Summer 2018 Publication of the Pa. Council of Trout Unlimited www.patrout.org Annual Membership Meeting set for Sept. 8 PA Council’s Annual Membership Meeting will be held from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Pennsylvania Fish & See page 10 for more information and Boat Commission’s Centre Regional Office in Bellefonte, PA. registration for the PATU Annual This event promises to offer a variety of activities and learning Membership Meeting at PFBC’s Centre opportunities for chapter officers and members alike. Annual Regional Office in Bellefonte. awards will be presented and the election of PA Council Officers Deadline to register is Monday, Aug. 27. See MEETING, page 11 Trout Unlimited plays key role in Unassessed Waters Initiative By David Kinney TU Eastern Policy Director

Not long ago, Trout Unlimited vol- unteers and other groups representing sportsmen and women beat back a legis- Contributed Photo A key part of the Pennsylvania Brook Trout Odyssey was research conducted on lative proposal that would have made it the commonwealth’s state fish. more difficult for Pennsylvania to build a comprehensive list of wild trout streams Odyssey offers glimpse of deserving conservation. Now, that success is translating into important on-the-ground protections. challenges facing brook trout Over just the past two years, Pennsyl- By Matteo Moretti geeks were presented with the opportunity vania has protected nearly 1,000 new wild to create a life-long connection to the na- trout stream sections, including 180 new Not very often does a college kid get tive brook trout that call Pennsylvania’s Class A waters. told that they’ve been selected for an all- waters home, there was not a second of Credit goes to the Pennsylvania Fish & expenses paid, three-week long adventure. hesitation. Boat Commission, which has prioritized So, you know that when four passionate, The trip: The TU Pennsylvania Route 6 science-based documentation of naturally engaged, and, frankly, pretty quirky fishing See ODYSSEY, page 6 See INITIATIVE, page 2 IN THIS ISSUE PATU members meet with lawmakers...... 3 Minutes...... 8 Headwaters...... 4 TU Technical Assistance Program...... 9 Treasurer’s Notes...... 5 Chapter Reports...... 12 INITIATIVE is proposed that may affect an officially from page 1 designated stream, developers must take those wild trout populations into account. reproducing trout populations in the state’s Water quality in Class A streams may not 86,000 miles of streams and rivers. Once be degraded by a project; wetlands con- nected to a wild trout stream may not be PA COUNCIL OF these populations are identified through damaged. Another 20,000 miles of tributar- TROUT UNLIMITED the Unassessed Waters Initiative, they can PO Box 5148 be conserved. ies receive the same protections. Bellefonte, PA Trout Unlimited has played a key role Some of these are prized fishing destina- 16823 throughout the eight-year history of the tions, such as Penns Creek, where another PRESIDENT – Charlie Charlesworth program. Every summer, staff biologists 3.8-mile stretch was upgraded to Class 200 Camins Parkway and interns canvas streams in the Susque- A in July 2018. Nearly 30 miles of this Clarks Summit, PA 18411 hanna and Delaware watersheds searching legendary stream is now protected, and Phone: 570-954-5042 PFBC is proposing to add a new Catch Email: [email protected] for undocumented wild brook, brown, and rainbow trout populations. About 40 per- and Release section. Public comments are EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – cent of the time, they find them. being accepted through Sept. 19 at http:// John Leonard www.fishandboat.com/Regulations/Pages/ 222 Brindle Road “The Unassessed Waters Initiative has Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 been extremely valuable to TU’s overall ProposedRecentRegulations.aspx. Phone: 717-512-4620 mission of protecting and restoring cold- Many other stretches of wild trout water Email: [email protected] water fisheries,” said Shawn Rummel, are tiny unnamed tributaries that provide EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – field and research manager for TU’s Penn- critical habitat for spawning and thermal Greg Malaska sylvania Coldwater Habitat Restoration refuge. 218 W. 13th St. Program. These streams, though different in set- Jim Thorpe, PA 16229 “It has provided valuable data to deter- ting, have one thing in common: The water Phone: 570-657-7169 quality is good enough to negate the need Email: [email protected] mine where wild trout populations exist,” he added. “These data have not only led to for supplemental hatchery trout, thus al- TREASURER – George Kutskel increased protection for those streams, but lowing for a completely wild trout fishing 107 Simmons Street experience. DuBois, PA 15801 have also provided valuable information Phone: 814-371-9290 for the development of watershed restora- PFBC has an opportunity to do even Email: [email protected] tion plans. We use the data to prioritize more to protect these waters. Twelve designated Class A sections of streams SECRETARY – Bob Pennell culvert replacement work, and have incor- 2319 Valley Road porated it into TU’s conservation planning throughout the state continue to receive Harrisburg, PA 17104 for water quality and habitat improvement trout stockings, and thousands of miles Phone: 717-395-5124 projects throughout the state.” of designated Wild Trout Streams receive Email: [email protected] TU volunteers play a critical role in this hundreds of thousands of stocked trout PA TROUT EDITOR & DESIGNER – process by submitting public comments annually. By ending these stockings, the Brad Isles in support of these waters. The process is cash-strapped PFBC could save money – P.O. Box 23 simple. Every quarter, the PFBC posts a and give the fishery a boost by allowing Grove City, PA 16127 Phone: 724-967-2832 list of about 100 proposed new wild trout these wild trout to thrive without competi- Email: [email protected] stream sections. For 30 days, citizens tion from hatchery stock. Pennsylvania’s systematic effort to PA TROUT ADVERTISING – have a chance to make their voices heard. Brad Isles TU creates maps showing the locations locate and conserve these populations P.O. Box 23 of these waters. The public comments is something TU holds up as a model in Grove City, PA 16127 are compiled by PFBC and shared with neighboring states where we are work- Phone: 724-967-2832 every member of the Commission before ing to fill data gaps in our knowledge of Email: [email protected] the vote. where trout populations thrive, including WEB EDITOR – Bob Pennell Over the past two years, TU volunteers West Virginia. 2319 Valley Road have helped generate more than 800 sup- Several hundred streams are awaiting Harrisburg, PA 17104 port letters to send to the Commission, action by PFBC over the coming year. Phone: 717-395-5124 Email: [email protected] demonstrating the unflagging support from Help us ensure that they get the protections sportsmen and women for the protection they deserve. Please don’t hesitate to reach COPYRIGHT 2018 of Pennsylvania’s 15,000 miles of wild out to me at [email protected], or Rob Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited trout streams. Shane, Mid-Atlantic Organizer, at robert. No portion may be reproduced without permission. These waters receive regulatory protec- [email protected], to talk about how to help tions in the commonwealth. When a project with this or other efforts in Pennsylvania. 2 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 www.patrout.org Trout Unlimited, PA COUNCIL OF TROUT PA chapter UNLIMITED leaders meet 2018 COMMITTEES Awards – with lawmakers Ed O’Gorman By Rob Shane 717-580-3186 / [email protected] TU Mid-Atlantic Organizer Coldwater Heritage Partnership Admin. – Ashley Wilmont This spring, volunteer advocates from 814-359-5233 / [email protected] TU trekked to Washington, D.C., and Har- Coldwater Heritage Partnership TU Delegate – risburg to educate their elected officials Ken Undercoffer 814-765-1035 / [email protected] about legislative issues pertaining to clean Contributed Photos Communications – water and wild trout in Pennsylvania. And, Above, Don Miller and Greg Malaska Brad Isles from the Brodhead chapter met with of course, we shared a few fishing stories 724-967-2832 / [email protected] while we were at it. lawmakers in Washington, D.C. Below, Delaware River – In April, Greg Malaska and Don Miller PA State Rep. Steven Mentzer met with Donegal TU’s Bill Nolan while, at bottom, Lee Hartman from the Brodhead Chapter met with April Swope and Richard Lewis from Ad- 570-224-6371 / [email protected] Congressman Marino, and with staff from ams County TU met with PA State Sen. Development – the offices of Senators Casey and Toomey Rich Alloway (center) in Harrisburg. George Kutskel and Congressman Cartwright. The purpose 814-371-9290 / [email protected] of our visit was to thank lawmakers for Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture – funding the Delaware River Basin Restora- Ken Undercoffer tion Program and to encourage continued 814-765-1035 / [email protected] funding for the conservation measures in Environmental – the federal Farm Bill. Jeff Ripple 814-267-4086 / [email protected] Then, in June, six volunteer TU ad- Membership – vocates took to Harrisburg to discuss Russ Thrall legislative issues directly impacting our 570-620-8677 / [email protected] coldwater resources and the wild trout we National Leadership Council Rep. – so enjoy pursuing. Volunteers from the Brian Wagner across the state spoke to 16 Pennsylvania 484-894-8289 / [email protected] legislative offices, where they explained Trout in the Classroom – the importance of increased funding for Ashley Wilmont the PA Fish and Boat Commission and 814-359-5114 / [email protected] the Susquehanna and Delaware river basin Trout Management – commissions. They also discussed the need Richard Soderberg for strong water quality protections for the 570-662-4539 / [email protected] Ken Undercoffer conventional oil and gas industry. 814-765-1035 / [email protected] In the time I’ve spent travelling across Veterans Service Partnership Initiative – Pennsylvania over the past year, I’ve Ernest Demastus (VSP) learned that TU members are far and away ties are on their radar when important votes 216-647-2152 / [email protected] the experts when it comes to knowing our come to the Statehouse. Establishing this Matthew Seymour (PHW) waterways and how best to protect them. relationship through meetings or phone 484-678-1652 / mseymour1128@earthlink. Putting this expertise to work by advo- calls improves their familiarity with our net cating for our wild trout and coldwater work, and highlights the importance of Youth Education – resources – that’s how TU can ensure the our TU community within their districts. Judi Sittler 814-861-3288 / [email protected] well-being of our favorite fishing spots. We Toward the end of our very long day in can do that by meeting with elected offi- Harrisburg, PA Rep. Mike Reese shook Diversity Initiative – Amidea Daniel cials, writing letters to the editor, or simply hands with Monty Murty of Forbes Trail 814-359-5127 / [email protected] sharing calls to action on social media. TU and made a promise: We would be his Kelly Williams Telling our story to elected officials is an first call when he needed a soundboard on 814-765-2624 / [email protected] effective way of ensuring that TU’s priori- See LAWMAKERS, page 5 www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 3 Headwaters A message from PATU President Charlie Charlesworth

I do not think that I can adequately 100 yards. Mansfield University took home articulate to you just exactly how excited the very first Pennsylvania crown. We also I am about what has happened at PATU conducted the first-ever Fly Fishing Skills during the last six months. Instructors Course at the PFBC Centre I think we have done more in this last six Regional Office, a test program which months than we have ever done in the same worked so well that it is now being offered six-month time frame in our history. As a throughout the state. statewide group of individual members This year, National TU entered into a working together, we are setting the world Memorandum of Agreement with the Girl of Trout Unlimited on fire. No other state Scouts, with PA being the second state to council is doing what we are doing, nor are step forward to develop a STREAM Girls they spreading the TU message like we are. project for Girl Scouts. STREAM girls And just in case you have been living takes the STEM process of education and under a rock these past six months, let me redefines it as: S (Science), T (technology), give you an idea of what has transpired. R (recreation), E (engineering), A (art), support: PA Fish and Boat Commission, We started out the year building on our and M (math). Youth Education Chair Department of Conservation and Natural TU knowledge by conducting two regional Judi Sittler conducted a “train the trainer” Resources, Syndicate Competition Fly trainings. We held one in the east in Pine event and we are now prepared to conduct Rods, Juniata College, REI, Cabela’s and Grove and one in the west in Dubois. our first-ever Girl Scout event during the the natural gas explorations companies Anyone who attended can tell you that if month of July. Cabot, Southwest Energy, Seneca, Chief you have questions on how to make your Our crowning achievement was our PA Oil and Gas and JKLM Gas. chapter a better functioning organization, Route 6 Brook Trout Odyssey, which not The next question is, how do we top this those regional trainings are the place to go only gained National TU attention, but was year’s performance? Well, I’m not sure, but to get answers. also picked up by Orvis and distributed I know it all begins with the success of our This was an on year for our bi-annual to tens of thousands of followers on their PATU Annual Meeting and training. I have Keystone Coldwater Conference, and as social media. In case you missed it, check one primary goal in mind before my term always we impressed state agencies and out at https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/ expires on Oct. 1, and that is to have all 49 institutions of higher learning with just photos-story-discovering-pennsylvanias- PA chapters in attendance at Bellefonte on how dedicated we are in protecting our native-brook-trout. Sept. 8. We also need to see more women coldwater resources. March was filled with Five college students, all 5 Rivers club and youth in attendance than we have ever shows and banquets which kept many of members, spent three weeks trekking had before. you very, very busy. Next up, Kelly Wil- across Pennsylvania’s Route 6 conducting I can only accomplish this with help liams and Amidea Daniel, co-chairs of our genetic research on our native brook trout from you, our 14,000 plus PATU members. Diversity Initiative, conducted a statewide population. Along the way they collabo- I don’t want to hear that a chapter president Women’s Retreat in Port Matilda. This rated with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat can’t come, and that’s the end of it. Cer- retreat brought female leaders together Commission to identify 15 Unassessed tainly, someone in your chapter should be from 16 counties and 14 chapters across Wild Trout Waters, and also worked with willing and able to attend. It doesn’t have the state. They have set in motion one of the PA Department of Conservation and to be the president, an officer or a board the best women’s membership recruitment Natural Resources, the US Forest Service, member. programs in the US, and they are working University of Pittsburgh Bradford Cam- Please get the word out to all your mem- on developing regional programs to get the pus, Mansfield University and Keystone bers. We need to build on this year’s mo- word out to others. College. mentum and make this the best-attended For the first time ever, a state council of With the exception of the Keystone Annual Meeting ever. TU conducted a state-wide college com- Coldwater Conference and the Women’s Come to this meeting and I’ll guarantee petition with the Pennsylvania Collegiate Retreat, what is really noteworthy about that you will take home lots of new ideas Fly Fishing Championship. all this is that none of these activities cost for having a successful chapter and how It was a weekend competition with nine our PA Council or its members one red to make it run more smoothly than ever of our 11 TU Costa 5 Rivers college clubs cent. Members of PATU solicited all of the before. Get the women there and get the in attendance. This event was designed to funds needed to conduct these activities. youth there and we will solidify their role have very little impact on the stream with We are pleased to acknowledge and in Trout Unlimited. just two people assigned to a beat every thank the following sponsors for their God Bless and tight lines to all. 4 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 www.patrout.org Treasurer’s Report by PATU Treasurer George Kutskel Chapter Donations The following chapters have made a commitment to PATU within the last I hope that all the chapters are aware have been told that for chapters that file 12 months. of the pending change to the fiscal year. the 990n National will take care of them, With that said, we still are based on the so for most of our chapters the first time Exceptional Value $1,000 or more current, so by the time your read this we they will be affected is in 2020. • Cumberland Valley will be just about a month away from Please, if you are a chapter leader watch • Mountain Laurel filing our annual financial reports. your emails from Trout Unlimited and the Now is the time to start compiling the My PATU Monthly for updates on this High Quality $500 to $999 information that will be needed and plan critical part of being a chapter. • Allegheny Mountain to get your chapter’s report done and filed Once again we will have some items • Doc Fritchey long before the last day. Every year we that can be used in your chapter’s • God’s Country hear about a treasurer that is on vacation fundraisers available at the PATU Fall • John Kennedy and will not be back until a week after Meeting. Look at the merchandise page • Oil Creek the deadline or some other excuse. Like in this newsletter and give me a call to • Seneca Christmas, this event comes the same check on availability and price. time each year and there should be no Also, please call if you’re interested Brook Trout $250 to $499 surprises. in purchasing anything as an individual. • Adams County Sometime after National TU’s Annual We are offering the same discounts to • Buck’s County Meeting we will be getting details as to members as long as you are in attendance • Donegal what will be the “new” procedure. I have at the meeting. Chapters ordering items been told that the new report will look only need to bring payment to the Wild Trout $100 to $249 very different from the current one and meeting and pick up the items. Due to • Hokendauqua I hope we get some input. One major the discounts we cannot mail any orders. change will be that any chapter that files Some items are in limited supply and Want to see your chapter listed? a 990ez or 990 will be required to file a once gone they are gone. Please contact your chapter leaders and second one by May 15, 2019. Again, I Thanks and see you at the Fall Meeting. tell them!

Actions Taken by EXCOM LAWMAKERS Charlesworth (Lackawanna Valley), and from page 3 Walter Reineman (Penns Woods West) for since March 24, 2018 making the trips. April 29 – Approved signing on to a letter an issue involving coldwater conservation If you or your chapter is interested in to PA House and Senate Environmental engaging with your elected officials – in in his district. Resources and Energy committee mem- district, in Harrisburg, or on the water, bers commenting on HB2154 and SB1088 My sincere thanks to Greg, Don, Monty, please reach out to me at [email protected] or which would rewrite Pennsylvania’s con- Richard Lewis and April Swope (Adams to Dave Kinney, Eastern Policy Director at ventional oil and gas regulations. County TU), Bill Nolan (Donegal), Charlie [email protected].

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 12-20.

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 ... Summer 2018 5 ODYSSEY with and learn from several other groups/ from page 1 organizations along the way as well. A site manager from Cabot Oil & Gas Brook Trout Odyssey. toured us around a freshwater withdrawal Piggy-backing off of National TU’s facility for hydrofracking that constantly Costa 5 Rivers Native Odyssey, Charlie strives to be environmentally friendly and Charlesworth, president of PATU, decided conscious. to create something similar, but added a We spent time with Environmental Sci- further element of scientific education in ence students and professors from Key- the form of research. stone College, Mansfield University and Behind Charlie, our crew consisted of University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and four crazy fly fishermen that are all of- had the opportunity to see what projects ficers and/or presidents for their school’s they were working on and what material TU Costa 5 Rivers clubs: Myself (Middle- Contributed Photos they cover in their classes. bury College), Hunter Klobucar and Tyler Above, Tyler Waltenbaugh of Edinboro Additionally, we got a glimpse into the University fishes a small stream as part Waltenbaugh (Edinboro University), and work of everyday conservation efforts for of the PA Route 6 Brook Trout Odyssey. native brook trout by US Forest Service Christopher Piccione (Colorado State). Below, PATU President Charlie Charles- Teamed up with Penn State University worth is joined by the five students who Hydrologist Chuck Keeports and Luke doctoral student Sara Mueller, our mis- participated in the Odyssey. Bobnar from the Western Pennsylvania sion for this trip was to understand the Conservancy. We used forest debris to cre- story behind native brook trout from the ate a future fish ladder by building up the perspective of fishermen, scientists and stream bed in order to reconnect a tributary conservationists. to a stream that was previously inacces- On May 30, our crew met at Keystone sible due to the placement of a culvert. College where we would then embark on Fishing for “brookies” is as much about our trip across Pennsylvania while follow- the fish themselves and their magnificent ing the entirety of Route 6 until June 20. displays of aggression towards a dry fly, Over the course of the trip, we learned as it is about the places it can bring you about the deep history that hides within and the people it can help you meet. It is the vermicular pattern of the brook trout’s amazing how one fish could bring together such a dynamic and passionate group of marbled back, and to be brutally honest, plete 17. Many more sites were attempted individuals. it is scary. Brook trout tell a story and but certain obstacles such as private land All of this wouldn’t have been possible their presence or absence in an ecosystem or physical inaccessibility prevented if not for the support of Trout Unlimited, details history – ranging from the effects sampling. of secondary growth forests due to 17th DCNR, PFBC, equipment from Cabela’s Of the 17 streams we assessed, we century logging, or the current impacts of and REI, as well as funding from Cabot established that there were four new na- global climate change. Oil & Gas, Southwest, Seneca and DKLM tive brook trout populations and one wild Aside from being able to fish in places Energy. brown trout population. Through our ranging from pristine cascading pools be- We’re all grateful that we were able to research of unassessed waters using the neath the freeway to remote meandering create a long-lasting relationship not only technique of electroshocking, we learned streams, we also grew as fishermen through with each other, but also with Pennsylva- our research work with Sara. Sara’s Ph.D. about the unlikely places that brook trout nia’s state fish. thesis is looking into determining whether populations do and don’t exist. It was quite This trip taught us that brook trout are brook trout from different watersheds have an eye-opening experience when we would in danger and although we are to blame, genetic and physical differences that cause electroshock a perfect beautiful mountain no small task goes unseen. them to act as different species. stream and find nothing, but then find a Accompanying our adventure will be Our research consisted of two main whole thriving population of brook trout an approximately 20-minute documentary parts: The assessment of previously unas- in a roadside drainage/culvert. that will expand upon this article and will sessed waters for unknown brook trout By discovering these new populations, shed light on the problems brook trout face populations for the Pennsylvania Fish & we are helping protect our waters for the – bringing our community into conversa- Boat Commission, and fin clippings for native fish. Additionally, by collecting fin tion. The documentary is scheduled to be Sara’s work on genetics. clippings, Sara hopes that we can unlock released at the beginning of September so The Commission assigned us a list of any hidden information about brook trout be on the lookout for it! streams/coordinates to do preliminary as- that is currently unknown. It’s time to get the story about native sessments of which we were able to com- Fortunately, we were able to meet up brook trout right and let its voice be heard. 6 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 www.patrout.org Wild trout genetics – more than meets the eye Editor’s Note: Each year at its spring banquet, the Pennsyl- vania Outdoor Writers Association presents its Excellence in Craft Awards. These awards recognize POWA members for their outstanding work during the previous calendar year. PATU has been a longtime supporting member and a sponsor of the “Trout and the Coldwater Resource Award.” The follow- ing article authored by outdoor writer Ben Moyer, published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017 – and reprinted with permission – was selected as this year’s winner.

By Ben Moyer

Fishermen tend to assume that “a fish is a fish” and except for size, one fish is much like another. That view may be reinforced by our dependence on hatchery stock to support trout fishing. Ben Moyer Photo To produce trout economically in hatcheries, fish culturists se- Fishery scientists are looking closer at wild trout popula- lect traits like survivability in confined raceways, tolerance of tions to understand how these resilient fish survive in chal- handling, and rapid growth, so hatchery-reared trout show little lenging settings. variability, one from another. Their genetic traits fit a captive in Pennsylvania streams. Those insights could help shape future existence but may have little value in the wild. management and environmental policy. Today, as hatchery fish become more expensive, and as interest Scientists with the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife in sustainable environments grows, fishery scientists are looking Research Unit at Penn State University have been using radio- closer at wild trout populations to understand how these resilient telemetry to track movements of brook trout in tributaries to Loy- fish survive in challenging settings. They’re learning there is more alsock Creek in Lycoming County, then analyzing sampled DNA. to a trout, especially a wild trout, than meets the angler’s eye. “One of the things we’ve learned is that some trout are ‘mov- “Traits with survival values aren’t necessarily things that can ers’ and some are ‘stayers,” said Tyler Wagner, assistant leader of be seen,” said Meredith Bartron, a geneticist with the U.S. Fish Penn State’s Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and and Wildlife Service Northeast Fishery Center in Lamar, PA. an adjunct professor of Fisheries Ecology. “Having both traits “Genetic markers that we are measuring aren’t visible but they’re in populations favors the long-term resilience of brook trout as important to the overall health of the population. a species.” “Wild fish (trout) are important to study because they have Wagner explained that “stayer” trout maintain the species in persisted over time and recovered from impacts like deforesta- established habitats, which is important to long-term species tion, flood, drought or human activities,” Bartron continued. “The survival. But “movers” are equally important because these fish science of Genetics is a tool we can use to learn how fisheries find new locations that offer a refuge if some force, like a flood management can be employed to support them going forward.” or sudden pollution event, causes negative change in the original Across the eastern third of North America, including Pennsyl- habitat. Wagner noted that although the studies indicate these are vania, when scientists speak of wild trout they primarily mean traits of individual fish, the behaviors complement one another wild brook trout. Although heavy stocking of alien species, in the survival and expansion of populations. especially rainbow and brown trout, continues, and brown trout Penn State laboratory experiments mirror the field work. Shan- sometimes reproduce after stocking, the brook trout is the only non White, a doctoral candidate in Penn State’s ecology program, salmonid species native to streams across eastern Canada, the tested how individual brook trout navigate a maze to find food Great Lakes region, New England and the Appalachian Moun- in a confined tank. White categorized the subjects as exhibiting tains. “bold” or “shy” personalities which, in the wild, is expressed by Within Pennsylvania, wild brook trout are now confined by “mover” or “stayer” behavior. pollution, urbanization, agriculture and competition from brown White takes blood and tissue samples to probe the link between trout to more remote headwaters across the state’s northern tier genetics and “bold” or “shy” behavior in brook trout. That un- and southward along the mountains. According to the Eastern derstanding would enable scientists and managers to determine Brook Trout Joint Venture, a collaboration of fisheries interests, if different sub-populations are exchanging genetic diversity brook trout occupy less than half of their original range in the through individuals on the move, enhancing each population’s state, and remaining populations are greatly reduced. resilience in the face of environmental change. At the Wild Trout Summit convened last August in State Col- “A lot of genes influence personality and we don’t yet have a lege, researchers shared new insights gained through studying great understanding of how to predict personality in an individual behavior and genetic diversity of selected brook trout populations See GENETICS, page 12 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 7 reported that sugges- All who are interested PA Council of tions have been sub- should send him their con- Trout Unlimited mitted to Kutskel for tact information. further consideration. Minutes of the June 16, 2018 • Conflict of Interest Executive Committee Meeting • PATU Officer Can- Forms – Pennell reported PFBC Centre Region Office, Bellefonte, PA didates for Septem- that all EXCOM mem- ber Elections – A bers have submitted their Officers Attending: Charlie Charles- Nominating Com- forms. worth, George Kutskel, Bob Pennell, John mittee needs to be • Possible Funding from Leonard, Brian Wagner, Greg Malaska, established. All were PA Dept. of Education Ken Undercoffer, Russ Collins, Robert requested to submit for TIC Program – Amidea Daniel Hughes, Brian McGuire. suggestions for discussion and selec- was not present for a discussion on Others Attending: Ashley Wilmont. tion of committee members during the this proposal. President’s Report: The meeting next Governance Committee confer- • Assigning Executive VP Responsi- was called to order at 9:05 a.m. by ence call. bilities on East/West Basis – After President Charlesworth. National TU • CHP Funding – Application has been discussion about a lack of represen- advised Charlesworth that Senator Casey submitted, but no decision yet. tation from the western part of the was interested in attending our PATU • state, Pennell agreed to take a look Annual Meeting, and they would like Update on “Brookie Odyssey” – at the Bylaws to consider a revision Council to show him conservation proj- Charlesworth reported that the 5 specifying that one Executive VP be ects in PA. Wilmont will submit a list of Rivers members and a PSU doctoral elected from the west, and the other CHP-funded projects for consideration student were now in the third week of from the east. Approval of Minutes: A motion was sec- their trek across Route 6. Research so onded and carried to approve the minutes far has revealed genetic differences in • Regional VP Elections at PATU An- of the March 24, 2018 EXCOM meeting as the bulk muscle mass of brook trout nual Meeting – Wagner proposed that previously distributed to EXCOM. from the three major watersheds, and our Bylaws be changed to eliminate Treasurer’s Report: A motion was a list of 61 streams has been submitted the requirement for regional meet- seconded and carried to receive and file to PFBC for preliminary assessment of ings to be held at least 6 weeks prior the Budget Report for the period ending wild trout populations. to the PATU Annual Meeting for the May 31, 2018, as previously distributed • Regional Training Survey – Russ purpose of electing a Regional VP. It to EXCOM. Thrall’s survey results revealed a was proposed instead that regional Financial Reviewer’s Report to EX- disappointing number of responses. meetings could be conducted in a COM: Leonard’s review of Council’s ex- It was suggested that in the future the separate breakout session at the An- penditures for the months of March, April survey be sent to participants immedi- nual meeting for this purpose. Pennell will develop a Bylaws revision to be and May, 2018 found no irregularities, with ately following the meetings. everything well-documented. submitted to EXCOM for approval. • National TU Regional Rendezvous Discussion/Action Items • Transource Energy Transmission – Leonard reported that the WV event • Budget Committee – Charlesworth Line in Franklin County – Collins was well-attended, and Wagner stated is planning a conference call for July. reported on environmental concerns that there were many new participants Collins suggested using “Free Con- for the proposed electrical transmis- at the Lake Placid event. It was sug- ference Call” which Wilmont will sion line crossing of Falling Spring. gested that a Middle-Atlantic Rendez- investigate further. Wilmont suggested that the Franklin vous should be planned by National, County Conservation District be con- • Treasurer’s Work Report – Malaska and Charlesworth will research the tacted to determine if a pre-application reported that everything appeared to Hancock, NY area as a possible loca- meeting has taken place with the be good order. tion for this event. Malaska proposed contractor to assess environmental im- • that Council pay for one individual Accounting Firm RFPs – Wilmont pacts. Collins also plans to meet with will send letters to suggested firms, to attend. State Representatives on this issue. with action to be taken on selecting • No can- NC Regional VP Position – • Support Letter for Disposition of a firm at the September EXCOM didates have been identified to fill this meeting. Tanners Falls Bridge – A motion position. was seconded and carried for Charles- • Financial Reports/Auditor – A call • PATU Business Cards – Leonard worth to write a letter to PennDOT in will be made to review questions. offered to have PATU business cards support of measures to either restore • Financial Investments – Collins printed at a cost of $3.50 for 100 cards. Continued on next page... 8 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 www.patrout.org Trout Unlimited offers free technical assistance program Trout Unlimited is pleased to announce across the Chesapeake Bay watershed in commonwealth. a new technical assistance program which Pennsylvania. If you or your organization is looking aids watershed organizations, conserva- TU’s Nonpoint Source Technical Assis- tion districts, townships, TU chapters, tance Program is a free service provided for technical assistance with a project and others by providing support with to eligible groups or individuals so they, that will reduce sediment and/or nutrient project planning/prioritization guidance, in turn, can better plan and implement runoff in the Chesapeake Bay watershed BMP design and layout, permitting, and projects that reduce sediment and/or construction oversight to address nonpoint nutrient loadings caused by agricultural please contact Jake Tomlinson at jacob. source sediment and nutrient pollution runoff and stream degradation across the [email protected].

...Continued from previous page by Lee Hartman. Hughes reported that he is working the current bridge or replace it with a • Diversity – Report submitted by Ami- with Collins on developing GIS wa- footbridge. dea Daniel & Kelly Williams. tershed mapping. He also suggested that the NAACC training on culvert • Support Letter for Bob Bachman • Membership – Report submitted by assessment might be a good program to Serve on DRB Subcommittee Russ Thrall for the Annual Meeting, as well as a on Ecological Flows – Charlesworth • Trout Management – Report sub- project for the Environmental Com- reported that he had already co-signed mitted by Dick Soderberg & Ken mittee to undertake. the application letter written by Bob Undercoffer. Collins will distribute Bachman. • Northwest Region – Five of nine a PowerPoint presentation on stock- chapters submitted reports. Northwest • Status of Perkiomen Valley Chapter ing over wild trout to members of PA, Cornplanter, Oil Creek and Seneca – Leonard reported that all conditions EXCOM. for re-chartering the chapter have did not submit reports. Undercoffer • Veterans Services – Charlesworth been met, and he will draft a letter to reported that he would like to find a outlined the differences in the focus President Tom Smith advising him replacement as Regional VP. of the Veterans Service Program (all accordingly • Southcentral Region – Seven of eight military veterans & their families) and • Chapter Stream Projects Reporting Project Healing Waters (veterans with chapters submitted reports. John Ken- – Leonard requested that all Regional service-related disabilities of 30% or nedy did not report. It was discussed VPs emphasize with their chapters more). He suggested placing an ad in and agreed that responsibility for the the importance of reporting their pro- PA Trout to find a candidate to chair John Kennedy Chapter should be posed stream restoration projects so this committee, to be discussed further transferred back to the Southwest Re- that Council can assist with obtaining on the next Governance Committee gion. Pennell will advise the chapter funding where necessary. Wilmont conference call. accordingly. will develop a resource directory for • Youth Education – Report submitted • Southeast Region – All seven chap- possible funding sources to assist the by Judi Sittler. ters submitted reports. chapters. • Awards – No report submitted. Award • Southwest Region – Six of seven National Leadership Council Rep- nominations are due by July 31. chapters submitted reports. Ken Sink resentative’s Report: Report submitted. did not report. Wagner announced that he has been ap- • Communications – Report submitted Plans for PATU Annual Meeting: pointed chair of National TU’s Climate by Brad Isles. Our Annual Meeting will be held on Sept. Change Workgroup, and reminded all that • Development – Report submitted by 8 at the PFBC Centre Region Office in nominations for National’s Annual Awards George Kutskel. Bellefonte, with the possibility of having are due by July 1. • Environmental – No report submit- a picnic dinner at Spring Creek Park near Program Director’s Report: Report ted. State College. Some ideas that are under submitted. Wilmont introduced herself and consideration are having a “Stream Girls” gave a brief recap of her background prior Regional Reports: presentation at the meeting, and putting to being hired by Council. She is planning • Northcentral Region – Seven of eight to travel the state to become familiar with chapters submitted reports. Susque- together a selection of “giveaway” items the various projects that have been funded hanna did not report. for attendees. The meeting was adjourned by mutual by the Coldwater Heritage Partnership. • Northeast Region – Eight of 10 chap- Committee Reports: ters submitted reports. Stan Cooper consent at 12:35 p.m. • Delaware River – Report submitted and Lackawanna Valley did not report. – Bob Pennell, Council Secretary www.patrout.org PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 9 2018 PATU ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING REGISTRATION Annual Membership Meeting Name: ______Chapter: ______Chapter Position: ______September 8, 2018 Phone: ______Email: ______PA Fish & Boat Commission Centre Regional Office ____ I will bring a raffle item. 595 E. Rolling Ridge Drive, I am happy to assist with: ____ Sign-in Table ____ Raffle ____ Facility Clean-up Bellefonte, PA 16823 We need your help to make this event a success. TENTATIVE AGENDA ______8:00 a.m. – Registration 9:00 a.m. – Welcome and Announcements Registration deadline is Monday, August 27 (Please make checks payable to PA Trout) 9:30 a.m. – Distribution of Ballots, Coffee The cost to attend is $35.00 / person. Break & Regional Meetings Accepted payment type at the door: Cash, Check, Credit Card Spring Creek Room – South Central Cafeteria – North Central MAIL TO: Cafeteria – North West PA Council of Trout Unlimited More information on meeting PO Box 5148 activities can be found at Logan Branch Room – South West www.patrout.org. Penns Creek Room – South East Bellefonte, PA 16823 Colyer Room - North East Email to: [email protected] 10:30 a.m. – Cafeteria – Brookie Odyssey Talk & Documentary Movie: How your 2:30 p.m. - 2017/18 Chapter Accomplish- Interstate I-99 N. Take Exit 78B from chapter can cultivate future TU leaders and ment Sharing & Lessons Learned I-99 N. Approximately 1 mile from exit TU Teens Awards Each leader will have one minute to is Sheetz. Turn right at Sheetz into Penn briefly share an accomplishment or a Eagle Industrial Park. Follow East Rolling 11:30 a.m. – Lunch in Cafeteria lesson learned that other chapters could Ridge Drive to PFBC CRO. PFBC sign 12:30 p.m. – Breakout Session A benefit from. You may bring a one is at CRO entrance. Use patio entrance 1. Spring Creek Room – Women’s page “Chapter Experiences & Lessons below flags. & Diversity Initiative & PA Women Learned” with information about other From Points North and East: Take I-80 Anglers (PAWA) More than Fishing events and accomplishments. You may West to Exit 161 for U.S. 220 S/ PA 26 2. Penns Creek Room – Geographic also bring an upright tri-fold display with toward Bellefonte / Interstate 99 S. Turn Information System (GIS) & Culvert photos, etc. Left onto PA-26 S/US Hwy 220 S. Take Assessment 3:00 p.m. – Chapter Awards Exit 78B for PA-150 N toward Bellefonte. 3. Classroom – Brook Trout Genetics 4:00 p.m. – Dinner & Raffle Approximately 1 mile from exit is Sheetz. 1:00 p.m. – Breakout Session B Turn right at Sheetz into Penn Eagle In- – Closing & Election Results 1. Spring Creek Room – Casting for 5:00 p.m. dustrial Park. Follow East Rolling Ridge Recovery Western PA & Eastern PA 6:00 p.m. – Sweets by the Stream Drive to PFBC CRO. PFBC sign is at CRO Retreat Relax with coffee, cookies and cake entrance. Use patio entrance below flags. 2. Penns Creek Room– National TU at the Spring Creek Community Park Project Work From Points West: Take I-80 East to Exit Pavilion. Attendees are encouraged to 3. Classroom – Cultivating Youth Mem- 161 for U.S. 220 S/ PA 26 toward Bellefon- bership: Brookie Odyssey bring their fly rod and/or conventional te / Interstate 99 S. Turn right onto PA-26 fishing rod. Suggested flies for Spring S/US Hwy 220 S. Take Exit 78B for PA- 1:30 p.m. – Breakout Session C Creek: terrestrials, scuds, blue winged 150 N toward Bellefonte. Approximately 1. Spring Creek Room – Use Social olive nymphs and streamers. 1 mile from exit is Sheetz. Turn right at Media to Engage Members Sheetz into Penn Eagle Industrial Park. 2. Penns Creek Room – Invasive Spe- DETAILS Follow East Rolling Ridge Drive to PFBC cies: New Zealand Mudsnail Location: The PA Fish & Boat Commis- CRO. PFBC sign is at CRO entrance. Use 3. Classroom - Trout in the Classroom sion Centre Regional Office (PFBC CRO) patio entrance below flags. Program Partners is located at 595 E. Rolling Ridge Drive, 2:00 p.m. – Cafeteria - Chapter Leader Bellefonte, PA 16823 Cost and Registration: Please submit Panel: Successful Chapter Tactics Directions: From Points South: Take Continued on next page... 10 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 www.patrout.org Proposed PATU Bylaw revisions under review The following Bylaw revisions as indi- he or she is responsible for, following the President of each designated Region cated in bold italic text and approved by Annual Membership Meeting elections. shall be a resident thereof. Regional Vice the Executive Committee are proposed for (Par. 2) Each of the two (2) Executive Presidents shall provide support and co- adoption at the PATU Annual Membership Vice Presidents shall also be responsible ordinate the activities of Chapters within Meeting on Sept. 8, 2018. For a complete for oversight and accountability for those the designated Region. Regional Vice- copy of the current Council Bylaws, see Regional Vice Presidents as mutually Presidents will be responsible for filing the Documents page at www.patrout.org. determined and agreed to. The Nominat- quarterly activity reports for their respec- ARTICLE III, Section 3 – Executive ing Committee will make every effort to tive Chapters with the Secretary at least Vice Presidents identify two (2) qualified candidates for one week prior to Executive Committee (Par. 1) The Council shall have two (2) election by Council, one of whom resides Executive Vice Presidents. Each shall be in the eastern part of the state, and the meetings, with action items highlighted. an ex-officio member of one half of the other in the western part of the state. (Par. 3) Regional Vice Presidents shall Standing Committees. They shall make (Par. 4) Executive Vice Presidents shall hold at least one (1) Regional meeting per sure that their Committees meet in a timely be responsible for filing quarterly activ- year, preferably at least six (6) weeks prior manner, and that Committee quarterly re- ity reports with the Secretary at least one to Council’s Annual Membership Meeting, ports are submitted to the President and week prior to Executive Committee meet- for the purpose of selecting a nominee or Secretary for inclusion in the Execu- ings, as well as ensuring that Regional nominees for the position of Regional Vice tive Committee packet at least one week Vice Presidents submit quarterly activity President to serve for the ensuing fiscal prior to Executive Committee meetings, reports accordingly, with action items year. When Regional meeting dates can- with action items highlighted. When highlighted. not be scheduled within that time frame, Committee Chairpersons cannot attend ARTICLE III, Section 4 - Regional Vice Regional meetings can be scheduled Executive Committee meetings to give Presidents to coincide with the date of the Annual their quarterly oral report, their Executive (Par. 1) The number of Regional Vice Membership Meeting. The nominee or Vice President may do so. They shall also Presidents shall correspond to the cur- nominees for Regional Vice President shall facilitate communication between Com- rent number of geographical regions as be voted on at Council’s Annual Member- mittees and Chapters needing advice and designated by the Executive Committee. aid. Executive Vice Presidents shall assist Each Regional Vice President shall be ship Meeting, to be decided by a majority the President in filling open positions on assigned to the Chapters shown within vote of the Chapters present from that their Committees, especially those requir- the geographical boundaries of his or Region, with each Chapter submitting one ing expert counsel. The Council President her Region as shown on the Chapter (1) vote. In the event that there is more than has the exclusive right to assign each Map (Addendum A) attached hereto and one (1) nominee and a tie vote results, the Executive Vice President the Committees made a part hereof. The Regional Vice winner will be selected by the President.

...Continued from previous page MEETING Lunch and registration. The cost for the day is $35 per from page 1 dinner will be person. Includes: drinks, snacks, lunch, provided. After dinner. Cash or check acceptable. Credit will be held. lunch, a panel card payment acceptable at the door via Presentation topics include: of several chap- Square Card Reader. • Brookie Odyssey ter leaders will • talk about how Lodging: Local options include the 5 Rivers Program • Brook Trout Genetics their chapters EconoLodge 3482 Benner Pike, Bellefonte • Diversity Initiative established suc- 814-355-5561 where a block of rooms has • Geographic Information System cessful events with above average profits. been reserved for $79 for Friday night; The • Casting for Recovery The day will conclude with Sweets by Queen B&B 176 E Linn St, Bellefonte; • National Trout Unlimited Project the Stream: Coffee and sweets at Spring Riffles and Runs B&B 217 N Spring St, Work Creek Park. Cost for the entire day is $35 Bellefonte and many hotel and motel op- • Youth Membership per person. tions in State College. • Social Media Use Check and registration form should be Questions: Contact Ashley Wilmont, • Invasive Species New Zealand Mud mailed to PA Trout, PO Box 5148, Belle- PATU Program Director at c-awilmont@ Snail fonte, PA 16823. Please register and pay by pa.gov or 814-359-5233. • Trout in the Classroom Aug. 27, 2018. We hope to see you there! PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 11 GENETICS Asked if sport angling for brook trout from page 7 under the Fish and Boat Commission’s NORTHEAST CHAPTERS current regulations might, then, pose a Brodhead 289 fish. But we can look at the entire gene set liability to exchange of genetic diversity Forks of the Delaware 482 of fish that are bold movers, then compare and population resilience, Executive Direct Arway expressed informed skepticism. Hokendauqua 535 that set to other fish,” White said. Lackawanna Valley 414 Fishermen, and often fisheries managers, “I think our regulations are adequate. have not always appreciated the impor- When you look at how many people are Monocacy 491 tance of trout mobility—except in the loss harvesting wild trout, there aren’t many,” Pike-Wayne 462 of hatchery fish that dispersed away from Arway said. “We just don’t see the kind Schuylkill County 537 their stocking point. of exploitation of the resource that once Shehawken 81 “This speaks to the importance of con- existed with brook trout. Society is chang- Stan Cooper Sr. 251 ing in how those precious resources are nectivity, to which there are many barriers Western Pocono 203 out there that isolate brook trout popula- being used.” tions,” Bartron said. “With brook trout, Fish and Boat Commission surveys most often that isolating barrier is recent verify that a majority of anglers who pur- REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT or manmade. We know that brook trout can sue wild trout release their catch, but the Robert Hughes move, so by maintaining avenues among uncertainties of hooking mortality that may 394 E. Washington St. habitats, there’s a potential for sub-popula- be related to anglers’ use of various types Nanticoke, PA 18634 tions to re-colonize. The larger the patches of tackle remains troublesome to some Email: [email protected] wild trout advocates. of quality habitat we can maintain, the bet- Phone: 570-239-3909 ter chance of maintaining self-sustaining Genetic research is also helping fishery populations.” managers understand how wild brook trout Brodhead Chapter #289 Barriers to trout movement take many are responding to changing climate. Brook Todd Burns trout evolved in cold water and experience 610-704-4549, [email protected] forms. Polluted water through which fish www.brodheadtu.org can’t pass, dams and warm water all curtail stress when water temperatures rise to brook trout movements. around 65 degrees F. Recent surveys by Work on the Cherry Creek restoration project California University of Pennsylvania re- began in mid-June with the assistance of the US “Pennsylvania leads the nation in Fish and Wildlife Service. Our work session on dams, and a lot of small dams impede the searchers document that headwater streams the brush deflectors was on June 23 and finished movement of local fish. But according to harboring brook trout on Laurel Ridge are our Phase I work. The chapter participated in and surveys by American Rivers, we also lead reaching these temperatures sooner in the assisted the Knights of Columbus with the KOC the nation in dams being removed,” said summer, and for longer periods, than 30 Children’s Fishing Contest in April, and we had John Arway, executive director of the Fish years ago. an information booth at Monroe County Earth Day “We have a better idea which genes con- on the Northampton Community College Campus, and Boat Commission. “We’re committed Tannersville. Chapter members conducted an to that because we now understand the trol thermal tolerance,” White said. “These Introduction to Fly Fishing workshop at Pocono importance of connectivity.” genes trigger the production of heat-shock Environmental Education Center. The chapter Nate Reagle, a forester with the Pennsyl- proteins. We can measure the level of those held its annual picnic June 9 along Cherry Creek vania Dept. of Conservation and Natural proteins to know how much stress a fish in the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Resources reported at the Wild Trout Sum- is experiencing and compare that across ______mit that, to improve stream connectivity, populations to see if some are evolving Continued on page 15... all culverts under state forest roads are improved thermal tolerance.” being gradually replaced by culverts of But White warns against hoping brook “fish-passable” design. trout will adapt to warmer water. White doesn’t overtly stress this point, “Genetics change very slowly, and we but her research suggests that “bold” trout, would have to wait decades before we saw important to the population as “movers,” a good population-level response to rising might also be more susceptible to catching temperatures. We may not have that time,” by anglers. she observed. “But through habitat conser- “We know that ‘bold’ trout tend to forage vation we can manipulate conditions to al- longer and are less selective about prey most immediate effect. Take tree planting, items,” White responded. “Feeding trout for example. Shade from mature trees can develop search images for certain prey at decrease stream temperatures by several certain times. ‘Bold’ individuals develop degrees, and we’re talking about a range images that encompass more species of of only a couple of degrees that can mean prey than ‘shy’ fish.” the difference for brook trout survival.” 12 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 RepYourWater provides creative and unique designs on high-quality apparel and merchandise, and makes a difference for wildlife habitat around the country. RepYourWater donates 1% of Pennsylvania designed apparel sales to Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited to support our Coldwater Conservation Corps program. We would like to thank RepYourWater for its support and for those who have purchased items. Please check them out at www.repyourwater.com and support coldwater conservation!

Back Front (left pocket)

GET A CUSTOM TROUT UNLIMITED PENNSYLVANIA PA COUNCIL OF TROUT UNLIMITED T-SHIRTS LICENSE PLATE! The official PATU T-shirt is now for sale! Shirts are $18.00, plus $2.00 per Want to show others that you’re a proud shirt for shipping. *Please note that shirts in size 2X & 3X cost $3.00 more. member of PATU and support the mission All proceeds from T-shirt sales go directly toward implementing state-wide of Trout Unlimited? Well, you can, and it conservation and education projects. will only cost you a onetime charge of $26 _____ Small _____ Medium _____ Large _____ X-Large for a specialty PA license plate. The cus- tom plate fee is in addition to your annual _____ 2XL* _____ 3XL* *Additional $3.00 charge for adult 2XL and 3XL shirts. registration fee, and the plate is available for passenger cars and trucks 14,000 lbs. Quantity (sizes S-XL @ $18.00 each) Total Cost: ______or less, motor homes and trailers. Quantity (sizes 2X & 3X @ $21.00 each) Total Cost: ______To order your Pennsylvania Council of Shipping cost @ $2.00 each shirt Total Shipping: ______Trout Unlimited PA state license plate, send your name, TU membership num- Total Amount Enclosed: ______ber and current PA license plate number by email to [email protected] or Name: ______mail to: Address: ______Bob Pennell City: ______State: ______Zip: ______2319 Valley Road Harrisburg, PA 17104 Phone: ______Email: ______

In return, you’ll receive an application Please mail order form and check/money order payable to PA Trout to: form to complete and send with your $26 payment to PennDOT. PA Trout | PO Box 5148 | Bellefonte, PA 16823 Thank you for supporting PATU and coldwater conservation!

PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 13 Merchandise Order Form Thank you for supporting the efforts of the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited in protecting, conserving, and restor- ing Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. Merchandise orders are processed during volunteer time. Please allow adequate time for your order to be filled and shipped. Direct questions to George Kutskel at [email protected] or 814-371-9290. See the Merchandise page at www.patrout.org for additional details.

Item Description Price Qty. Total 1. “Back the Brookie” License Plate $25.00 1 Ball cap w/logo (circle) Khaki Navy Camo $15.00 Large Waterproof Fly Box (6”x4”x1”) $25.00 Custom Fly Leaders 2. Dry Fly – 4X Tippet Dry Fly – 5X Tippet Dry Fly – 6X Tippet Wet Fly – 4X Tippet w/ 2 Droppers Wet Fly – 5X Tippet w/ 2 Droppers Subtotal – Leader Quantity (1 to 9) $5.00 Subtotal – Leader Quantity (10 or more) $4.50 “PA Limestone Trout Creeks” Book $26.95 “Fly Fishing PA’s Spring Creek” Book $20.00 3. “More of CVTU’s Favorite Flies” Book $22.00 2 “Keystone Fly Fishing” Book $30.00 3 Ned Smith “Sting of the Hook” Print – Unframed $148.40 Ned Smith “Sting of the Hook” Print – Framed $259.70 4 Little Juniata Patch 2011 – 4” $6.00 Little Juniata Patch 2011 – 6” $10.00 5 Kinzua Creek Patch 2010 – 4” $6.00 4. Kinzua Creek Patch 2010 – 6” $10.00 PATU Decals – 3” $3.00 PATU Travel Rod Case $50.00 Custom 9’0, 5-wt., 3-piece Fly Rod $175.00 5. Adult TIC T-shirt (circle size) S M L XL $17.00 Limited sizes, colors *****and quantities. Adult TIC T-shirt (circle size) 2XL 3XL $20.00 *****Call Ashley Wilmont at 814-359-5114 Youth TIC T-shirt (circle size) M L $17.00 for availability. Official PATU T-shirt (circle size) S M L XL $20.00 Official PATU T-shirt (circle size) 2XL 3XL $23.00 6% sales tax (where applicable), shipping Note: and handling costs included in unit prices. Total $ Ship to: Name: ______Mail this form, along with money order or check payable to “PA Trout” to: Address: ______Attn: Merchandise City, State, Zip: ______PA Council of Trout Unlimited PO Box 5148 Phone ______Email ______Bellefonte, PA 16823 ** Phone and email are needed should PATU have questions regarding your order. ...Continued from page 11 Lackawanna Valley Chapter #414 Schuylkill County Chapter #537 Forks of the Delaware Chapter #482 Adam Nidoh Brian Lengel Joe Baylog 570-489-1650, [email protected] 570-915-1500, [email protected] 610-751-9116, [email protected] www.lackawannavalleytu.org www.schuylkillcountytu.org www.forkstu.org No report. We did a stream cleanup on the Schuylkill River Chapter leadership and Dave Kinney, TU Mid- ______in New Philadelphia, and a road cleanup along Atlantic Policy Director, went to Harrisburg to Monocacy Chapter #491 Route 895 near Auburn. Crews will get back into meet with John Stefanko, PADEP Deputy Secre- Erik Broesicke the Schuylkill at New Philadelphia in mid-August tary of Active and Abandoned Mine Operations 610-909-2652, [email protected] to continue another section of restoration. We and Tim Schaeffer, PADEP Deputy Secretary www.monocacytu.org helped the county outdoor program and a cast- of Water Programs to discuss the dewatering of ing and knot-tying segment for Blue Mountain Our summer board planning meeting was held Elementary program at Sweet Arrow Lake. We Bushkill Creek whenever the pumps at Buzzi in early June, and lots of great ideas were shared Unicem, a local cement company operating a ran a Big Brother Big Sister fishing event at S&A for the upcoming year. Several chapter members trout ponds as well as a Make-A-Wish fishing quarry that pumps 64 million gallons per day, are participated in the Step Outdoors Lehigh Valley inoperable due to power outages, both planned program at the same location. We also participated event on June 10 at Steel Stacks in Bethlehem. at the Bear Creek Festival to handle the fishing and unplanned, without a required back up energy Members helped event participants tie their own source. Plans are underway for our annual Pig & opportunities. We did 15 events this year. wooly buggers on safety pins, and discussed the ______Corn Roast on Sept. 15 along the banks of the work TU does in the Valley. Delaware River north of Easton at the Riverside ______Shehawken Chapter #81 Barr & Grill. The chapter is seeking funding for Fred Gender our Bushkill Creek restoration project between Pike-Wayne Chapter #462 570-704-8764, [email protected] Tatamy and Mill Race Park in Palmer Township. Tony Capitano https://www.facebook.com/Shehawken- Design and permitting work is being completed 570-676-9994, [email protected] Trout-Unlimited-811023349070239/ www.pwtu.org by Hanover Engineering. This project is in part- Shehawken TU has been voted in to be a nership with the Bushkill Stream Conservancy. Chapter leaders met with State Sen. Lisa Baker member of the Coalition for the Delaware River We provided fly fishing skills, macroinvertebrate to discuss our concerns with fracking in Pike and Watershed. The chapter assisted with planning and studies and a conservation message during the Wayne counties. The acquisition of water and the participated in the “Upper Delaware Summit,” Nazareth Middle and Wind Gap Middle schools discharge of produced water back into the Dela- which was part of the National Wildlife Federa- TIC release days and Northampton County Youth ware River and its tributaries, and its potential tion’s “4 the Delaware” campaign, an effort to Field Day. On June 2, we hosted our “Forks TU effects on clear, cold, clean, waters. Our banquet get the four states of the Delaware watershed to Fly Fishing Experience” station at Northampton in April was held at Lukan’s Farm Resort. Wayne advocate stronger for the river. The group gath- County Youth Field Day. Poppich received the Charlie Bright Award for his ered on the banks of the river and heard several ______many years of service to the chapter. We assisted speakers from NWF, the National Park Service, Hokendauqua Chapter #535 the Pike County Conservation District with annual conservation organizations and community lead- Art Williams surface water monitoring. Ten streams were com- ers before most embarked on a drift boat tour and 610-266-1788, [email protected] pleted in Pike County. Paul Ranello completed lunch. Participants included members of PFBC http://hokendauqua.tu.org two-day training on Environmentally Sensitive and the Pennsylvania DEP as well as NY DEC. Maintenance of Dirt and Gravel Roads and re- ______Our TIC class at Catasauqua High School ceived a certificate from the Dirt and Gravel Road released their trout into a local stream and we Studies and the College of Engineering at Penn Stanley Cooper, Sr. Chapter #251 have also become a sponsor to a new TIC class State. Also, four members received Fishing Skills Scott Brady at Southern Lehigh Middle School. We have five Instructor certificates from PFBC. The chapter 570-479-6106, [email protected] events planned for PHW vets during the sum- supported a Fish for Kids Day in Newfoundland. www.sctu.org mer and early fall. The chapter is working with Three college stipends were awarded to high We completed a Bowman’s Creek roadside and a local Boy Scout troop by presenting a series of school seniors who will major in environmental stream cleanup. The chapter, in association with programs where the scouts can earn a fly fishing sciences or conservation fields. We sponsored the Luzerne Conservation District and Bowman’s merit badge. We participated in a “Women in the two youths to the Keystone College Fly Fishing Creek Watershed Association, are working to Outdoors” program in June. Conservation Camp. revitalize Bowman’s Creek in the area where the ______Mountain Spring Lake was before the removal of the dam. Our Abraham Creek CHP is still ongoing with EPCAMR. Staff are meeting with landowners to access private property to properly assess culverts and to electroshock an unnamed tributary to Abraham Creek that is suspected of having a wild trout population. EPCAMR completed the Solomon Creek dam removal and stream habitat improvement project and placed a series of four double-throated cross vanes within the stream to create pool habitat for the privately stocked trout that are in this area. The removal of invasive Japanese knotweed was completed and a new access road into the Ashley Borough Continued on next page... PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 15 ...Continued from previous page for hydrostatic testing of the Sunrise Pipeline did ______Park was constructed by EPCAMR with funds not adversely affect the creek. Amendments to Lloyd Wilson Chapter #224 from PennDOT through the PFBC as a part of the permit were made simultaneously with our Bill Bailey the South Cross Valley Transportation Highway sharing of concerns and issues. Chapter mem- 570-748-6120, [email protected] Project using mitigation funds. In July, EPCAMR bers served as guides during the annual Fish ’n www.lwtu.org hosted an informational meeting regarding the Fun Day for disabled children at Kocher Park in Lightstreet on June 9. We supported the Columbia The chapter held its annual family picnic on Upper Toby Creek CHP project. Our three TIC June 6 at the Sieg Conference Center. The chapter programs held release days. The informal fly ty- County District Conservation Office’s annual children’s Outdoor Adventure Camp June 20-21. wrote letters of support to PFBC for the addition ing and discussion, Brews and Bugs, is held the of the proposed streams to the list of Wild Trout fourth Tuesday of each month. Our SCTU banquet Upcoming meetings are Sept. 11, Oct. 9 and Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Columbia County District Con- and Class A streams. We had a litter pickup along was April 7 at Genetti Best Western Plus Hotel, the Narrows section of Fishing Creek. Our two Wilkes-Barre. A women’s fly fishing camp, held servation Office, 720 Sawmill Road, Bloomsburg. ______TIC programs successfully released their trout. in conjunction with Lackawanna Valley TU and Chapter members spent two days at Little Pine PFBC, was May 5. God’s Country Chapter #327 State Park teaching fly tying and casting to Jersey ______Dr. Peter Ryan Shore middle school students. In partnership with Western Pocono Chapter #203 814-274-8718, [email protected] the PFBC and NW Fishery Center in Lamar, we George Hludzik The chapter hosted an evening of fly fishing and assisted at fishing events for children under the 570-788-2121, [email protected] tying instruction for the Shinglehouse Boy Scouts age of 12, a group of students from Central Mt. WPTU held an Introduction to Fly Fishing on April 2. President Pete Ryan and Secretary Bob School District’s Life Skills class and a group program at Nescopeck State Park this spring. Volkmar represented the chapter at the monthly of Life Skills students from the Bellefonte and WPTU’s home meeting site at White Haven Conservation District meetings as well as the Penn’s Valley school districts. Chapter members Library and Visitors Center hosted PATU’s Fly April JKLM Energy Stakeholders meeting. The assisted in a Wounded Warrior fishing day at the Fishing Instructor program. Several TU members chapter presented PHWFF programs for the Em- Antes Creek Fishing Club. We assisted at the from around the Northeast Region attended. Our porium VFW, the Oswayo Valley Senior Center, PFBC-sponsored family fishing day held at Bald chapter picnic was June 23 at Austin Blakeslee and the McKean County Disabled Veterans group. Eagle State Park. Park, along the banks of the Tobyhanna Creek. Members assisted with the Upper Allegheny Wa- ______WPTU helped Hazleton Area STEM school’s TIC tershed Association Route 6 road cleanup as well Penns Creek Chapter #119 release at Nescopeck State Park. as the Mill Creek Japanese knotweed eradication Joe Dunmire work day. As chairman of the Dirt & Gravel – 717-899-6085, [email protected] Low Volume Road Quality Assurance Board, Ryan met with the State Conservation Commis- This spring was busy with TIC release days. NORTHCENTRAL sion to review activities for the past five years. Members manned a fly fishing station and macro CHAPTERS The board met June 4 and approved 10 dirt and station at Mifflin County High School’s Eco Day. Columbia County 038 gravel projects and three low volume road projects In June, we helped out at Spring Creek TU’s totaling over $900,000 for the 2018-19 construc- station at the Centered Outdoors event at Tussey God’s Country 327 tion season. Our TIC release/environmental day Mountain. Our summer social was June 16 at Joe Lloyd Wilson 224 was held at the Austin Costello Sportsmen Club. Dunmire’s farm. We planned to start our stream Penns Creek 119 Coudersport 6th grade released their brook trout improvement project on Kish Creek at Kish Park. and then took part in six different stations put Upcoming is the NWTF Field Day on Aug. 11. Raymond B. Winter 124 on by the Potter County Bird Watchers, Kettle ______Spring Creek 185 Creek State Park, Sinnamahoning State Park, R.B. Winter Chapter #124 Susquehanna 044 DCNR, Potter County Conservation District and Bob Laubach the chapter. Our 11th annual PHWFF event was 570-966-3379, [email protected] Tiadaghton 688 May 22-25 with this year’s event honoring all We participated in a Healing Waters project by Heroes, First Responders, and Victims of the 9/11 guiding veterans on Penns Creek. We conducted tragedy. Potter County Youth Field Day was June our annual Penns Creek cleanup on the C&R sec- 9 at the PA Lumbermen Museum. “Women in the REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT tion from tunnel to Weikert. The chapter helped Wild” was June 23 at Sinnamahoning State Park. Open Bald Eagle State Forest personnel plant trees and Columbia County Chapter #38 Erick Lewis Subscribe to PA Trout 814-621-8126, [email protected] If you would like to receive future PA Trout newsletters by U.S. Mail, fill out the The chapter is pursuing a collaboration with a following form and mail with your check payable to “PA Trout” to: George Kutskel, sporting club in the Berwick area to host a VSP 107 Simmons St., DuBois, PA 15801. event. Our family picnic was held at Kocher Park Name______in Lightstreet on June 12. The 2nd CCTU Fishing Creek access area litter cleanup was held in May. Street or P.O.______Monitoring of natural gas pipeline construction in the Fishing Creek watershed in the Columbia County area is ongoing. We collaborated with City, State & Zip______National TU and the Susquehanna River Basin Subscription rate is $5.00 per year (4 issues) Commission to ensure that a permitted 2.88-mil- lion-gallon water withdrawal from Fishing Creek Enclosed is my check for $______for _____ year(s)

16 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 shrubs in a riparian zone along White Deer Creek. partner with the Creek Watershed Council on its with Brockway Area 6th grade’s environmental Our six TIC programs conducted successful stock- Hemlock Headwaters project. Members helped day at Clear Creek State Park. We also held ing of fingerlings. In May, we held our annual gather preliminary data at selected sites, includ- several fishing days with youths through the picnic and “fishout” along Penns Creek. In June, ing soil samples, macroinvertebrate samples and SMART Angler program, along with the New chapter members provided casting instruction and population estimates via electro-fishing. National Story School, DuBois Middle School Fly Fishing fly tying instruction at the annual Summerfest at TU’s Dr. Shawn Rummel and Kathleen Lavelle Club and Girl Scouts. The chapter had stations R.B. Winter State Park. have been coordinating much of the data col- at both Clearfield and Jefferson counties’ Youth ______lection and analysis and have been an immense Field Days. We held a follow-up “on the water” Spring Creek Chapter #185 help with this project. Members also completed a program with the women who took our introduc- Lynn Mitchell roadside cleanup along Route 6 in Tioga County. tion to fly fishing in March. 717-250-0009, [email protected] Chapter members provided free fly casting and ______www.springcreektu.org free fly tying at Springfest on May 19 at Hills Caldwell Creek Chapter #437 Creek State Park. Members and guests also par- We represented TU at the Spring Creek Wa- Tom Savko ticipated in an on stream wet fly seminar on May 814-664-2124, [email protected] tershed Association and at the Spring Creek 5. Chapter meetings are the first Tuesday of each Watershed Commission. The chapter continues month except July and August at 7 p.m. at Wells- The chapter participated in the Water Quality to receive 10% of the sales proceeds of “Spring boro Community Center, 3 Queen St., Wellsboro. Snapshot in the Allegheny National Forest in Creek White,” a wine release by Mt. Nittany April. We planted 50 American elm trees. We Winery, Centre County. The YMCA of Centre continue monitoring water quality in our area County operated a U.S. flag purchase and dis- streams every week. CCTU helped the Corry Area play program with proceeds benefitting our VSP. NORTHWEST CHAPTERS High School and Corry Elementary School TIC Preparations continue to implement our recently- Allegheny Mountain 036 programs with stockings in the spring. We helped awarded National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Caldwell Creek 437 the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Warren Grant for $160,700 for habitat improvement and County Conservation District, AmeriCorps and riparian planting at three locations. The chapter Cornplanter 526 the Brokenstraw Watershed Council educate the staffed three sites as part of the annual Spring Iron Furnace 288 Corry High School Forestry Class. Creek Stream Cleanup Day in conjunction with Jim Zwald 314 ______ClearWater Conservancy. We provided a $2,000 Neshannock 216 Cornplanter Chapter #526 matching grant to students within the Penns Troy McDunn Valley School District to take an ecology based Northwest PA 041 814-723-3759, [email protected] educational trip to the Chesapeake Bay. We Oil Creek 424 www.facebook.com/pages/Cornplanter- hosted members of Donegal TU who are bring- Chapter-Of-Trout-Unlimited ing members of their VSP to fish Spring Creek Seneca 272 and learn about the successes of our chapter’s No report. efforts. We hosted a group of 11th grade ecology ______students from Mifflin County High School at REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Iron Furnace Chapter #288 Fisherman’s Paradise, with guided hiking tours Ken Undercoffer Mark Hanes of local flora and fauna by member Mark Nale, 724-464-7320, [email protected] macroinvertebrates study by chapter member Dr. 1510 Village Rd. www.ironfurnacetu.net Robert Carline and ClearWater Conservancy staff Clearfield, PA 16830 We held a multi-chapter summer picnic/fishing and fly casting and fly fishing training. We joined Email: [email protected] outing at Bendigo Park in July 22. The Western with members of the Penns Creek chapter for a Pennsylvania Conservancy removed the small fly casting demonstration at the Mifflin County Phone: 814-765-1035 dam on Johns Run the second week of July. A School District Eco-Day. We co-hosted an event Allegheny Mountain Chapter #036 Coldwater Heritage Partnership Implementation with ClearWater Conservancy at Tussey Mountain George Kutskel Grant funded the project. We have been pushing Ski Resort as part of a conservancy program en- 814-371-9290, [email protected] to get this dam removed for the past few years, titled “Get Outdoors.” Our upcoming meeting is www.amctu.org and now native brook trout will be able to reach Aug. 30 at Mt. Nittany Winery. The chapter’s VSP four miles of habitat that has been cut off. We meets at Fisherman’s Paradise on the second and We held our annual joint picnic with the Iron are working to finally finish a deflector by filing fourth Sundays of each month through November. Furnace chapter at Walter Dick Park, Brookville. it with rock. We are running into issues getting ______Our 52nd annual fundraiser was April 7, and we’re planning for next year’s on April 6 at the a permit for the deflector turned over into the Susquehanna Chapter #044 Falls Creek Eagles. We planted 1,100 trees in the landowner’s name because there is confusion with Walt Nicholson old splash dam on Montgomery Run and were Brookville Borough regarding who owns the area 570-447-3600; [email protected] joined by students from Penn State DuBois and where the deflector is located. http://susquehannatu.wordpress.com others from Moshannon State Forest. This area ______No report. has little tree cover and is causing thermal issues James Zwald Chapter #314 ______on the stream. The project was funded by the Murray Neeper Tiadaghton Chapter #688 Coldwater Heritage Partnership. We assisted the 814-834-3472, [email protected] Western Pennsylvania Conservancy in removing Jere White The chapter participated in a regional chapter a dam on Johns Run along with the Iron Furnace 570-662-2167, [email protected] picnic with the Iron Furnace and Allegheny chapter in July. Our TIC schools had a good year chapters at Bendigo Park. We were notified that We joined with the Keystone 10 Million Tree with their fish. We held our Environmental Day at upper West Creek was granted priority status for Partnership and planted 500 trees along an un- Camp Mountain Run. We helped Central Catholic named tributary of Wilson Creek. We continue to School release its trout. The chapter also helped Continued on next page... PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 17 ...Continued from previous page the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy. We are the northwest region by the Pennsylvania Envi- evaluating streambank improvements, elimination ronmental Council (PEC) and the Pennsylvania of stream sedimentation and fencing of Class A Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR). SOUTHEAST CHAPTERS streams and cattle crossings on two farms PVTU previously worked on. We held three TIC releases Chapter members, Elk County Conservation Dis- Bucks County 254 trict (ECCD) and National TU conducted an on- in May. The chapter applied for an Embrace-a- site review of the year-long AMD study of West Delco Manning 320 Stream grant to purchase 100 trees to plant in Creek tributary to the Driftwood Branch of the Little Lehigh 070 the watershed. Sinnemahoning this spring. The review concurred Perkiomen Valley 332 ______with the data from the study and validated the remediation projects without change. The chapter, SE Montgomery Co. 468 SE Montgomery County Chapter #468 along with PFBC biologists conducted on-stream Tulpehocken 150 Richard Terry shocking on the East Branch of the Clarion in the Valley Forge 290 215-675-1536, [email protected] vicinity of the Jim Zwald habitat improvement www.tu468.org project in Bendigo Park in June. ECCD and the Stream restoration work is planned during the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy conducted summer for the section of the Pennypack that public meetings related to the Coldwater Heritage flows thru the Pennypack Trust. We had four TIC grants for Middle Fork tributary and Elk Creek REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT schools this year, which was an increase from tributaries of the Clarion River. The chapter is Brian McGuire three last year. The releases took place in Tyler being supported by Penn State Extension in re- 52 W. Princeton Rd. State Park, Lorimor Park and Pennypack Park. cruiting additional teachers for TIC programs in ______Elk County schools are currently not participating. Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004 ______Email: [email protected] Tulpehocken Chapter #150 Neshannock Creek #216 Phone: 484-270-8505 Brenda Bittinger Jeff Kremis 610-704-4676, [email protected] 724-588-4378; [email protected] Bucks County Chapter #254 www.tullytu.org ww.neshannock-tu.org Joe Mihok We are working on organizing a stream cleanup 215-589-9531, [email protected] and outdoor events to promote education and We have plans for three different stream im- www.buckstu.org provement projects on Neshannock Creek. The outreach. We have 15 TIC classrooms enrolled for No report. the fall. We are hosting the Tulpehocken Creek first is at Plantation Park Campground just outside ______of Mercer. Two areas of severe bank erosion need 5K Eco Run/Walk on Sept. 16 at the Penn State to be addressed and we have plans from PFBC Delco Manning Chapter #320 Berks campus beginning at 10 a.m. for a modified mudsill that is 260 feet long. We David Wharton ______are partnering with the Mercer County Conserva- 610-583-2920, [email protected] tion District on this project and they are helping www.dmtu.org Valley Forge Chapter #290 with grant application to get necessary funding. Pete Hughes The chapter held its annual barbecue and fun- Another area in Plantation Park and a project in 610-827-9239; [email protected] draiser on June 16. the DHALO area of the Neshannock Creek will www.valleyforgetu.org be addressed at a later date. We held a workday on ______In April, there was a large spill of chlorinated Deer Creek June 23 and continued a streambank water into Little Valley Creek and then into Val- improvement project there. We are also doing Little Lehigh Chapter #070 ley Creek, which resulted in a significant fish some work on the Coolspring DHALO area. Our Scott Alderfer kill, and no doubt a large kill of other organisms TIC programs held release days. 610-390-6219, [email protected] in the creeks. VFTU has met with PECO, the ______www.lltu.org responsible party to better understand how it Northwest Chapter #41 In May, we partnered with Boy Scout Troop happened and what PECO is going to put in place Erik Cronk 131 of Wescosville and Emmaus High School Key to prevent another spill. VFTU is working with 814-490-4632, [email protected] Club to plant 130 trees in the riparian buffer of the several organizations on stormwater management http://nwpachaptertu.blogspot.com Little Lehigh Creek in Lower Macungie Town- structures and plantings in an effort to abate a ship. Most of the trees planted on these two dates serious issue affecting Valley Creek. The chapter No report. were part of a Community Roots Grant from PPL continues to maintain a demonstration rain garden ______Electric Utilities. Our four TIC schools released in the Valley Creek watershed. In June, we con- Oil Creek Chapter #424 their trout fingerlings into local creeks. We have a ducted a tour of four infiltration trench projects Gary Ross fifth school preparing to join the program this fall. completed on upper Crabby Creek. Our nine TIC 814-337-6931, [email protected] ______schools successfully released their trout. VFTU www.oilcreektu.org teamed with Valley Forge National Historic Park Perkiomen Valley #332 to provide a fly fishing education program to a No report. Thomas W. Smith group of Youth Conservation Corps high school ______215-513-9709, [email protected] students. VFTU is helping the Park put together a www.pvtu.org Seneca Chapter #272 fishing program for Junior Rangers. Our monthly Chase Howard We held an invasive species removal and meetings are the second Thursday of each month 814-598-3449, [email protected] planted 120 native tree stakes along Perkiomen from September through May at Chester Valley www.facebook.com/SenecaTroutUnlimited Creek in Palm this spring, and assisted with a Grange. PHWFF, Royersford is the second, third No report. cleanup of Perkiomen Creek in partnership with and fourth Mondays at the Royersford VFW; 18 PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 PHWFF, West Bradford is each Monday at the Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Our Camp. Several members assisted with Watershed West Bradford Firehouse and PHWFF, Coatesville second annual Women’s Fly Fishing Clinic was Day at Millport Conservancy for Warwick School is each Wednesday at the Coatesville VA Hospital. June 23. Upcoming meetings are Aug. 8, Sept. 12 District. Members of two Boy Scout Troops and at Laughman’s Sawmill Picnic Area. Our chapter students from Thaddeus Stevens assisted with picnic is Aug. 26 at the same location. planting at our Camp Andrews project. We are ______finalizing a $30,000 grant from PFBC for work SOUTHCENTRAL on Hammer Creek. We applied for a $50,000 grant CHAPTERS Cumberland Valley Chapter #052 from DCNR to provide 3,200 native trees and John Leonard Adams County 323 shrubs for planting on three tributaries of Fishing 717-512-4620, [email protected] Creek. Our chapter picnic is Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. at Codorus 558 www.pacvtu.org Climbers Run Preserve, Frogtown Road, Pequea. Cumberland Valley 052 We are preparing to celebrate our 50th an- ______Doc Fritchey 108 niversary as a chapter beginning Oct. 1. We concluded our Letort Spring Run water quality Falling Spring Chapter #234 Donegal 037 survey in conjunction with ALLARM in prepara- Warren Christman Falling Spring 234 tion for long-range Letort restoration. Our Yellow 717-860-6414, [email protected] Muddy Creek 575 Breeches project at the former Wittlinger Dam site We assisted with Waynesboro Youth Day at will begin in August. The 23rd Rivers Conserva- Waynesboro Rod and Gun Club, and held a TIC tion and Fly Fishing Youth Camp was held in release with CVCS school. Our annual Wounded June with a full class of 32 campers. Our Street Warrior Outing was May 12 at the Chambersburg to Streams program fishing with youth involved Izaak Walton League. Our annual dinner is Oct. REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT with the county probation program was the last 20 at the Chambersburg Marine Corp. League. Russ Collins week of June. Our Chapter Family Picnic is Aug. ______1167 S. Forge Rd. 17 at South Middleton Park. ______Muddy Creek Chapter #575 Palmyra, PA 17078 Beth Boyd Email: [email protected] Doc Fritchey Chapter #108 717-404-7642; [email protected] Phone: 717-580-3958 Russ Collins www.muddycreektu.org 717-580-3958; [email protected] We approved the expansion of our TIC program Adams County Chapter #323 www.dftu.org this fall, and discussed the direction of our conser- April Swope Construction is scheduled to begin on our vation projects and outreach events. The chapter 717-778-1876, [email protected] Lower Snitz project. This project was made pos- is planning a Fall Fest event for September. We www.adamscountytu.org sible by a grant from PFBC and matching funds hosted three TIC release days and students were We are planning a stream restoration project amounting to $171,300. Grant funds have been also able to plant trees. Upcoming meetings are on Conewago Creek later this summer. Richard made available by the DEP from fines levied on Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Allegro Winery and Sept. Lewis and Dave Swope presented “Mudflats to Sunoco’s Mariner East II pipeline construction 19 at 6 p.m. at Muddy Creek Forks Road, Airville. Native Brook Trout” to the Mont Alto Forestry project for permit violations. In partnership with Class, then toured the devices in Conococheague the Quittapahilla Watershed Association and the Creek. ACTU is moving forward with repair proj- Lebanon Valley Conservancy, we are applying for ects on the Conewago regulated fly area with the three grants for water quality improvement and SOUTHWEST CHAPTERS assistance of NVTU members. Three TIC release stream restoration. The grants will be for work Arrowhead 214 dates were held for our 11 participating schools on two sections of Snitz Creek and one on Beck Chestnut Ridge 670 at Strawberry Hill Nature Reserve. Upcoming Creek in Lebanon County. Our TIC classrooms meetings are Aug. 21 and Sept. 18 at the ACCD held their release days, completing another suc- Forbes Trail 206 Building, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg. cessful year. We hope to expand the number of Fort Bedford 291 ______classes that we sponsor for TIC in the coming year. June 10 marked the first Women’s introduction to John Kennedy 045 Codorus Chapter #558 Fly Fishing and Conservation with 16 participants. Ken Sink 053 Tom Feninez ______Mountain Laurel 040 717-817-8446, [email protected] www.codorustu.org Donegal Chapter #037 Penn’s Woods West 042 Joy McMaster We’re working toward two stream improve- 717-781-9783; [email protected] ment projects made possible by grant awards. www.donegaltu.org One is within the special regulation area of the REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Codorus, and is a continuation of an earlier Work began on the Woy section of Conowingo project completed in 2017. The other is on an Creek in June and is funded by a 319 grant. We Chuck Winters important, spring-fed unnamed tributary. Both held three potting sessions at our nursery for 1898 Old Route 22 schools that participate in TIC held release days. purchased and donated trees and shrubs. This Duncansville, PA 16635 One of our tanks has already been relocated to a year a new bed was made to hold seedlings for third school which will be new to the program fall planting as bare root plants in an attempt to Email: [email protected] starting this fall. We presented to nine groups of maintain more plants at a reduced cost. Our VSP Phone: 814-943-4061(w); 814- third graders at Pennsylvania Day at Lincolnway group fishes the second and fourth Saturdays of 932-8841(c) Elementary School, one of our TIC partners. The each month. DTU sponsored two attendees of chapter sponsored two attendees at this year’s the Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Continued on next page... PA TROUT ... Summer 2018 19 Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Lancaster, PA Permit No. 280

PENNSYLVANIA COUNCIL OF TROUT UNLIMITED Post Office Box 5148 Bellefonte, PA 16823

...Continued from previous page planning meetings to update our local Ligonier John Kennedy Chapter #045 Borough and Township zoning plans, and rep- George Baker Arrowhead Chapter #214 resenting our municipalities in drafting the new Jeff Wasson 814-942-5623; [email protected] Westmoreland County stormwater management 724-664-0216; [email protected] www.tu.org/connect/groups/045-john-kennedy plan. We participated in the PA Council and www.arrowhead214tu.org No report. National TU visits to PA legislators advocating ______Our Hulings Run project is proceeding accord- for better funding for outdoor recreation and ing to plan. All TIC programs released their trout solutions for fish and game funding challenges. Ken Sink Chapter #053 at the end of the school year. Monthly chapter Our annual fundraiser was July 14, a picnic at Roger Phillips meetings will resume in September. Kingston Veteran’s Sportsmen’s Club in Latrobe. 724-639-9715, [email protected] ______We are working on the final phase of the Four http://kensink.blogspot.com Mile Run streambank stabilization project led by Chestnut Ridge Chapter #670 our partner, the Loyalhanna Watershed Associa- No report. Dale Kotowski tion. We completed our Youth Conservation and ______724-747-1513, [email protected] Fly Fishing program at Ligonier Valley Middle Mountain Laurel Chapter #040 www.chestnutridgetu.org School in May. In addition, we supported field Randy Buchanan The chapter began a comprehensive restoration trips and conservation day activities for more than 814-467-4034, [email protected] of Dunbar Creek, a Youghiogheny River tributary 400 students this spring. We piloted a program www.mltu.org that suffered significant damage from floods over for high school seniors and juniors in the Derry the past several years. Along with the removal School District agricultural education program. We will be doing habitat work on Soap Hollow of old jack dams and unsafe debris, log vane We presented a stream assessment program for Run, Clear Shade Creek and Potentially Potter structures and large woody debris will be added. our local Senior Center Graceful Aging group. Creek. We have partnered with St. Francis Col- The project will also involve the placement of And we conducted a disabled veterans fly fishing lege to do a GIS project to map the Ben’s Creek root wads for streambank stabilization. PATU’s day in cooperation with Project Healing Waters. watershed. Surveying will begin this summer with Forever Wild grant and a grant from Dominion ______lab activities continuing through the upcoming Energy through the Western Pennsylvania Conser- school year. The chapter participated in seven vancy will be used for this project. We partnered Fort Bedford Chapter #291 TIC releases. with Ohiopyle State Park, Friends of Ohiopyle, Guy Stottlemyer ______Wilderness Voyageurs Outfitters, and Beaver 814-207-1930, [email protected] Creek Anglers to conduct the second Veterans www.fortbedfordtu.org Penn’s Woods West Chapter #042 Dale Fogg and Active Duty Fly Fishing Weekend from May Our fundraising picnic was June 16 at Egolf 724-759-1002; [email protected] 4-6. CRTU partners with 24 area TIC programs. Park. FBTU held a social for members and oth- www.pwwtu.org ______ers interested in TU at Horn O Plenty restaurant this spring. On May 19, we held fly tying demos Our Pine Creek stream improvement is Aug. Forbes Trail Chapter #206 at Olde Bedford Brewery. The chapter presented 25 on Wildwood Road just inside of North Park. Monty Murty a program on stream ecology and macroinver- Bar Flies will return in September at Perrytowne 724-238-7860; [email protected] tebrates, fly-tying and fly-casting at Blue Knob Draft House. We are on summer break and have www.forbestrailtu.org State Park on July 7. no meetings until September. Check our website Forbes Trail leaders have been attending public ______for updates.