Trout Unlimited is introducing a new program this year referred to as “Priority Waters” https://prioritywaters.tu.org/. As defined by TU, “Priority Waters are the rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds across the country where Trout Unlimited is directing our energies to care for and recover wild and native trout and salmon watersheds.” You can access the maps of rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds by clicking on that link. All streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are considered priority waters by Trout Unlimited. This designation reinforces the importance of the mission of Little River Chapter “to conserve, protect and restore the coldwater fisheries and their watersheds in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.” Trout Unlimted specifically mentions the 115 Stream Barrier Surveys accomplished by LRCTU members and the Brook Trout specialty license plates as the two initiatives in Tennesee directly supporting Priority Waters. If you are interested in working on a Stream Barrier Survey team contact Bernie Maloy (52bazzman@gmail.com).
Brook trout license plates are more than a pretty picture. These specialty license plate sales have created over $100,000 of annual funding that go directly to the Tennessee Council of Trout Unlimited. These funds are then available as grant money for projects sponsored by local TU Chapters. LRCTU was awarded an $11,510 grant for Brook Trout Population Genetic Assessments in GSMNP. Please consider purchasing a brook trout specialty plate the next time you register your vehicle.
Our Chapter is fortunate to be located in an area with numerous opportunities to volunteer for conservation, community science, and youth education projects. Opportunities include assisting the GSMNP Fisheries Department with their work in the national park, Stream Barrier Surveys in GSMNP, Trout in the Classroom, and the John Thurman Trout Adventure Camp. Matt Kulp, GSMNP Supervisory Fisheries Biologist, will be holding the annual Fisheries Department volunteer meeting at Twin Creeks Science Center on February 17 at 9:00 a.m. Additional information on this meeting is provided in the newsletter under “Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities.”
The Spring session of Trout in the Classroom begins on February 1st with the delivery of about 200 eggs to each participating school. 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 (kim@topshelfedu.com).
The first Chapter meeting of the year will be held on Wednesday (yes, it’s a Wednesday), January 24 at 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. The Chapter will also be presenting a donation to the GSMNP Fisheries Department of $9,794!
January 2024 Newsletter
