President’s Note – September 2024

September and early October will be a busy time for our Chapter.  LRCTU has activities planned for three consecutive weekends beginning with Water Sampling on September 21 supporting the Acid Deposition Study in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP).  The following weekends include the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival on September 27 – 28 and the Little River Clean-Up in GSMNP on October 5.  Combining the above events with the arrival of new eggs for our fall session of Trout in the Classroom (TIC), including the addition of Walland Elementary School and the Samuel Everett School of Innovation in Maryville to our TIC Program, should keep us busy.

The LRCTU exhibit at the Townsend Fall Heritage Festival will focus on the legacy of fly fishing in the Smokies and the importance of conserving our cold-water resources in and around GSMNP to preserve this fishery for future generations.   Many of our members will be displaying their fly-tying skills at the festival.  We will also offer fly casting instruction and displays featuring our Chapter activities.  This event is a great outreach opportunity for our Chapter.

The 4th Annual LRCTU On-Line Auction will be held from November 23 through December 8.  At least 80% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) Fisheries Department.  We have already received items for this year’s auction valued at over $9,000.  Pay close attention to details later in this newsletter regarding the auction.

The September Chapter Meeting being held on Thursday September 19 (a week earlier than normal) will include a feature presentation by Richard Witt Fly Fishing.  Richard is a fly-fishing guide who is passionate about conservation and has supported our Chapter through contributions to our annual auction.  Several of our members have fished with Richard either locally or with hosted trips to Colorado, Montana, and the Everglades.

Bob Bishop
President

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