Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 LRCTU On-Line Auction Fundraiser. This year’s auction raised over $9,500 which is a 60% increase from last year’s auction and over twice the amount raised in our initial auction held two years ago. At least 80% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) Fisheries Department. The growth and success of the auction would not have been possible without the support of LRCTU members, local businesses, and guides who donated goods and services, volunteers willing to collect and deliver auction items, and members bidding generously.
The fall Trout in the Classroom (TIC) session concluded with the final trout release of the year on a frosty December morning at the Townsend KOA Campgroud. The TIC Committee continues to do an outstanding job of organizing and managing this program. The magnitude of the Trout in the Classroom program is only limited by the size of our volunteer base. If you are interested in becoming involved in the TIC program, contact Kim Emery at kim@topshelfedu.com.
Stream Barrier Surveys will continue throughout the winter months in GSMNP. Phase 1 was completed in April 2023, and is already being used to make decisions regarding culvert replacements in GSMNP. We are currently surveying Phase 2 locations identified by the Park Service and the Southern Appalachian Region of Trout Unlimited. If you are interested in working on a Stream Barrier Survey team contact Bernie Maloy at 52bazzman@gmail.com.
The first Chapter meeting of the new year will be held on Wednesday, January 24at the Bluetick Tavern in Maryville. Matt Kulp, Supervisory Fisheries Biologist for GSMNP, will be the featured speaker. You will not want to miss Matt’s annual update on GSMNP fisheries projects.
Bob Bishop
President
December 2023 Newsletter
