May 23. Meeting is at Monte Vista Baptist Church – 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road in Maryville, Tennessee . Meeting start at 7pm (Newsletter)
Program: TU’s Southeast Conservation Project: The Future
of Brook Trout Conservation in the Southern Appalachians
Damon Hearne, TU’s Southeast Conservation Coordinator, will talk about Trout Unlimited’s work to protect native and wild trout in the southeast. He will talk about TU’s project to protect critical watersheds in the southeast and will include updates on Rocky Fork and other land protection projects. He will also talk about critic al advocacy efforts at the state and federal level, as well as restoration and planning initiatives that are underway. Damon has worked for TU since 2009 based in the Asheville TU field office.
President’s Corner
Spring has taken its sweet time getting here! What difference a year makes. That’s nature for you. My fishing has been inconsistent at best. I’m still learning how to effectively catch tight-lipped fish when conditions are not ideal (high and/or cold water). I’m still on a steep learning curve but thoroughly enjoying it.
I invited friends from Ohio down to fish in the Park in April. We had all built bamboo rods under the tutelage of Dr. Jerry Snider (Otter Creek Bamboo Rods). Even though the weather didn’t cooperate everyone was able to get into fish. We had a great time.
We held our annual Little River Cleanup in April. We had a good turnout of volunteers who spent the morning picking up litter followed by a great picnic lunch prepared by Stan Smart and Mike McKinsey. Even if you could not join us, you still have the opportunity to help by picking up litter on the river throughout the year. It’s our Park and our mission to protect and preserve its watersheds.
Jan and I had the honor of participating in this year’s East Tennessee Casting for Recovery Retreat. The folks who lead this event every year are fantastic. The ladies who attended this year’s retreat as participants were equally great with unlimited enthusiasm and courage. All the ladies caught trout!! Volunteers from our Little River Chapter and the Clinch River Chapter were a part of the volunteer base of River Helpers that helped make this event such a success. Many thanks to everyone who helped!
Previously I reported on the opportunity that our very own Caleb Abramson was given to complete his graduate studies at Penn State University. Caleb took time out of his busy schedule to write to us. Check out his letter to our membership in the May Newsletter
I’ll see you out on the water and at the May meeting. Be safe.
Thanks,
Mike Bryant
(mjbryant1954@hotmail.com)
