The February 27th LRCTU Meeting will be one of the more significant events for our Chapter this year. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) Supervisory Fisheries Biologist, Matt Kulp, will be the featured speaker and will present information regarding the state of the GSMNP fishery. Matt’s conclusions rely heavily on data gathered by LRCTU volunteers over the past thirty-three (33) years.
Following Matt’s presentation our Chapter will present a $15,000 donation to the GSMNP Fisheries Department. This donation would not have been possible without the hard work and contributions of our members. We will also recognize all LRCTU members who have contributed at least 125 hours of volunteer service through any Chapter sponsored activity since April 2023. Members with 125 or more hours of service will be presented with the newly minted LRCTU Volunteer Medallion. Please join us at the February LRCTU meeting to show our appreciation to Matt and his Fisheries Team as well as our LRCTU volunteers.
The Little River Chapter is pleased to announce we will sponsor Avery Mead at the 2025 John Thurman Trout Adventure Camp held at Tremont Institute from June 16 – 21. Avery will also be awarded a $400 scholarship from our Chapter. Avery is a resident of Maryville and has participated in Trout in the Classroom. She is passionate about conservation and has a genuine willingness to share her enthusiasm with others. She has also demonstrated her fly tying skills at Little River Outfitters along with her father.
Trout Camp is only possible with the dedicated work of TU volunteers across the state of Tennessee. Many of you have worked as Trout Camp volunteers in the past and once again your support is needed to make this year’s camp a success. If you are interested in assisting with Trout Camp, contact Bob Bishop at bishmoose@sbcglobal.net or Sean Avery, TNTU Camp Director, at tutntroutcamp@gmail.com.
The results from the work of our Stream Barrier Survey teams data collection efforts are becoming more evident. The photos below show the removal of the existing double culvert on Rock Creek along the Cosby Entrance Road. The double culvert will be replaced with a single open bottom metal arch that will improve aquatic organism passage between Cosby Creek and Rock Creek.
Bob Bishop
President
Newsletter
