Trout Unlimited Ashokan Pepacton Watershed Chapter
Meetings, News and Events
Upcoming meetings and events:
For information about Chapter speakers and events, please contact Chapter Vice President Kathy Nolan at info@catskillslive.org. Click here for the current schedule.
Our meeting in February (Wednesday, February 24th, 2010) features Ramsay Adams, Executive Director of Catskill Mountainkeeper. Mountainkeeper's stated mission is "to protect the ecological integrity of the Catskill Mountain range and the quality of life of all those who live there...and to work to promote sustainable economic growth and the protection of natural resources essential to healthy communities." Mountainkeeper is particularly involved in issues surrounding gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.
For our March meeting (Wednesday, March 24, 2010), we will welcome Mike Flaherty, NYS DEC Region 3 Resource Manager, who is already well known to many chapter members.
Also coming up on March 27, 2010 is the 22nd Annual Chapter Banquet (only $27.50 per person) at the Boiceville Inn. Cocktail hour and bucket raffles will start at 5pm, with dinner and a silent auction at 6:30. After dinner, the live auction will really shake things up! And, if that's not enough, the evening will also include door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and a special banquet night raffle for a bamboo rod. As always, we need donations to make this year's dinner a success. If you have any items to donate — or need tickets — please contact Tony Cocozza at 657-6044 or flyfish@hvc.rr.com.
Chapter Awards will be presented at the annual banquet on March 27, 2010. Our chapter will recognize two individuals for their outstanding and continuous contributions in the conservation and preservation of our coldwater resources. The Rainbow Trout Award, will be presented to an Ashokan-Pepacton Chapter member, and the Silver Trout Award will go to a non-Chapter member. Nominations are due no later than March 10, 2010 and should be sent to Roger Walters at: rewalt@hvc.rr.com, or 845-657-8882, or 1629 County Road 2, Olivebridge, NY 12461.
Fly tying get-togethers and workshops: Interested in filling your fly box for the coming season? There will be a series of fly tying get-togethers at Phoenicia Fish and Game on Route 28 starting Saturday February 6 thru Saturday March 27. This will be an informal gathering to just hang out and tie whatever it is you want to tie. There will be instruction, as well, for those who are just getting started. Hours are from 10am to 2 pm.
The classes are open to anyone age 14 or above and are free. No experience is necessary. Participants over age 18 must provide their own equipment (vise, scissors, hackle pliers, bobbin and some 6/0 black or brown thread.)
For info, contact Hank Rope at 845-254-5904 or tyeflys@hvc.rr.com.
Trout tracked by radio telemetry
A comprehensive study is currently underway to assess the fish population on the Esopus Creek and its tributaries. The US Geological Survey, the project's lead agency, is partnering with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, Cornell University Cooperative Extension and Trout Unlimited on this project, which includes electro-shocking and population counts on the stream, radio tracking of fish and extensive recording and measurement of water flow and velocity, turbidity and many other environmental factors. Chapter President Chet Karwatowski provided the streamside photos, above. Member Mark Loete has been accompanying the study team and documenting the project in photos. For a photo essay on the team's activities and some pretty shocking discoveries, view the slideshow.
Esopus Stream Cleanup
On June 13, the Ashokan-Pepacton Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited teamed up with the Catskill Heritage Alliance (CHA) for stream clean-up day on the Esopus. Thank you from our chapter and CHA to all those who participated in this year's clean-up! Sixteen people combed the stream banks in Boiceville and Shandaken and collected enough debris to fill a large pick-up truck. The most unusual items found were a rusted car hood, a television set, and a kerosene-powered battery charger.
We especially appreciate the assistance of Peter Disclafani, Supervisor of the Town of Shandaken, and Michael Kight, from the Operations Division of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, for their help in storing and removing the debris. Thanks also to the Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Catskill Watershed Corporation, who provided gloves and trash bags for the event. (photos by Mark Loete and Chet Karwatowski)
Trout in the Classroom
On May 15, 2009, Phoenicia Elementary students released their trout as part of the Trout in the Classroom project. The trout hatched from eggs obtained from the DEC hatchery in Mongaup. Scott the foremen always treats them to an exciting and educational day. The crowd roars when he picks up a thirty inch hook mouthed male to astound the youngsters. When we returned to the school we had 200 or so eyed eggs, to be placed in our aquariums.
Kids, teachers, parents and TU members gathered at Phoenicia Park at the intersection of Route 214 and Main Street in Phoenicia and released the trout into the Stoney Clove Stream. The kids inspected their trouts' new home — the stream environment — and got a look at some of the insects and crustaceans that they'll soon be eating. After the release, the kids gave the trout a big send-off, singing the now traditional "Bye Bye Trout." (photos by Mark Loete)
West Point Cadets Fishing Outing
On Sunday May 3, 2009 the Chapter hosted a contingent of flyfishing cadets from the West Point Flyfishing Club. Roger Walters arranged for the cadets to meet Chapter members at the Phoenicia Rod and Gun Club. After breakfast, everyone headed out to the stream. Few trout were caught, but there's always next time! The group reassembled at Phoenicia American Legion Post 950 for an excellent BBQ of chicken and steak provided by Legion members.
For more information about joint activities with the cadets, contact Roger Walters at: rewalt@hvc.rr.com, or 845-657-8882.