Volume 15 No. 3 Summer 2009 Bobbing for Apples: 150 Appleby College students wade in to help out on Bronte Creek

by Shiela McKnight f a typical productive TUC workday year program. The initial two years of Through education and community involves four to six people, imagine the project focuses on the restoration stewardship, TUC and the project part- I how much could be accomplished of the creek in Lowville Park and the ners (Conservation Halton, City of Bur- with 150! It happened this spring, as launch of several workshops to inform lington and Hamilton-Halton Watershed Grade 10 students at Appleby College and empower the local community and Stewardship Program) will engage land- descended on Lowville Park in the City landowners to restore the health of their owners and the community in helping to of Burlington. local watershed. restore the health of the stream corridor, The two main goals of the day were So what is wrong with Bronte Creek? and, by extension, the watershed. introducing the Grade 10 students to sev- It has a fever. Over the years, human ac- Eager to spend a day outdoors, each eral scientific methods of sampling river tivity has altered habitat. The result is group of students circulated through to environments and collecting enough warmer water that is not characteristic two of five stations. Volunteer profession- baseline data to get a detailed picture of the stream’s history. Modifications in- als taught them various sampling proto- of the Lowville section of Bronte Creek’s cluding dams, on-stream ponds, stream cols and helped the students sample the current condition. It is hoped that some channel changes causing wide and shal- stream. The five stations included: of the data can also be used by the stu- low sections and the removal of riparian • Netting and identifying fish to see dents in a number of their courses. zone cover have all contributed to the el- what species inhabit the area; Bronte Creek has been identified as evated water temperatures. This means • Collecting bug samples as food web one of Trout Unlimited Canada’s flag- a poor living environment for aquatic and water quality indicators; ship watershed renewal projects. The creatures, as well as inferior water qual- • Sampling water chemistry, temperature sampling on studentsa College set net Appleby workday signified the kickoff of a five- ity for those living nearby. and dissolved oxygen levels; inBurlington, Creek Bronte Jack ImhofON. photo.

Currents is Trout Unlimited Canada’s national newsletter. We are proud to be published in The Canadian Fly Fisher. It’s not trivial to us! Bobbing for Apples...

est your Currents knowledge! Continued from previous page Read Currents to find out the an- T swers to the following questions. Email your answers to Kimberly Da- Mary Finch, our Bronte Creek Wa- vidson ([email protected]). tershed Stewardship Specialist, works with students to examine Readers submitting correctly an- their catch (left). Students sam- swered questions from this issue’s pled fish to identify resident spe- cies, as well as ‘bugs’ to under- questions will be placed into a draw stand the creek’s food web and to win a coveted TUC baseball hat! its importance as an indicator Contest closes October 31, 2009. of stream health. The health of a stream’s food web is its ‘ca- nary in a cage’. Below, some of the happy student partici- Currents Contest Questions pants and volunteer leaders 1. What is the Green Zone? after a hard day’s ‘wading in’. on Bronte Creek. (And yes, the T-shirt is supposed to be 2. What are diversion ridges and that way!) Photos courtesy what do they do? of Jack Imhof. 3. Where is the oldest and longest running Trout Unlimited Canada chapter located? • Assessing the physical habitat of the stream in- 4. What is wrong with Bronte cluding channel width Creek? and depth, flow, fish 5. Who won the habitat and substrate 2007 Canadian composition; Environment • Riparian tree monitor- Gold Award in ing and planting. the category of Appleby College is Restoration & situated on Lake Ontar- Rehabilitation? io waterfront property. A small stream flows through the property, emptying into Lake . It is im- portant to raise awareness about the and the preparation of Lowville Park Trout impact of land use and land manage- for a major project aimed at restoring ment activities on water quality and, ul- fish habitat and coldwater temperatures. Unlimited timately, to the quality of life of those TUC extends thanks to all of those in- that live along . Not only dividuals and organizations that helped Canada did the students learn about many as- run a station or direct traffic on that busy OUR MISSION: To conserve, protect pects of the aquatic ecosystem, they also day. Your effort has been invaluable in and restore Canada’s freshwater received rare hands-on experience. getting the Bronte Creek Renewal Pro- ecosystems and their coldwater resourc- The Ontario Trillium Foundation and gram off to a running start. We knew it es for current and future generations. the City of Burlington, as well as TUC’s was a success when a number of enthu- OUR GOALS: Coldwater Conservation Fund gener- siastic students, taking measurements in • to conserve and protect Canada’s fresh- ously funded this project. The City of the middle of the stream shouted, “This water fish and their ecosystems and Burlington provided shrubs and trees is the best field trip ever!”■ restore their coldwater resources to a for the day’s planting in addition to their healthy and productive state; Park facilities. The volunteers included • to develop and apply effective, science- professional consultants, Conservation based and measurable coldwater con- Halton staff, and of Waterloo servation solutions in the field; and Guelph graduate students, assisted • to inform the public about coldwater by TUC professional staff and summer conservation issues and educate com- students. munities about their watersheds; Next steps for the Bronte Creek Re- • to build and sustain a healthy organiza- newal Project include the organization tion. of workshops catered to the Bronte Help us help the trout! Visit tucanada.org Creek community so they can be en- gaged in the renewal of their locales,

2 | CURRENTS: VOLUME 15, NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 TUC’s featured chapter Northern Lights Fly Tyers-Trout Unlimited Edmonton by Barry Wright & Phil Rowley n May 6, 2009, the mem- bership of the Northern O Lights Fly Tyers unani- mously approved their merger with the Edmonton Chapter of Trout Unlimited, forming the Northern Lights Fly Tyers – Trout Unlimited Edmonton. In member Greg Scatchley’s words, “Two tributaries of an- gling spirit with the desire to promote and protect our waters have merged. The result: a ma- jestic river of conservation and education in northern .” The now over 100 strong chap- ter unites the joys of teaching and sharing for which the North- ern Lights are known with an in- creased focus on our cold water resources. The addition of con- servation driven projects within the club will put the words of the Northern Lights to action, “Making a positive impact in our sport and in our community.” Northern Lights Fly Tyers-Trout Unlimited Edmonton member, Les Campbell, carrying on the Northern Lights’ educa- Both organizations have tion tradition by sharing his craft with a studious young pupil. TUC’s ‘newest’ oldest chapter combines the best tradi- tions of both of the partner organizations. Photo courtesy of Greg Scratchley. proud pasts within Edmonton and northern Alberta. A letter from • September 1978, the chapter, in con- the chapter’s fundraising efforts result- Chuck Voss, Western Regional Director, junction with Alberta Fish and Wildlife ing in a total contribution of $97,300. Washington USA, from March 1976 was division, participated in a stream-fenc- This important study evaluated the cur- the first step for establishing an Edmon- ing project on Prairie Creek near Rocky rent state of the central Alberta’s Raven ton based chapter of Trout Unlimited. Mountain House; River brown trout population, riparian Chuck penned his response after receiv- • September 1979, the chapter held the conditions, fish habitat and identified ing a letter from Jim McLennan request- Cold Water Angler’s Conference, the critical spawning areas; ing information on how to establish an first of its kind in Western Canada. • The Edmonton Chapter was also in- Edmonton chapter. Two years later, the Guests to this conference included such volved with the other clubs, including first TU meeting in Edmonton came to notables as Lefty Kreh and Charles E. the Northern Lights, in establishing order on April 19, 1978. Brooks; Muir Lake, a quality delayed harvest Thirty members attended the inaugu- • Over the years, the chapter completed res- fishery located a short drive west of ral meeting. Later that year, Interim Sec- toration projects on the North and South Edmonton. retary Jim McLennan sent a letter to the Raven Rivers, Sundance, North Ram River, In 1994, nine Edmonton Chapter mem- Board of Directors of Trout Unlimited Prairie Creek and Modest Creek; bers formed the Northern Lights Fly Tyers, Canada, requesting official certification • With the help and support of The Fish- united by a common goal: to promote fly as a chapter of TUC, and the Edmonton ing Hole, a local Edmonton fishing re- tying in a friendly atmosphere for novices Chapter became part of Canada’s TUC tailer, the chapter established the Lloyd or experts alike and to share the fly tying family. Executive members included Shea Memorial Fund to fund regional and fishing experience. It seemed their President Russell Thornberry, Vice Presi- conservation projects; goal was a popular one as membership dent Ron Pearson, Secretary Angela Redl • The recently completed Raven River swelled to over 100 members. The club and Treasurer Lynda McLennan. Study benefited from a contribution has become a familiar fixture at outdoor The Edmonton Chapter is the oldest of $30,000, raised through Lloyd Shea shows in both Edmonton and , and longest running chapter in Canada Memorial Fund Bucket Raffles. The fundraising for local conservation projects and has a number of accomplishments Alberta Conservation Association and and introducing hundreds of kids and to its credit: Golder Associates further enhanced adults to the world of fly tying and fish-

TROUT UNLIMITED CANADA’S NATIONAL NEWSLETTER | 3 Northern Lights Fly Tyers- Trout Unlimited Edmonton (continued from previous page)

TUC Member Profile: Brian Greck

Hard working members of the Northern Lights Fly Tyers -Trout Unlimited Edmonton Chapter heading off to another stream enhancement proj- ect. Photo courtesy of Greg Scratchley. What chapter do you belong to? ing. My youngest son is an enthusiastic Greg Clark Chapter, based on the student of their generous teaching. In ad- Credit River in Ontario. dition to their outdoor show presence, the What appeals to you the most Northern Lights provides annual beginner How long have you been a in regards to the work that TU fly tying seminars, beginner and interme- member of Trout Unlimited diate casting seminars, and has promoted does? fly tying with various community groups Canada? TU is a grassroots organization that in the greater Edmonton area. About 30 years. I have been a mem- completes projects based on good sci- Prior to their merger, the Northern ber of the chapter Board of Directors ence. I have been involved with many Lights club partnered with Edmonton for the past 10 years. different chapter activities over the Chapter to provide annual fly-fishing years and can truly say that I have seminars at Grant McEwen College. The What inspired you found it to be very rewarding. The con- club had distant appeal and notables servation activities of the chapter allow such as Gary Borger, Dave Hughes, Ed to become a member? me to give something back to the natu- Engle, Gary LaFontaine, Jack Dennis, While attending the Isaac Walton Fly ral environment. The organization and Mike Lawson, and Dave and Emily Whit- Fishing Forum I became interested in its members truly believe in what they lock have all included Edmonton stops a TU workday event planned on the do. It’s a natural fit for me. on their busy seminar calendars. Credit River. I always had an interest in The new chapter will continue to carry the natural environment and conserva- What projects is your chapter on the functions and teachings of the tion based activities, so being able to Northern Lights Fly Tyers and the conser- do this type of work as volunteer, with currently working on? vation initiatives begun by Trout Unlimit- people who had the same interest in The chapter is currently developing ed, as well as developing future projects. conservation and fly fishing, seemed to a multi-year work plan for our next ini- With continued support from the Al- be a good fit. tiative in the headwaters of the Credit berta Conservation Association, Golder Also, as a young water resources River Watershed. Together with the Associates and other contributors, the engineer in the early 1980s I thought Town of Orangeville and their Sustain- chapter will continue with the next phase this would be a good organization to ability Action Team we plan to engage of the Raven River Study, to identify criti- learn about stream restoration. Jack the citizens in taking a more prominent cal spawning areas in the Raven River Imhof, our national biologist made a role with regards to the conservation of and compare those results with the pre- presentation at one of the IWFF Fo- their natural areas, and the ecosystems vious year’s study. With the assistance of rums about streams that challenged that comprise them. The focus will be TUC National, the club is investigating me as water resources engineer. He on protecting surface and groundwater the possibility of turning central Alberta’s presented information on the natural quantity and quality. Dick Lake into trophy trout water. Partial behaviour of streams that most water Our activities will help the Town funding for this project will come from resources engineers are typically not implement projects which may include a recent environmental judgment. The exposed to. I have directed my career restoring streams which have been chapter will also be investigating the and company towards activities re- impacted by land use changes, remov- establishment of a “home water” — a lated to restoring natural channel sys- ing thermal impacts and fish passage project aimed at improving local riparian tems and designing fishways. I have barriers created by online storm water habitat and establishing a vehicle that it been able to use the skills learned to management ponds, and restoring re- will be able to use to promote education help in chapter activities. charge wetlands. ■ and environmental awareness with local community groups. ■

4 | CURRENTS: VOLUME 15, NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 Prince County Chapter: ‘Salters’ return to P.E.I.’s Trout River by Dale Cameron

n the late 1970s a group of local I hunters, concerned about illegal hunt- ing practices, formed the O’Leary Wildlife Federation, the fore- runner of the Prince County Trout Unlim- ited Chapter. It was primarily through the efforts of this group, with support from the Tignish group, Trout River that the first conser- vation officer arrived Trout River. Photo courtesyImhof. Photo Jack River. of Trout in West Prince in crew courtesyphotos Prince Work of County Chapter. 1980. In 1984, David Biggar became presi- dent, and the group’s focus turned toward environmental issues and concerns with tional stream enhancement measures on habitat. the Trout River evolved to include cover enhancement efforts such as split cover Mr. Biggar led the efforts for over 25 logs, floating raft cover and digger logs (at years until his passing in 2007. The group left) to provide much carried out stream en- To reduce sediment entering the stream, needed protection hancement work and chapter members spent a lot of time work- to reduce fish pre- operated Profit’s Pond, a ing with local landowners. One of their dation. In addition, semi-natural rearing site initiatives was the construction of laneway the chapter invested for Atlantic salmon in diversion ridges. much hard work and Rosebank. In 1985, the Diversion ridges are wide ‘speed bumps’ effort in spawning chapter assumed opera- running on a 30 degree angle across a habitat enhancement tion of Profit’s Pond from laneway. A large rock placed in a trench (below). the Department of Fish- dug into the lane forms a solid base, pre- eries and Oceans and in venting the deflector from compressing 1993, in addition to Atlan- and denting with the weight of machinery tic salmon, the group began rearing brook crossing it. Once in place, the base rocks trout for stocking in local rivers. were covered with leveled and manually graded gravel. The deflectors channel wa- In the late 1980s, the chapter’s stream ter into a grassed ditch before it can build and riparian work concentrated in the up velocity and wash silt from the lane- lower five kilometers of the Trout River, way into the stream. an alder-choked, silt-laden and beaver-in- Trout Unlimited Prince County Chapter fested stretch of river needing serious at- is one of the few groups to work for im- tention. As work, conditions began to im- plementation of river-specific regulations. prove dramatically. Few watershed groups Riparian zone enhancement began The Trout River features a shortened an- existed so, realizing the need for similar with the purchase, through the local land gling season, from May 1 to September 1, work on other systems, the chapter began conservancy, of a significant portion of a reduced creel limit of six trout per day, working on rivers throughout West Prince. the riparian zone on either side of the and a limit of only one fish over fourteen This work inspired like-minded individu- river. Riparian restoration included thou- inches per day. At first, these regulations als to form their own groups in these areas sands of tree plantings and the construc- applied to a section of stream beginning and in 1994, the chapter’s focus switched tion of bird and bat houses. The chapter approximately at the tide head and ex- back to the Trout River. also built a four km. nature trail adjacent tending six kilometers upstream. The reg- In 2004, the group officially joined to the river, and a log cabin interpretive ulations helped fish stocks to some degree, Trout Unlimited Canada, becoming Trout center in 1996 to educate and inform but in the following years, concerns arose Unlimited Prince County Chapter. Tradi- Trout River visitors. over the number of fish harvested in the

TROUT UNLIMITED CANADA’S NATIONAL NEWSLETTER | 5 Trout River ‘Salters’... Yellow Fish Road Report (continued from previous page) TUC National Office Photos by Roger Kelley estuary during their annual April migra- tion to feed in salt water. In 2004, regu- Yellow Fish Road™ lation changes extended downstream to comes to Edmonton protect a portion of the estuary that saw esidents of Edmonton and surround- heavy fishing pressure early in the season. ing communities are being reminded Because of the regulation changes, there R that storm drains are the doorways to has been a significant increase in both the rivers, lakes, and streams thanks to TUC’s more than 200 other students painted storm number and size of brook trout return- Yellow Fish Road™ (YFR) program. ing from salt water. Between 2005 and The YFR began offering classroom drains and delivered Yellow Fish Road™ door hangers in the community. 2008, the average size of fish caught has and community group presentations to increased from 9.63" to 11.16". the Alberta Capitol region in April with The City of Lethbridge has become a strong supporter of the YFR program in Prince County Chapter carries out an support from the Alberta Conservation annual creel survey to record data on fish Association (ACA) and the funding from recent years and is working to reduce non- point source pollution to the Oldman River. caught between May 1 and September 1. ATCO Ltd. The ACA is providing office As this is the only survey of its kind car- and storage space for YFR staff member Singing & stenciling in Saskatoon ried out on P.E.I., it provides vital informa- Barb Rafuse. As a schoolteacher, Barb ore than 300 Girl Guides spent May tion. brings years of classroom experience to 2 stenciling storm drains and clean- the program and is working to increase M ing up the riverbanks of the South TROUT RIVER 2006 CREEL SURVEY the YFR program’s visibility in the area. River. The Girl Guides Number of anglers 577 were assisted by ESL students from the Protecting the prairie’s green Hours fished 1620.65 University of Saskatchewan. zone The event is part of a cam- Number of trout kept 1007 t u d e n t s paign by the Meewasin Valley Number of trout released 4194 in south- Authority and other sponsors Equipment – fly 377 S ern Sas- to reduce urban storm water k a t c h e w a n Equipment – bait 199 pollution. A Yellow Fish Road™ are learning song, written by Meewasin’s Largest trout caught 20" more about Doug Porteous and performed Average size fish caught 10.27" the impor- by the Saskatoon Children’s tance of ri- Trout caught: 5" - 6.99" length 12 Choir, has been recorded on CD parian zone Trout caught: 7" - 9.99" length 437 and distributed in a package to protection thanks to PennWest, all Saskatoon schools. Listen to the song Trout caught: 10" - 13.99" length 481 Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (CHIP) at the Yellow Fish Road™ website, www. Trout caught: 14"+ length 77 and Trout Unlimited Canada. yellowfishroad.org. The Green Zone, a new hands-on ri- TOTAL TROUT 1007 parian education program, was piloted at Kids for All these measures have significantly CHIP last spring. More than 100 students Turtles enhanced the recreational fishery on Trout from four schools participated in the River, providing some of the best sea run program that focuses on providing ripar- help trout brook trout fishing on P.E.I., both in the ian zone protection information to the ne of most re- estuary and upstream. region’s next generation of farmers and cent organizations to help deliver Prince County Chapter refuses to rest ranchers. The Green Zone is funded by O the Yellow Fish Road™ message is on past laurels. With support from TUC’s PennWest Energy and presented by CHIP Kids for Turtles in Orillia, Ontario. The Coldwater Conservation Fund and other Interpreters. The program will be offered partnership is a perfect fit, as the Kids sources, the chapter is expanding its ef- annually through CHIP’s environmental for Turtles office has a yellow painted education programs. walkway they refer to as their “Yellow forts to two major spring-fed tributaries Brick Road.” of the Trout River. The intent is to restore Fish on fences Kids for Turtles, formed by renowned these degraded tributaries and extend the fence at Lakeview School in Leth- naturalist, writer, photographer and pro- amount of spawning, nursery and rearing bridge, Alberta, is festooned with fessional environmental consultant Bob habitat for the ‘salter’ brook trout in Trout A fish thanks to the artistic skills of Bowles in 2006, promotes habitat pres- River. The chapter continues to educate the school’s kindergarten students and a ervation, active lifestyles, and getting the landowners to recognize the potential of group of senior citizens. younger generation out—learning in the this and other watersheds on P.E.I., to pro- The seniors cut fish shapes out of wood natural world with their families. This duce quality fisheries with concurrent im- which the students painted and attached summer, student staff will be leading provements in water quality, habitat and to a playground fence on May 22 while groups of youth in marking events. ■ overall environmental health. ■

6 | CURRENTS: VOLUME 15, NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009 Local artists assist Vancouver Island’s trout and salmon by Frank Dalziel & Diane Sampson

he Lighthouse Community Centre habitat is an ambitious project, requiring in Qualicum Bay, B.C. was recent- a host of talents. Ken Kirkby recognized T ly home to Paintings by Number, a this early on and has solicited fundraiser co-sponsored by the Nile assistance from other like- Creek Enhancement Society (NCES) and minded individuals and Trout Unlimited Canada. Several well- organizations. “Through our restora- known artists including Ken Kirkby, Di- tion work, we are in the business of ane Michelin, Alan Dunfield, Sean Rebar, manufacturing hope and building alli- Bruce Muir and others, donated origi- ances with like-minded people,” Ken nal works of art, helping raise funds to maintains. support salmon and trout enhancement Now NCES has enlisted the help of projects in the Qualicum Bay region. TUC and Vancouver Island University Paintings by Number was a smashing (VIU) to assist with the rehabilitation success. Local merchants and art lovers of seven local streams that support cut- from as far away as Italy, England and throat trout and runs of pink, coho and points across Canada supported this chum salmon. event, hosted by NCES volunteers. Ken The Nile Creek-Qualicum Bay proj- Kirkby, NCES president, said that this ect’s three partners have complementary “was one of the happiest events” he had missions, and each helps the others to attended. complete their goals: The event raised $20,000. TUC’s Cold- • “To conserve, protect and restore Can- Water Conservation Fund received half ada’s freshwater ecosystems and their of the funds to support habitat work in coldwater resources for current and the Qualicum Bay area. future generations” (TUC) We would like to thank everyone who • “To enhance and protect the fresh attended as well as the folks at the Eng- water and marine habitats that lishman River Art Gallery and the Fed- support salmonids and the eration of Canadian Artists for the idea ecosystems in which they that inspired this successful fundraiser. live along the east coast NCES is a dynamic group of local in- of Vancouver Island” dividuals. Their first project was the con- (NCES) struction and operation of a successful • “Faculty, staff

pink salmon hatchery which provides and students Kirkby. Ken by Watercolour . an outstanding recreational fishery in the are dedicated Nile Creek area during July and August. to excellence Soon after completion of the hatchery, in teaching plans for a natural spawning and rearing and learning, channel were developed. With the assis- service and re- tance of many government and non-gov- search. Strong Kingfisher Buoys and ernment organizations, local businesses community connec- and volunteers, the channel was complet- tions and international collaborations help foster ed and continues to operate successfully. student success.” (VIU) NCES won the Canadian Environment TUC members and VIU Fisheries and Gold Award in the Restoration & Reha- Aquaculture faculty and students are in- bilitation category in 2007 for their work volved in all facets of the project—from on Nile Creek. The group expanded on project planning and participating on that work and became involved in kelp the NCES Board to fundraising and as- re-planting, eel grass mapping and mon- sisting with field work. This project is a itoring, and public education. This year wonderful example of co-operation be- with the help of a local shellfish com- tween a national non-government orga- pany, Island Scallops, NCES began plac- nization, a community non-government ing artificial reefs in local waters to act organization and a university. as a substrate on which to place young kelp plants. Fly-casting for pink salmon, right. Frank Restoration and protection of these Dalziel photo. area rivers and their adjacent marine

TROUT UNLIMITED CANADA’S NATIONAL NEWSLETTER | 7 Alberta’s Spring fundraisers Trout Unlimited Canada TUC National Office Doug Cressman wo of Trout Unlimited Canada’s biggest Chief Executive Officer fundraisers were held this past spring. [email protected] T The Calgary National Conservation Kimberly Davidson Banquet and Auction, branded “The Big Membership Coordinator One”, was held April 8, 2009 at the Hyatt [email protected] Regency Hotel. Chaired by Shaw Commu- Lorne Hutchison nications CEO Jim Shaw, the dinner once Director, again held up its reputation as being the Finance and Administration premier fresh water conservation event in [email protected] North America. Despite tough economic Jack Imhof times, attendees reached deep into their National Biologist pockets raising over $900,000 for TUC [email protected] conservation programs. Roger Kelley The highlight of the evening was a sur- Director, prise donation from Ron Joyce of a trip Conservation Education for 12 to Fox Harb’r Resort in Nova Sco- [email protected] tia which included a cruise on his new Don Pike sloop. This generous donation raised Director, Special Events $90,000 for the dinner. In addition, Shaw [email protected] Communications donated two trips for 12 Brian Meagher by private jet to Eagle Point Lodge which Alberta Provincial Biologist raised a combined total of $92,000. These [email protected] donations were part of an incredible live Len Yust auction that featured 48 items that raised Calgary dinner Executive Director, Ontario a total of $542,000. attendees included former Alberta [email protected] Premier Ralph Klein (top), angler and television Another highlight was the fantastic host Kathryn Mahoun (centre) and Calgary’s May- Silvia D’Amelio dinner buffet served by the Hyatt Hotel. or, Dave Bronconnier, checking out auction items Ontario Biologist Kathryn Maroun, well known angler and (bottom). TUC photos. [email protected] host of What a Catch television show, bidding. Each of the 10 successful bid- Sheila McKnight Yellow Fish Road Manager commented, “What a great idea—I could ders were brought on stage for a reverse choose what I wanted and the selections Ontario/Quebec draw, with the last person standing being [email protected] were terrific.” Her views were echoed by able to choose from a Vancouver Island many others in attendance. At the end Barb Rafuse golf getaway, a hand-made seven foot Yellow Fish Road of the evening, the 525 plus guests went four-weight, two-piece, two tip bamboo Edmonton Program Assistant home well fed and happy about an out- rod with Orvis reel and line, or a set of [email protected] standing evening for trout and freshwater four Robert Bateman framed prints done Mary Finch conservation. th for the 75 anniversary of Alberta’s pro- Bronte Creek Watershed th On May 7, the 24 annual Edmonton vincial parks. The lucky winner chose Stewardship Specialist National Conservation Banquet and the Vancouver Island golf getaway and [email protected] Auction was held at the Crowne Plaza the remaining two prizes were sold in National Office: Chateau Lacombe Hotel. The evening the live auction. The combined revenues Ste. 160, 6712 Fisher St. SE was their most successful fundraiser in from the “Lucky 10” totalled over $5500. Calgary, AB T2H 2A7 three years, with increases in attendance One of the many highlights of the eve- Tel: 403-221-8360 and revenues totalling over $105,000. ning was the meal served by the hotel. Fax: 403-221-8368 1-800-909-6040 Part of the evening’s festivities includ- Led by Chef Jasmin (Jass) Kobajica, the ed a table raffle. Guests at each table meal was, in the opinion of TUC’s Direc- Ontario Office: placed their raffle contributions in an tor of Special Events, Don Pike, “...simply Rm. 273, Axelrod Building, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 envelope for a chance to win an auto- one of the finest—if not the finest—meal Tel: 519-824-4120 graphed copy of Jim McLennan’s latest I have enjoyed in almost 20 years of or- Fax: 519-780-1696 book, Water Marks, a collection of his ganizing and eating at special events.” It [email protected] writings over the past decade. Fun was was efforts such as this that made the www.tucanada.org had by all and the trout ended up ahead evening a total success. As a result, the by almost $1000. Edmonton Dinner Committee has al- Currents layout: The live auction started with a “Lucky ready booked the Crowne Plaza for May David Soltess Design 10” auction. There were 10 Toyota Truck 6, 2010 for their 25th Anniversary banquet [email protected] spinning combination outfits available for and auction. ■

8 | CURRENTS: VOLUME 15, NO. 3 • SUMMER 2009