Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Congratulations and thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 LRCTU On-Line Auction Fundraiser.  This year’s auction raised over $9,500 which is a 60% increase from last year’s auction and over twice the amount raised in our initial auction held two years ago.   At least 80% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) Fisheries Department.  The growth and success of the auction would not have been possible without the support of LRCTU members, local businesses, and guides who donated goods and services, volunteers willing to collect and deliver auction items, and members bidding generously.

The fall Trout in the Classroom (TIC) session concluded with the final trout release of the year on a frosty December morning at the Townsend KOA Campgroud.  The TIC Committee continues to do an outstanding job of organizing and managing this program.  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 at kim@topshelfedu.com.

Stream Barrier Surveys will continue throughout the winter months in GSMNP.  Phase 1 was completed in April 2023, and is already being used to make decisions regarding culvert replacements in GSMNP.  We are currently surveying Phase 2 locations identified by the Park Service and the Southern Appalachian Region of Trout Unlimited.  If you are interested in working on a Stream Barrier Survey team contact Bernie Maloy at 52bazzman@gmail.com.

The first Chapter meeting of the new year will be held on Wednesday, January 24at 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.

Bob Bishop
President

The annual LRCTU On-Line Auction Fundraiser begins on November 20th. Please
keep in mind the auction is more than just an opportunity to get a great deal. More
importantly, it is a chance to make a significant contribution to the Fisheries
Department while showing appreciation for the hard work involved by individuals
donating their time and creating these one of a kind items. You can contribute by
bidding on auction items or by making a direct donation through the auction website.
At least 80% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Great Smoky Mountains
National Park (GSMNP) Fisheries Department.

Stream Barrier Surveys resumed on November 9th in the Greenbrier section of
GSMNP. Several National Park visitors noticed the new LRCTU logo safety vests
and stopped to talk with us about volunteer work in the National Park and the
mission of the Little River Chapter. These safety vests will also be used during the
Pistol Creek Clean-Up on December 9th. Pistol Creek Clean-Up is a great
opportunity for us to promote our Chapter while participating in a local conservation
project.

The last Chapter meeting of the year will be held on November 30th at the
Chilhowee Club on the Maryville College Campus. Focus of the meeting will be on
viewing auction items and socializing with our TU friends.

Bob Bishop
President

The third annual LRCTU On-Line Auction Fundraiser is quickly approaching. At least 80% of the auction proceeds will be donated to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Fisheries Department. Please keep in mind the auction is more than just an opportunity to get a great deal. More importantly, it is a chance to make a significant contribution to the Fisheries Department while showing appreciation for the hard work involved by individuals donating their time and creating these one of a kind items. Auction bidding begins on November 20th.

At the September Chapter Meeting, thirty-seven (37) LRCTU members were recognized for their volunteer contributions. Our members have accomplished over 1,110 hours of volunteer labor since April 2023. Volunteers will continue to be recognized at each Chapter meeting as they reach key milestones. A special thanks to all of our members who supported the Little River Stream Clean-Up and the LRCTU Exhibit at the Townsend Fall Festival.

The LRCTU Exhibit at the Townsend Fall Festival allowed us to discuss the mission of the Little River Chapter with over 250 people. The enthusiasm of our members as they interacted with festival attendees was exceptional. Our fly tyers did a wonderful job of relating to people of all ages. My favorite memories from the festival were watching our fly tyers working with children and Jimmy Jones continuing to tie flies for a gentlemen as we were literally taking the exhibit down around him on Saturday evening.

Bob Bishop
President