Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Under upcoming events in the November 2013 issue of the Susquehanna Ripples, it incorrectly states that the November 2013 meeting is on November 19.  This is an error and the Chapter meeting is on November 13, 2013 at 7:30 pm.  The correct date and start time are listed elsewhere.  

Penn’s Creek is arguably one of the top 10 trout streams east of the Mississippi and rated in the top 100 in the continental U. S.  Bruce Fisher of Penn’s Creek Angler in Weikert, PA will be presenting an informative program on the hatches, pools, scenic attractions, and fishery facts, lore, and tips on this famous nearby stream.  The public is welcomed to attend this monthly meeting of the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited on Wednesday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church on the corner of East Third and Mulberry Streets in Williamsport.

 

This is being passed on to you for your information.

“Hello, Everyone!

I have an update on what will be happening at our Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association meeting on Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00 pm at the Plunketts Creek Fire Hall in Barbours.  In addition to an up-date on on-going projects by Steve Szoke,  the Pa Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be sending a representative, Jim Schaeffer, to talk about the Endangered Species Coordination Act, also know as House Bill 1576.

I am concerned about this legislation for several reasons.  As you may know,  Dr. Jon Niles has been collecting data on our smallest un-named tributaries and finding that about half have native trout populations.  Dr. Niles submits the data to the PFBC, and in a timely fashion, these small tributaries with wild trout populations receive extra protection.

One of the consequences of HB 1576 is that it will take longer for wild trout streams to get protection.  Another consequence is that instead of the “experts” making the decision what and how threatened and endangered species are protected, “politics” gets thrown into the mix.  As the Bill is currently written, some of our wild trout streams may lose their protection.

This threat isn’t just about fish.  HB 1576 will change how all threatened and endangered species of animals in Pennsylvania are protected, including birds, reptiles and amphibians.

This threat isn’t about just animals either.  It is about flooding!  Part of protecting headwater streams involves maintaining the forests adjacent to the streams.  When forests get converted into impermeable surfaces, more water enters our streams even faster during heavy rains.  Our Watershed is prone to flooding and we need to do what we can to protect ourselves.

Please plan to attend this meeting.   Bring any friends who might be interested, and feel free to forward this email.

Sincerely,

Carol Kafer,  President”

Two articles have been added to the news section of the website.  The first article is from Chesapeake Bay Foundation which has recently put out the second in a series of fact sheets on water quality issues facing Pennsylvania saying nearly 20,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state are polluted and do not meet water quality standards.

The second article is from the PA Fish and Boat Commission and issues an alert to contain an invasive species known as the New Zealand mudsnail.  This was recently found in Spring Creek, Centre County.

 

Please help in PATU and TU efforts to oppose HB1576 and SB1047, which will have a major impact on Pennsylvania’s wild trout waters, threatened & endangered species, and the way that PFBC & PGC operate. We need your help in getting our message out to the legislators.

Please see the attached flyer that explains the bill and what is at stake if the bill passes. Please share the flyer with your friends and other conservation organizations in which you belong or in your area.

 

HB1576_SB1047_flyer

The next Chapter meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 9th at 7 PM in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church, E. Third and Mulberry Sts. Williamsport.  Shawn Rummel of the national Trout Unlimited’s Eastern Abandoned Mine Program will be presenting information on current and new projects to restore water quality, habitat, and brook trout to streams in our area which have been impacted by past mining and other pollution and structural changes which have reduced or eliminated their populations. Brook Trout are our state fish and a natural indicator of the health and quality of our cold water streams as well as a popular recreational fishing species. The public is welcomed to attend and also to learn about current proposed state legislation which could impact protection of this important resource.

 

The next Chapter meeting will be Wednesday September 11 at 5:30 pm (the Susquehanna Ripples incorrectly stated 7:30 pm) at the Montoursville Boat Launch (at the foot of Mill Street , next to the old Green bridge on Broad Street).  The topic will be Kayak fishing and there will be a demonstration on the use of kayaks and Country Ski and Sports will have some available for use.  We will also be having casting demonstrations and instruction (both fly and spinning) and fishing in the Susquehanna River.

We will also be having a picnic and hope that you can all attend this great event.  The picnic is free and all we ask is that you bring something to share.  The Chapter will be providing hot dogs, corn on the cob, chips and water and lemon aid in addition to all cups and eating utensils and condiments.  It will be a time for everyone to get together and share memories of the summer and to make new ones.   There will be a grill available if you wish to bring something to grill.

The September 11 motorcycle ride also takes place this night and is scheduled to go through Montoursville.  The ride starts in Montgomery at 6 pm and is expected to get to Montoursville around 6:30 pm. Because of this, there will be traffic delays along Broad Street and getting to or from the boat launch will be delayed. We ask that everyone arrive early to avoid being caught in any delays.

 

On Saturday August 24, 2013, there will be a rededication of Trout Run Park (off Old Rt 15 now Lycoming Creek Road extension. Just south of Trout Run Village about 1 mile) from 11 am  – 4 pm. The Park is a beautiful property and this event will re-introduce the public to the park and its recent improvements.  The Park offers great opportunities to experience nature; the path and fishing platform make Lycoming Creek easily accessible for fishing; the driveway and trails are great for walking, the creek side land has great habitat for bird watching, and the new playground entertains children.

The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited will have an informational booth at this event and will be conducting casting demonstrations on the stream and showing off the fishing platform. If you can help out in any way (casting demonstrations or helping at the TU table), please contact Dave Craig.

Food will be available, Live Music from Sean Farley and Friends, the States Wood mobile, and some local government officials will be on hand.  We hope to see you there!

Mike Ditchfield (member of the Lewis Township Planning Commission, Lycoming Creek Watershed Association, Trout Unlimited, and the Lycoming Creek Angler’s Club) contributed to this article.

 

The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited invites everyone to its September 11th meeting and picnic at the Montoursville boat launch at the south end of Mill Street. Picnic will begin at 5:30 pm (BYO main dishes) followed by a demonstration of kayaks, paddling, and fishing techniques, and a chance to try them out. Short meeting will follow including discussion of upcoming meeting topics, projects, recap of this summer’s unassessed waters survey results, and no doubt, some fishing stories.

The Susquehanna Ripples and our previous entry incorrectly listed 7:30 as the starting time.  Please make the necessary changes to your calendar and hope to see you at the meeting at 5:30 pm.

The next Chapter meeting will be Wednesday September 11 at 7:30 pm at the Montoursville Boat Launch (at the foot of Mill Street , next to the old Green bridge on Broad Street).  The topic will be Kayak fishing and there will be a demonstration on the use of kayaks and some will be available for use.  We will also be having casting demonstrations and instruction (both fly and spinning) and fishing in the Susquehanna River.

We will also be having a picnic and hope that you can all attend this great event.  It will be a time for everyone to get together and share memories of the summer and to make new ones.  More information about the picnic will be coming in the near future. Please mark you calendars now and plan on attending this great event.