As FY 2026 comes to a close, we are saying goodbye to several board members and, after our March business meeting, welcoming new ones. I would like to take a moment to thank those who are rolling off the board for their time, commitment, and service to the Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Our chapter has been shaped over the years by many dedicated volunteers and board members, and we are grateful for the time and effort each of them has given to LRCTU.
Jane Boling has become someone our chapter can depend on to step up when asked. She has taken on responsibilities even when she was not entirely comfortable doing so, and that willingness means a lot. Jane, thank you for stepping up to help fill a void on our board when we needed it. We truly appreciate you and the time you have given to attend meetings and support the chapter.
A sincere thank you also goes to Harry Fetterman for all of his work as Treasurer and keeper of all things auction. Harry has given a great deal to this chapter, and I am happy to report that he is thoroughly enjoying being closer to his children and grandchildren. Wayne Everbach stepped in to fill Harry’s role and has done a great job, and we appreciate his willingness to serve.
Then there is Ernie Frey, an oldie but a goodie. Ernie has been involved with the LRCTU Board for at least a decade, serving as Vice President, President, Immediate Past President, and continuing on as a Director. He finally cried uncle. During that time, Ernie has helped shape many of the programs and partnerships that are now a regular part of LRCTU. Along the way, his wife Joyce has been just as involved in the chapter’s work. Joyce previously served on the LRCTU board herself and has been an active participant in many of the things our chapter does. Ernie helped secure our meeting spot at Blue Tick, established the Pistol Creek fishing program with TWRA, and led LRCTU’s Adopt a Stream cleanups. Along with another oldie but goodie, Steve Young, he helped start our Tie and Lie nights. Ernie also helped begin our chapter’s Trout in the Classroom efforts and continues to serve as the egg coordinator, making sure schools receive the eggs needed to start their programs. He helped get the chapter involved with Blount County Parks and Recreation for casting instruction and connected us with the Blount County Library for casting and fly tying events. He is also serving as Fly Tying Coordinator for Trout Camp. Ernie has given a tremendous amount to this chapter. Like the many dedicated members and leaders who have served this chapter over the years, he has helped shape what LRCTU is today. We are very fortunate to have leaders and volunteers of this caliber and dedication who have helped build LRCTU into what it has become. Ernie may be stepping away from the board, but we all know he will not be going anywhere anytime soon.
Over the last year, we have made some solid moves to strengthen our chapter by becoming more involved in public events and outreach. These events have allowed us to connect with new people and tap into new resources that we hope will grow into the next generation of chapter leaders.
What is it that interests new members? Our conservation work. You might not be aware, but the Little River Chapter is one of the most active volunteer chapters around. So far this fiscal year, we have logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours. That represents a tremendous amount of dedication from our members and is something our chapter should be proud of.
Speaking of volunteer hours, the end of March also marks the end of our fiscal year. If you have not yet entered your volunteer hours for work completed between April 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026, please take a moment to do so. It makes reporting much easier and ensures the chapter receives proper credit for the work being done.
Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time, supports our conservation work, and helps move this chapter forward. I am very excited to see where the new year takes us.
Kim Emery
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