Fall 2020 Publication of the Pa. Council of Trout Unlimited www.patrout.org PATU Annual Meeting goes virtual; award winners announced The 2020 PATU Annual Membership Meeting was conducted via Zoom tele- conference on Sept. 19 with 65 partici- pants representing 43 of our 49 chapters statewide. PATU’s annual awards were presented to the following chapters and individu- als whose good works exemplified our mission, “to conserve, protect, restore and reconnect Pennsylvania’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds:”

Ralph Scherder Photo Best Chapter Project – Neshannock Brown trout aren’t the only fish you’ll find in small headwater streams. Brook trout Chapter, Plantation Park – Phase 1 can surprise, too, and Pennsylvania’s state fish are some of the prettiest you’ll see. Best Small Chapter (under 150 mem- See MEETING, page 3 Trickle Trout Protecting streams By Ralph Scherder Editor’s Note: Each year at its spring from assessment banquet, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writ- ers Association – of which Pennsylvania The rougher the road got, the narrower the stream became, and by the time our through regulation Council of Trout Unlimited is a support- By Jennifer Orr-Greene ing member – presents its Excellence in convoy arrived at its destination, the flow TU Eastern Policy Director Craft Awards. These awards recognize was little more than a trickle. I’d decided POWA members for their outstanding to join a team of biologists from the Penn- For the past 10-plus years, Trout Unlim- work during the previous calendar year. sylvania Fish & Boat Commission as they ited staff have been working in conjunction PATU has been a longtime sponsor of electroshocked the headwaters of one of with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Com- the “Trout and the Coldwater Resource my favorite streams. mission with additional funding from the Award.” This article authored by outdoor Although the main stem had been des- Foundation for PA Watersheds, the Heinz writer Ralph Scherder, published in ignated Class A Wild Trout waters back Endowment, and others to complete Unas- American Angler in Spring 2019 – and in the early 1990s, the tributaries that sessed Waters surveys in streams across reprinted here with permission – was converged to create the stream had never the state. selected as this year’s winner. See TRICKLE, page 10 See STREAMS, page 2 IN THIS ISSUE Headwaters...... 4 Fly Patterns of Pennsylvania...... 6 Treasurer’s Report...... 5 PATU Merchandise Order Form...... 7 EXCOM Actions...... 5 Minutes...... 8-9 STREAMS more protective in preventing runoff from from page 1 impacting the stream. These processes have been working These assessments are targeted using a smoothly in the past four to five years as variety of factors, including geographic PFBC has diligently worked to evaluate watershed and land use/land cover analy- and list streams that had been backlogged. PA COUNCIL OF However, while these segments are listed TROUT UNLIMITED sis, as well as to document populations that PO Box 5148 are reestablishing in areas of watershed and receiving “interim” protections (re- Bellefonte, PA recovery. ferred to as existing use protections), once 16823 Each year, sampling sites area are they are delivered to PADEP, it can be 3-5 PRESIDENT – Greg Malaska chosen, electroshocked in the field, field years before regulations are promulgated 218 W. 13th St. chemistry taken, and class and biomass to officially protect these streams from Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 measurements recorded. Fin clips and/ present and further development. This long Phone: 570-657-7169 delay is due to resource issues at PADEP, Email: [email protected] or PIT tags are also sometimes used for further study later. Since 2010, TU has as well as the complex regulatory process EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – sampled hundreds of sites throughout that exists in Pennsylvania. Bobby Hughes Pennsylvania to document populations There is good news on the horizon, 394 E. Washington St. however. Nanticoke, PA 18634 of wild trout. Over the years, approxi- Phone: 570-239-3909 mately 40% of all sites sampled support PADEP recently published a “draft final” Email: [email protected] populations of wild trout representing a package of Class A streams that are moving through the final rulemaking process. This EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – significant number of streams that would Len Lichvar not otherwise be identified as eligible for means that this package had been released 213 Atlantic St. higher levels of protection. previously for public comment, comments Boswell, PA 15531 These assessments are key in starting were addressed/responded to, and now this Phone: 814-659-7057 is the package PADEP is proposing as final. Email: [email protected] a process that ends in Clean Water Act regulatory protections through discharge On Nov. 19, the package will be pre- TREASURER – Russell Thrall permits and other mechanisms. In addition sented to the Water Resources Advisory 159 Swift Road to wild trout streams, a sub-set of these Committee for a vote to allow it to con- Stroudsburg, PA 18360 tinue along in the rulemaking process. Phone: 570-620-8677 streams also qualify for Class A listing Email: [email protected] status based on species-specific biomass The package will have other stops at estimates and year class distributions. the Environmental Quality Board, in the SECRETARY – Bob Pennell legislature, the Attorney General’s Office, 2319 Valley Road TU field staff pass along the results of Harrisburg, PA 17104 these assessments to the Fish and Boat and the Independent Regulatory Review Phone: 717-395-5124 Commission for evaluation and recom- Commission before officially becoming Email: [email protected] mendation for listing to the commissioners. a regulation. PA TROUT EDITOR & DESIGNER – At each quarterly meeting, the commis- While the public comment period has Brad Isles sioners vote on staff recommendations closed for this package, look for upcoming P.O. Box 23 to add these streams to the wild trout and opportunities to sign a petition or sign-on Grove City, PA 16127 Class A lists. letter to tell PADEP, its advisory com- Phone: 724-967-2832 mittees, legislators, and the Independent Email: [email protected] Once added to the PFBC lists, the waters are referred to the Pennsylvania Regulatory Review Commission to finalize PA TROUT ADVERTISING – Department of Environmental Protection these protective regulations. Brad Isles So why is identifying and listing unas- P.O. Box 23 for inclusion in modifications to PADEP Grove City, PA 16127 regulations that classify streams based sessed waters as wild trout streams and/or Phone: 724-967-2832 on their biological, chemical, and physi- Class A streams so important? Email: [email protected] cal characteristics. This means that these First, these listings allow management WEB EDITOR – Bob Pennell listings trigger a change in how activities of salmonid resources in these waters in 2319 Valley Road considered by the PADEP, requiring any accordance with the recently released Harrisburg, PA 17104 projects in these watersheds to use practic- Pennsylvania Trout Management plan. Phone: 717-395-5124 These include management activities such Email: [email protected] es that are more protective of these waters. For higher levels of protection for Class as preserving areas containing wild trout COPYRIGHT 2020 A streams (High Quality – HQ), facilities populations as wild, discouraging the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited must evaluate alternatives to discharging to stocking of waters that include wild, native No portion may be reproduced the protected stream, implement 150-foot brook trout populations. without permission. riparian buffers, and include BMPs that are Continued on next page... 2 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org Council elects slate of officers PA COUNCIL The following officers were elected to Northcentral Regional Vice President OF TROUT serve one-year terms, effective Oct. 1. – Bob Volkmar President – Greg Malaska Northwest Regional Vice President – UNLIMITED Executive Vice President (Eastern Kelly Williams 2020-21 COMMITTEES PA) – Bobby Hughes Southwest Regional Vice President – Awards – Bryan Mathie Beth Boyd Executive Vice President (Western 717-404-7642 / [email protected] PA) – Lenny Lichvar Southcentral Regional Vice President Budget – Secretary – Bob Pennell – Russ Collins Russell Thrall 570-620-8677 / [email protected] Treasurer – Russ Thrall Southeast Regional Vice President – Coldwater Heritage Partnership Admin. – Northeast Regional Vice President – Brenda Bittinger Rachel Kester Russ Thrall NLC Representative – Brian Wagner 814-359-5233 / [email protected] v v v Coldwater Heritage Partnership TU Delegate – Ken Sink Award for Outstanding Ken Undercoffer MEETING 814-765-1035 / [email protected] Service to PATU – Bob Volkmar from page 1 College/5 Rivers – Inky Moore Award for Outstanding Charlie Charlesworth bers) – Adams County Chapter Contributions to PATU’s Conservation 570-954-5042 / [email protected] Mission – Rachel Kester Communications – Samuel Slaymaker Best Newsletter Brad Isles – Susquehanna Chapter, Susquehanna A special Lifetime Achievement Award 724-967-2832 / [email protected] Ripples in the form of a framed Ned Smith “Sting Conservation – of the Hook” print was presented to Ken Bob Volkmar Best Chapter Website – Chestnut Ridge Undercoffer, whose longtime service to 814-320-3899 / [email protected] Chapter, wwww.chestnutridgetu.org Council included a term as secretary, two Delaware River – Doc Fritchey Award for Outstanding terms as president, and most recently as Jeff Skelding 410-245-8021 / [email protected] Coldwater Conservationist (TU Mem- vice president of the Northwest Region. Development – ber) – Richard Lewis President Greg Malaska addressed the OPEN Outstanding Coldwater Conserva- “State of PATU,” Program Director Rachel Diversity Initiative – tionist (Professional) – Luke Bobnar Kester discussed the Coldwater Heritage Amidea Daniel Program, TU Mid-Atlantic Policy Director 814-359-5127 / [email protected] Outstanding Volunteer Award – Trac- Jennifer Orr-Greene reviewed her advo- Kelly Williams ey MacAfoos cacy efforts in PA, and National TU CEO 814-765-2624 / [email protected] Dr. Jack Beck Award for Outstanding Chris Wood covered a wide range of topics Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture – Ken Undercoffer Youth Outreach – Judi Sittler to round out the meeting. 814-765-1035 / [email protected] Membership – ...Continued from previous page Eastern Policy is interested in doing Erick Lewis In addition, being listed as Class A presentations for chapters regarding the 607-621-8120 / [email protected] requires any projects, such as an industry program, answer questions, and work with National Leadership Council Rep. – Brian Wagner or housing development, to evaluate and those who are interested in being further involved in advocating for clean water pro- 484-894-8289 / [email protected] implement more stringent management tections from all areas of the state. Contact Trout in the Classroom – practices to preserve the higher quality of Rachel Kester Jen Orr-Greene at [email protected] or these waters. 814-359-5233 / [email protected] at 717-364-4368 for more information. Trout Policy – Each quarter another list of wild trout Len Lichvar and Class A trout waters are proposed Calendar of Events 814-659-7057 / [email protected] for public comment by the Fish and Boat Dave Rothrock Winter EXCOM Meeting Commission. TU Eastern Policy coordi- Jan. 10: 570-377-9712 / [email protected] nates an online petition for members to April 11: Spring EXCOM Meeting TU Service Partnership – OPEN sign in support of those listings. Look for April 24: Eastern Regional Training Youth Education – this opportunity each quarter (generally May 8: Western Regional Training Judi Sittler 814-861-3288 / [email protected] announced through an email and posted July 11: Summer EXCOM Meeting on the Eastern Policy Facebook page) to Christian Shane Sept. 18: PATU Annual Meeting 412-734-0150 / christianshane72@hotmail. tell PFBC you support higher protections com for Pennsylvania streams. Oct. 10: Fall EXCOM Meeting www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 3 through zoos and aquariums in fishing and conservation Headwaters working with many endan- while working at TCO Out- A message from PATU President gered species in an effort to doors of Reading. Greg Malaska protect and care for reserve With home waters in Berks populations. Along the way, County, Brenda finds enjoy- We recently concluded our first (and Bryan became involved with ment fishing the Tulpehocken hopefully last) virtual PATU Annual Meet- other conservation efforts that Watershed. She resides in ing. We had participation from 43 of 49 of exposed him to raptor biology, Fleetwood, with her husband our chapters, a new record! We also learned watershed conservation, the and two mischievous cats, about the state of PATU and CHP, and importance of urban green just a few minutes from her welcomed TU CEO Chris Wood. space and the value and methods of urban college alma mater, Kutztown University. The meeting was special in that we had agriculture. At Kutztown, she received a BFA in Com- a chance to say some farewells and also As an avid outdoorsman, Bryan raised munication Design with a minor in Art His- welcome some new members to the PATU his two boys to appreciate the outdoors tory in 2006. Since then, she has worked Board. through wilderness experiences on the in various industries, utilizing her graphic After several years as First Executive Great Lakes sailing, scuba diving and in design expertise. Currently, Bittinger is a VP, Monty Murty has decided to step the backcountry backpacking, canoeing creative director, working for Weidenham- down. Monty was the most strategic and fishing. He has been fishing his entire mer based out of Wyomissing, PA and thinker I have met in PATU. When myself life and at 12 asked for his first fly rod, also provides freelance brand strategy and and many others were scrambling at the a passion that has only grown since and design services for small businesses. onset of COVID, Monty was thinking has led him to Trout Unlimited and the Kelly Williams, Northwest RVP about long-term trends in conservation and conservation chair of the Penn’s Woods fundraising. His vision and insights from Kelly is a lifelong resident of Jefferson West chapter. Bryan believes that there County and has been the watershed 10,000 feet will be missed. are two crucial elements to engage people We also gave thanks to Ken Undercoffer, specialist with the Clearfield County for conservation: empathy and connectiv- Conservation District since 2009. She who has worn many hats for PATU, but ity. Just like an ecosystem, members need none perhaps more commendable than that is also on the board of the Allegheny each other and other like-minded groups Mountain chapter of Trout Unlimited of a brook trout advocate. We presented to address the magnitude and breadth of Ken with Ned Smith’s “Sting of the Hook” and is a co-chair of the PATU Women, the problems facing us and the genera- Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative with print in recognition of his passionate ef- tions to come. Bryan believes that build- forts to protect Salvelinus Fontinalis, our Amidea Daniel. She is a Certified Fishing ing networks and relationships is vital to Skills Instructor with the PA Fish & Boat state fish. accomplish our goals. We also saw a change in the Treasurer Commission and maintains fishing tackle position from Bob Volkmar to Russ Thrall. Brenda Bittinger, Southeast RVP loaner equipment at her office in Clearfield. Bob has really modernized our financial As newly-named RVP for Southeastern She’s had a passion for conservation and approaches and as a former colleague on Pennsylvania, Brenda brings a thirst for ad- love for the environment since she was a the Brodhead TU Board, I can assure you venture and willingness to try new things. little girl. This passion led to an Associate that Russ has some creative ideas in store. Her husband inspired her to return to degree in Wildlife Technology and a Thanks to Monty, Ken and Bob for their fishing about 10 years ago and she was Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife efforts over the years. soon hooked (pun intended) when intro- and Fishery Science from Penn State I’d now like to introduce you to the duced to fly fishing. Wanting to learn more, and ultimately her career as a watershed three newest members of our Executive she became involved with the Tulpehocken specialist. Committee: chapter eight-plus years ago and has fos- Kelly learned how to fish shortly after tered new ideas, community awareness she learned how to walk and has enjoyed Bryan Mathie, Southwest VP and cold-water conservation education to passing on her love of fishing and the Bryan and his family moved to Pitts- the area. environment ever since. In the coming burgh four years ago from Chicago to take Her passion for connecting people for a year she hopes to continue working on a new role with PNC Investments, continu- cause continues. The first female president the Women, Diversity, and Inclusion ing his 23-year career in financial services of the Tulpehocken chapter, Brenda is Initiative as well as providing support for industry. However, his passion is the out- now in her second term. She also serves the chapters in the Northwest region. doors and conservation, where he has been on the board for the Pennsylvania Women I am sure Bryan, Brenda, and Kelly will actively involved and committed to the Anglers and is a member of Delaware be great leaders in their new roles. Make a cause for over 35 years. After graduating Valley Women’s Fly Fishing Association. point to introduce yourself. with a Biology/Chemistry degree from Along with her certification as a casting Enough of this writing…Time to get Illinois State University, he spent the next skills instructor, Brenda utilizes her spare back in the treestand. Thanks for all you 10 years focused on wildlife conservation time helping other enthusiasts find passion do for PATU. 4 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org Treasurer’s Report Chapter Donations by PATU Treasurer Russell Thrall Thank you to all chapters that donated to State Council in support of I want to thank all the volunteers from computer that I help Bob set up last winter. the Trout Unlimited mission over the around the Commonwealth who attended Bob’s organization skills and attention to past six months. our virtual Annual Meeting in September detail has made the treasurer transition and the support I received as the new trea- go smoothly so far as I learn the ropes of Exceptional Value $1,000 or more surer for PATU. my new responsibilities. I want to thank • Cumberland Valley In September I finished my second term him for his support of me personally, as • Valley Forge as treasurer of the Brodhead Chapter in PATU treasurer and his continued service Northeast PA and I am looking forward to PATU as regional VP. High Quality $500 to $999 to serving Council in the new role and Beyond the accounting responsibilities, • Allegheny Mountain will continue as Northeast regional vice I have started the work on the Annual • Doc Fritchey president for this year as well. Appeal. • Penns Creek Bob Volkmar, who held Council’s You should expect to see information $250 to $499 treasurer’s position for the last few years in the mail later this year. As Bob is wont Brook Trout in addition to his role as North Central to say, PATU uses the funds raised during • Adam’s County regional vice president, and I have been the Annual Appeal to “get stuff done” and • God’s Country working since September on transitioning support coldwater conservation across • John Kennedy the treasurer responsibilities. Pennsylvania. • Oil Creek In early October we met with Rachel Of course, you don’t have to wait for Kester, our program director, at the Fish the Appeal to arrive in your mail, you can Wild Trout $100 to $249 and Boat Commission Office in Bellefonte visit the PATU website (www.patrout.org) • Forks of the Delaware to go over the day-to-day work and trans- at any time and click on DONATE to help fer paper files as well as the new PATU support PATU. • Tiadaghton

EXCOM actions since April 26 June 16: Approved Trout Policy Com- by National TU to the Susquehanna River Not a mittee’s comments for submission to Basin Commission outlining concerns due PFBC regarding their proposed Trout to possible groundwater contamination and member? Management Plan. proposed water withdrawals for a Nichol- June 29: Approved letter to Stroud Re- son Meats processing plant to be built near JOIN TODAY! search in support of their application for a Fishing Creek in Clinton County. PFBC R3 Education Grant to complement July 8: Approved submission of appli- Council’s STREAM Girls program. cation for Educational Improvement Tax July 3: Approved sending letter drafted Credit (EITC). www.tu.org/join

The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited has more than 14,000 members in nearly 50 chapters statewide, with one common goal: The con- servation and enhancement of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams and fisheries, specifically our wild trout resources. Trout Unlimited is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, functioning for charitable, educational and scientific purposes. Donations are deductible to the extent provided by law. For information on advertising in PA Trout, call 814-692-5232, or email [email protected]. See pages 2-3 for Council contact information, officers and committees. For listings of Regional VPs and Pennsylvania TU chapters, and their contact information, see pages 14-20.

PENNSYLVANIA TROUT is published quarterly by the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. Information in this publication is provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. The Pennsylvania Council Pennsylvania of Trout Unlimited makes no guarantees as to accuracy, currency, quality or fitness of any information presented in this Trout is a publication. The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any incorrect, misleading, outdated or missing information. supporting The views and opinions expressed in PENNSYLVANIA TROUT are those of the writers, who are responsible for the member accuracy of content. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. The accep- of the tance of advertising by the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited does not constitute an endorsement of the products or Pennsylvania services advertised. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for the publication of copy submitted by advertisers. Outdoor The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited reserves the right to cancel or reject articles or advertising deemed inap- Writers Association propriate or unsuitable for PENNSYLVANIA TROUT. Anyone using any information from this publication does so at his own risk and shall be deemed to indemnify the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. The publisher shall not be responsible or liable for any damage or injury resulting from such use. Letters to the editor are welcome; they must be signed and contain the writer’s contact information. PATU reserves the right to edit letters for length.

www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 5 Fly Patterns of Pennsylvania by Nick Cobler UPRIGHT WINGED DUN, THORAX STYLE Designed by Vincent C. Marinaro (1911–1986); (Slightly modified by author) Fly Design / Highlights • Incorporates commonly found, natural materials • Fools picky trout ... if you are lucky! • A challenge to tie – which makes it a fun one to master! • Fully described in Mr. Marinaro’s famous book “A Modern Dry-Fly Code” History Being a dry fly junkie, this pattern has always been a great one for its history, fish- fooling ability and the challenge presented to the fly tyer. It takes much practice to master for sure. I truly believe Mr. Marinaro would be proud that we are keeping it Materials alive today! This version is tied as a blue-wing olive to show the overall procedure. • Thread: Olive 6/0 or 8/0 About the Fly Pattern Designer • Body: Olive Dubbing The legendary Vincent C. Marinaro was born in Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, and • Tails: Light gray/blue hackle fibers lived most of his life in Mechanicsburg near his beloved Letort Spring Run. He was • Wings: Pale gray hackle points a corporate tax specialist and had degrees from Duquesne University. To add to that, burned or trimmed to shape he was also a classically trained violinist and the master of 11 languages. • Thorax: Olive Dubbing A talented fly fisherman, fly tyer, bamboo rodmaker, photographer and author, Mr. • Hackle: Light gray/blue wound in X Marinaro created many original fly patterns and concepts. He authored two books pattern around thorax that should be on every fly fisherman’s desk, “A Modern Dry-Fly Code” (1950) and • Hook: Standard dry fly, sizes 14-20 “In the Ring of the Rise” (1976). Vincent C. Marinaro passed on March 2, 1986 and his ashes were spread in the Note: Mr. Marinaro’s book “A Modern Dry- legendary Letort Spring Run – where he spent many enjoyable days on the water. Fly Code” has the original dressing details.

Start and secure the thread at about the Mount hackle-point wings pointing back with Move the thread to just beyond the hook half-way mark of the shank. (Mr. Marinaro secure wraps and stand upright. Clip or cover point and tie in a sparse tail, splitting, lifting stressed the importance of falling closer to the remaining stem. (Mr. Marinaro trimmed and splaying into equal groups the bend than the eye of the hook.) his wings, but I’ve opted for a wing-burner.)

Dub a neat body from the tails toward the Make two turns in front of the wings on top of Dub a neat, tapered head from the wings eye of the hook. Then create a ball shape the shank. Then behind the wings underneath toward the eye of the hook, leaving room to of looser dubbing at the wing. Anchor one the shank in an X design. Tie in the hackle whip finish the fly. Spend the winter tying hackle in front of the wings. tip securely and as close to the wings as these up in various colors and be ready for possible. Clip any remaining fibers. next season! 6 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org Merchandise Order Form Thank you for supporting the efforts of PATU in protecting, conserving and restoring PA’s coldwater streams. Please allow 1-2 weeks to receive your order. Some items may ship sooner. For pictures and complete descriptions of these items please go to www.patrout.org/merchandise. If you have questions about the availability of any specific items, please feel free to contact Bob Pennell at [email protected] or 717-395-5124.

Item Description Price Qty. Total 1. “Back the Brookie” License Plate $25.00 Brook Trout Dog Collar – SM/MD $23.00 Brook Trout Dog Collar – LG/XL $25.00 Ballcap w/logo (circle) Khaki Navy Camo Brown Green $17.50 1 Medium Waterproof Fly Box (5.5”x3.75”x5/8”) $14.00

Custom-tied Leaders 2. Dry Fly – 4X Tippet $6.00 Dry Fly – 5X Tippet $6.00 Dry Fly – 6X Tippet $6.00 Wet Fly – 4X Tippet w/ 2 Droppers $6.00 Wet Fly – 5X Tippet w/ 2 Droppers $6.00 “The Delaware River Story” Book $25.00 3. “PA Limestone Trout Creeks” Book $24.00 “History of Trout Unlimited in PA” Book $15.00 “Fly Fishing PA’s Spring Creek” Book $15.00 “Keystone Fly Fishing” Book $30.00 2 Traveler Fly Rod – 9’0, 5-wt., 7-piece $130.00 PATU Travel Rod Case $24.00 Official PATU T-shirt (circle size) S M L XL $20.00 Official PATU T-shirt (circle size) 2XL 3XL $23.00 PATU Sticker $1.50 3 PATU Travel Mug $14.00 6% sales tax (where applicable), shipping Note: and handling costs included in unit prices. Total $

* Prices effective May 1, 2020

6% sales tax (where applicable) and shipping and handling costs are included in unit prices.

Mail this form, along with money order or Ship to: check payable to “PA Trout” to: Name: ______PA Council of TU c/o Merchandise 2319 Valley Road Address: ______Harrisburg, PA 17104 City, State, Zip: ______

Or you can order directly online using a credit Phone ______Email ______card at www.patrout.org/merchandise. ** Phone and email are needed should PATU have questions regarding your order. eggs will be sent out provides funding for PA Council in January to schools AML reclamation and of Trout Unlimited that are able to raise AMD treatment. fish in the classroom. TU submitted com- Minutes of the October 11, 2020 PFBC is awarding an ments to the Envi- Executive Committee Meeting R3 Education Grant ronmental Quality Zoom Teleconference which will provide Board (EQB) on Sep- Officers Attending: Greg Malaska, Bob additional funding for tember 25. Act 40 of Pennell, Charlie Charlesworth, Russell the TIC Existing Pro- 2018 mandated DEP Thrall, Brian Wagner, Len Lichvar, Bobby gram grants. Further to move the point of Hughes, Russ Collins, Brenda Bittinger, information is being compliance for manga- Bryan Mathie provided to the PA nese from the point of Others Attending: Rachel Kester, Judi Dept. of Community discharge to the point Sittler, Jennifer Orr-Greene, Mike Ban- & Economic Develop- of intake by a public aszewski ment in hopes of obtaining “educational water supply. The TU letter supports DEP’s The meeting was called to order at 9:04 improvement organization” status to allow proposal to change the criterion for man- a.m. by President Malaska. A motion was tax breaks for financial supporters of the ganese from 1.0 mg/L, which is to prevent made and carried to approve the Minutes TIC Program. staining of plumbing fixtures and taste is- of our July 19, 2020 EXCOM meeting as National Leadership Council (NLC) sues in drinking water, to 0.3 mg/L, which submitted. A motion was made and car- Report: Wagner participated in two is based on human health protection, spe- Sportsmen Conservation meetings hosted ried to table further action on continuity cifically for infants, and keeping the point by Derek Eberly featuring support for the planning until the January, 2021 EXCOM of compliance at the point of discharge. Environmental Stewardship Fund and meeting. Financial Reviewer’s Report: John Keystone Fund. He encouraged Council President’s Report: Malaska submitted Leonard examined the checks written for and chapter leaders to view a TU training a report of his activities since the July 19, PATU’s PNC accounts (both PATU and webinar, “Good Governance: Best Prac- 2020 EXCOM meeting. CHP), plus all charges made on PATU’s tices for Growth.” He also reported that Treasurer’s Report: A motion was debit card for the months of July, August, National TU is developing a new “One made and carried to approve the Trea- and September 2020. He found no irregu- surer’s Report dated October, 2020 as TU” strategic plan. larities in any of the accounts/charges, and submitted. Advocacy Report: Orr-Greene reported everything is well documented. Actions Taken by EXCOM since July that the week of October 5 was Clean Regional VP Reports: Malaska intro- 19, 2020: The list of seven action items Water Education Week. TU along with duced our two new RVPs, Bryan Mathie taken by email vote since July 19, 2020 members of the Choose Clean Water Coali- (SW Region) and Brenda Bittinger (SE was submitted. tion, the Coalition for the Delaware River Region), who presented brief bios on their Program Director’s Report: Kester Watershed and groups from western PA reported that Coldwater Heritage Partner- held a series of legislative meetings related backgrounds. • ship (CHP) grant rounds 21 (2016), 22 to funding for Clean Water. Northcentral – All eight chapters (2017), and hopefully 23 (2018) should be The following PA legisla- reported. closed out by the end of December. DCNR tion is currently being tracked: • Northeast – Eight of 10 chapters has advised that $100,000 will be awarded SB679 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) establishing an reported. Western Pocono had no for grant round 26 in 2021 ($112,175 was unfunded stream maintenance program. activity to report, and Shehawken and requested). Kester is working with Steve HB584 (Kortz-D-Allegheny) allow- Monocacy did not submit reports. Fabian of QuarterNote Systems to develop ing for exemptions from fishing li- • Northwest – Seven of nine chapters a new CHP website that should go online cense fees for therapeutic programs. reported. Iron Furnace and James by the end of this year. SB619 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) amending Zwald did not submit reports. the Clean Streams Law to change the Kester and Thrall will be talking with • Southcentral – Six of seven chapters American Fisheries Society/PA Chapter definition of pollution related to spills. reported. Falling Spring did not submit President George Merovich via Zoom on Other bills TU is tracking include those a report. October 14 to explore the possibility of related to regulatory reform, the Regional conducting a joint Keystone Coldwater Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), pipe- • Southeast – Six of seven chapters re- Conference in the spring of 2022 line regulation, and oil and gas regulation. ported. Delco-Manning did not submit The Trout in the Classroom (TIC) pro- TU continues to advocate as part of the a report. gram is underway for this year with 402 Pennsylvania Abandoned Mine Lands • Southwest – All eight chapters re- teachers participating. The program is (AML) Coalition for reauthorization of ported. being conducted virtually at this time, but the Abandoned Mine Lands Fund, which Continued on next page... 8 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org ...Continued from previous page program. A survey was sent to all girls/ tee chairs for FY2021: No action items were noted in any of the parents who participated in any of our • Awards – Beth Boyd chapter reports. Collins called attention to PA STREAM Girls programs since the • Membership – Erick Lewis problems reported by professional guide pilot program began in 2018. The grant • Budget – Russ Thrall Julie Szur regarding local harvesting of awarded to PATU had more of a hands-on • Trout Policy – Len Lichvar & Dave trout during the extremely low water and focus; therefore, we are in the process of Rothrock high temperature conditions in Pine Creek. adjusting to the current circumstances that TU Service Partnership: Mike Ban- COVID has created. The PA Association of • Communications – Brad Isles aszewski gave a PowerPoint presentation Environmental Educators (PAEE) has 6 PA • Women/Diversity – Kelly Williams & updating National TU’s former Veterans regional contacts who could partner with Amidea Daniel Service Partnership program which is now local TU chapters for youth programs; in • Conservation – Bob Volkmar focused on fire, medical and law enforce- particular, STREAM Girls, and has offered • Youth Education – Judi Sittler & ment personnel, in addition to those who to put information about STREAM Girls Christian Shane serve in the military. The TSP mission is to and TIC on their website. • Delaware River – Russ Skelding “serve and engage the first responders and College/5 Rivers Program – Charles- military communities and their families.” worth reported that there are currently 11 • College/5 Rivers – Charlie Charles- He pointed out that 53% of our PA chapters chapters organized in PA, although some worth currently have no dedicated TSP programs. are inactive. St. Francis College in Loretto Malaska will seek candidates to appoint COMMITTEE REPORTS: is soon to be added. as chairs of the Development Committee Trout Policy – The committee prepared Membership – Erick Lewis reported and TU Service Partnership. The Executive a letter for Council’s submittal to the PFBC that there are currently 15,223 members VPs will determine which committees will in support of proposed final rule making in PA which represents an increase of fall under their jurisdiction. for setting slot limit regulations for Sec- 1,975 members, or 13.6% growth during Update on Merchandise Sales – Pennell tion 3 of Penns Creek. The co-chairs par- the past year. reported that a total of 46 merchandise ticipated in a conference call with PFBC, Communications – Brad Isles reported orders were received since our July 19 Friends of the Upper Delaware River, that as of October 1 we have 2,188 follow- meeting, amounting to a total of $2,372.72. and other partners regarding a change in ers on Facebook and 2,979 on our Twitter This compares to 27 orders and $861.00 in New York State regulations for the Upper account. He also stated that our website revenue during the previous quarter. The Delaware River. has seen an increase of 516 users, with biggest factor in this increase is the print- Development – No report submitted. an increase of 3,313 pageviews since one ing and mailing of the Summer PA Trout Investments – No report submitted. year ago. newsletter. Bittinger volunteered to assist Awards – The committee has established OLD BUSINESS: in this marketing effort. a scoring system for evaluating the annual Nicholas Meats Processing Plant – Orr- Forever Wild Funding – A motion was award nominations. Beth Boyd will work Greene is proposing a meeting of the stake- made and carried to roll over the unused with our website designer to develop an holders to follow up on the letter sent to FY2020 budgeted funds for Forever Wild online nomination process, as well as ex- the Susquehanna River Basin Commission grants in FY2021. panding our promotional efforts through (SRBC) outlining concerns due to possible Future of Western Pocono Chapter our social media outreach. She is seeking groundwater contamination and proposed – Malaska, Thrall, and possibly Hughes a third member for the committee. water withdrawals for a Nicholas Meats will plan to meet with chapter leaders Delaware River – No report submitted. processing plant to be built near Fishing later this year to develop goals for chapter Conservation – No report submitted. Creek in Clinton County. A higher-level performance. Women, Diversity & Inclusion Ini- meeting with Nicholas Meats would fol- Upcoming Meeting Schedule – Malaska tiative – Kelly Williams reported that, low later. established the following meeting dates for pandemic conditions permitting, the 2021 Donation to Wildlife Leadership Acad- the next year: Women & Diversity Leadership Retreat emy – A motion was made and carried to • EXCOM – January 10, April 11, July will be held at the Godspeed Hostel near donate $500 in support of the Wildlife 11, October 10 Port Matilda on May 12-13. A PFBC R3 Leadership Academy. • Eastern Regional Training – April 24 grant for $7,400 has been awarded to assist NEW BUSINESS: • Western Regional Training – May 8 WDI in conducting four virtual training Appointment of Council Secretary – meetings. A WDI webpage is under de- Since no one was elected to the position • Annual Membership Meeting – Sep- velopment at https://patuwdi.weebly.com/. of Council Secretary for FY2021, Malaska tember 18 in Bedford, PA. Youth Education – The Stroud Water appointed, and EXCOM approved, Bob The meeting was adjourned by mutual Research Center is moving forward with Pennell to fill this role. consent at 11:45 a.m. the grant they were awarded to retain those Appointment of Committee Chairs – – Bob Pennell STREAM Girls that have gone through the Malaska appointed the following commit- Council Secretary www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 9 TRICKLE from page 1 been surveyed. I jumped at the chance to join them, but I wasn’t expecting to spend the day sampling such skinny water. The stream was only ankle deep where we began. Upstream were a handful of deeper pools and undercut banks where I expected they’d turn up a few good-sized native brookies. But as they slowly worked their way up, probing every inch of water and recording everything that went belly- up, I got excited. Not all of those fish were young-of-the-year fingerlings. And not all were brookies. When one of the biologists prodded a small plunge pool under a fallen log and a beautiful 18-inch wild brown trout came floating up, my jaw dropped. To me, it was impressive. To the biologists, who survey small streams often, this was typical. By the end of the day, I’d gained a new appreciation for those little trickles and their ability to harbor fish. And I realized Ralph Scherder Photo that many of the tiny streams I’d taken for The author found surprisingly large brown trout, up to 18 inches, in water that he granted for so many years probably held formerly ignored. When casting to fish in these skinny waters, he wants the fly to some nice wild browns, too. drop quickly. Bead heads achieve that goal. Finding Fish One of the biologists was especially ex- fore have relocated. The area we surveyed had received a cited about the resurvey because he’d taken After spending a day surveying these good bit of rain the previous week, but part in the first one which had produced trickles, I decided to assume until proven the stream was still barely six feet wide. healthy numbers of wild browns up to 20 otherwise that a nice-sized brown lived in As the biologists worked the water, I tried inches long. Again, this stream was about every little bit of holding water. When I to anticipate the quality of fish we’d find. six feet wide, and in many places narrower applied that approach to the streams I fish, There wasn’t one pool that really tripped than that. Another trickle. my catch rates went up and I started pick- my hot button or looked like it might hold As the crew worked upstream, beginning ing up bigger fish than I ever had. anything other than a scattering of tiny at the same point they first surveyed, their I also realized that, in trickles, big trout trout. Long, shallow riffles separated small, findings were considerably different. All of don’t always utilize the most obvious hold- unimpressive pools. In short, it was the those big fish were gone. They turned up a ing water all the time. Watching the stream type of stuff you walk passed on your way few browns in the 9- to 12-inch range, but survey was fascinating in that deep pools, to better water. none of the bruisers they’d anticipated… even ones with desirable undercuts and The beauty of trout, though, is that until they got to the really skinny, maybe root systems, didn’t necessarily guarantee they are where you find them. At times three feet wide. Suddenly, every pool with big browns and, in fact, were often void they’re ferociously territorial and live out a little depth and good structure produced of fish. their lives within small quadrants. Other a wild brown over 16 inches. “That’s a That doesn’t mean these pools went times they’re more transient than a band relief,” one biologist said. “I was beginning unused; lunker trout spend the majority of gypsies. to think these fish were going to make a of their time around other structure and Later in the afternoon, the biologists liar out of me.” move into the deeper pools to feed. The moved on to a second stream that had According to the team, this was normal. catch, of course, is that you never know been surveyed the year prior. That survey The reason they clip a sliver of caudal fin when they’ll decide to feed, which is why had produced enough trout to warrant a on every trout they capture is so that they it’s best to assume they’re always present. reassessment to see if it would meet the know which ones they’ve caught before In trickles, the holding water trout prefer requirements of a Class A water (40kg of when they resurvey a section. They often is the kind that’s almost impossible for biomass per hectare). find that fish caught even just the day -be Continued on next page... 10 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org ...Continued from previous page Trickle Tactics portunists, and if I’ve covered the water anglers, or other predators, to approach Knowing they’re there is one thing. effectively with just a few casts, I move without being seen. It doesn’t have to be Catching them presents a whole other on. Sometimes you have to cover a lot of deep, but it must have structure that trout challenge. water to locate big fish that are accessible. can slip under (usually long before you First of all, if you have to enter the In truth, many wild browns living in these even get to make a cast). water at any point, chances are you’re diminutive dwellings are simply uncatch- During my time following the survey already beat. I never realized how many able because of the lairs they’ve chosen. trout I was potentially spooking until I crew, the most surprising find came in a I don’t fret over fly choice when fishing watched the stream survey. The reason they stream only three to four feet wide and in skinny water. However, I do use mostly survey streams multiple times is because a pool less than calf deep. weighted flies because I want them to a percentage of fish evade their probes. When they probed a narrow gap under get down quickly in those tiny pools and an overhanging rock, a hefty 16-inch wild Numerous times I witnessed trout bolting upstream, sometimes 10 yards or more pockets. Mastering the art of the short brown floated into their net. I couldn’t be- cast is almost a prerequisite to success on lieve that a trout of that size could thrive in ahead of the crew, that were long gone by these waters. such skinny water. It was the equivalent of the time the bios there. I have no preference when it comes to finding a 50-inch musky in your bathtub. The smaller the water, the more sensi- tive trout are to the vibrations on land, and working up or down a stream. I prefer to The Trickle Factor especially to those on the streambed. walk well back away from the water and The question that should be asked is, It’s helpful if you can spot the fish before observe the pools from a distance, then do trout live in trickles year-round? The making your first cast, but that’s usually approach and fish from the middle. My answer, most likely, is no. impossible. In larger rivers, where the wa- logic is this: If I start at the tail or head of a In my experience, wild brown trout work ter depth itself is a form of structure, trout pool and spook trout, those fish inevitably their way into these diminutive streams feel safe in the open. Trickle trout don’t spook other fish. If I start in the middle of during two occasions – when spawning have that luxury. Typically, anglers first a pool and spook trout in the tail end, then in the fall (when water levels are up) and see them as they bolt from under a rock, I’ve effectively cut them off and still have when seeking thermal refuge in the middle log, or some other structure to either take a shot at the ones at the head of the pool – of summer. (Note: Although the air tem- your presentation or vacate the premises. and vice versa. perature approached 90 degrees Fahrenheit That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend No other situation or conditions – or the day of the stream survey, the water considerable amounts of time just watch- temperature rarely exceeded 50 degrees F.) ing the water. Sometimes you can pick quarry, for that matter – test your skills at Wild brown trout in these heavily cano- up the slightest movement or change in such a precise level. When you catch a nice pied coldwater sanctuaries are often over- shadows next to structure that indicate fish. wild brown, even if it’s not a monster com- looked by most anglers who think it takes It’s not uncommon to have trout move into pared to those found in much bigger rivers, big water to produce big fish. Therefore, and out of a pool you’re fishing, seemingly you know you’ve done everything right. it makes the most sense to target these without rhyme or reason. For me, chasing wild browns in trickles trickles during those two times. That said, I still don’t spend a lot of is an addiction. And it’s one vice I’ll hap- During summer, some trickles get so time at any one pool. Trickle trout are op- pily encourage everyone else to try. small that trout simply cannot work very far up into them due to natural barricades, such as waterfalls or long stretches of shallow water – and by shallow, I mean Subscribe to PA Trout less than a couple of inches deep. Usu- ally, if you find larger fish above natural If you would like to receive future PA Trout newsletters by U.S. Mail, fill out the following form and mail with your check payable to “PA Trout” to: PA Trout, PO Box 5148, Bellefonte, barricades, it’s because they arrived there PA 16823. in the fall and were confined when water levels dropped. Name______But, as long as they’re trapped in a pool Street or P.O.______with enough overhead cover or structure and potential food sources, they’ll continue City, State & Zip______to thrive and grow. Also, just because the bigger fish are unable to navigate the Subscription rate is $5.00 per year (4 issues) stream doesn’t mean that young-of-the- year fry don’t still move around a bit. And Enclosed is my check for $______for _____ year(s) when they end up in the same pool as a larger fish, they often end up in its belly. www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 11 Rivers Camp accepting early applications The Cumberland Valley Chapter of As additional information becomes their field, teach the various classes. Trout Unlimited is holding the 26th annual known, that information will be shared A student doesn’t have to be an Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth with public and can be found on the camp’s accomplished fly fisher or a budding Camp June 20-25, 2020. website www.riverscamp.com. aquatic biologist to attend. The student The camp will be at Messiah University 2021 – Early Acceptance only needs to be highly motivated and in Grantham, PA. It begins on Sunday and The deadline for early acceptance is Dec. willing to learn. ends the following Friday. 31, 2020. Students selected for the early For more information, a camp brochure, 2021 Conditions acceptance will be notified in early January or to apply, visit the camp website at www. Admission is limited to 24 selected 2021. Applicants who apply during the riverscamp.com. qualified students, ages 14 to 17. Those regular application period of Jan. 1, 2021 Be sure to watch the camp video there, or students who were accepted for the 2020 through Feb. 29, 2021 will be notified in join us on Facebook https://www.facebook. camp will have the opportunity to attend early March 2021. com/groups/49190088991/about. the 2021 camp and be given priority The camp began accepting applications Questions may be submitted at the without having to re-apply. for the 2021 camp on Nov. 1, 2020. website or via email to riverscamp@ However, it is incumbent upon the 2020 Applying via the camp website is preferred. gmail.com. accepted student to contact the camp and The camp tuition is $550 per student. state their intention that they wish to attend There is no cost to apply, and no money camp in 2021. is required until a student is accepted. Students who were accepted for 2020 Financial aid may be available to qualified and wish to attend in 2021 MUST contact students. All meals and accommodations the camp at [email protected]. If are included for the residence camp. there are less than 24 students from 2020, The highly structured curriculum is new applicants will be selected for the based on college level classes. Students 2021 camp. are instructed in ecology, aquatic GET A CUSTOM The board of directors is being optimistic biology, geology, hydrogeology, erosion and planning for the 2021 camp. Because and sediment control, ichthyology, TROUT UNLIMITED of COVID-19 and the unknown factors riparian corridor protection, watershed PENNSYLVANIA associated with the pandemic, the camp management, entomology, and much more. size has been reduced from 32 students Students also participate in a hands-on LICENSE PLATE! to 24. stream habitat improvement project. Want to show others that you’re a proud It is unknown at this time whether But it’s not all work. There are 10 member of PATU and support the mission additional restrictions will be placed on fishing sessions, casting and fishing of Trout Unlimited? Well, you can, and it the camp by Messiah University, the instruction and fly-tying classes. will only cost you a onetime charge of $27 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or Trout Over 25 instructors, all experts in for a specialty PA license plate. The cus- Unlimited. tom plate fee is in addition to your annual The Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing registration fee, and the plate is available Youth Camp’s first priority is keeping for passenger cars and trucks 14,000 lbs. students and staff safe. or less, motor homes and trailers. To order your Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited PA state license plate, send your name, TU membership num- ber and current PA license plate number by email to [email protected] or mail to: Bob Pennell 2319 Valley Road Harrisburg, PA 17104 In return, you’ll receive an application form to complete and send with your $27 payment to PennDOT.

12 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org In Brief

Coldwater Heritage Partnership nificant improvements to water resources The Miscellaneous Special Regulation launches re-designed website that are likely to benefit fish and other along section 03 of Bald Eagle Creek The Coldwater Heritage Partnership aquatic life; acquisition and development located within the Soaring Eagle Wetland recently debuted a re-designed website of properties for public fishing and boat- in Huston Township, Centre County is with a new interactive map that displays ing access; enhancement or restoration of identical to the current Delayed Harvest all the plans and projects that have been populations of specified aquatic Species of Artificial Lures Only (58 Pa. Code §65.6) completed across the state. Greatest Conservation Need; storm water regulation; however, all tackle types will Visit at www.coldwaterheritage.org for conservation practices/best management be permitted. more information. practices (including Environmentally As such, the regulation allows for year- Sensitive Maintenance (ESM) practices PFBC accepting grant apps for round angling with all tackle types and for dirt, gravel, and low volume roads) that harvest of up to three trout per day at least Sinnemahoning Creek program maintain or improve water quality and/or On Nov. 2, the Fish and Boat Commis- nine inches in length from June 15 through habitat for fish and other aquatic life; and sion announced it was accepting applica- Labor Day, with no harvest permitted the acid deposition abatement and alkaline ad- tions for grants under the Sinnemahoning remainder of the year. dition to remediate adverse impacts from Creek Watershed Restoration Program. The regulation is designed to provide acidic precipitation to habitat for fish and The deadline to apply is Jan. 23. for an extended period of catch-and- other aquatic life. Project applicants must meet the eligi- release angling with all tackle types for Currently, the balance of unobligated bility criteria and must use the application stocked trout; then, as stream conditions funds remaining in the program account form specified in the grant application become less favorable for trout survival is approximately $380,000. For this package. The PFBC anticipates final se- due to decreased flow and elevated water round, the PFBC will consider individual lection and public announcement of grant temperatures, harvest is permitted under a grant awards in the range of $10,000 to awards by the end of April 2021. reduced creel limit. $100,000. The PFBC’s primary emphasis will be “By designating this section as a Key- For more information, read the grant on projects in the Sinnemahoning Creek stone Select Stocked Trout Water with a application package at www.fishandboat. Watershed upstream of the confluence with higher concentration of trophy-size fish, com. Questions should be directed to the First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek; we are providing an opportunity to anglers Fisheries Biologist Jeff Schmid at 814- however, projects located elsewhere within that was previously unavailable in this 359-5242 or [email protected]. the eligible counties will be considered. part of the state,” said William C. Brock, Projects eligible for funding in this round New Keystone Select water District 3 Commissioner. “Secondly, by will be limited to the following: fish habitat receives experimental regulation allowing fishing with all tackle in this protection and enhancement; restoration of During its formal quarterly business high-use location, we’ll be able to study aquatic habitat connectivity through the meeting held virtually on Oct. 19-20, and evaluate the survival of fish that were removal of barriers to fish passage; riparian PFBC Commissioners voted to adopt an released after being caught by baited hooks buffer plantings of trees and shrubs; aban- experimental fishing regulation on a newly versus lures on similar waters statewide.” doned mine drainage treatment systems or designated Keystone Select Stocked Trout The amendment will go into effect on mine reclamation projects that result in sig- Water located in Centre County. Jan. 1, 2021.

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www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 13 for our project on McMichael Creek for next year. During the summer months our monthly meet- Note: Due to changing COV- Upcoming general meetings are Nov. 11 (online) ings were held on the Tow Path along the river. ID-19 restrictions, any upcom- and in December at our Cherry Valley project Due to COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to ing events listed in the follow- at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, have our monthly fall and winter meetings at Co- Stroudsburg, on a date to be announced. Brodhead ra’s Bistro in Hawley, but the location is switching ing chapter reports should be Fly Tyers meet Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 at Brodhead to American Legion #859 in Newfoundland. We considered tentative. Please Creek Heritage Center, East Stroudsburg. began planning for our April banquet. Members check the individual chapter’s ______continue to participate in the Pike County Con- servation District’s monthly Zoom meetings, website or newsletter for up- Forks of the Delaware Chapter #482 Joe Baylog as well as Dirt and Gravel Low Volume Road dated status. 610-751-9116, [email protected] Committee Zoom meetings. Due to COVID-19, https://forksofthedelaware.tu.org/ our educational activities are suspended. We are in the process of planning a second Women’s NORTHEAST CHAPTERS The chapter held a board and membership Introduction to Fly Fishing in the spring 2021. Brodhead 289 meeting outdoors on Sept. 10. We requested an Hawley Park and Recreation plans to apply for a extension for the 2018 Embrace A Stream grant PFBC’s Facilities Construction Grant next spring, Forks of the Delaware 482 due to construction delays from COVID. We especially for the Hawley river access point. One Hokendauqua 535 signed on to a letter by the Coalition for the Dela- of the goals is to complete a handicapped fishing Lackawanna Valley 414 ware River Watershed, to PENNDOT to support dock to allow wheelchair-bound veterans and the installation of watershed signage along major community access to the river. The Rails to Trails Monocacy 491 roadways that intersect with the basin’s boundar- program plans to have five fishing and kayak Pike-Wayne 462 ies. The chapter presented on the Bushkill Creek access points between Honesdale and Hawley. dewatering/sinkhole issues at the Northampton ______Schuylkill County 537 County Council committee on Energy, Envi- Shehawken 81 ronment and Land Use in July. In August, the Schuylkill County Chapter #537 Brian Lengel Stan Cooper Sr. 251 Northampton County Council approved a resolu- tion fully supporting efforts to study, develop and 717-708-8846, [email protected] Western Pocono 203 implement solutions to minimize and/or eliminate www.schuylkillcountytu.org a future dewatering event at Bushkill Creek. The SCTU held its 3rd Annual Hook Ur Honey fish- REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT chapter hosted an Adopt-A-Highway cleanup on ing event to help introduce women to fishing. The Bushkill Drive on Sept. 21. Several Scouts from following week we held a free kids fishing rodeo. Russell Thrall local Cub Scout Pack 29 based out of Arndt’s There were no new conservation projects and all 159 Swift Road Lutheran Church participated. The chapter ran a educational events will start in January when we Stroudsburg, PA 18360 DIY Stream Cleanup Contest from Sept. 25 to Oct. target our fly tying classes. Our Christmas party 31 where participants picked up a small bag or is scheduled for December. Email: [email protected] netful of trash along a local stream while fishing, ______Phone: 570-620-8677 walking or just enjoying the stream. Shehawken Chapter #81 ______Joe DeMalderis Brodhead Chapter #289 Hokendauqua Chapter #535 914-475-6779, [email protected] Eric Baird Art Williams https://www.facebook.com/Shehawken- 570-396-4647, [email protected] 610-266-1788, [email protected] Trout-Unlimited-811023349070239/ www.brodheadtu.org http://hokendauqua.tu.org No report. In August and September we held an in-person No activity to report. ______board meeting with a call-in option. We are selling ______chapter fly boxes as our current fundraiser. We Stanley Cooper, Sr. Chapter #251 Scott Brady held an in-person outdoor picnic on Sept. 19 in Lackawanna Valley Chapter #414 Jacob Bliss 570-479-6106, [email protected] conjunction with our chapter elections. We have 570-833-2091, [email protected] www.sctu.org overseen the completion of the restoration work www.lackawannavalleytu.org on Cherry Creek. Following the delivery of 1,400 Our SCTU Banquet at the Holiday Inn East seedlings from PPL’s Community Roots program The chapter held an in-stream cleanup on Aug. Mountain, Wilkes Barre, was rescheduled for we planted them along Cherry Creek. We have 16 and removed a few hundred pounds of trash early April. We finished a phase of a stream im- met once in person on the McMichael Creek from the Lackawanna River. provement project at Mountain Springs Lake by project and the project team is reviewing the plans ______removing a dam, planting 2,000 plants and trees and cost estimate. We worked on a project nar- Monocacy Chapter #491 in conjunction with Luzerne County Conserva- rative for permitting and grant opportunities and Erik Broesicke tion, and revitalizing Bowman’s Creek where presented the project to the chapter at our October 610-909-2652, [email protected] Mountain Spring Lake was located before the meeting. We picked up the tank set-ups for our www.monocacytu.org construction of the dam. Our Bowmans Creek two new TIC programs. We held a “Fly Fishing roadside and stream cleanup was rescheduled. the Next Step” class for students to improve on No report. We have a TIC program in conjunction with their casting, knot tying, fly tying and entomology. ______EPCAMU at Lake Lehman Jackson Elementary The final class was a one-on-one guided trip on Pike-Wayne Chapter #462 School. We will have a women’s flyfishing camp the stream to learn about reading the water. The Paul Ranello held in conjunction with the PFBC in 2021. Our chapter is not currently pursuing any grant activi- 973-452-9301 hope is to restart Bugs ’n Brews in January. ties, but will be looking into some grant funding www.pwtu.org ______14 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org Western Pocono Chapter #203 viewed invasive species videos available via the Penns Creek Chapter #119 George Hludzik Columbia County District Conservation Office Joe Dunmire 570-788-2121, [email protected] website. We held a riparian tree planting on Oct. 717-899-6085, [email protected] 17 at Kocher Park, Main Street, Lightstreet. Up- www.tu.org/connect/groups/203-western- The chapter held its first monthly meeting since pocono coming chapter meetings are Nov. 10 with WCO Aaron Lupcchini and Dec. 8 with Dr. Whisner March at Bender Park in Reedsville on Sept. 9. No activity to report. discussing Bloomsburg University Fishing Creek We received $800 raised by Stonefly Cafe and monitoring at the Columbia County Conservation donated to the chapter from a rod raffle. The final District Office, Bloomsburg. eight structures have been completed at the Kish ______Park project site. Our TIC classes are on hold until NORTHCENTRAL at least January 2021. CHAPTERS God’s Country Chapter #327 ______David Saulter Columbia County 038 814-274-9763, [email protected] R.B. Winter Chapter #124 God’s Country 327 Rod Jones Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most sched- 570-259-7205, [email protected] Lloyd Wilson 224 uled chapter activities were canceled. We held facebook.com/RBWinterTroutUnlimitedChapter/ Penns Creek 119 a member meeting on July 30 at the pavilion in Mitchell Park, next to Coudersport Library. The Our Sept. 16 regular monthly meeting was held Raymond B. Winter 124 chapter received a $10,000 donation from Tri- outdoors at the Union County Sportman’s Club. Spring Creek 185 County Rural Electric Cooperative for our Project On July 3, several chapter members conducted fly tying demonstrations at Summer Fest held at Susquehanna 044 Healing Waters Flyfishing program. ______R.B. Winter State Park. Tiadaghton 688 ______Lloyd Wilson Chapter #224 Bill Bailey Spring Creek Chapter #185 570-748-6120, [email protected] Jamie SanFilippo www.lwtu.org [email protected] REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT www.springcreektu.org Bob Volkmar Our annual banquet scheduled for Nov. 6 was canceled. The chapter hosted Council President Our October and November monthly board 443 West Br. Fishing Creek Rd. Greg Malaska at our September director’s meet- meetings were held via Zoom. Guest speaker in ing, which was held outside. Also in attendance November was Sara Mueller, who is currently Roulette, PA 16746 working on her Ph.D. at Penn State with a focus on Email: [email protected] was Clinton County Commissioner Angela Hard- ing, who outlined concerning problems associated the genetic and phenotypic variation in brook trout Phone: 814-320-3899 with the Nicholas Meats operation in Loganton. In across Pennsylvania. Our annual stream clean-up addition to the request by Nicholas for a permit to will take place the same day as our annual redd Columbia County Chapter #38 withdraw a minimum of 173,000 gallons of water count on Nov. 22 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Spring Erick Lewis per day, which is being addressed by SRBC, there Creek Park. The Y Trout release event was held 607-621-8126, [email protected] is a big concern with the application of waste Oct. 10 at the Penns Valley YMCA. Our Women products on land adjacent to Big Fishing Creek. Anglers Group continues to be active, meeting The chapter’s litter clean-up at the Orangeville once per month. Steps access area was completed in July. We All fourth quarter activities have been canceled. ______Susquehanna Chapter #044 Charles Knowlden 570-971-1296, [email protected] www.susquehannatu.com The Susquehanna Ripples newsletter was distributed in September. The chapter won the Best Chapter Newsletter award presented by PATU during September’s Annual Meeting. The chapter submitted a letter to SRBC commenting on the proposed Nicholas Meats water withdrawal applications in the Big Fishing Creek watershed. We endorsed the PFBC-proposed Penn’s Creek regulation change to extend the current all-tackle limited-kill requirements on a seven-mile stretch of Penn’s Creek (section 03). The board signed a petition from National TU opposing the proposed Pebble Mine that threatens the Bristol Bay fishery. Future chapter meetings are canceled until further notice due to current COVID conditions. We will explore virtual meetings and electronic commu- nications with members. The chapter is moving ahead with a raffle this fall utilizing donated fish- Continued on next page... www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 15 ...Continued from previous page at the Tannery Dam on Aug. 20. Our election was next year. We hope to hold our Winter Cabin Fever ing items. We received a $5,000 portion of a fine held Oct. 15 at the same location. Barring any meeting in February. We are currently looking for from Double D Construction and $13,333 from COVID restrictions, our banquet will be held on a location and speakers for the event. Upcoming Inflection Energy due to court orders. The fine was April 10 at he Falls Creek Eagles. board meetings are planned for Nov. 23 and Dec. for dumping gas development brine water into a ______21 at Munnell Run Farm. Loyalsock tributary. The chapter received a Tech- Caldwell Creek Chapter #437 ______nical Assistance Grant (TAG) that involves the TU Tom Savko Northwest PA Chapter #41 Lock Haven office gathering data and creating 814-664-2124, [email protected] Bill Eckert a plan for potential AMD-related conservation We continue weekly water testing and pulled, 814-392-2696, [email protected] projects in the Upper Loyalsock Creek watershed. downloaded and reinstalled data loggers this http://nwpachaptertu.blogspot.com Shawn Rummell convened a site visit in late May fall. There was a significant increase in volume, and chapter members also participated in early upgrading of storage facilities and two more old Our chapter participated in the virtual PATU September gathering Loyalsock stream water wells have been upgraded and brought online. annual meeting in September and we have been quality data and assessing AMD treatment sys- These are Class 2D wells. Our meetings are still communicating with the new Erie office of Penn tems with TU Lock Haven, EPCAMR, Loyalsock canceled, as are all other activities. Future regarding signing on as a supporting or- Creek Watershed Association, Lycoming College ______ganization as they have completed their common Clean Water Institute and Hedin Environmental. agenda. This agenda will be forwarded to our The chapter is coordinating a TIC program with Cornplanter Chapter #526 Troy McDunn board members for their comments and decisions. the Lycoming County Conservation District. Possible plans for the Trout Run watershed in Wa- ______814-723-3759, [email protected] www.facebook.com/pages/Cornplanter- terford Township by the Western PA Conservancy Tiadaghton Chapter #688 Chapter-Of-Trout-Unlimited have been delayed due to COVID-19 and pushed Jere White to 2021. We will continue to offer our assistance Our annual Allegheny River Dice Run for 2020 570-662-2167, [email protected] as their plans unfold. was canceled, as was our annual Morrison Run ______Assessment of the Long Run EAS project was stream enhancement project. Some chapter mem- completed this summer. Analysis of the data will bers are helping our local watershed specialist Oil Creek Chapter #424 follow and future projects will be proposed and with stream assessment on our local stream, Farn- Jennifer Lyons we will seek funding. We continue our partner- sworth Branch. Unfortunately, we will not have 814-671-1292, [email protected] ship with the Pine Creek Watershed Council and any TIC class rooms this year due to COVID-19. www.oilcreektu.org planned to participate in a fall tree planting along ______Marsh Creek in October. We held our regular board/membership meet- Iron Furnace Chapter #288 ing on Sept. 16 and planned our budget for the Mark Hanes next fiscal year. Our chapter Christmas dinner 724-464-7320, [email protected] and meeting is planned for Dawndi’s Restaurant NORTHWEST CHAPTERS www.ironfurnacetu.net on Dec. 16. The annual chapter banquet was Allegheny Mountain 036 No report. canceled for 2020. Our 2021 banquet is now Caldwell Creek 437 ______scheduled for April 10 at the Inn in Franklin. James Zwald Chapter #314 Members are planned to attend the annual meet- Cornplanter 526 ing of the Venango County Dirt & Gravel Roads Iron Furnace 288 Murray Neeper 814-834-3472, [email protected] Commission in November. Our Veterans’ Service Jim Zwald 314 Program activity was canceled until 2021. Our No report. Neshannock 216 TIC program at Cochranton High School is not ______happening this year due to health concerns, but Northwest PA 041 Neshannock Creek #216 we expect it back next year. We also have interest Oil Creek 424 Jeff Kremis in adding another TIC class at Victory Elementary Seneca 272 724-588-4378, [email protected] School. We have adequate equipment and supplies ww.neshannock-tu.org for another class. We are concerned whether TIC Our annual banquet is planned for March training will be available, in light of the pandemic. of 2021 at the Park Inn by Radisson in West Our next chapter meeting is Nov. 18 at King’s REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Middlesex. As with all things at this time, it will Restaurant – Franklin. ______Kelly Williams be dependent on COVID-19 rules in place at that time. We planned to have a fall workday at the Seneca Chapter #272 152 Geno Lane Coolspring DHALO area on Oct. 3. There was Chase Howard Reynoldsville, PA 15851 a large tree blocking the stream that we hoped 814-598-3449, [email protected] to remove and do some other general cleanup [email protected] www.facebook.com/SenecaTroutUnlimited Email: as needed. The stream improvement project Phone: 814-591-1299 at Plantation Park on Neshannock Creek was In partnership with the Potter County Conser- recently selected as Chapter Project of the Year vation District, the Seneca Chapter completed Allegheny Mountain Chapter #036 by Council. Stream improvement project plans a streambank stabilization project on Sartwell Codey Schlemmer on Deer Creek were put on hold but we hope to Creek, a tributary to the Upper Allegheny River. 814-953-5295, [email protected] get back on track next year. The Youth Fishing Additionally, while we have had officers’ meet- www.amctu.org Derby at the Grove City Sportsmen Club and all ings, we have not yet resumed meetings or events Our board of directors meeting was outdoors veterans’ events were canceled and hope to return with the public at this time. 16 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org the planning project on township-owned flood- in 2021. Cory Trego presented “Improving Brook plain land and providing 200 trees and shrubs that Trout Angling through Landscape-scale Restora- our chapter had received from grants obtained tion in the Potomac Headwaters” during a virtual SOUTHEAST CHAPTERS pre-pandemic. We also purchased stakes and chapter meeting in October. He formerly served tree tubes and donated them to the effort. Three as Potomac Headwaters Project Leader with TU, Bucks County 254 of our board members volunteered to assist the and is now with CCWRA. Delco Manning 320 watershed group in planting the trees. The chapter ______Little Lehigh 070 president and VP had a site meeting scheduled for Oct. 21 with officials from Allentown Parks and SE Montgomery County Chapter #468 Perkiomen Valley 332 Lehigh County Conservation District to review Richard Terry SE Montgomery Co. 468 our proposed plan for installing habitat structures 215-675-1536, [email protected] www.tu468.org Tulpehocken 150 in a section of Little Lehigh Creek in Allentown’s Lehigh Parkway (a linear park running the length Our only meeting since the lockdown took Valley Forge 290 of the creek through the city). Work would be place outside at the Pennypack Trust in Septem- planned for summer of 2021. Grant funding has ber. Another meeting was planned for October. not yet been secured. We currently have six TIC One-hundred four-foot River Birch and Sycamore schools from last school year that will be continu- trees were planted in the headwaters of Pennypack REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT ing in the program this school year. Creek. A Fly Fishing 101 Class is planned for Brenda Bittinger ______November. 16 Lyons Road Perkiomen Valley #332 ______Thomas W. Smith Tulpehocken Chapter #150 Fleetwood, PA 19522 215-513-9709, [email protected] Brenda Bittinger Email: [email protected] www.pvtu332.org 610-704-4676, [email protected] Phone: 610-704-4676 The chapter developed “Benefits of Stream www.tullytu.org Restoration Projects to the Community” for We are working on purchasing signs to educate Bucks County Chapter #254 presentations to local municipalities, social the public about what “water pollution” is, in con- Joe Mihok organizations, businesses, etc. for fundraising junction with PSU Watershed Stewards. We are 215-589-9531, [email protected] and to support the chapter. We participated in the planting trees in areas where riparian buffers are www.buckstu.org virtual presentation of the Fly Fishing Film Tour needed. We sponsored a Berks County Conserva- with four other southeast chapters in September. tion District booth and a Wilderness Leadership On July 22, PFBC performed an electrofishing We completed an in-stream restoration project Academy scholarship. Our board meetings in survey of Aquetong Creek at the site of the Aque- on Hosensack Creek covering 180 feet, which November and December will be held virtually. tong Lake dam removal. The preliminary report to includes a 30-foot mud sill, five root wads and the chapter found 19 brook trout from four- to six- ______improvement to the riparian buffer. We will finish inches long. In 2017, the chapter moved 50 brook by planting dormant stakes in November. We have Valley Forge Chapter #290 trout from a Lehigh River tributary to Aquetong a Perkiomen Creek, Camelot Park, stream restora- Pete Hughes Creek. It did not contain brook trout previously. tion project planned for 2021. We have completed 610-827-9239, [email protected] We are awaiting the official report that will have final design plan and will be working on funding www.valleyforgetu.org the trout biomass estimate for the creek. We will and permitting this fall. In September, we evalu- VFTU will hold its fall Clean Streams Raffle be planting approximately 200 trees on Aquetong ated a large area of the West Branch of Perkiomen this quarter with pre-addressed tickets being Creek in November immediately downstream of Creek on the property of a local farmer that we’ve mailed to members. We participated in a virtual the dam removal site. We are planning to do a worked with in the past to determine the need screening of the Fly Fishing Film Tour and it mailing of raffle tickets to chapter members this for additional stream restoration. This was a pre- turned out well thanks to quick action by Carter winter as we still have the prizes from the canceled liminary evaluation. The chapter has deployed an Satterfield, who organizes the event. One of our 2020 banquet, with plans to draw the winning “EnviroDIY Mayfly Logger” water quality moni- data logger stream monitoring devices was se- tickets on Facebook Live. toring station on Hosensack Creek, in cooperation verely damaged in a storm but fortunately Stroud ______with Stroud Water Research Center. The chapter Water Research Center worked with VFTU to Delco Manning Chapter #320 will be working with Berks County Conservation fix it and reinstall it in a safer location. VFTU is Fred DeWees District in the deployment of a coir log and plant- working with multiple partners to investigate the 610-547-9403, [email protected] ing dormant stakes in a riparian buffer and stream possibility of reestablishing brook trout in some of www.dmtu.org crossing of Valley Run Creek and Route 100. We the tributaries to Pickering Creek. This is a lengthy will be planting trees along the riparian area of project and will, if grant funding is approved, No report. the West Branch of Perkiomen Creek as part of include eDNA testing for the presence of brook ______the 10 Million Tree Program. PVTU supports six trout in the tributaries that maintain appropriate schools, however, with many of them conducting temperatures year-round. Where eDNA testing in- Little Lehigh Chapter #070 virtual learning and the unknowns associated with dicates fish exist, electrofishing will be conducted. Scott Alderfer this, we’ve been unable to determine how many Macroinvertebrate studies will also be conducted. 610-390-6219, [email protected] will conduct TIC programs this school year, even Following the assessment of the current state of www.lltu.org when they do return to the classroom. High school the fish populations, an egg planting process will The chapter provided support for a riparian buf- environmental students are planting of trees along begin in suitable stream sections. VFTU is plan- fer planting performed by the newly-formed Little Perkiomen Creek below Green Lane Dam as ning the next STREAM Girls event, including Lehigh Watershed Association, which included part of the “Tree Vitalize” program. A Schulykill fielding a survey of past participants and volun- securing permission from the municipality to do River Restoration Fund grant will be applied for Continued on next page... www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 17 ...Continued from previous page removed. The two new devices were seeded with We’re beginning to plan our 2021 fly tying classes teers to get a better sense of what they found most grass. Eighty trees and shrubs were planted along and Rivers Camp. We held the first of two public valuable and enlightening for the scouts. VFTU the Conewago. Two chapter members assisted the Zoom meetings to take input from landowners and and other volunteers continue to stay in touch with PFBC electrofishing of the upper reaches of Toms other conservation stakeholders about our LeTort the PHWFF participants in the three programs we Creek. Planning for 2021 will include the SOY fly restoration project. We have our membership sponsor. Participants in the Royersford program tying sessions and ACTU’s annual Latimore Fish- meeting on Facebook Live with different present- are actively preparing submissions for the fly ty- ing Derby, both of which were canceled in 2020. ers. Bobby Hughes did an awesome presentation ing contest. Instruction is being given via Zoom ______on the work of EPCAMR. meetings. The 15 schools that VFTU supports in Codorus Chapter #558 ______the TIC program are scheduled to receive eggs Tom Feninez Doc Fritchey Chapter #108 sometime this winter. The participation of students 717-817-8446, [email protected] Russ Collins is subject to decisions regarding in-person classes. www.codorustu.org 717-580-3958, [email protected] VFTU has several grant applications pending and The chapter was fortunate to have access to a www.dftu.org we are researching additional granting organiza- spacious outdoor location where we could safely Progress is moving along for our online auction tions as well as looking at additional partners for hold in-person meetings over the summer months. scheduled to take place Nov. 19. As of Oct. 28, grant applications. Monthly general meetings are Masks were required and social distancing was our chapter will be submitting a grant application the second Thursday each month from September carefully maintained. Our meetings will now for EPA 319 funding for a Watershed Implementa- through May at Chester Valley Grange. Monthly move online using Zoom for the foreseeable fu- tion Plan for the Spring Creek watershed in the board meetings are the first Thursday of the ture. We believe that we’re close to getting some Hershey area (Derry Township, Dauphin County). month year round at the East Bradford Town- long-awaited permits for a restoration project on This will be a large undertaking and we are being ship Building. PHWFF – Royersford meets the a Codorus Creek tributary. We hope construction assisted by The Center for Watershed Protection second, third and fourth Monday of each month can commence shortly thereafter. Another per- and Ecosystem Planning and Restoration Co. at Royersford VFW. PHWFF – West Bradford mit for a separate project will hopefully follow, As a part of the project our conservation chair meets each Monday at West Bradford Firehouse. but that one will need to wait until 2021 when will be working to form a watershed association. PHWFF – Coatesville meets each Wednesday at the no-construction period to protect spawning Another 319 application will be submitted at the Coatesville VA Hospital, Building 5. ends. We’re committed as a minor sponsor to same time for restoration design and permitting a large project in the upper Codorus watershed on Bachman Run near Fontana, in Lebanon which is also nearing the end of the permit County. This project is seeking to restore nearly phase. Construction is anticipated for 2021, and 3,000 linear feet of stream. We are awaiting the SOUTHCENTRAL we’ve offered manpower for planting and other announcement from Growing Greener on an ap- CHAPTERS post-construction work as-needed. The designer/ plication to restore a handicapped and children’s contractor on that project is also preparing a 319 access area on Powell’s Creek in upper Dauphin Adams County 323 grant application for and even larger project County. Plans for a women’s Introduction to Fly Codorus 558 nearby, and we anticipate signing on to that one Fishing are ready to go as soon as we are past Cumberland Valley 052 in a similar capacity. We received the unfortunate restrictions for COVID-19. news recently that invasive New Zealand mud ______Doc Fritchey 108 sills have established themselves in the Codorus Donegal Chapter #037 Donegal 037 Creek fishery. We’ve been working with PFBC Tom Hall Falling Spring 234 to secure streamside signage that we’ll install. 717-898-8664, [email protected] We’ll also continue to educate the public through www.donegaltu.org Muddy Creek 575 various means on how to properly address their gear to prevent further spread. We’re continuing Our spring banquet is scheduled for March to monitor the COVID-19 situation as it relates 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Willow Street. to our local schools, and we’ll work with our We had an online auction in June using the TU platform and were very pleased with the results. REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT teachers to determine what, if anything, will take place this year with their respective TIC projects. We are looking at possible work on Shearer’s Run Russ Collins Upcoming chapter meetings being held via Zoom north of Manheim, and perhaps on the Donegal 1167 S. Forge Rd. are Nov. 11 and Dec. 19. Creek FFO section close to Marietta. Something ______substantial could be coming in the Chiques Creek Palmyra, PA 17078 watershed, which includes Donegal Creek. We Email: [email protected] Cumberland Valley Chapter #052 participated in the Lancaster Conservancy’s John Leonard Phone: 717-580-3958 Water Week on Aug. 9. It included a self-guided 717-512-4620, [email protected] tour of Climbers Run Preserve. On Aug. 10, we www.pacvtu.org participated in a Water Week event at Millport Adams County Chapter #323 The Limestoner banquet is set for March 13. We Conservancy on Lititz Run, which included a Hank Rajotte held an online auction using TU’s “go.localevents. presentation on native plants and shrubs and a 717-408-8747, [email protected] org” and grossed over $8,000. We highly recom- stream survey. Our TIC programs are on hold for www.adamscountytu.org mend this fundraising format. We may make this the moment. We just signed a contract for a dam In July, with the assistance of NVTU, the chap- an annual fall event and have our spring banquet removal on Hammer Creek at the old Pumping ter added two newer habitat devices while making a more of a social event. We are still working on Station in Lancaster County. Keith Williams was improvements to others on the Conewago. Two our LeTort restoration plan. We have received a the speaker for our Oct. 21 membership meeting, 20-foot culvert pipes were installed with rock re- $7,000 Embrace A Stream grant for the next two which will also include our yearly election. He taining walls. Trails were trimmed and rose bushes phases of our Yellow Breeches Wittlinger project. spoke on fresh water snorkeling. 18 PA TROUT ... Fall 2020 www.patrout.org ______Arrowhead TU’s annual banquet for 2021 is headwater streams. Thanks, once again, to our Falling Spring Chapter #234 scheduled for March 27. The chapter received partners, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Chris Rudyk 5,000 brown and rainbow fingerlings from PFBC Wharton Township supervisors whose long-term 717-387-1246, [email protected] in July. The initial stocking of the Buffalo Creek cooperation make this work possible. DHALO section will occur in December. The ______No report. chapter plans on conducting its annual beginner ______Forbes Trail Chapter #206 fly tying class at Armstrong High School in late Larry Myers Muddy Creek Chapter #575 January. The chapter is considering applying for 724-454-9345, [email protected] Jimmy O’Connor an additional grant for future work on Huling www.forbestrailtu.org 717-451-5200, [email protected] Run. Arrowhead TU will be contacting its TIC www.muddycreektu.org schools to determine if the programs will be held Like most chapters, Forbes Trail had to cancel this year. Upcoming chapter meetings are Nov. all of its meetings and activities in early 2020 We partnered with the Alliance for the Chesa- 19 and Dec. 17 at Mantini Auxillary Building, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve held two peake Bay to do a large pollinator-friendly ripar- 6th Avenue, Ford City. informal meetings over the summer, and our first ian buffer zone planting along Leib’s Creek, a ______formal meeting in September, in outdoor pavilions Class A Wild Trout tributary to the South Branch observing CDC guidelines. Our annual member- of Muddy Creek, in late October 2020. This fall Chestnut Ridge Chapter #670 ship meeting to elect officers and directors was Ben Moyer we’re continuing with our streamside incubator held indoors in October. We made tentative plans 724-329-3772, [email protected] program, which consists of placing 100,000, for school and community programs, a veterans’ www.chestnutridgetu.org eyed brown trout eggs into various tributaries of fishing event and a fundraiser picnic for 2021. In Muddy Creek, using Whitlock-Vibert boxes. The Chestnut Ridge began having board meetings early 2021 we will hold a partners’ planning meet- eggs hatch in the stream and the fry make their on the dates of our regularly scheduled monthly ing and begin studies for a Coldwater Conserva- way into the watershed as nearly wild brown trout membership meetings to begin easing the chap- tion Plan for Linn Run and its tributaries in eastern with a greater likelihood of reproducing naturally. ter back toward full operation. We held board Westmoreland County. We presented the chapter’s Due to the uncertainty surrounding schools and meetings in August and September in an open Silver Trout Award for outstanding and dedicated COVID-19, and the burden placed on classroom picnic pavilion, with masks, socially-distanced service to two of our members this year. One posi- educators, we’ve decided to pause our TIC efforts outdoor seating, hand sanitizer available and fol- tive outcome of the pandemic is that it seems to until 2021. Chapter members led a number of lowing all recommended national TU protocols. have driven up membership. We developed and educational sessions for a local Boy Scout Troop The board decided to hold a full membership mailed a new welcome letter with action photos as they work to learn the elements of fly fishing meeting on Oct. 14—again, in an outdoor picnic to all of our new members describing who we and earn a merit badge. This included multiple pavilion. The board devised a workable system are and what we do. Members continue monthly sessions from equipment, fly casting, fly tying, for paying bills and reimbursing members for water quality testing on Linn Run and one of its to some basic in-stream instruction. Our women’s project expenses during the pandemic when it tributaries, Rock Run. We got terrific newspaper fly fishing event has been postponed until 2021. is difficult to get everyone together. Our chapter coverage on the Rock Run project as a follow up president attended the PATU annual meeting on to an award presented to Denny Hess who does Sept. 19 and was able to report to the Chestnut the testing. Some sampling for gill lice has been SOUTHWEST CHAPTERS Ridge membership that our chapter had won the conducted. Results will be incorporated into the Arrowhead 214 Best Website Award. Many thanks to member future Coldwater Conservation Plan we will be Carol Gulya for bringing our website back from completing for that watershed. Chestnut Ridge 670 inactivity to award-winning status in the span of a ______Forbes Trail 206 year. We appreciate you Carol, and everyone who Fort Bedford Chapter #291 contributed to the website and to chapter activi- Rylan Schnably Fort Bedford 291 ties that generate website content. The chapter is 814-494-3751, John Kennedy 045 the grateful recipient of this year’s Orvis Give [email protected] Back Days fund drive through the Orvis Store Ken Sink 053 www.facebook.com/fortbedfordtu Mountain Laurel 040 in Pittsburgh. Orvis fly-fishing manager Gary Clouner actively promoted CRTU and its diverse FBTU received a $8,5000 Embrace A Stream Penn’s Woods West 042 projects to his customers during a two-week pe- grant for streambank restoration and habitat work riod in September. The exact amount raised for on Shobers Run, and is scheduled for summer CRTU’s projects is not yet known but look for a 2021. press release and check presentation photo soon. ______REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Thanks to Gary, to Orvis and to CRTU member John Kennedy Chapter #045 Bryan Mathie Joe Gudac who made the initial contacts with Jerry Green Orvis to make this happen. We are in the planning 930 Penn Ave.- Ste 2A 814-934-7046, [email protected] stages, cooperating with American Rivers, the www.tu.org/connect/groups/045-john-kennedy Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Western PA Conservancy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Our annual fall banquet was canceled because Email: [email protected] Service, and Habitat Partners based at California University of Pennsylvania for more aquatic of COVID-19. Our other fundraising event, the Phone: 708-921-8373 organism passage work on Dunbar Creek. The Jaffa Sportsmen Show has also been canceled. project will also result in better physical habitat JKTU has been contacted by St. Francis Univer- Arrowhead Chapter #214 for brook trout in the creek’s most heavily fished sity asking if we would be willing to partner in Bill Libengood sections. Water sampling in the Glade Run Basin the TU Costa 5 Rivers Program. 724-498-6632, [email protected] (Dunbar Creek tributary) will continue this fall, ______www.arrowhead214tu.org as will alkaline sand treatment of three Glade Run Continued on next page...

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...Continued from previous page from Northern Cambria gave a presentation on in order to social distance while still planning Ken Sink Chapter #053 restoration efforts that led to the recovery of the projects and addressing issues as they arise. Our West Branch of the Susquehanna River from being 12 Days of Christmas fundraising tickets were Keith Ewing an acid mine impacted river into a self-sustained mailed in September. In October, we dedicated 724-840-3145, [email protected] wild trout fishery. The improvements resulted in the Soap Hollow Run Fish Habitat Improvement http://kensink.blogspot.com PFBC designating 26 miles of the West Branch Project at Greenhouse Park, Johnstown. Due to COVID-19, our annual fundraiser ban- as a wild trout catch and release all-tackle regu- ______quet was canceled in the spring and rescheduled lated fishery. All KSTU youth events and chapter Penn’s Woods West Chapter #042 until fall. The fall event has also been canceled meetings have been canceled for the remainder of Charles Buffington for this year. A macroinvertebrate survey was this year due to COVID-19. The chapter board 412-388-1666, [email protected] conducted on Little Mahoning and Cessna Run meetings are still being conducted with social www.pwwtu.org creeks. A macro survey and water quality sam- distancing and safe practices. pling was conducted on Twolick Creek in October. ______We sponsored a contest for individuals to see Western PA Conservancy is funding repairs to who could pick up the most stream garbage. Win- upgrade the public access site on Little Mahon- Mountain Laurel Chapter #040 ners received gift cards to International Angler. Randy Buchanan ing Creek. Work is in progress to work out details No TIC programs are happening this year. We 814-467-4034, [email protected] with land owner, permit, and contractor selection. are holding Zoom fly tying classes for women. www.mltu.org KSTU is providing support and will be named In September, we held a Zoom session with access site sponsor. At the last chapter meeting, The chapter is holding monthly meetings for Steve Colton, a guide and educational expert on speaker Dennis Goodlin, a PA-licensed guide board members only through the winter season Sept. 14.