated a 77 percent ters very well. This intermediate the Driftless Angler website. collection on the prevalence and in- decline in brook trout recruitment clinic runs from Wednesday, June Registration for either clinic is tensity of gill lice infections. Preva- in 2012 and 2013, compared to 18 at 3 p.m. to Friday, June 20 at $195 for first-time Participants lence refers to the percentage of 2007-2011. Such impacts by gill lice 11 a.m. and $225 for returning partici- brook trout infected with gill lice on brook trout recruitment risk a In the “By Women, For Wom- pants. Registration after May 1 is and intensity refers to the number shift in community dominance to- en Basic Skills Clinic,” partici- $225 for all. of gill lice found on an individual wards brown trout when they are pants will learn about equipment, For more information go to sw- brook trout. There was a broad present. knots, fly casting, reading water tu.org/wffc_womens_clinics.html. range of observed infection preva- lence and intensity among streams, Information and map provided by but relatively few streams had both DNR Coldwater Fisheries Research a high prevalence and intensity of Scientist Matt Mitro. For more infor- infection. mation on gill lice research, contact Ash Creek is one stream with Mitro at 608-221-6366 or Mathew.Mi- high prevalence and intensity. Infec- [email protected]

Streams where gill lice have been found so far: Dunn County: Annis Creek, Bo- Pierce County: Cady Creek, Pine len Creek, Gilbert Creek, North Creek, Plum Creek, Rocky Branch, Branch Gilbert Creek, South Fork Rush River Hay River, Tiffany Creek, Wilson Richland County: Ash Creek, Creek Fancy Creek Florence County: Lamon Tangue Shawano: Hydes Creek, Mill Creek, Montagne Creek Creek, North Branch Embarrass Grant County: Big Spring Creek River, Wilson Iowa County: Big Spring Creek St. Croix County: Beaver Creek, Jackson County: Allen Creek, South Fork Willow River, Tiffany Vosse Coulee Creek Creek Marinette County: Macintire Trempealeau County: South Creek, North Branch Beaver Creek, Fork Beaver Creek Sidney Creek, South Branch Peme- Vernon County: Tenney Spring bonwon River, Wausaukee River Creek Marquette County: Caves Creek, Waukesha County: Rosenow Klawitter Creek Creek Oconto County: East Thunder Waupaca County: Hydes Creek, Creek, South Branch Oconto River Little Wolf River, Spaulding Creek Page 10 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 Reel Recovery returns to Onalaska Volunteers sought to serve as “fishing buddies” Upper Midwest Regional Meeting May 2-4 Join fellow anglers and TU vol- ern Michigan you are in for a unteer leaders from across the treat. There are many popular Upper Midwest May 2-4 in Lewis- fishing destinations nearby, in- ton, Michigan. Anyone committed cluding the North Branch of the to building effective TU chapters Au Sable River. More informa- and councils should consider at- tion will be provided directly to tending. those that indicate on the registra- Learn to develop your gover- tion their interest in the fishing nance skills and practices, discov- option. er solutions to your leadership challenges, and increase your un- derstanding of the key trends and Saturday, May 3 coldwater conservation issues im- Saturday's full-day session will pacting the Upper Midwest re- include group discussions, con- gion. TU regional meetings are centrated workshops and oppor- occasions to be inspired, by the tunities for council and chapter work of TU staff, lessons from leaders to share successes and dis- leaders and conversations with cuss common challenges. A de- newfound friends. tailed agenda will be provided The total cost is $125 and in- online soon. A SMILE SAYS IT ALL cludes participation in all semi- Join us on Saturday evening A cancer survivor has a successful outing with Reel Recovery “fishing buddy” nars and workshops, breakfast for an outdoor barbecue at the and Coulee Chapter member Cy Post. and lunch Friday and Saturday Lovells Historical Society muse- and breakfast on Sunday morning. um/township hall. The museum is There will also be a barbecue din- very close to the North Branch of By Anthony Larson, Wisconsin State Coordinator for Reel Recovery ner Saturday night. Attendees the Au Sable River. The museum has artifacts and displays reflect- This year marks the third year that Reel Recovery, a non-profit group that may register for any one day indi- vidually as well: ing the history of this famed fish- takes men with cancer on destination-based fishing retreats, has come to ing hole in the 19th century. This Onalaska, Wisconsin. * Just the Friday Women's Spe- cific Seminar ($40) is always a great time and the per- The retreat first came to Onalaska in September of 2012. “We had such fect opportunity to get to know local, media and community support that it was nearly impossible to not want * Just Saturday's Workshops and Seminars ($40) TU members from other parts of to come back,” explained Reel Recovery Executive Director Stan Golub. the region, and possibly wet a line. “With two cancer centers, and hospitals within a short drive from our loca- * Just Sunday morning's Work- tion, coupled with world-class multi-species fishing, Onalaska is a great fit for shops and Seminars ($20) us logistically and geographically.” * Or just the Saturday Barbe- Sunday, May 4 Reel Recovery provides men with cancer with a two-and-a-half-day event cue ($25) Sunday's sessions will follow consisting of: workshops called courageous conversations, where participants the same format as Saturday; talk about how cancer impacts their lives; three short fishing trips of two and Friday, May 2 however, we will end around noon three hours; pairing participants up with community members and volun- This day-long session is de- to allow attendees to fish. teers, called “fishing buddies,” for paired and small-group outings. signed to arm volunteer leaders Lodging With the exception of transportation and lodging, the event is fully funded with tools to help grow and main- Accommodations for the Up- for the participants, including fishing equipment, lodging and meals. Partici- tain your women's membership per Midwest Regional Meeting pants choose the locations to fish, whether on the Black and Mississippi Riv- and encourage the women in TU will be provided by the Garland ers, trout streams, or even Lakes Onalaska and Neshonoc. It’s really all to become leaders within our or- Lodge & Resort, 4700 North Red about what’s biting and where the fishing buddy is best skilled. ganization. We will offer leader- Oak Road, Lewiston, Michigan Last year, Coulee Chapter president Jim Cox and member Cy Post volun- ship training, membership growth/ 49756. For reservations call 989- teered to be fishing buddies for the retreat. “It was a great experience, one retention, event/activity planning, 786-2211. A block of rooms was that I enjoyed very much,” Post said. and time for networking, too! For being held until April 1, but it’s The retreat is scheduled for September 10-12. A fundraiser is scheduled details, contact Heidi Oberstadt, worth asking if any rooms at this for April 12 at Stony Creek Inn at Onalaska from 6-9 p.m., with casino TU's Women's Membership Coor- rate are still available. Ask for the games, a fly-tying contest and door prizes. dinator, at 715-573-5104 or hober- Trout Unlimited Upper Midwest To learn more about Reel Recovery, visit their website at www.reelrecov- [email protected]. Regional Meeting Room Block. ery.org, or contact Wisconsin State Coordinator Anthony Larson at 608-769- If you've never fished in north- 7809 or [email protected]. TUDARE Workshop in Westby April 12-13 Workshop features project plans, chapter strengthening tools programs, stream monitoring and invasive species Costs are kept low by contributions from chapters By Duke Welter, TUDARE Communications control programs. and help from state councils around the region. Brennan Sang from TU National will be on The workshop has been attended by volun- How can I find ways to use my skills to help my hand to talk about the new national website and teers from Indiana to Nebraska. “These tech- chapter and Trout Unlimited? How can our provide hands-on training and technical assis- niques can be used by any TU chapter and any chapter develop its project-building capacity? tance with the new tools. As part of the communi- other group interested in developing strong col- What does it take to plan a good learning event cation session Saturday afternoon, Brennan will laborative projects,” said TUDARE Project Man- for women? How will we keep New Zealand provide a 15-minute overview and project update, ager Jeff Hastings. “We will try to keep the costs Mud Snails out of our home waters? And, per- focusing on how local chapters can use the news of the workshop very reasonable so chapters can haps most important of all: “From where will our tools in their communications strategy around send several people. That way some can focus on next generation of chapter leaders come?” stream projects, development (membership and project planning and some on chapter develop- You’ve probably asked yourself some of those fundraising), and general public relations and ment sessions.” questions. The answers may well be found at the community outreach. Afterward, he’ll set up his Participants may stay at a nearby hotel includ- Westby Workshop April 12 and 13 at Living Wa- laptop in another room to answer questions and ing the Vernon Inn in Viroqua or the Old Town ters Bible Camp near Westby, Wisconsin. The provide support on an individual basis for the rest Inn in Westby, or at the bible camp. Some fun workshop is sponsored by TUDARE and the of the afternoon. usually breaks out in connection with these work- state TU councils of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin On Sunday morning, attendees will be able to shops: A Saturday night dinner has featured a li- and Illinois. More than 450 participants have had plan their own projects, including stream restora- ar’s contest and some regular hilarity. After high praise for the past workshops they attended. tion projects, and other types of projects. They sessions on Saturday, participants may tour resto- Experienced speakers will offer ideas for new will work with templates that have been used suc- ration project sites or take advantage of some of members, long-standing members looking for cessfully by TUDARE and chapters across the the great area trout streams. The workshop usual- new ways to contribute, and those considering country, with aid from experienced project plan- ly concludes by early afternoon on Sunday. taking on leadership roles in their chapters. Many ners. Also offered Sunday morning will be train- Organizers welcome suggestions for sessions of them got their start in TU by attending some of ing in stream monitoring using a protocol on any topic, keynote speaker ideas, questions the eight past workshops and bringing home ideas developed for TUDARE by Kiap-TU-Wish TU and volunteers. For more information, contact to their chapters and councils. member Kent Johnson. Duke Welter at 715-579-7538 or [email protected]. The workshop will offer tracks on basic and Chapters around the region are encouraging Registration information can be found at http:/ advanced project planning, as well as ways for their members to attend the workshop. Many /www.tu.org/sites/default/files/ chapters to strengthen their education, conserva- chapters help cover the $65 registration fee, tudare_stream_project_planning_workshop_2014 tion, fundraising and communications efforts. which includes three meals at the bible camp and .pdf Presenters will also address subjects including: workshop materials. Lodging costs are separate. A complete schedule is available at http:// Developing a Trout In The Classroom program, Registration runs through April 4, after which docs.tudare.org/westby/ successful women’s events, project maintenance signups will be accepted only if space allows. April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 11 Capital Brewery WITU seeks forestry liaison donates to The Wisconsin State Council is searching for a member to serve as a TUDARE liaison to the Wisconsin DNR’s For- In an event on February 25 cele- estry Best Management Practices brating the successful sale of the Working Group. first run of Driftless Ale, Capital WITU currently has members Brewery donated $,1000 each to serving on other DNR working TUDARE and the Driftless Area groups dedicated to fisheries and Land Conservancy. stream crossings, and this is a great The brewery produced a thou- opportunity for us to have an impact sand 22-ounce “bombers,” featuring on forestry management. a distinctive label that highlighted What happens in uplands and features of the Driftless Area, in- forests can have a direct effect on cluding trout fishing. streams, as well as wetlands that im- By the end of the event at the pact streams. As such, having a TU brewery in Middleton, nearly all of member step up and fill this posi- the bottles had been sold, though a tion is important, and I urge any TU few more cases are still available at member who is interested in filling Capital’s gift shop. this role to please step up and vol- Capital’s CFO Richard King and unteer. President Scott Wiener said they All that is required is that the were committed to conservation and volunteer attend working group hope to continue their collaboration meetings, provide input on behalf of with TU and DALC, perhaps with TU in support of management prac- another version of a Driftless Area tices which will best protect cold wa- beer. ter streams, and then provide short

Duke Welter of TUDARE ac- reports that can be disseminated to To d d Fr a n k l i n TU’s state-wide leadership. cepted the donation and praised the HANSON GOES OUT WITH A BANG, MANY BEERS, AND SYRUP TOO company for its environmental ethic This is a great opportunity to get and described TU’s restoration ef- involved as a TU leader while help- Former Wisconsin Trout Editor Todd Hanson was “roasted” by our expert forts. Dave Clutter, executive direc- ing to guide forestry management roaster, Clint Byrnes, who also asked chapters to give Todd a six pack of craft tor of the land trust, accepted their and protect our resources. If you are brews from their chapter area. For years, Todd had provided one of his famous donation. interested, contact Henry Koltz at [email protected]. Brookie Beers to Wisconsin Trout contributors. Griffin named DNR Trout Coordinator Donate to council Holland mystery via Thrivent The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recently selected novel available Natural Resource Staff Specialist Joanna Griffin as Statewide Trout Coor- Lutheran Financial dinator. This position was formerly held by Larry Claggett, who retired in Long-time TU member and prolific writer Dan Holland of If you are a TU member and late 2010 after working for the department for 32 years. Since Claggett’s Plover has recently released his have investments with Thrivent retirement, the duties were covered by a variety of other DNR staff mem- latest work, a murder mystery Lutheran Financial, you may bers. The DNR is now at a point where it can reallocate those duties to a entitled “Dead Angler’s Don’t have the ability to make charita- single specialist. Lie.” ble donations to groups of your Griffin grew up in a small town in southern Vermont. After graduating The novel tells of an unlikely choosing through Thrivent Fi- from Vassar College, she moved to Woods Hole, Massachusetts and be- romance between a self-ac- nancial’s Thrivent Choice pro- knowledged “trout bum” and a gram. gan a graduate program through the Boston University Marine Program. university professor, which leads The Wisconsin Council of She studied the effects of nitrogen loading on littoral zone fish popula- to numerous harrowing adven- Trout Unlimited is now a listed tions in estuaries of Cape Cod, and there she also met her husband, Mar- tures, culminating in a seeming- entity within the Thrivent Choice tye Griffin. After graduate school, she worked for two years at Marine ly inexplicable murder. The program. Research, Inc., an environmental consulting firm in Falmouth, Massachu- search for the murderer disclos- If you are a Thrivent member setts. es an improbable motive for the and have the ability to make crime. They moved to Madison in 2000 and she started her first job at the Thrivent Choice donations, we Set in Alaska, Michigan, would be honored if you’d con- DNR as the assistant propagation coordinator. Since 2001, she has held Montana and Utah, the narra- multiple project positions at the DNR and University of Wisconsin-Ste- sider including the Wisconsin tive focuses on the synergy be- Council of TU within your chari- vens Point involving the Fisheries Management Database. In 2009 she tween life, love and fly fishing. The book is available on Kin- table planning, and making a do- was hired as academic staff through UWSP as the Fisheries Database nation to our cause. Manager/Outreach Specialist and the fishing tournament coordinator. In dle and can be searched by title or author. 2011, she became a staff specialist with the Fisheries Management Sec- tion, working on a panfish management plan, trout habitat reporting and trout stream classification. Joanna and Martye live in Madison and have two children, Maya, 9, Volunteers needed and Noah,7. for Stream Girls The second annual Stream Girls event, a collaboration between WI- TU and the Girl Scouts of America, will be held June 19-21 in Stevens Point. Instructed by WITU volun- teers, the girls will learn about streamside vegetation, fish habitat, water quality, fly tying and more. Fly tying was very popular at last year’s event. The program runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed for all three days, especially on Saturday, when they will add younger girl scouts and take all of them fishing. This is a unique and wonderful opportunity for both organizations, as TU seeks to enhance youth and women membership, and the Girl Elevate your fly fishing to a new Scouts are looking for positive male role models for their girls. It's a per- level. The Original BlueSky fect combination, and there is noth- Furled Leader. Sizes for all fish & ing better than watching those little fishing conditions. BlueSky - the girls study bugs or tie flies. For more information or to vol- leader in furled leaders.TM unteer for this event, contact Heidi FurledLeaders.com Oberstadt heidi.oberstadt@gmail. [email protected] • Ph/Fax 920-822-5396 com. 1237 Yurek Rd., Pulaski WI 54162 USA DNR STATEWIDE TROUT COORDINATOR JOANNA GRIFFIN Page 12 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 Chapter News

Antigo Chapter

Hello to you all. Although it Charlie for their work in applying seems that spring has been delayed, for grants to help put on the Kids we are hard at work on our annual Fishing Day. Two groups have re- fund raising banquet. The banquet sponded and have provided $3,000 will be Saturday, March 29 at the to help fund our day with the kids. I Edison club in Antigo. Donor sup- can't say Thank You enough. port has been great this year. We We’re looking forward to spring, hope to have a great banquet and and to start some brushing projects. raise money for our cold water re- We also plan to check the water flow source. on Mayking Creek to see if we need Our Antigo TU Kids Fishing Day to remove more rocks from a dam will be Saturday, June 7 on the east that we lowered last fall. side of City Park. Again we will have In April we will sponsor an up- a fish tank for the kids to catch perclassman at UWSP. Eric Hen- trout, as well as prizes, food and a drickson is in his last year of school casting contest. The Antigo Fire and is studying water resources Department will have the fire safety management. trailer present. This year I would — Scott Henricks like to thank members Ron and Blackhawk Chapter Mike Stapleton The winter weather down here in about various aspects of trout fish- SCHULTZ ENJOYS ALTU FLY TYING CLASS Janesville has been great … for stay- ing, to be given at the seven system ALTU’s annual fly tying class was as successful as ever, thanks to the efforts ing inside and planning chapter ac- libraries in its district throughout tivities for the coming months. In this spring and summer. Bill Lazor, of volunteer instructors and Class Committee Chair Mike Stapleton. Here Sen. January the chapter approved a Blackhawk TU’s treasurer, volun- Dale Schultz watches ALTU Board Member Dave Murphy show some basic contribution of $2,700 for stream teered to head up the task and is tying techniques. work in Green County this year. It putting together a program which will be used for brushing, clearing will include equipment, "Bugology" Aldo Leopold Chapter and treating existing restored sites and a couple of fly tyers. Bill already along the Little Sugar River and has his first presentation date on Our 2014 Beginner Fly Tying this year by far. Thank you to all Hefty Creek. We also contributed Saturday, May 17. Class was a runaway success this who donated flies for this worthy $500 to Project Green Teen towards At our February meeting our year, with 17 students, our largest effort. their work on the West Fork of the own John Lusk showed his visor- class ever. The five Wednesday On March 23 we manned a Kickapoo May 9-16 2014. From past capped video of the trout trip he classes, held at the Portage Public booth at the Spring Outdoor Ad- experience, we know those teens and fellow chapter members Dave Library, resulted in a lot of deadly venture Show in Baraboo, and may be "green,” but they sure do Patrick and Dick Alfors took out flies being tied and a new squad of talked to many interested attend- work with enthusiasm, and keep our west last fall. fly tiers being unleashed upon the ees about fishing, workdays and cutters and advisers hopping. Banquets seem to be the primary unsuspecting fish of the world. everything trout fishing and TU. In March, the Board approved source of revenue for TU chapters, Thanks to our Fly Tying Commit- Thanks to Scott Allen for taking an initial matching grant of $5,000 and this year ours will be on Mon- tee of Mike Stapleton, Tom the lead on this. toward the Weister Creek Project in day, April 28, at the Pontiac Con- Gawle, Dave Murphy, Jared Sagal, We have three chapter work Vernon County's Kickapoo Valley vention Center in Janesville, just off Pat Helland, Jim Peters and Mark days scheduled this spring. April Reserve. The project, covering the I-39/90. Without that revenue, we Winscher for teaching the classes 19 we will once again be working upper 2.6 miles of the 4.4 miles of can't provide the funding or do the and sharing their knowledge. on Manley Creek near Devil’s the Kickapoo's East Fork within the projects for which Blackhawk TU is After a multi-year effort, WAV Lake State Park. May 17 we will Reserve, will take three years to known. Please come join us if you monitoring on Lodi Spring Creek start work on a stretch of Honey complete, at an estimated cost of can. We have a solid track record for has concluded. The DNR has the Creek in western Sauk County. $2.5 million. good food, friendly folks (well, data needed to develop “build- June 21 we will be building On the educational front, the Ar- mostly), great raffle and auction out” plans for the watershed, mod- LUNKERs for the 2014 Bear rowhead Library System (Rock items, and ending by 9:30 p.m. eling the effects upon the creek Creek project. Details can be County) has requested that Black- — Dave Hinde that various developments would found on our new chapter website, hawk TU develop a presentation have. These models will help local aldoleopold.tu.org. You can also governments when they are assess- contact work day chairs Scott Al- Central Wisconsin Chapter ing proposed developments and len at [email protected] or should help protect the stream. Todd Franklin at toddfrank- Our chapter has initiated its first ing the many fly tiers. We were able Thanks to chapter volunteers Tom [email protected]. Stream Work Day Fund Drive. We to sign up 10 new members. A good and Sally Gawle, Tim Hood, Peter Speaking of our new website, have been fortunate to receive very day. Thank you goes to Bob Smaglik Van Ness, and Eric Lorenzen for many thanks to newly elected nice matching grants each year for for organizing the event again. their WAV efforts over the last few chapter vice-president Scott Allen specific projects. The money donat- Three people from CWTU at- years. for his hard work creating our new ed to our new Work Day Fund can tended the River Alliance Advocacy Monitoring efforts on Bear website. TU National has made it be used for any of our stream proj- training class at the February 1 State Creek are kicking into high gear. easy for chapters to create web- ects without the restrictions usually Council Meeting. We now have six Last year we installed data loggers sites associated with the National noted in the grants, giving us a little people trained by the River Alli- for a planned 5 year study of tem- site and Scott has done a fine job more flexibility. ance. However, many more than peratures within the watershed. with our site. We were recently awarded an- these trained people have also been WAV monitoring will be beginning At our most recent meeting, we other nice matching grant from the advocating for the protection of our this summer. We could use more elected officers, with Tom Gawle Trout and Salmon Foundation for ground water. volunteers for the WAV monitor- remaining as secretary, Michael work beginning this year on Chaffee Our Riverkeepers monitoring ing! Chapter members are encour- Stupich as treasurer, Mike Barnis- Creek. The Chaffee is a major tribu- program is always looking for volun- aged to participate but anyone is kis as president. Rounding out the tary to the Mecan River where we teers. Contact John Gremmer for welcome to help us on this effort. board are Tim Hood, Mike Staple- have been making improvements more information at jgrem- If you are interested in being a vol- ton, Dave Murphy and Todd the last three years. The first work [email protected] unteer WAV monitor please con- Franklin. There are two board day on the Chaffee will be Saturday Rick Fahrenkrug of Neenah, one tact Tom Gawle at 920-356-1628 openings, so if you are interested, morning, May 17. The Elliott Don- of the leaders of CWTU’s River for details. please contact us. nelley Chapter (EDTU) from Chi- Keeper program was named Wis- Our chapter’s contributions the June 18 we will host our annual cago always partners with us on this consin's Volunteer Water Monitor WITU Banquet were noticeable. fund-raising picnic at Habermann first work day of the year, hence we of the year. Fahrenkrug received Tom Gawle’s watercolor painting Park in Lodi. The event officially call it the Chicago Work Day. ED- this award from Kristen Stepenuck, “Before The Cast” was simply kicks off at 5 p.m. with free food TU has been very generous to us UW-Extension/WDNR, Water Ac- beautiful. Thanks to the efforts of and drinks. A great raffle and si- and we always enjoy their help. tion Volunteer Stream Monitoring Mike Stapleton, a truly impressive lent auction provide opportunities Our TroutFest was Saturday Feb- Program Director, at the Annual collection of flies were assembled to win some very nice gear, includ- ruary 22 at the Fin ‘N Feather sup- Volunteer Stream Monitoring Sym- for the chapter fly box. We actually ing a Sage 2-wt. rod/reel/line com- per club in Winneconne. This posium, on February 15, in Stevens had to get a second box because bo. Everyone is welcome, so bring popular event was again well attend- Point. Congrats, Rick! we had too many to fit into the one family and friends to help us cele- ed. The 11 presentations were The schedules for all our chapter box we were supplied. Our boxes brate another year of success as a packed. People rummaged through meetings and events are available netted $215.00 for the State Coun- chapter. the sale items, gathered at the infor- on our website, www.cwtu.org. cil, the highest total for any box —Mike Barniskis mation booths, and enjoyed watch- — John Tucker April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 13 Chapter News

CWTU’S MEMBER EARNS AWARD; TROUT FEST A SUCCESS Rick Fahrenkrug of Neenah, one of the leaders of CWTU’s River Keeper program, was named Wisconsin's Volunteer Water Monitor of the year. Fahrenkrug received this award from Kristen Stepenuck, UW-Extension/WDNR, Water Action Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program Director, at the Annual Volunteer Stream Monitoring Symposium, on February 15, in Stevens Point. Congrats, Rick! Meanwhile, CWTU’s annual Trout Fest was a huge success again, as this young boy (right) learns from some of the best tyers around -- CWTU’s volunteers. Coulee Region Chapter a trip to this western destination. left before the official start of The FVTU chapter is currently Spring and hopefully some serious Our annual banquet was held on 2014. This family-centered event is selling raffle tickets for a Miller melting of the heavy snow cover. February 28, and as expected, it was in Coon Valley, WI and has a lot to Welder. We are only selling fifty Many of you have probably enjoyed a great night. We were at capacity at offer to each member of the family. tickets at $25 each with the drawing some time out in a stream during the Cedar Creek Country Club in There is plenty of delicious food and being held during our April 17 chap- the early season and many others Onalaska with well over 100 attend- cold beverages to choose from on ter meeting. All of the funds raised are prepping for the “official open- ees. While the outside temps were the grounds. The vendor tent has through this raffle will be used for er” – enjoy this exciting time of quite cold, the atmosphere in the everything from crafts to fishing our Habitat project work this sum- change. Also, enjoy the beauty of banquet room was lively and fun. equipment. There are fly casting mer. If you are interested in pur- God’s streams, creeks and lakes, There was plenty of fish talk and ca- demonstrations and lessons, and we chasing a ticket please check our and as our late chapter president maraderie, and attendees enjoyed will also have fly tiers showing off website at www.foxvalleytu.org. Tony Treml would close his columns. some top-notch food. Many of our their skills. Kids can enjoy the park, Ticket holders do not have to be “We’ll see you on a trout stream.” guests left with great prizes. Top bouncy house, but most important- present at the time of the drawing. — Rich Erickson prizes included a Rick Kyte custom- ly, fishing! Coulee Region Trout There are only a couple of days made fly rod, a GoPro camera, and Unlimited sponsors the kids fishing a walleye trip to South Dakota. event, and all kids have to do is Thanks to all who attended and show up. We provide rods, bait and made it a successful event. help. We stock Coon Creek with Our next chapter meetings will trout that morning to enhance the be on April 16 and May 21. Keep kids’ chances of catching a feisty your eye on our Facebook page and fish. www.couleeregiontu.org for details — Curt Rees about time and location. Trout Fest will be on July 26, Fox Valley Chapter

The winter months have been a Fox Valley Technical College fea- busy time for the Fox Valley Chap- tured an excellent presentation by ter. Our annual fund-raiser Cabin Chef John and the students in the Fever Day fundraiser was January Culinary Arts program. We enjoyed 11 at the Grand Meridian in Apple- various seafood offerings and an in- ton. Although we had to contend credible dessert. with a minor ice/rain storm the pre- In February Wolf River chapter vious day, there were about 155 member Tim Waters gave a presen- people who attended the day’s tation on fishing the Wolf River, events. FVTU thanks all of the at- sharing information on when to fish, tendees, presenters and exhibitors how to fish and fly selection. who contributed to another success- Thanks, Tim, for sharing your

ful event. We were able to raise ap- knowledge of the Wolf River with Rich Erickson proximately $5,600 for our chapter our chapter. habitat programs. Scott Grady do- Our March chapter meeting was FOX VALLEY CHAPTER MEMBERS EAT WELL nated another custom built cane rod a presentation by A. J. Dudek. His that also generated $1,200 for our talk, titled “Fishing the Rocky Our January chapter meeting at Fox Valley Technical College featured an habitat work. Thank you, Scott. Mountain National Park,” gave us excellent presentation by Chef John and the students in the Culinary Arts Our January chapter meeting at information and tips to help plan for program. We enjoyed various seafood offerings and an incredible dessert. Page 14 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 Chapter News

Frank Hornberg Chapter Harry & Laura Nohr Chapter

The Frank Hornberg chapter's meeting to elect officers was on Well, it has been a long, cold and the plate for this coming season, in- first public meeting of the year was Thursday, March 13. Matt Salchert snowy winter. I think everyone is ea- cluding the upper section of Six on January 30 at the Lincoln Center continues as our chapter president. ger for spring and hoping for a slow Mile Branch. We will also be finish- in Stevens Point. Abe Downs spoke All of us appreciate Matt's tireless steady melt to provide a ground wa- ing up work on the Blue River and on smallmouth and muskie fishing. and enthusiastic efforts to promote ter recharge. Fishing for the March Big Rock Branch. Local landown- At our February meeting, Pete Co- the activities of the Hornberg Chap- opener was cooooold! The fish ers continue to contact us about fu- zad spoke on fishing the Driftless ter. seemed willing enough to bite and ture work and easements for Area. We appreciate our speakers' Our annual fly-fishing school is several came to dry flies, even in the different watersheds in the area. We willingness to share their fly-fishing Saturday, May 17. For a change of extreme weather. Then it was back were contacted just last week by a knowledge on these topics. pace, this year it will be a one-day to the cabin for hot coffee and fly ty- new landowner interested in selling Our first workday was on Satur- event. As in prior years, it will be ing with friends. an easement and looking for habitat day, March 8. We helped assemble held at the Bible Camp on the To- A reminder and request for any- improvement on two miles of lunker structures for the DNR reha- morrow River, south of Amherst, one fishing our local streams: Please stream in a local watershed that has bilitation project on the Keener next to Stedman County Park. This Clean your waders prior to and after limited examples of either. Road section of the Tomorrow Riv- is a great opportunity for anyone fishing. With the discovery of New Planning for our annual banquet er. We expect to spend more time new to fly fishing to learn the sci- Zealand mud snails and the exis- has begun. The banquet will be held helping with this project in the com- ence and the basic skills of the sport. tence of other invasive species, the the Friday prior to the regular sea- ing months. — John Volrath time and effort to do so is important son opener (May 2) at the Arthur Our annual chapter dinner and and very much appreciated. House in Arthur, Wisconsin. Arthur The Nohr Chapter participated is located on Highway 80 about mid- Green Bay Chapter in the Grant County Sportsman’s way between Platteville and Mont- Alliance “skills day” in late Febru- fort, Wisconsin. We look forward to The new year started with a one of the best-attended banquets ary. It was very busy, with a steady a fun-filled family event. We are bang, and we’ve only just begun. In in recent years. There was a great stream of local kids and parents try- currently taking donations for raf- January we hosted a movie night dinner, and many wonderful prizes ing casting and fly tying from 10 fles and auctions at the banquet, so that doubled as a chapter fundraiser were auctioned and raffled off. Fi- a.m. 3 p.m. It was very encouraging please consider making a donation. at the local Cabela’s. The movie was nancially, this may have been our to see so many children and adults Donations may be sent to Todd “Where the Yellowstone Goes,” most successful banquet ever. interested in trout fishing. Templen, 10476 Lake Eleanor which follows a group of friends on On March 1st, the chapter was On the project front, we have Road, Dubuque, IA 52003. a 30-day driftboat journey down the also a happy participant in Cabela's more than a mile of project work on — Todd Templen Yellowstone River. The storyline Spring Outdoor days that allowed us provides the viewer intimate por- an opportunity to tie flies for chil- traits of the cities along the river, dren of all ages. Over the two days, the people who make their living on several chapter members manned a and around the river, and offers ex- table and demonstrated fly tying. cellent insight on the history and Our 'Sensei,' Randy Rake, was a controversies surrounding the river. great teacher. How did they ever manage to place Our March meeting was another an oil pipeline right through the riv- informational and educational er and expect it to never leak? The event. A representative from The evening was a great success, thanks Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust for attending. discussed the work it is doing pre- Kudos to our members who at- serve land in northeast Wisconsin. tended the state meeting and ban- We have a variety of plans for the quet. The entire day was a great mix summer, including four or five of administrative meetings, educa- stream-work projects. We will be tional meetings, some great fly fish- working in the Door County area, ing training education and a where there has been minimal trout wonderfully entertaining banquet. habitat restoration in recent years. We can’t wait until next year! We are also planning several other Our first chapter meeting was a events, including the third stocking

great success, and was well attend- in a five-year plan of Floy Tagged To m H e n d e r s o n ed. Local DNR Fisheries Specialist Brown Trout in the lower Oconto Tammie Paoli provided a bevy of River, a June picnic, the annual fish- TP, DIESEL FUEL AND A MATCH IS ALL IT TAKES new and historical information ing trip, and the July kids fishing about the conditions and ongoing is- day. The Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter continued its winter brushing and box elder clearing sues of trout streams in northeast It will be a busy summer for the along St. Croix County’s Parker Creek and on the upper Trimbelle River in Wisconsin. chapter, but one we’re ready for, af- Pierce County. In February we held our 39th an- ter such a long and cold winter. Will nual Conservation Banquet to raise we be glad to see mosquitos? Here’s Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter money to support our work on to warmer (but not too warm) streams, and in the community. In temps, and tight lines to all! spite of inclement weather, it was — Aaron P. Frailing We continued our winter brush Trimbelle. It was necessary to make and box elder clearing along St use of frozen ground to support Croix County’s Parker Creek and on heavy trucks. With the stumps cut the upper Trimbelle River in Pierce high and the small wood burned, County. With sufficient dead, dry dozers will remove stumps as soon wood and a roll of toilet paper as the spring runoff subsides. soaked in diesel fuel, fires start easi- Meanwhile, Margaret LeBien ly, even with the air temperature be- has organized some weekend re- low zero degrees. Nearly every treats for women only, including weekend about a dozen volunteers, casting instructions and fishing in- under the direction of Randy Ar- formation. Some of these are for nold, have been preparing the banks graduates of the Casting for Recov- and corridors for stream habitat ery program, and are fully enrolled work. already. Rock has been delivered for the — Tom Henderson second season of work on the upper Lakeshore Chapter

Lakeshore Chapter is planning a Our scheduled Onion River work very busy Spring schedule. Our days will be the first two Saturdays planned project for stream restora- in April. Our big push for cutting tion work below County Highway U shrubs/invasives will be on Saturday, is scheduled for this summer. We May 17. The Southeast Chapter will Cheryl Ostrow decided to do this later in the year be lending a helping hand, and we because that section of the stream look forward to anyone else wanting A FUTURE TROUTER WITH FOCUS will be much easier to work with to join in! We will meet at the Coun- Green Bay TU Chapter President, Randy Rake teachesthe art of fly tying to an once it gets a little drier, given all ty Highway E Bridge at 8 a.m. on all intrigued future trouter at Cabela’s Spring Outdoor Days on March 1. the snow this winter. scheduled work days. April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 15 Chapter News

Following all work days we plan Lakeshore TU is hosting its an- quently asked questions about larly brings a number of friends with to have a barbecue and some basic nual TU banquet at City Lights in equipment, logistics, accommoda- him to our events and they make casting/fishing techniques for any- Manitowoc on Saturday March tions and surprises to expect along their presence known. Next up was one wishing you learn a little from 29. Silent raffles, a live auction and the way. It worked out especially Wayne Mudek, a long-standing vol- the vast group of fisherman that door prizes for kids are just part of well that Pat was the speaker, as he unteer in our habitat workdays, and know the Onion and surrounding the banquet. Fly boxes filled by was also our first award recipient. a regular at our chapter meetings. streams. Our work days usually last some great chapter tyers will also be Henry Koltz served as the Master of We could not do the things our until around noon or 1 p.m., so be part of the auction. It's a really good Ceremonies for the award presenta- chapter does without members such sure to bring a rod for the afternoon time and always fun to catch up with tions and was ably supported by as Wayne. Last but not least, Dave hatch! what is going on with the chapter. Josh Radlein. Awards were present- Menke was also recognized for his For any information on the On- Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. ed to five additional individuals for numerous contributions. It is rare ion River and our work day sched- For more information please call their various contributions. when a workday does not include ule, contact Jeff Preiss at 920-208- Jeff or Gordy at the above numbers. Pat has always generously donat- Dave. He is also a regular volunteer 1135, or Gordy Martin at 920-876- — Gordy Martin ed his time and prizes for our fund- at our Project Healing Waters out- 3510. raising efforts. This is the ultimate ings. example of a win:win relationship December begins to slow down Northwoods Chapter partner between a TU chapter and a for us, given the holiday season, but third party and we are very fortu- we remain active. Greg Schick has We owe a great deal of thanks to We look forward to hosting three nate to have him. Next up was Erik organized a group of our members Greg Matzke and Steve AveLalle- workdays this summer in partner- Helm of Orvis. Erik has been the who meet twice a month at an area mant from the Wisconsin DNR for ship with the Wisconsin DNR. The driving force behind the Orvis Fly community center to tie flies and ex- their recent presentations to our dates and locations of these work- Fishing 101 sessions, in which par- change tips. Many of us are guilty of chapter on Trout Biology and Man- days have not yet been determined. ticipants receive a one-year mem- relying too much on a few patterns, agement 101 and Beaver Manage- The 40th Annual Conservation bership to TU. This past year, we so here we learn to tie what others ment, respectively. Banquet will be in September at added nearly 150 new members consider their “go to” patterns, and On Monday, May 12 we will host Holiday Acres Resort in Rhineland- through this program. He has also maybe expand our horizons in the a Cook-out & Casting event plus er. Stay tuned for the exact date. been a lead instructor at our annual process. Our last workday of the cal- chapter elections at Trees for To- Finally, our chapter is currently casting clinic. endar year was held on Saturday, morrow from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Chap- attempting to revive a Project Heal- We also recognized four of our December 14. We worked in our ter leaders who know a thing or two ing Waters program at the VA Med- members for their contributions. home waters on Scuppernong Creek about casting will be on hand to ical Center in Iron Mountain. We Pete Pritzlaff was recognized for his with the DNR, including Fisheries help improve your casting and cook are seeking volunteers to help this many contributions in the areas of Biologist Ben Heussner and his you a brat. All we ask in return is spring and summer to join in Iron education and outreach and as a do- team. We installed biologs and that you help select the future lead- Mountain to get wounded veterans nor of extraordinary handmade brush bundles to redirect stream ers of Northwoods Trout Unlimited hooked on fly fishing. If think you trout nets to our chapter, the state flow and increase velocity to scour (or become one yourself). might be interested in lending a council and this year, to the TU Na- the stream bottom and enhance On Saturday, June 28 we will hand, please contact me at the e- tional meeting. Dr. M. Scott Connor habitat. Special thanks to Ray Weiss host a Family Fly Fishing Fair at mail address below to learn more. was recognized for his contribu- and Jim Wierzba, who lead our ef- Trees for Tomorrow. This is a new- To receive more frequent up- tions to our fund-raising efforts. He forts, and to Henry Koltz and Rick and-improved rendition of our dates from the Northwoods TU is an avid fisherman who also regu- Frye who organize our traditional Youth Conclave, and we encourage Chapter, please “like” us on Face- the entire family to attend, not just book at facebook.com/Northwoods- the kids! All ages are welcome to TU or contact me at join us to learn how to better cast, [email protected] to identify bugs, tie knots and tie flies. sign-up for our e-newsletter. Registration is required. Contact — Laura Macfarland Terry at [email protected] to register. Oconto River Chapter

The Chapter has added an addi- ported that prizes were already be- tional school district for its Trout in ing accumulated. Letters will soon the Classroom participants. The be sent to past banquet participants. “eyed” eggs have hatched and stu- Ticket information is available from dents are seeing the progression of Mitch Meunier at True Value in Gil- the fry. We added Suring High lett (920-855-2844). School in November. Students at The chapter is seeking young Oconto, Lena, Gillett and Suring people from the Oconto River area School Districts are feeding the fish to attend the environmental camps and monitoring water conditions. offered by UW–Stevens Point. Vari- The school coordinators that in- ous camps for ages 7-18 are offered. Mike Kuhr clude this project in their curricu- An application is available from lum include Lara Nichols at Oconto, Moni Brunner at 920-855-6669. PREPARING TIC TANKS Roberta Windus at Lena, Greg Campers will be announced at the Zeitler at Gillett and Sean Wagner chapter banquet April 24. In February SEWTU launched their “Trout in the Classroom” program in two at Suring. We are making plans to partici- schools in the Milwaukee area. Patrick Koney, who teaches second grade at The Chapter’s “member of the pate in DNR and USFS work days the Trowbridge School of Discovery and Technology in Milwaukee, and year” for 2013 was awarded to Pete in our area. Members will work with SEWTU’s Rick Frye (right) set up a TIC tank. Vanderwegan. Pete has worked on Green Bay and Wolf River Chapters habitat projects, Trout in the Class- placing brush bundles, rocks and brat fry after the work is completed. week series of fly-tying sessions room setup at the Oconto County logs to improve habitat. Dates and Our last chapter meeting of the hosted by Cabela’s, another of our Fair. He also attends most monthly work locations will be published in calendar year also serves as our corporate partners. They provide meetings. He even fished with Dr. the chapter newsletter. Holiday Party and member gift ex- the location and tying materials and Bob and has tied flies with him. We hold chapter meetings change. This was held on Tuesday, collect the sign ups. Each session Congratulations to Pete on winning monthly (excluding May & Novem- December 17. In lieu of an outside was attended by twenty or more this prestigious award. ber) on the first Wednesday of each speaker, we use this evening to view novice fly tyers. SEWTU provides The banquet committee is pre- month at the Lone Oak Gun Club one or more fly fishing films and en- the fly tying instructors. Special paring for the annual fundraising just north of Gillett at 7 p.m. joy each other’s company. The room thanks to Al Dalphonso who leads banquet set for April 24, 2014 at — Dale Halla typically resounds with cries of “Eat this effort, as well as Herb Oechler, Romy’s Holiday Inn at Kelly Lake. It” as the fish in the films do their Rick Frye, Ron Wojak, Ben Traucht, Banquet Chair Dan Sumnicht re- part to keep us motivated in the off Jim Folda, and Jim Wierzba who season. This year we also asked our helped instruct, and Chuck Beeler Southeastern Wisconsin Chapter members to bring non-perishable who coordinates with Cabela’s. food items to the meeting. A signifi- On Saturday, January 18 nearly Our chapter remained active ing individuals and recognize their cant number of items were collected three dozen of our members made throughout the winter months. Our contributions to Trout Unlimited and donated to a local food pantry the trip to Madison to support the regular monthly chapter meetings and our chapter. The November for those less fortunate. Southern TU Chapter’s Ice Break- shifted to the Thunder Bay Grill as meeting also sees the return of Pat January is probably our slowest er event. I believe a number of the our previous meeting site was a ca- Ehlers of The Fly Fisher as our fea- month in terms of activities, but outstanding raffle prizes made the sualty to real estate development/ tured speaker. This year Pat gave a each of our committees does meet return trip to Milwaukee and every- progress. At our November meeting presentation on remote fishing trips that month to plan the year’s sched- one learned much from the guest we present award plaques to deserv- that provided real insight into fre- ules. On January 15 we began a six- speakers Pat Ehlers and Kelly Gal- Page 16 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 Chapter News loup. The chance to learn new was a special raffle of a Loomis rod, stream habitat. We’d love to have you able to have a table, raffle off a fly nymph- and streamer-fishing tactics Lamson reel and Rio line, as well as join us, so check the calendar or rod and share the TU story with was much appreciated and lead to other prizes that were donated by newsletter at swtu.org for informa- scores of coldwater lovers who hadn’t healthy debate during many car Pat and SEWTU. All proceeds from tion. yet heard it. It was a wonderful night rides home that day. Our January that raffle directly benefit the SEW- While we haven’t been out hack- of film, laughter and increased mem- chapter meeting was held January TU chapter and more than $2,000 ing brush, our conservation efforts bership. 28. Our guest speaker was David was raised that night. have been at a fever pitch over the Be sure to check out our newslet- Fowler, a senior project manager for We are looking forward to our discovery of New Zealand mudsnails ter and online chapter calendar at the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewer- chapter’s first ever Womens’ Initia- in Black Earth Creek. We’ve reached www.swtu.org. There you’ll find all of age District. Prior to joining tives to be hosted in partnership out to the DNR and county officials, our activities and events, including MMSD, David was a fisheries biolo- with Orvis. These events, March 12, brought experts in to talk about it, details of our Annual Casting Clinic. gist in the State of Michigan for March 26 and April 29, will intro- educated our members on proper It’s set for Saturday, April 12 at Sal- over 20 years. He provided an inter- duce women to fly fishing and TU’s gear cleaning, and promoted volun- mo Pond (Hwy. 14, west of Cross esting education on water tables and conservation mission. The events teers to go gather stream samples or Plains). It’s free and everyone is in- runoff. He also brought us up to will be held at the Orvis store in the help examine them. vited to come learn about casting, speed on the work MMSD is doing Bayshore Mall from 5-6:30 p.m. A new local event was a big suc- bugs, gear, reading the water and to remove obstacles on the Each woman who attends a session cess, as the Fly Fishing Film Tour more! Menomonee River, which will open will receive a free one-year mem- came to town on January 6. We were — Drew Kasel nearly another 30 miles of this river bership to TU, courtesy of Orvis. In system to anadromous fish runs. addition to gaining fly fishing Nearly 80 members and guests at- knowledge, they will get a chance to tended this presentation despite network with other like-minded in- very cold weather. We made a spe- dividuals. Special thanks to Heidi cial effort to get guests to this meet- Oberstadt of TU and Jen Ripple of ing and more than 10 new Dun Magazine, who will attend the individuals joined us that evening. It first evening. They have both been was a great start to a new year. very helpful to us as we planned the February started with a bang as events. many of our members made the Our March chapter meeting will journey to Oshkosh on February 1 be on March 25 at the Thunder Bay to participate in the State Council Grille. Erik Helm, fishing depart- meeting and fund-raising banquet. ment manager at Orvis, will give a The trip was especially important as presentation on spey casting tech- one or our chapter members, Ivan niques and their applicability to Nohavica was an award recipient in Wisconsin fishing. Our April meet- recognition of his many contribu- ing will be April 22, and Ann Miller tions. Special thanks to Ivan for all will present “Understanding Hatch- he does. es: The Key to Better Fly Fishing”. The Cabela’s fly-tying sessions The presentation will focus on how continued and the series ended on insect hatches are associated with an February 19. Also in February we assortment of variables, with an em- launched our “Trout In the Class- phasis on habitat. Ann will also have room” program in two schools in copies of her book “Hatch Guide the Milwaukee area. Special thanks for Upper Midwest Streams” avail- to Boyd Roessler, Rick Frye and able at the meeting. Mike Kuhr. As we look further into calendar On February 25 we hosted an- year 2014, we have much to keep us other very well attended chapter occupied. Our Habitat Committee meeting. Our guest speaker was has already laid out a schedule that Chris Willen, owner and lead guide will include eight workdays. The big of Musky Country Outfitters. He event in the spring is our joint effort gave an outstanding presentation on with Pat Ehlers and The Fly Fisher fishing for musky with a fly rod and to put together a unique, showcase the questions kept coming well after event. We will be bringing Tim Ra- his formal presentation ended. At jeff to Milwaukee on May 14. Many this meeting we once again hosted of you may know his background as many first-time attendees, as many a champion competitive caster and of our members brought their his role as a fishing host on OLN. musky-fishing friends along that He also is the owner of the Echo evening. We also recognized Mike Rod company and the North Ameri-

Kuhr for his past leadership of our can distributor of Airflo fly lines. Berge Dick Project Healing Waters initiative We expect this event will generate ANOTHER FUTURE TYER AND TROUTER and formally transitioned responsi- tremendous interest and will open bility to George Batcha. attendance up to our fellow chap- Jim Emerson of the Wild Rivers Chapter oversees the development of a new In February SEWTU launched ters. Please watch for more details fly, and a new fly tyer, at a recent chapter event. its "Trout in the Classroom" pro- in the future. gram in two Milwaukee-area For information about these up- schools.Special thanks to Boyd coming events and other activities Wild Rivers Chapter Roessler, Rick Frye and Mike Kuhr. within our chapter, please visit our March sees a significant upswing website at www.sewtu.org. If you Wild Rivers chapter members The Expo/Auction featured in our activities. A number of volun- would like to receive SEWTU email held fly tying sessions in January speakers, artists, guides, fly tyers, fly teers manned our table at Cabela’s alerts with details associated with and February at the Northern Great casters, and other events. The auc- during their Great Outdoors event. our events, please contact us at sus- Lakes Visitor Center near Ashland. tion along, with the raffle is our March 5 saw the return of the Fly [email protected]. If you get involved, The sessions were open to the pub- chapter’s yearly fundraiser. We have Fishing Film Tour, sponsored by Pat we can guarantee you will make a lic, but the main objective was to tie some major culvert projects in the Ehlers and The Fly Fishers. More difference, have fun and meet and flies to raffle and auction off at our planning for this next year and hope than 250 individuals participated in make new friends who will share March fundraiser at the Wesleyan for a successful event. a night of short films, while Pat and their knowledge and help you iden- Church in Hayward. — Dick Berge his partners provided a significant tify future fishing destinations. Tight number of raffle prizes to keep peo- Lines. Wisconsin Clear Waters Chapter ple on their toes. Of special note — Jim Wierzba The Wisconsin early catch and WI Clear Waters TU nominated Southern Wisconsin Chapter release season is open and unfortu- three individuals for State TU nately it is nearly impossible to find awards this year and all three were SWTU started the year with a Milwaukee also shared a unique open water to fish. Chapter Mem- accepted. Todd Mau, the NRCS fabulous, fun and educational Ice- perspective on “Becoming a Better bers attended the TU State Council agent from Buffalo County was giv- breaker event. This is our biggest Predator with a Fly Rod.” Banquet on February 1, 2014 and en the “Resource Professional fundraiser of the year and we wel- Normally, we would be bragging the proposed changes to the trout Award”, Al Noll and Rick Bauer comed visitors from across the Mid- that the cold and snow depth did not regulations were discussed. One of were given the “Certificate of Ap- west. Our featured speaker, Kelly affect our stream workdays, but not the changes was to move the catch preciation Award”. We are very for- Galloup, talked about “Technical this winter. We’ve shifted a few of and release opener to January 1. It’s tunate to have such talented Nymping” and “Streamers,” shar- them to the coming months, which hard to imagine fishing that early in individuals who are members of this ing very interesting and new per- means more upcoming opportuni- the year given the variability of our chapter. spectives on both. Pat Ehlers of ties to lend a hand and improve weather in western Wisconsin. The January and February chap- April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 17 ter meeting featured Driftless Area some tenting sites (#14-17) and still Wisconsin River Valley Chapter guides as speakers. Our two remain- stay within close proximity to all the ing chapter meetings for the season beer coolers. Generally, meals are WRVTU has been busy setting up $345. Sponsor tables include six are March 20 and April 20. Wildlife on your own, but once we determine logistics with the DNR on Prairie event tickets, 30 bucket-raffle tickets artist Scott Zoellick will speak at who will attend, there may be op- and Rib River projects. Discussions and six drink tickets. Our bucket raf- our March meeting. Our April portunities to plan meals together. and preliminaries for work on the fles will include sports- and outdoor- meeting is one we always look for- If the weather is nice, plan for eve- Prairie River in 2015 have been ap- related items, but also a “handy-per- ward to. DNR personnel will discuss ning campfires and hopefully anoth- proved by the board and are being son” bucket, a “child’s” bucket with trout-shocking surveys on a number er group trout fry on Friday night. If submitted to the DNR. A proposed Lego kits and assorted items, and of area streams. anyone has questions or hasn’t at- “float” on the Rib River is in the even items for the ladies. Special gun Our annual funding raising ban- tended before, please call 715-579- works. Chapter leaders and DNR of- raffles will also be provided, as well quet is 6 p.m., Thursday, April 24 at 6795 or email Tim Meyer at apach- ficials will look for areas in need of as silent and live auctions. Our big- the Clarion Hotel in Eau Claire. [email protected]. improvements. We are excited about ticket item is a 9’ 9 wt. Sage 990-4 The card raffle prize is a 13-foot Instructor Jeff Bartynski has a the promise of stream improvements Method rod matched up with an Or- Wenonah Fusion Canoe. We will be pretty talented class of beginner fly on these watersheds and we’re ex- vis Large Arbor Clearwater reel, offering a number of live auction tiers for this year’s fly tying class at ploring future projects in our four- pre-loaded with 9 wt. line and back- items which include guided fishing Gander Mountain. They have pro- county area. ing. Talk about power! Please place trips by chapter members and area gressed from the Wooly Bugger, to a Our board has been very busy fi- your ticket order prior to April 22. nalizing plans for our upcoming 31st The chapter was recently featured guides. Come and join us for an en- beadhead nymph, and on to tying Conservation Banquet on May 1 at in a Wausau Daily Herald article ti- joyable evening. wings, hackles and bodies of dry the Hangar Lounge Bar/Restaurant tled “Cold delays start of trout sea- This chapter has aggressively flies. It always amazes me to see located within the VFW Post 388 son, frustrates anglers.” It can be pursued stream restoration projects. how some people are just naturally building. Doors open at 5 p.m., with found at this web link: http:// Thanks to strong grant writing skills, artistic. The first flies out of their dinner at 6:30 p.m. For tickets con- www.wisconsinoutdoorfun.com/arti- we were awarded a TU Embrace-A- vises look very good, have the right tact Betsey Hager at 715-848-3783 or cle/20140302/WDH04/303020019/ Stream grant and a Friends of Wis- proportions and will undoubtedly [email protected]. Tickets are $40 Delay-trout-season-has-fly-fishing- consin TU grant for 2014, for a total catch fish! Jeff does a superb job of each and 2/$75.00. Sponsor tables anglers-knots of $4,500. We have four stream proj- explaining the functionality of each are available on a first-come basis at — Patrick Esselman, Jr. ects scheduled for 2014, which in- fly they tie, and what set of fishing clude Waumandee Creek, Gilbert conditions each fly pattern is best Wolf River Chapter Creek, Sand Creek and Duncan suited sor. One class participant, Creek. We will also be funding wild Bob Amundson, is certainly not a On March 15 we held our gener- stand Memorial Day weekend at trout transfers, which we initiated in beginning fly tier, but Bob has been al membership meeting. Tim Waters Mike's Service Station in downtown 2013. Our stream enhancement ef- coming to this fly tying class for a (that's me) was elected president. Langlade, We'll be open all week- fort has been broadened to include number of years just for something It’s the first election I have won end, so stop by for a brat and our fa- outlying areas and we will be work- to do and a night out away from the since third-grade student council! mous home-made kraut. ing on the chapter-owned property house and the TV. Another past Andy Killoren, our previous presi- Our two work days have been set. in April. Other chapter workdays participant, Brian Moore, shows up dent, was elected vice president. Bill On Saturday June 21 we will work will be scheduled throughout the for every class to help Jeff with the Livingston, our previous vice presi- on Spring Creek, and on August 16 season. beginners and give more one-on- dent, was elected to fill the vacated we will work on Ninemile Creek. We This year’s Annual Driftless Ar- one assistance. It’s a good hobby, board member spot. Laurie Netzow are also planning a couple of explo- ea Trout Fishing Camping Trip May and this was one winter when a good was elected to fill George Rock's rations where suspected beaver ac- 15-18. Make your reservations at the hobby is a necessity. board position. George is the presi- tivity is occurring. Esofea-Rentz Memorial Park online — Bob Swanson dent of the White Lake Historical For details on any of our proj- as we did last year. Last year it Society, and Laurie writes and pub- ects, or contact information, please worked pretty well to have the lishes our newsletter. Welcome Lau- visit our web site at WolfRiver- campsites up near the park entrance rie and thank you, George. TU.org. and that way we could reserve some Andy will be running our brat — Tim Waters electric sites (#10-14) along with

Dan Grauer Wausau WI Dennis Presser Madison WI Jeanne Grodevant Tomahawk WI Randall Rake De Pere WI Roger Gustafson Iron River WI Carl Rasmussen Neenah WI Hugh Gwin Hudson WI Steve Robertson Verona WI John Halbrehder Sparta WI Michael San Dretto Neenah WI Stephen Hawk Madison WI Paul Schleif West Bend WI Ashton Hawk Madison WI Jeff Schmoeger Cottage Grove WI John Hawk New Holstein WI Daniel Schultz Appleton WI Bill Heart Ashland WI David Seligman Ripon WI Jan & Mark Heifner Appleton WI Chuck Sethness Land O’ Lakes WI Cline Hickok Hudson WI John Shillinglaw Madison WI Charles Hodulik Madison WI Jeffrey Smith Madison WI Andrew Holverson Wauwatosa WI Michael Spittler Minneapolis MN Mary & Doug Hudzinski Sun Prairie WI Charles Steudel Mineral Point WI Daniel Jansen DeForest WI Wayne Stockman Spring Valley WI Andrew & Victoria Jicha Green Bay WI Ann Tisdale Milwaukee WI William Jordan Appleton WI Robert Towns King WI Strong start for 2014 Chris Kerbaugh La Crosse WI Tim Van Volkinburg Whitefish Bay WI David Kinnamon Bayside WI Marten & Karen Voss Eau Claire WI Paul Mack New Richmond WI Dick Wachowski Eau Claire WI By Doug Brown Brian Madsen Ellsworth WI John Wahlers Berlin WI Maria Manion Minneapolis MN Donald Welhouse KaukaunaWI Kim McCarthy Green Bay WI Paul Wiemerslage HudsonWI The 2012-13 fundraising has come to an end and the response was To m M e r t e n s O n e i d a W I Steve Wilke MarinetteWI Gary Meuller Monona WI Dr. Donald Williams Fort AtkinsonWI amazing again this past year. WITU can't thank you enough. We raised Cris Meyer Middleton WI Dan Wisniewski MiddletonWI nearly $8,200, with 81 private donations and 5 donations from chapters. Mark Mille Milwaukee WI Eric Nelson Chili WI Kiap TU Wish TU Within the first few months of the 2014 campaign we have already Micheal Niemczyk Oshkosh WI WI ClearWaters TU Herb Oechler Wauwatosa WI Shaw-Paca TU exceeded all of last year's donations, and are nearing $9,000. Winston Ostrow De Pere WI Marinette Co. TU Your contributions go good use, as all grants are used solely for im- Jay Pare Mazomanie WI Wild Rivers TU proving access on Wisconsin streams. Thus far we have awarded four grants, helping to secure access to Pine Creek in Pepin County, the Kinnickinnic River in St. Croix County, and the White River in Waushara Here is my contribution of $100 County. The current grant request limit is $5,000. Because two chapters may each request for a single acquisition and each chapter would have or more to the Watershed Access Fund to match at 50%, the new limits would provide as much as $15,000 for a (Make your check payable to single purchase or easement. So for all you chapters looking for pur- “Wisconsin Trout Unlimited”) chase help, this should go a long ways. Another change is the match- ing 50% from the chapter can be in the form of volunteer hours to be MAIL TO: TU Watershed Access Fund applied against. Please consider a generous contribution to the 2014 % Doug Brown Watershed Access Fund. The need for access is critical for anglers to R4800 Timber Ln. continue their passion for trout fishing. Access is also critical for Trout Ringle, WI 54471 Unlimited to continue its successful stream improvement work.

Name 2012/13 Contributors Jason Anderson Mukwonago WI Tim & Anne Connor Fitchburg WI Address Dale Bakke Plover WI Thomas Crabb Monona WI Edwin Barnes Middleton WI Terry Cummings Rhinelander WI Carlton & Diana Beduhn Oshkosh WI Richard Duplessie Eau Claire WI City, State, Zip Blaine Biedermann Fitchburg WI Robert Feldman Mayville WI Barton & Colleen Blum Waupaca WI James Flesch Fox Point WI Stephen Born Madison WI Dan Geddes Appleton WI D. Scott & Linda Bruce Iron River WI Chuck Geiger Baileys Harbor WI Phone Will Burlington Madison WI Terry Geurkink Belleville WI Linda Buzzar DeForest WI Donald Grade Mosinee WI Page 18 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 DNR gearing up to acquire more easements The streambank protection goal most notable is the amount of time the Milwaukee River, and trout proaches enable managers to make for this biennium is to provide an- and expense that goes into apprais- streams of northeast Wisconsin. wise investments of limited staff and gling access and habitat protection ing the value of each easement. Be- financial resources. The selection of along many of our premier stream cause the DNR is the primary Driftless Area sub-watersheds to focus on in the fisheries. The DNR’s specific objec- purchaser of streambank ease- In the Driftless Area only 6.5 Driftless Area during 2014-2015 was tive is to purchase riparian ease- ments, nearly all of the comparable percent of the sub- watersheds have primarily based on this “report ments along 100 miles of stream sales of easements that appraisers more than 50 percent of their trout card.” during the next biennium. This will use to calculate the value of a spe- stream miles in public ownership. Goals for the Driftless Area are cost an estimated $6.3 million. Plans cific easement are other DNR pur- For nearly a third of the 325 sub-wa- to convert some of our red-ribbon are to use local implementation chases. This can lead to questions tersheds with trout streams, the only stream fisheries to blue-ribbon fish- teams, outreach efforts, coalition about the accuracy of the appraised public access is from roads. Accord- eries; improve public access and building and a streamlined acquisi- values and at times prolonged nego- ing to feedback from anglers, un- protect riparian habitat on some of tion process. tiations with landowners. Further, crowded settings and public shore our "weaker" blue-ribbon sub-water- The Bureaus of Fisheries Man- the cost of appraising an easement access are the two most important sheds; work with our partners on agement and Facility and Lands can approach the value of the ease- attributes which influence an an- white-ribbon stream rehabilitation have drafted a roadmap which de- ment, an illogical situation. Conse- gler’s “favorite fishing spot.” efforts. scribes how the DNR will adapt to quently, although a highly regarded The Driftless Area has a history Geographic choices in the Drift- the new Stewardship legislation and less Area involve a two-pronged ap- implement the Streambank Protec- proach. The first approach is to tion Program. This document out- acquire riparian habitat protection lines the changes needed for and secure angling access on many streamlining the transaction pro- of our outstanding performing fish- cess and developing local imple- eries (blue and red ribbon sub-wa- mentation teams with our partners tersheds). These blue and red to successfully accomplish our goal ribbon stream systems harbor abun- of providing angling access and pro- dant quality-sized trout, and fur- tecting habitat on many of our pre- thermore, are self-sustaining via mier streams. natural reproduction. Here, provid- History, Authority, Justification ing access is key. Since its inception in 1989, the Inexpensive management mea- Knowles-Nelson Stewardship pro- sures such as posting access signs gram has gone through various revi- and low-level landowner compli- sions reflecting changing ance monitoring are the primary constraints, opportunities and management costs, as little stream needs. The 2014-2015 budget made rehabilitation work is needed. The changes to the program, including a second approach is the selection of reduction in funding for land acqui- sub-watersheds where the DNR col- sitions and a cap on the amount of laborates with its many partners funding used for fee title acquisi- (TU, conservation clubs, county tions. Thus, the new acquisition pa- land conservation DNRs, Natural rameters for the program will Resources Conservation Service, require that the DNR adjusts its ap- etc.) in stream rehabilitation and ac- proach to land protection. quisition projects. These white rib- With the new funding level and bon rehabilitation sub-watersheds the requirement that only one-third are typically underperformers (sub- of acquisition funds be spent on fee par abundance of quality-size fish), title purchases, the DNR is adapting yet possess excellent habitat poten- how to most effectively apply Stew- tial and good resilience to the ef- ardship dollars to meet ongoing rec- fects of climate warming. reation and conservation goals. In particular, the DNR is assessing Milwaukee and Sheboygan what habitat and recreation priori- River area ties can be addressed using ease- Fisheries and Wildlife Manage- ments. One option is to re-energize ment field staff collaborated to se- the Streambank Easement (SBE) lect 11 sub-watersheds located program, which for a number of rea- primarily in Sheboygan, Ozaukee sons has seen declining acquisitions and Washington counties. Sub-wa- over the last 10 years. tershed selections were based on The SBE program was created in geographic interests of our partners, the original Stewardship legislation spatial connectivity, Streambank with the goal of protecting water FOCUS AREAS FOR DNR EASEMENT ACQUISITION Protection streams currently eligi- quality and fish habitat of streams The DNR will focus on three areas to obtain streambank easements during the ble, contemporary water quality/ considered highest priority for pro- next two years: Milwaukee and Sheboygan River area, northeastern streams habitat conditions, fisheries poten- tection from urban and agricultural tial, and threats of degradation of runoff. In February 1991 the NRB and the Driftless Area. Within those areas are priority watersheds, shown water quality caused by agricultural approved the initial list of 64 above. or urban runoff. streams covering almost 638 miles The focus area represents 25 per- in the southern and southeastern program, the amount of staff time of easement purchases by the DNR, cent of the analysis area. Two prima- part of the state, and an acreage au- and expense needed to see an ease- and our angling public supports the ry opportunities for partnership in thority of 10,205 acres. Shortly ment purchase through the whole use of Stewardship funds on ease- this focus area include: 1) Milwau- thereafter, in May 1991, the NRB real estate process has led to a de- ment acquisition. The DNR is de- kee Metropolitan Sewage District approved an additional 82 streams cline in easement acquisitions over veloping a master plan for more will be securing protection of ripari- and 679 miles in other parts of the time. than 200 of its properties, encom- an corridors as they implement their state. The primary goal of this effort is passing 35,000 acres along trout and Milwaukee River TMDL (in Ozau- The SBE program has been pop- to develop a streamlined appraisal smallmouth bass streams in the kee and Washington Counties); and ular with landowners and anglers. and acquisition process for stream- Driftless Area. 2) The Sheboygan River Area of Landowners enjoy the ability to sell bank easements so that the DNR As part of the planning process, Concern (AOC) project where nat- part of their rights in their property can acquire easements along 100 the DNR drafted an extensive back- ural resource damage assessment and in some cases get assistance miles of trout and smallmouth bass ground document (a “regional and funds may be used acquire riparian from the DNR or local conservation streams in this biennium. The DNR property analysis,” or RPA) describ- habitat protection and public access. clubs in restoring the stream corri- intends to construct an abbreviated ing the properties, habitat quality dor, while anglers enjoy access to easement valuation that will recog- and potential, the fisheries, and fu- Trout Streams of Northeast streams that provide high-quality nize the increased value to the pub- ture challenges in the Driftless Ar- Wisconsin experiences. In addition to fishing, lic of longer reaches of streams with ea. Information in the RPA ranges The Fisheries Management pro- the public can hike, watch wildlife, public access, the quality of fisheries from fish abundance to habitat qual- gram is in the process of recruiting a snowshoe and cross country ski. present, the market rate of land in ity to human population density. trout habitat coordinator for the From the DNR’s perspective, these the county, and other factors. With In an effort to present the infor- northeast Wisconsin. This position narrow easements are advantageous a simplified process in hand, the mation simply and consistently, will be located in Shawano. Forty because they are cost effective (the DNR also seeks to prioritize the wa- each watershed and sub-watershed percent of this person’s time will be DNR is only acquiring the relevant tersheds within which it will focus is evaluated for how well it “per- spent working with DNR real estate access and habitat management acquisition efforts and work with forms” for a particular metric, rela- agents in obtaining access and habi- rights) and, because the land re- partners on restoration projects. tive to the other watersheds and tat rights to trout resources in mains in private ownership, pay- sub-watersheds. These scores are northeast Wisconsin. ments-in-lieu-of-taxes (sometimes Geographic Emphasis then presented in a “report card” referred to as PILT) are not re- In consultation with the Bureaus format. Contemporary data on Local Implementation Teams quired. of Facilities and Lands and Wildlife sport-fisheries performance, com- Despite being a popular and ef- (LIT) Management, Fisheries Manage- bined with habitat models which de- Local implementation teams are fective program, some administra- ment has defined three primary ar- pict current and future fish species tive obstacles have led to a decline a critical element to the program’s eas of geographic emphases for the distributions, provides resource success. in the number of easements ac- biennium: trout and smallmouth managers with spatially powerful quired over the last decade. Maybe bass streams of the Driftless Area, tools. These science-based ap- Continued on p. 19 April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 19

Get your cleaning tools ready; Wader wash stations in Wisconsin NZ mudsnails are here to stay If you have traveled to the greater Yellowstone area to fish, you By Deborah Seiler, UW-Extension winter has made it challenging to might be familiar with wader wash stations being used in other parts survey other at-risk waterways in the of the country to help curtail the spread of invasive species. The River As the ice melts and trout an- state since the discovery. Alliance, Trout Unlimited, and the Wisconsin DNR have partnered to glers around the state head out to This makes cleaning precautions bring wader wash stations to Wisconsin. Seven wash stations have their favorite streams, many are also even more important. “We know we been built by Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited and Webelo (Boy packing a scrub brush and water jug have a great partner in trout an- Scouts) volunteers with financial support from the River Alliance, to give a new invasive snail the glers, who will be heading out Northwoods, Coulee Region, and Wild Rivers chapters to be placed brush-off. soon,” says Ferry. “We’re also get- Last October, the DNR con- ting the word out to other groups at the following fly shops before the 2014 fishing season. firmed the Midwest’s first ever in- like researchers, field staff and The Driftless Angler in Viroqua land discovery of a troublesome stream restoration companies.” Superior Fly Angler invasive species, the New Zealand Steve Wald, president of the mudsnail, in Black Earth Creek in Southern chapter of Trout Unlimit- The Hayward Flyfishing Company Dane County. The snails, which are ed, says that his members are ready We Tie It in Boulder Junction so tiny that they look like grains of to do what it takes. “We recognize sand, were found in one of the hun- that anglers can be a major vector The Orvis Store in Madison dreds of samples DNR’s biologists for invasive species, so we also feel a Fontana in Madison collect every year to track the health strong responsibility to prevent the These wash stations are easy to build and help raise the profile of of Wisconsin waters. spread,” says Wald. “We believe in a New Zealand mudsnails are a strong connection between enjoy- invasive species among anglers. If your chapter is interested in build- potentially harmful aquatic invasive ing and protecting the resources.” ing and maintaining a wash station, contact Laura MacFarland, River species (AIS) that first arrived in the DNR decontamination specialist Alliance of Wisconsin, at [email protected] or 608- United States in the late 1980s and Erin Vennie-Vollrath says anglers 257-2424, ext. 110 for more information. quickly spread through western will need to use different cleaning streams – often on the techniques for mud- waders and gear of snails than they may minutes. Virkon is a chemical that Volunteers are also joining the recreational stream have for other invasive kills the mudsnails but does not search. “We recognize that harm gear. Vennie-Vollrath says “Our partner groups in the Drift- users. Known to grow anglers can be a species. “They’re hard at densities of up to to see and they like to that, on field days, DNR biologists less Area have really been leading 500,000 per square major vector for cling,” explains Ven- now keep a covered tub of the solu- the charge,” says Deborah Seiler, an meter, the snails have invasive species, so nie-Vollrath. “They’re tion in their vehicles for a quick and invasive species outreach specialist potential to harm na- we also feel a also able to close easy way to soak their waders in be- with UW-Extension. “Whether it’s tive food webs and themselves into their tween stream sites. A second jug or building a wash station or sharing strong responsibility spray bottle of clean tap water lets the word with their clubs and trout fisheries. to prevent the shell with a special AIS Monitoring trap door called an them rinse off the chemical before friends, the response has just been Specialist Maureen spread.” operculum.” entering a new stream. phenomenal. Even though a new in- Ferry says that biolo- This trait makes Since the snails’ discovery last vader like this can be discouraging, gists can’t predict the mudsnails resistant to October, Ferry has been heading a the big picture view is that Wiscon- impact mudsnails will common cleaners like rapid response team that includes sin citizens have kept hundreds have in Wisconsin’s waterways. bleach and ammonia, as well as able experts and stakeholders from more invasive species out of our While in some western streams to survive up to 26 days out of water DNR, the UW-Extension, River Al- lakes and rivers by making it a prior- they’ve been harmful, in others they if they are in a cool, damp environ- liance of Wisconsin, Trout Unlimit- ity to clean their gear and boats,” ed, Dane County, Southwest Badger says Seiler. “We can take these have had minimal impact, or the ment. Sometimes, mudsnails can even survive passage through a fish Conservation District and addition- snails in stride.” snail populations have crashed after al government and university ex- To learn more about New Zea- an initial boom. gut. Also, because the snails repro- duce asexually, just one snail can perts. land mudsnails and prevention, visit “Until we learn more, we want to In addition to creating cleaning http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/invasives/ be on the safe side,” says Ferry. start a new population. Fortunately, most mudsnails and guidelines and an outreach plan, the fact/newzmsnail2012.html. If you “We’ve identified some cleaning team has put together a monitoring are interested in getting involved, methods that work and are asking their tiny young can be removed from waders and other gear with strategy to survey more than 100 at- please contact Jeannie Scherer at everyone who gets in and out of the risk water access points this spring – (608) 275-3283 for outreach oppor- water to take a few minutes and vigorous scrubbing and rinsing with clean tap water. To ensure no snails as soon as the ice melts – to deter- tunities or Kris Stepenuck at (608) scrub off.” Ferry says that although mine if the New Zealand mudsnails 264-8948 for citizen monitoring op- Black Earth Creek has the only con- are missed, gear can be soaked in a 2 percent Virkon solution for 20 are present anywhere else in Wis- portunities. firmed population, thick ice this consin. The state’s Water Action DNR plans team approach to spur easement purchases Continued from previous page recommended materials, and time- residential properties within the tar- Outreach Partnership with The use of implementation lines will be developed to assist get area. Once the sales study is Trout Unlimited teams is recognition that a multifac- teams in their acquisition efforts. complete, the DNR will evaluate The DNR hopes to collaborate eted team approach involving part- the information and specific circum- with TU chapters on implementa- nerships with Trout Unlimited and Easement Valuation stances that will influence easement tion and outreach, such as forming other conservation clubs, Conserva- The DNR’s real estate staff in- values within the target area. De- local coalitions, advertisements and tion Congress, local landowner ad- tends to replace the conventional pending on the circumstances, the billboards, newsletters, hosting vocates, and county staff will be appraisal process with an abbreviat- DNR will establish a base value for open-house meetings, creating land- most successful in reaching our ed methodology for establishing an all easements within the target area owner testimonial videos, and train- offering price for streambank ease- using a front foot unit of measure- ing outreach methods to TU easement acquisition goal. Initially ment or the DNR will establish a volunteers. there will be eight local implemen- ments. Traditionally, the DNR has hired contract appraisers to write formula for determining the value tation teams statewide. As acquisi- appraisals that determined fair mar- for each individual easement using Conversion of limited-term tion in existing focus areas cease ket value or an offering price for the the comparable sales study as the easements to permanent and new focus areas are defined, potential purchase of streambank basis for the valuation. easements this number may change. easements from willing sellers. The Landowners will be contacted by Statewide, anglers have enjoyed DNR staff will be appointed as DNR anticipates encountering a core work team members to deter- the benefits of non-profit conserva- team leaders and primary contacts. high volume of applicants through mine individual landowner interest tion organizations’ and counties’ They will include a combination of this new initiative and the DNR’s re- in selling a streambank easement past efforts to also establish fishing- fisheries biologists, real-estate per- al estate staff recommends develop- within the target area. Any land- access easements. These are often sonnel and possibly fisheries techni- ing an abbreviated valuation owner that expresses interest will be limited-term easements (20 years) cians. They will be responsible for process. encouraged to complete a short ap- which eventually lapse. The DNR recruiting external partners to the Under this new streambank ease- plication with assistance from a core will collaborate with our non-profit team, assigning team tasks, and in- ment initiative, target areas for pro- work team member. This applica- conservation organizations (NCOs) suring open lines of communication posed purchase of stream bank tion would contain specific details and county partners to contact ease- through regular meetings of team easements have been identified on the nature of the proposed ease- ment holders who are near the end members. External partnership will across the state. Prior to contacting ment which will be specific to each of their easement term. These land- not be limited and will include a va- landowners within these target ar- landowner. This will allow the DNR owners often view conservation pro- riety of entities. eas, the DNR proposes to complete to capture the unique characteristics grams favorably and may be willing Local Implementation Teams a sales study of the target area. This of each potential purchase and to sell a permanent easement to the will be responsible for the develop- study could be completed by DNR make valuation judgments based on DNR. ment and implementation of out- staff or by a contract appraiser using the sales study and the unique cir- This information was compiled reach methods, maintaining contact comparable sales data or other mar- cumstances of each transaction. The from several DNR documents. For with landowners, and finalizing ne- ket-based information (listings, re- final offering price would be de- more information on the DNR’s gotiations for stream bank ease- cent DNR purchases, local tailed in a brief valuation memo that streambank easement program con- ments within their assigned focus assessment information) to deter- would be completed by the real es- tact Paul.cunningham@Wiscon- area. Guidance outlining the acqui- mine an average land value for rec- tate program. sin.gov. sition process, negotiation protocol, reational, agricultural and Page 20 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 Pros, cons and otherwise in the new farm bill By Brett Lorenzen than being sent back to the Trea- ments are made to these entities. geted, but not critical, area. We ex- sury. The bill also reduces the in- Once again, if we want to ensure pect them to announce the critical Since 1985, the farm bill has rep- come eligibility limit for farm bill that appropriate levels of funding areas in April or May. resented our nation’s commitment conservation programs to $900,000 are devoted to biological practices Unfortunately, the final bill does to helping farmers conserve natural ($1.8 million for married couples fil- over steel and cement, conserva- not direct NRCS to prioritize RCPP resources through public investment ing separately) while removing both tionists will need to monitor Natural projects that address rural develop- in conservation on private agricul- the previous distinctions between Resource Conservation Service ment and conservation goals simul- tural (and forested) lands. The 2014 farm and non-farm sources of in- (NRCS) spending and keep the taneously, nor does it authorize Farm Bill Conservation Title in come and the possibility of a waiver. pressure on to maintain funding bal- NRCS to use RCPP to help produc- large part renews this commitment, While the final farm bill does es- ance. ers mitigate and adapt to climate and has been widely hailed by con- change. Perhaps most disappoint- servation groups as a major reform ing is the fact that the new RCPP effort. language does not allow the secre- But much of that excitement is tary to offer cooperative agreements muted once you look at the details. through RCPP to partner organiza- For the first time since 1985, the tions that want to provide technical new farm bill reduces overall fund- assistance and expertise to produc- ing for conservation programs. ers through a partnership project. Worse, most of the cuts that were Instead, partners will have to apply made bore heavily on programs that for a cooperative agreement sepa- fund Midwest restoration efforts, rately and sequentially rather than and our trout streams in particular being able to request and receive were largely traded away for conser- this support through the project vation wins elsewhere. proposal process. This restriction is In the big picture, the final bill inequitable, and means that poten- directly cuts Conservation Title tial partners will withhold their pro- funding by roughly $4 billion over 10 posals because they do not know years, and that number increases to whether they will be able to get sup- $6.1 billion under the automatic se- port for technical assistance (i.e., questration process (that was not FARM BILL CUTS COULD AFFECT PROJECT FUNDING TU will still not be able to collect changed or modified by the farm payment for staff time dedicated to bill). Overall, conservation funding In the new farm bill, conservation funding that pays for such things as stream delivering government-funded proj- bore 20 percent of the overall farm restoration bore 20 percent of the overall cuts, despite being only about 7 ects). bill cuts, despite being only about 7 It is also possible that the Great percent of total funding. While Lakes could benefit from these there are some wins in the bill, they tablish a permanent funding base- Regional Conservation changes, but that is yet to be seen. are offset by the losses we’ll experi- line for ACEP, the tradeoff is that Partnership Program Congress never showed the level of ence locally. the overall funding level for the In recent years, the USDA has commitment to the lake program three underlying programs is barely placed an increased emphasis on that was necessary, and agriculture A Closer Look at Conservation half what it was in the last farm bill targeting funds and building public- has grown to replace heavy industry Funding cycle. At the very least, we hope the private partnerships. Our own Drift- as the biggest threat to the lakes. When looking at the Farm Bill new program will make it easier for less Area Landscape Conservation While it still isn’t the comprehensive from the “trout perspective,” two NRCS staff to understand and pro- Initiative is one such program (un- approach we need, at least the US- questions must be asked. What mote conservation options, and that der the Cooperative Conservation DA will have the potential to better funding is there to support, encour- we’ll see more consistency in leasing Partnership Initiative (CCPI)), as target what little money is available age and conduct restoration work? approaches that lay groundwork for are the more formal Chesapeake at problems throughout the region, What policies and funding are likely greater reforms in 2019. Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI) and coordinate them with other ef- to increase existing pressures on and Great Lakes Conservation Ini- forts. streams and rivers? We also then EQIP and WHIP tiative (GLCI). It was expected that have to look at what was promised The Environmental Quality In- they would formalize these pro- CRP for the five-year bill, and what Con- centives Programs (EQIP) and grams in the new bill. While the Conservation Reserve gress actually funds annually. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program The resulting Regional Conser- Program does not fund stream res- It’s impossible to cover the whole (WHIP) are the largest source of vation Partnership Program (RCPP) toration, it has an obvious impact on farm bill, but I will focus on the key funding for private land restora- is the result of a consolidation of water quality. Many of our worst programs that affect trout streams. tion, and are programs TUDARE CCPI and the Agricultural Water- problems start in the uplands, and leverages heavily. Going into the shed Enhancement Program CRP pays to take marginal and Easement Programs process, the primary debates related (AWEP), along with the CBWI and highly-erodible land out of produc- If there was one big wish for the to our regional work centered on in- GLCI. The new program retains tion. farm bill, it was that Congress would creasing funding for organic farms baseline funding from CBWI and The list of wins for CRP is very place greater emphasis on easement that want to undertake conservation AWEP, both of which had perma- short. Of the 24 million acres fund- programs, particularly permanent efforts; reducing the amount of EQ- nent funding from the 2008 Farm ed, it establishes a two-million acre easements, to make better use of IP money going to irrigation and Bill. In addition to this baseline, like reservation for grassland acres, with taxpayer money and ensure more CAFO projects (nearly 40 percent its predecessor, CCPI, the program a focus on renewing expiring con- permanence in our conservation ef- of EQIP funds are spent on irriga- pulls funding from other existing tracts. It also allows for a seamless forts. The USDA and Farm Services tion equipment and waste storage conservation programs, referred to transition from CRP to other con- Agency (FSA) managed almost a facilities for concentrated animal in the statute as “covered pro- servation programs. In a small win, dozen individual easement pro- feeding operations); capping the to- grams.” it adds riparian buffers to the list of grams, such as the Wetlands Re- tal payments for an individual pro- As with CCPI, the list of covered conservation practices for which serve and the Grasslands Reserve. ducer for a given year; and programs includes EQIP and the producers may receive incentive These programs place specific types protecting the funding for wildlife- Conservation Stewardship Program payments. However, it does not add of critical resources into 25- to 40- specific work in light of the WHIP (CSP). RCPP now also pulls funding contour strips, wildlife habitat buf- year easements to ensure perma- program being eliminated. from the conservation easement fers, shallow water areas for wildlife, nency. A greater focus on ease- The wins for EQIP include a five programs, allowing the potential for windbreaks, shelterbelts, or wet- ments would have an obvious percent funding floor for WHIP as more comprehensive projects. The land buffers, all of which are equally impact on our restoration potential. it is rolled into the EQIP program. final farm bill dictates that seven needed and would greatly benefit The final farm bill combines the The bill cuts EQIP funding only percent of funding for covered pro- our work. existing easement programs into the slightly, but nearly that entire cut grams be reserved for RCPP. This is The 2014 Farm Bill ratchets new Agricultural Conservation comes from the consolidation of on top of the $100 million-per-year down CRP’s total acreage cap over Easement Program (ACEP). The WHIP into EQIP. That means the baseline that is transferred from five years from its current level of 32 bill authorizes USDA to give priori- entire cut came from programs of AWEP and CBWI. million acres to 24 million acres. ty to land that is expiring from CRP, the greatest benefit to restoration The farm bill provides increased While this tracks market trends, it is and establishes a permanent fund- projects. flexibility to shape regional pro- still two million acres less than is al- ing baseline for the new combined Unfortunately, the bill makes no grams to meet local needs, and allo- ready enrolled in the program. The program. This means that if Con- changes to the Organic Initiative, cates 25 percent of total RCPP savings from reducing CRP acreage gress fails to pass a new farm bill maintaining a separate payment funding to states. USDA national was used to fund the new ACEP five years from now, wetland and limit of $80,000 per contract (and headquarters is allocated 40 per- easement program. grassland conservation efforts will burdensome administrative require- cent, and the remaining 35 percent Unfortunately, the farm bill does not once again be stranded without ments). This lack of reform is an in- is to be allocated for projects in des- not include an acreage reservation funding to enroll new acres. The fi- sult to organic producers, given that ignated Critical Conservation Ar- to protect the sensitive CRP acres nal farm bill also reduces the wait- the final farm bill increases the pay- eas. The bill directs USDA to that are enrolled through the con- ing period to become eligible for ment limit for general EQIP from establish no more than eight of tinuous CRP (which is the best wetland easements from seven years $300,000 to $450,000 per contract. these areas, but leaves it to the de- funding approach for stream corri- to two years. As a result, large CAFOs and farms partment to determine what those dors). USDA currently enrolls In addition, “no-year” money, expanding irrigated acres are likely areas will be. It is expected that the roughly 20.5 percent of CRP acres meaning any mandatory funds not to walk away with even more of the Great Lakes and MRBI locally will through the continuous sign up, used in a particular year, will remain total funding. The bill includes no become formal critical areas, and which provides more permanent within the Title for later use, rather reforms at all to how or when pay- the Driftless will likely remain a tar- habitat. It’ll be up to conservation April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 21 groups to keep the pressure on the drainage occurred are weak (if they annual “overhead” for their work Annual Appropriations USDA to maintain, and ideally im- exist at all). The statutory language selling policies (remember, TU gets And, finally, the biggest un- prove, that balance. The final bill al- remains focused on total benefits nothing for selling conservation known is whether Congress and the so made no progress at all toward and values, however, so hopefully projects to farmers.). If the insur- President will even fund what they creating a much-needed long-term USDA will follow normal rules and ance programs save taxpayer mon- pledged. While some of the most easement option within CRP. ignore the contradictory report lan- ey with more efficiency, they are important farm bill money is “man- guage. allowed to keep it. They are still datory” spending The Opposing Forces The bill grandfathers in produc- guaranteed over a bil- (meaning it is budget- ers who destroyed wetlands previ- lion dollars in annual As with most multi-faceted gov- ed in advance each ously, and they will be able to profits, and, if they ev- year), it is generally ernment bills, the biggest threats to With WHIP gone, receive crop insurance subsidies er lose money in a giv- habitat benefits limited to the ease- conservation usually aren’t what you without having to mitigate prior en year, taxpayers will ment programs (Con- get or don’t get for conservation ef- wetland drainage. And one of the cover the costs for alone are no longer gress has to pay annual forts, it’s what others get or don’t more cringe-worthy provisions says them. a strong pitch (for costs of easements al- get to subsidize the activities that producers who receive subsidized stream restoration ready signed). But lead to the need for conservation ef- crop insurance are required to self- Congressional funding). much of the restora- forts in the first place. In this re- certify that they are in compliance Math tion-related funding spect, the 2014 Farm Bill did us very with these provisions. The bill states We all know Wash- must be appropriated few favors. that if USDA does not review a cer- ington politicians live annually. From 2002 tification in a “timely manner,” the in a different universe to 2012, Congress ac- Energy Programs producer must be held harmless than the rest of us, especially when tually appropriated al- While some of the energy pro- even if found to be out of compli- it comes to the laws of accounting most $8 billion less for farm bill grams have obvious benefits for our ance. The farm bill does not, howev- and mathematics. As the crop insur- conservation programs than they streams, others, namely the biofuel er, define “timely manner” and thus ance discussion notes, it takes some authorized in the two farm bills that programs, have tended to cause risks creating a major loophole creative math to see reform in this covered that period. It is expected more problems than they solve. through which producers can de- bill, and if you start looking at the that this trend will continue, and to Corn ethanol, in particular, is a ma- stroy wetlands without losing their creative math, there are even more ensure the programs that matter jor offender, as corn is about the eligibility for crop insurance subsi- cuts to come. most to us receive full funding, we’ll worst crop to be planted in a stream dies. To avoid getting into the incredi- have to keep the pressure on Con- corridor. With respect to Sodbuster, any- bly deep weeds that surround this is- gress every year. Unlike the Conservation Title, one who has read this bill would be sue, a simple example will highlight the Energy Title stayed out of the challenged to defend what we got in the challenges. In the new bill, EQ- Conclusion red, and will receive $879 million in the end. Under past rules, the pro- IP is funded at about $500 million a While it’s certainly a good thing new money over 10 years to invest in gram basically made any land year, but only for the first four years. that the farm bill is finally done, and plowed for the first time anywhere renewable energy and energy effi- In the fifth year, that funding is cut the losses experienced by the con- ciency programs on farms and in ru- in the nation ineligible for farm pro- in half. On paper, this doesn’t look gram payments forever. The 2008 servation community overall could ral communities. This sum almost like much, and the total investment have been worse (especially since exactly matches the amount for the Farm Bill gutted that rule, and it ap- still looks good. But, if the budget plied only if a state’s governor asked many of the big groups traded away energy title in the 2008 Farm Bill. rules in place today are in place in the farm for conservation compli- The USDA will also have great flex- for it (None did.), resulting in more five years, that will mean that going than two million acres of virgin prai- ance right at the outset, a decision ibility to use some of that money to into the next farm bill the “baseline” which turned out to be a major tacti- provide infrastructure, such as rie meeting the plow in the last five for EQIP will only be $250 million. blender tanks, for the ethanol indus- years. In an effort to “compromise,” cal blunder). The chorus of politi- And if we want to put back that cians and NGOs claiming “reform” try. the new bill makes the rule effective $250 million they left out for the fi- in six Midwest states only. And if nal year, we will have to make cuts with this bill are simply trying to convince you they got what they Commodity Programs new land is plowed, it is subject to a elsewhere in the next bill. By using 50 percentage point reduction in the this gimmick in various programs, wanted and “won” to preserve their The 2014 Farm Bill reattaches amount of taxpayer subsidy for crop funding and membership dollars. soil and wetland conservation re- they have already set the stage for insurance for four years. After four another billion dollars in conserva- But this farm bill is not a true “win- quirements (known as “conserva- years, it is treated as if it had been ner” for anyone but crop insurance tion compliance”) to crop insurance tion cuts for the 2019 farm bill. plowed forever. Whether or not this Those tricks are not limited to agents ethanol, and row-crop farm- premium subsidies, and establishes is a speed bump or a barrier will a Sodsaver provision to protect our the Conservation Title. There are ers. largely be determined by the price built-in cuts in other programs that Fortunately, in the Midwest remaining native grasslands. These of corn. If it’s more profitable to are, in general, “big” wins. Howev- will create demands to cut else- we’ve become adept at funding res- plow the land even where (i.e., conservation). Another toration work with a diversity of er, they carry more with the penalties, it weight in name than gimmick allowed Congress to proj- sources, and the immediate cuts to will be plowed. That is ect some of the expected increased the farm bill should have only a they will in practice. In The amount of the exact problem general, a lot more ef- costs of crop insurance 10 years out, nominal impact on our efforts in the funding available Sodbuster was sup- so that they did not show up in the short-term. DALCI funds were fort is being put to- posed to solve. ward expanding overall for habitat 10-year budget window used to pledged before the farm bill was set- projects is much The bill does noth- “score” the cost of the bill. Those tled, and should be maintained. The production than pro- ing to address insuffi- tecting land. smaller. costs will start adding up now, so amount of funding available overall cient funding for even if they address such nonsense Congress reinstated investigation and en- for habitat projects is much smaller, the pre-1996 rule that in the next farm bill, we’ll still have but it is in programs we are very forcement of these five years of unbudgeted future ex- farmers who purchase conservation require- comfortable with and we should be subsidized crop insurance will have penses piled up that will have to be competitive in drawing it to our ar- ments. The current very low rate of covered with even more cuts. to develop conservation plans when spot checks (under 1 percent) and ea. they grow crops on land subject to great regional disparity in enforce- Nonetheless, the bottom line is high rates of erosion. Recipients of ment will continue. Nutrient Problems conservation took a serious beating crop insurance subsidies will also be The bill also contains little real While not a specific line item in in this farm bill, and the next one is prohibited from draining or filling subsidy reform at all, despite public the farm bill, the increasing focus on five years away and already has wetlands, unless they mitigate those posturing. While it does eliminate nutrient management problems is about $3 billion in additional cuts wetland losses. Since 1996 these direct payments, it did not actually becoming a financial vacuum in the built into it. The next time around, it conservation requirements applied eliminate the money. Congress sim- conservation funding space. With is going to be essential that we have to payments from commodity, con- ply rolled it into new and even more the consolidation of so many pro- educated a much larger group of servation, and farm loan programs; favorable crop insurance programs, grams in this farm bill, and a focus people, and that we are putting but not to federal crop insurance. including shallow loss programs that on targeting, it is likely that pro- pressure on Congress, and everyone The new compliance require- allow farmers to ensure up to 85 grams will be giving priority to proj- ments for crop insurance subsidies, else in the chain, to fund every dol- percent of their annual income. And ects with nutrient reduction lar they pledged for the next five however, differ from existing com- benefits. there are no limits on the commodi- years, and make sure that the baby- pliance requirements for commodi- ty payments. Even a Senate-passed While this could benefit our ty, loan, and other farm bill work with respect to phosphorous steps toward reform initiated in this provision that would have modestly year’s bill are taken much further in programs in several problematic reduced insurance premium subsi- problems (a typical bank-leveling ways. First, the bill provides $10 mil- project can often eliminate phos- 2019. And that includes putting dies for millionaires and multi-mil- pressure on TU National to get lion for wetland banking so that pro- lionaires failed to make the final phorous problems on a site), the nu- ducers can buy credits to mitigate trient management problems we more seriously involved and to bill. stand up for Midwest streams. If we environmental degradation. The fi- This lack of subsidy reform is the face go far beyond anything public nal conference report language, funding alone can address. They are aren’t much more engaged the next new farm bill’s greatest failing. As time around, a loss in 2019 like we though not the statutory language, long as farmers can collect poten- going to require a massive change in directs the USDA to limit mitiga- tially unlimited insurance subsidies, the way we view land management experienced this year would leave us tion to a 1-to-1 ratio (one acre and ensure that no matter the quali- responsibilities. With WHIP gone, engaged in a serious search for new drained to one acre mitigated), ty of the land they farm that they habitat benefits alone are no longer funding sources amidst an onslaught rather than directing USDA to en- will never risk more than a 15% an- a strong pitch, and we’ll need to be of new threats to our streams. sure that overall net environmental nual loss, pressure to convert more creative in adapting our project benefits are not lost. This is a prob- land to production, much of it from pitches and approaches to ensure Brett Lorenzen is the state chair of lem because the environmental ben- existing conservation land, will con- we align with changing funding pri- IowaTU, and chairs the Volunteer efits of natural wetlands exceed tinue. And unlike direct payments, orities. Thus, we need to work to en- Steering Committee for TUDARE. By those of constructed wetlands crop insurance subsidies are hidden sure that nutrient problems do not day, he coordinates activities in the Moreover, wetland mitigation ef- from the public. unfairly raid conservation budgets, Upper Midwest for the Environmental forts, especially wetland creation, And, of course, no changes were and to recognize that we have to Working Group. often simply do not work; and re- made to the payments offered to pitch the nutrient benefits of our quirements that mitigation benefit crop insurance companies. They are work to keep funding flowing. the same watershed where the still allowed to collect a 14 percent Page 22 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 February Wisconsin State Council meeting report By Mike Kuhr no minimum size); yellow means goal is to purchase 100 miles of newspaper. Clint Byrnes amused caution (three trout, eight-inch min- streambank access. The appraisal the crowd with some great anec- State Council Secretary imun size); and red means stop and process will be streamlined and high dotes about Todd’s career and each check the regulation book. Special quality fisheries will be prioritized. chapter presented Todd with a 6- The State Council welcomed regulations will be broken down into The DNR hopes to work closely pack of craft brews from their local representatives from 19 of its 21 about 15 different rules, each with with TU chapters, which are en- areas. Todd, we hope you enjoy “re- chapters to the Best Western Pre- its own management objective. This couraged to contact their local fish- tirement.” mier Waterfront Hotel in Oshkosh is perhaps the biggest change in the eries managers if they have leads on for its February 1 meeting. Meeting proposal. Regulations will be based potential easements. Women’s Initiative Update highlights included a discussion of on a clearly identified goal for each Heidi Oberstadt briefed the the ongoing trout regulation re- water body. WITU 2014 Youth Camp council on several upcoming wom- view, updates on the DNR’s Stream- The proposal will continue to be Linn Beck and Bob Haase re- en’s events. The upcoming Upper bank Easement Program and plans tweaked in the coming months. Ex- ported on plans for our first ever Midwest Regional Meeting will fea- for the first ever WITU Youth pect a formal rollout of the plan, WITU Youth Camp. See article in ture a full day of women’s initiative Camp. After the meeting we held and public meetings this summer. this issue. sessions. WITU and the Girl Scouts two break-out sessions, featuring The entire rule package will be put of America will hold the 2nd Annu- advocacy training and chapter build- on the 2015 Spring Hearings for the Elections al Stream Girls program this sum- ing. public to vote on. Changes would Several State Council positions mer near Stevens Point. The pilot Trout regulation review then take effect on Jan. 1, 2016. were filled via elections at the Feb- program has really impressed the The council welcomed Mike ruary meeting. The following people TU community, and TU National Staggs, Joanna Griffin and Scot Spring Hearing questions were nominated and elected to has hired Heidi on to help establish Stewart from the DNR to provide a The council voted to take posi- serve their area as a regional vice similar programs across the country. progress report on the current trout tions on several advisory questions president: Northern – Bill Heart; Make us proud, Heidi! regulation review. Recent data has that will appear at the 2014 Spring Northeast – Paul Kruse; Central – shown an increase in both size and Hearings. For more details, read Bob Haase; Southern – Jim Wierz- Break Out Sessions numbers of brook and brown trout Council Chair Henry Koltz’ column ba. Bill Heart was also nominated WITU arranged for two break- in Wisconsin waters. Prior to the on page three. and elected to serve his fifth term out sessions after the council meet- regulation review, several angler representing Wisconsin on the Na- ing. Folks from the River Alliance surveys were conducted. Lack of DNR easement plans tional Leadership Council. Due to of Wisconsin led an advocacy train- time was the number one reason an- term limits, this will be Bill’s last ing session. The program is intend- glers cited for no longer pursuing Special guest DNR Fisheries Ecologist Paul Cunningham gave term on the NLC. ed to help chapters better engage trout. Todd Hanson honored at Lunch their elected officials concerning With these factors in mind, fish- the council an update on the DNR’s plan to increase the number of ease- Former Wisconsin Trout Editor our coldwater resources. Linn Beck eries managers were asked to evalu- Todd Hanson was the guest of hon- and Scott Criqui lead a discussion ate the management goals for the ment purchases over the next 2 years. Funds totaling $13 million or during the lunch break. The about strategic planning and chap- streams in their areas. The initial council honored Todd for his dedi- ter building. Chapter leaders can ex- proposal takes a stoplight approach have been allocated for the pur- chase, and stream bank easements cation to our resources and years of pect more leadership training to trout regulations: Green means service as editor of our beloved sessions at future events. go and harvest (five- trout daily bag, will be a large portion. The DNR’s Pump up your membership with water monitoring By John Gremmer the single digits to the eighties. flow, macro invertebrate life, dis- order new equipment, organize old At last fall’s CWTU banquet we solved oxygen, and riparian habitat equipment, communicate with The Central Wisconsin Chapter’s were happy to see so many River quality. This is very important to members, verify team data for the River Keepers program is now in its Keepers in attendance. Many of have in case of some degradation WAV website, recruit new members, tenth year of monitoring central these people, after being involved in that might occur through human or help new teams get started, and see Wisconsin streams. In 2013 we had monitoring with the River Keepers, natural activities. We have data that that we stay focused. Team leaders 28 teams monitoring 35 sites. Our have joined CWTU. Usually the shows what it was like before the are the heart and soul of the organi- email list contains 161 volunteers. gateway to TU in our chapter is degradation occurred. Our data has zation. They are responsible for We put on presentations for local through fly fishing, but now we have already been used at a DNR hearing scheduling monthly monitoring, see- service groups and help local another gate into the organization: on water use on the Waupaca River. ing that the data is accurately col- schools learn about streams and wa- water monitoring. Secondly, water monitoring gets lected, and then posted online. ter monitoring. Being a TU member Besides increasing membership people involved in our water re- A typical monitoring session has never been a prerequisite for numbers, water monitoring supports sources and many of them become takes about an hour. We monitor being a River Keeper volunteer. our mission of protecting, preserv- advocates for the stream they moni- once a month from May through The only requirement is an interest ing, and enhancing our water re- tor. Thirdly, water monitoring September, although some teams in learning about our water resourc- sources. First, our monitoring teaches people about the physics start in April and end in October. es. And age doesn’t matter, as we establishes benchmarks on water and biology of streams. Through We provide the monitoring tool kit have volunteers from with ages in temperature, water clarity, stream this they learn the value of our wa- to the teams. Team members supply ter resources. Additionally, water their transportation and waders or monitoring gets more TU members hip boots. actively involved in chapter activi- The CWTU River Keepers has ties. Not everyone can do stream an extensive webpage where you can work or be a leader. Lastly, water read about our efforts, see images of monitoring is fun and elevates chap- our teams, see a list of the streams ter “esprit de corps.” we monitor, see a map of the sites We started 10 years ago when 10 we monitor, find contact informa- CWTU members drove to Madison tion, and learn about some of our the become trained water monitor recognition. Go to cwtu.org and se- by Kris Stepenuck, Water Action lect River Keepers from the top volunteers Stream Monitoring Pro- navigation bar. gram Director for UW-Extension We are more than happy to help and the DNR, and also DNR biolo- other chapters get involved in water gist Mike Miller. From there we re- monitoring. Our 2014 organization- cruited members, trained them, al meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. formed teams, selected stream sites, Tuesday, April 22 at the Fin ‘N started monitoring. Soon team lead- Feather Restaurant in Winneconne. ers began posting the data online. This is a great chance to learn about The data we collect is available our process. Our training session to the WDNR and to registered will be 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, WAV monitors on the Water Action April 26 at Riverside Park in Wau- Volunteers website at watermoni- paca. Contact me, John Gremmer, toring.uwex.edu/wav. This is a well at 920-379-9263 or jgremmer@char- CWTU RIVER KEEPERS WAUPACA RIVER TEAM designed site that has all the infor- ter.net for more information. The Waupaca River Team has monitored for nine years. The team monitors mation you need to run a water- above and below the city of Waupaca. They gather information on the effects monitoring program, including John Gremmer, is a retired biology training videos, recording forms, and leadership teacher, and past CW- the dam and city have on the quality of the water. They will start interpreting contact people, etc. TU President, who is currently the their data after the 2014 monitoring season. From the left are John Gremmer, At the present time Rick Fahren- chapter Program Chair and Co-River Winneconne, Jan Brantingham, Winneconne, Nancy Rose, Waupaca, Bob krug and I coordinate the activities Keeper Coordinator for CWTU. Gayeske, Winneconne, David Brantingham, Winneconne, (missing are Tom of the CWTU River Keepers. We Check out John’s photography at Poullette, Waupaca, Tom Young, Waupaca, Keith Bassage, Appleton) orchestrate two group meetings and http://www.flickr.com/photos/ one training session each year. We j_henry_g/. April 2014 Wisconsin Trout Page 23 UV-set polymer makes Bob’s Internet a limitless resource Peacock Midge durable By Bob Haase manufacturer's name to locate the material. If it is discontinued you By Bob Haase The internet is an amazing re- can sometimes find it on E-bay. MATERIALS LIST source for accessing information Sometimes it is how you word I enjoy tying a variety of flies, about tying techniques, specific pat- your searches such as looking for in- from small trout and panfish flies to Bob’s Peacock terns, entomology and locating ma- formation on caddis insects. Just do large musky/pike flies. Some of Midge terials and equipment. Although a Google search and use the words these are easy patterns that take on- many tiers use and access the inter- "images caddis insects" and you will ly a couple minutes to tie, while oth- Hook: Mustad C49S or C53S net, I thought I would share some of get detailed photographs of caddis. ers can take hours. Of course, the or equivalent, sizes 14-18 the websites that I use and find If you use the words "images caddis" best flies are those that are easy to helpful. you will get a combination of the in- tie and catch fish. Thread: Any color 70 or 140 I often search out specific fly pat- sect along with some fly patterns. If denier terns and look at as many different you use the words "images caddis fly Bead: To match hook size patterns as I can when trying to cre- patterns" you will get mostly fly pat- Body: Thread or Krystal Flash ate a new pattern for my collection. terns representing the caddis with a Ribbing: EFine peacock herl About the time I think I have creat- few insect pics thrown in. The key is ed something new, I find a similar to use the word "images" first as it pattern that was created many years will take you to "Google Images" to ago. We have a lot of new synthetic complete the search for what you By imbedding the herl into a thin tying materials that are available to requested. layer of UV-set polymer, it makes us today that we didn't have even a Just about everything you need this fly very durable. few years ago. Taking old patterns to know about fly tying is on the in- Tie a few of these and also think and substituting new materials can ternet, you just need to know how about other flies you might try this provide new patterns that were not and where to search for it. I have technique on. Midges usually have a possible before. By searching the listed just a few sites that you may smooth, segmented body, but this is internet for pattern ideas and com- want to check out if you don't al- one of those situations where not bining the best parts of each pattern ready use them. There are many copying nature can cause fish to re- you can create some great new pat- great sites for fly fishing as well act in a positive way. terns that you can't find at any fly those that provide information from Begin with a standard scud hook, shop. fly casting to mapping programs such as a Mustad C49S, or a longer, YouTube provides video demon- such as Google Maps or the Wiscon- curved nymph hook, such as a Mus- strations on how to tie many great sin DNR Public Access Land Atlas tad C53S or equivalent. Put the ap- patterns and also show new tying showing land that is state owned or propriate size bead on for the hook techniques. You may want to search has a fishing easement. being used. Wrap the thread down YouTube for "Davie McPhail" or animatedknots.com/ the bend of the hook as shown and "tightlinevideo" to get step by step maps.google.com/ attach a peacock herl. Any peacock instructions on tying some great pat- google.com/imghp herl will work, but I like using a fin- terns. youtube.com er peacock herl such as those sup- It is sometimes difficult to find midcurrent.com plied by Natures Spirit. You can specific tying materials that many flyanglersonline.com attach one strand of Krystal Flash to shops don't carry. I try to support lo- globalfishfisher.com wrap over the thread body or just cal fly shops as much as I can but flytying123.com use a thread body as shown. Wrap to there are times when you need hipwader.com the bead, building up the thread to something they don't carry. You can www.flytier.com form a body. search by the item name or by the www.intheriffle.com Secure the thread with one half- hitch and then coat the body with a thin layer of UV-set polymer. First Women’s trout school planned Wrap the peacock herl around the body, spacing it evenly, to form a in the northern Driftless Area segmented body. While holding on The first annual Women’s Trout bonus, there will be a guided fish- to the herl, shine the UV light over School on the. The school is pre- ing experience with the Kiap-TU- the body to cure the polymer. This sented by Confluence Fly Fishing Wish Chapter’s best instructors. sets the peacock herl into the poly- Midwest in support of Trout Un- The Trout School is not recom- mer and makes it very durable. limited’s Women in Conservation mended for absolute beginners. Tie down the peacock herl and Initiative. This instruction-packed However, women with any amount trim off. Now build up the thread so course will prepare women to fish of previous fly fishing experience Midges usually fall into that cate- it is slightly smaller than the overall more enjoyably on the tricky spring are strongly encouraged to attend. gory because they are usually easy to size of the bead, then whip finish. creeks and beguiling streams of the Tuition is $250 for TU members tie and they often catch fish. The Add a small amount of UV-set poly- Midwest. and $290 for non-members. This Peacock Midge is a fly that I started mer to form the head as shown, Subjects covered include select- includes two nights lodging, all tying when I realized that I could which is larger than the body. Be ing small stream gear and tackle, meals, expert instruction, one-half use UV-set polymer to hold the pea- careful not to get any in the eye of leader design, casting and mending day of guided fly-fishing, all equip- cock herl in place, making it a more the hook. for drag-free drifts in tight sur- ment, materials and flies required durable fly. If you were to wrap pea- Also shown is the same tech- roundings, indicator nymphing, es- for the school, course notebook cock herl around a midge, even nique using a longer, curved nymph sential flies for the Driftless Area, with handouts for future reference, wrapping the herl around a 14/0 hook such as the Mustad C53S. stream conservation, presentation kayak rental and private river ac- thread, it would not be very durable. approaches and more. cess. Space is limited to only six wom- For more Information and to en to ensure a relaxed atmosphere register for the Women’s Trout Senate passes license plate bill with time for discovery and discus- School, please contact Trish Han- Continued from page 1 and Military Affairs Committee, sion. There will be lots of hands-on nah or Margaret LeBien at conflu- AB-173 was passed by a wide and Senate majority leader Scott practice on the Kinni River. As a [email protected]. majority, with 26 senators voting Fitzgerald and other leadership "aye," and seven senators voting for scheduling our bill for a vote in "nay." the senate. First and foremost, Wisconsin Finally, and perhaps most im- MIKE’S TU would like to thank Rep. Jim portantly, the State Council would Ott for authoring and leading our like to thank YOU, Wisconsin SERVICE bill. We also thank all of those As- TU's members and supporters, for sembly and Senate members who your vigilance, activity and efforts. AT LANGLADE signed on as co-sponsors of our None of this happens without the JUNCTION OF HWY. 55 AND 64 bill. Finally, we would like to work you've already done for our FLY SHOP AUTO REPAIR thank Rep. Keith Ripp for sched- streams, our youth and our veter- uling our bill for a vote in the As- ans, and the work you did to call sembly Transportation Com- legislators' attention to our bill. Fly Shop & Sporting Goods mittee, Assembly majority leader What remains is a signing with Need a special pattern? Ask Mike! Patricia Strachota and other lead- Gov. Scott Walker, which should ership for scheduling our bill for a be set in the next few months. • Custom Tied Flies • vote in the Assembly, Senator Jer- Look for a mention of this news in ry Petrowski for scheduling our bill TU's national Trout magazine, and MICHAEL & (715) 882-8901 for a vote in the Senate Transpor- thanks for you all that you do for ALICE KLIMOSKI 4505 STATE ROAD 55 tation, Public Safety, and Veterans Wisconsin TU. Owners WHITE LAKE, WISCONSIN 54491 Page 24 Wisconsin Trout April 2014 2014 Friends campaign is off and running strong By Doug Brown, Friends of Wisconsin TU Chair The Wisconsin TU chapters that were award- ed grants this past year have already put most of The 2013 Friends of Wisconsin TU campaign that money into your streams. Please consider came to an end this winter, and we are excited to making a donation to Friends of Wisconsin TU so announce that this past year we received more we can continue to fund worthwhile projects. than 127 private donations and 10 chapter dona- Your donation will benefis our trout waters for tions, totaling nearly $16,000. Where Am I Publi- generations to come. Requests for grants from cations also donated from proceeds of its map/ chapters continue to come in. guide book, which shows public access and vari- With the spring here and the trout season ous stream restoration projects on streams across open, be sure to get out and enjoy a stream that the state. has received help from a Friends grant. A letter announcing the 2014 campaign will I wish you a terrific 2014 Trout season and soon be arriving in your mailbox. Tight Lines to you. A Friends grant recipient: the Trimbelle River

Approaching $200,000 in grants since 1991. The latest projects are... $2,000 to Wild Rivers for Whittlesey Creek in Bayfield County in 2012

$2,000 to Clearwaters Chapter for Sand Creek in 2013 $2,000 to Fox Valley and $2,000 to Shawpaca Chapter for WDNR crew work in 2013

$2,000 to the Kiap-TU-Wish Chapter for the Trimbelle River in 2013 $2,000 to Lakeshore for Onion River. in Sheboygan County in 2012

$2,000 to Harry & Laura Nohr Chapter for Blue River in 2013 $2,000 to SEWTU for Camp Cr. in Richland County in 2012

Here are our Thomas Lukas Manitowoc WI Robert Tabbert Lac Du Flambeau WI Douglas MacFarland Dousman WI Gary Tielens Athelstane WI Friends of Wisconsin TU Paul Mach New Richmond WI Robert Towns King WI Mikelle & David Malone Eau Claire WI Greg Vodak Stoughton WI Bob Manke Beaver Dam WI Doug Wadsworth Madison WI Jason Anderson Mukwonago WI Jim & Billie March LaCrosse WI Don Wagner Gillett WI Michael & Susan Arneson Big Sky MT Robert Martini Rhinelander WI Thomas Wasilewski Brookfield WI Gary Balwierz Beldenville WI Kim McCarthy Green Bay WI William Weege Arena WI Edwin Barnes Middleton WI Austin McGuan Green Bay WI Donald Welhouse Kaukauna WI Charles Barnhill Madison WI Stephen McPherson Sparta WI Paul Williams Madison WI Jeffrey Bartynski Eau Claire WI Cris Meyer Middleton WI Christopher Willman Augusta WI James Bayorgeon Appleton WI Mike Mihalas Waunakee WI Dan Wisniewski Middleton WI Blaine Biedermann Fitchburg WI Bob Obma Green Bay WI Norb Wozniak Stevens Point WI Tim & Tara Bindl LaCrosse WI Herb Oechler Wauwatosa WI Robert Wyman Beaver Dam WI John & Susan Bleimehl Verona WI Winston & Cheryl Ostrow DePere WI Where Am I Publications Stephen Born Madison WI Richard Ouren Muscoda WI Lynn Christiansen Middleton WI Ray Piehl Wautoma WI TROUT UNLIMITED CHAPTERS Rick Christopherson Norwalk WI Jodie & Dick Prine Ridgeland WI SEWTU Russell Ciscon Phillips WI Randall Rake DePere WI Green Bay John Clark Wisconsin Rapids WI Ronald Rellatz Merton WI Antigo Lawrence Clowry, MD Wauwatosa WI Bob Retko Cedarburg WI Kiap-TU-Wish Andrew Cook II Sister Bay WI Mark Rhinerson Madison WI Wild Rivers Terry Cummings Rhinelander WI Robert Rice Iron River WI Shaw-Paca Bruce Davidson Wauwatosa WI Steve Robertson Verona WI Oconto River Ed Eggers Genoa IL Thomas Rogers Princeton WI Aldo Leopold Mary & Chuck Egle Amherst WI Michael San Dretto Neenah WI Clearwaters Richard Evans Thiensville WI James School Kaukana WI Marinette Co. Dr. Alan Finesilver DePere WI Jim & Marie Seder New Berlin WI Edgar Frater Wild Rose WI Robert Selk Madison WI IN MEMORIAM D. James Fruit Jr. Hartland WI Chuck Sethness Land O Lakes WI In memory of Nancy Voight by Ken Voight Scott Geboy Fox Point WI John Shillinglaw Madison WI In memory of Dale W. Vreeland by Thom Goodman Miami FL Brent Sittlow Hudson WI Kenneth Vreeland R. Chris Halla Appleton WI Jeff Smith Madison WI In memory of Bob Hunt by the Harry and Laura Henry Haugley Sun Prairie WI Stephen Sommerville MD Green Bay WI Nohr Chapter In memory of Janet Moldenhauer by the UW-Osh- Steve Hawk Madison WI Arthur Sonneland MD DePere WI kosh Foundation Ashton Hawk Madison WI Gary Stoychoff Green Bay WI In memory of Theron Meyer by Tim and Tom Meyer Bill Heart Ashland WI Brian Hegge Rhinelander WI Walter P. Heil, Jr. DePere WI Yes, I want to join the “Friends” of Wisconsin TU. Randy Helbach New Berlin WI Bob Hellyer Boulder Jct. WI Enclosed is my check for $100, $250, or more payable to Wisconsin Trout Unlimited. Dan & Nancy Hill Spencer WI MAIL TO: Friends of Wisconsin TU Charles Hodulik Madison WI % Doug Brown Scott Homann Roscoe IL Jeff Jackson Oconto Falls WI R4800 Timber Lane Layton James Hudson WI Ringle, WI 54471 Thomas Jansson Appleton WI Andrew Jicha Green Bay WI Tom Johnson Mountain Grove MO Name Kevin Kelley Three Lakes WI Lane Kistler Milwaukee WI Ralph Klassy Phillips WI Address Richard Lindroth Madison WI Tim Logemann Wausau WI City, State Zip Phone # Christopher Long Mazomanie WI