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Committed to
Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Arizona's watersheds and fisheries.
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"Put backing on your line; even if you never use it. It helps you dream." ~Jimmy D Moore
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Message From The President |
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Welcome to the February 2021 Newsletter,
Spring is just around the corner, and the signs are certainly encouraging that we’ll return to normal soon. First responders and many others are receiving vaccinations. Despite the fits and starts of the vaccine roll-out we may have a significant amount of the population vaccinated by late spring. Let’s hope so! There are a lot of things we’d all like to do such as going to spring training baseball game, resuming in person meetings, traveling to fish once again, etc.
This past month was busy for your chapter. We co-hosted two-Salt River Saturday’s with AZFishbook, and held the first of our Trout Fishing in Arizona quarterly virtual meetings series: The Rise of the Apache Trout. Mike Russell, host of the GoShow, hosted this great event. If you missed our first meeting you can find it here. Also on this link is a reprint from the 2017 Trout magazine article: In A Native Place, talking more about the incredible efforts by the White Mountain Apache Tribe and their rise of the Apache Trout.
This month we have a guest writer for our Diversity and Inclusion section that Susan Geer usually hosts. Guide and Travel Director of Nomada Fly Fish Steve Berry. Be sure and check out his article.
And Speaking of Susan Geer, we’re delighted to announce Susan has accepted the position of National Leadership Chair for Arizona. More about Susan’s new responsibilities later in the newsletter.
This month kicks off our 2021 photo contest. The first-place winner receives a handmade H & H 9’ 6wt rod and second place winner receive hand-made St. Croix 5wt fly rod and case. So, keep your cameras ready, and send us your best fishing, nature, and wildlife photos from Arizona and the Western United States. See the details on our website by clicking here, and see more information in the next article.
Want to get away this summer? Or, maybe better yet, send your teenagers away and learn to fish? Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited is partnering with Scouts BSA Grand Canyon Council, and running three 1-week Fish Camps. We need volunteers, look for your invitation soon.
We plan a great 2021, and look forward to you joining us for our various activities and conservation opportunities.
We are planning a great 2021, and look forward to you joining us for our various activities and conservation opportunities.
Upcoming Events:
Zane Grey Chapter and AZFishbook.com are jointly hosting a series of Salt River Saturdays. These events are a combination stream cleanup and a Salt River fishing opportunity. Save the Dates:
Saturday, February 13, 9-12, Blue Point Bridge
Saturday, February 27, 9-12, Blue Point Bridge
Help Wanted Needed!
Tired of doing crossword puzzles and 10,000-piece jigsaw puzzles? Then consider volunteering for a position with your chapter board. We currently are looking for a recording secretary, a STREAM Keeper leader, and a board member at-large. If interested, contact any board member, or me.
Here are some of the articles in this month's Newsletter.
- 2021 Fishing & Nature Photo Contest
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: with Guest Author, Steve Berry
- Moving On Up: ZGTU Member Selected to National Position
- Public Policy – Waters of Arizona Update;
- Review of 2021 Legislation;
- SRP Forest Revitalization Program
- Women’s Activities To Check Out
- ZGTU Joins AZFishbook for Salt River Saturday & Trash Clean-Up
- Did you know? AZGFD Interactive Regs Map
- Other Angling organizations
- ZGTU and affiliates calendar
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Follow ZGTU on Social Media
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We’ve gone virtual!!!!
Please join us for our next board tele-conference meeting:
Thursday, February 4, 2021 7:00 - 8:45 PM
Meeting ID: 862 8257 4742
Password: ZGTU2020
Until then,
Happy New Year, and Tight Lines.
Alan Davis
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PHOTO CONTEST PRIZES
Grand Prize – People’s Choice: H&H 9’ 6wt fly rod
Grand Prize – Judges Choice: St. Croix 5wt fly rod and case
Honorable mentions (3): AZ hand tied fly assortment and TU ball cap
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION -
Guest author, Steve Berry - Black History Month
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I'm Steve Berry, and I love to fly fish! The first time if ever fly fished I was in my late 20’s and my friend told me I was a natural and going to be the Michael Jordan of fly fishing. I wasn’t sure if that was because I was black or because I was actually good at fly fishing. I laughed and kept doing my best to not hook myself on the backcast! In full disclosure, I’m 5’ 7" tall and have no jump shot, so this will likely be the only time I get to use my name and Michael Jordan in the same conversation. I wonder if he can double haul??
I guess I should formally introduce myself. My name is Steve Berry and I am a Black man living in Phoenix, Arizona for all my 52 years of life. February, which some of you may or may not know, is Black History Month in our country. Ironically, I never really think about the black thing. I, like most of you, probably think about how and where I’m going to catch that next great fish on my fly rod. Last time I checked, the fish don’t know or care who is on the other end of the rod.
For Black History Month, I was approached about writing this article about my experiences with regards to fishing. Trout Unlimited has a great Diversity and Inclusion program, and quite honestly, this is one of the first times I’ve been asked about fishing and being black. In my mind, the two thoughts rarely collide. I usually just think of fly fishing as something I love to do and being black as something I just am. For me, one really has no bearing on the other.
I grew up in a fishing family. Any given weekend It would not be unusual to find me at the lake with my dad, mom, and brother. It was just a common thing we did. I loved fishing and loved the outdoors. It wasn’t fly fishing at that point in life, but the tug of a fish at the end of my line was as thrilling then as it is now. I never really thought we were any different than anyone else. Looking at modern times, I’ve never been told that I couldn’t fish somewhere because I am black. I’ve also never been invited into fish somewhere because I’m black. I don’t have the time in my day to worry about the color of my skin if the fishing is hot. But, just to be clear, if you happen to have the holy grail of fly fishing and it would make you feel better to have a black guy fish your water, feel free to the give me a call!!
These days I spend my time hosting and planning trips for my fly fishing company, Nomada Fly Fishing. The trips are great, the friends are fun, and cover every race, color, or gender out there. The common denominator is we all love fly fishing. Let’s stop worrying about things that don’t matter and worry about things that do, like what fly you have on that keeps hooking all the fish.
See you on the water,
Steve
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ZGTU Member Selected for National Position |
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On January 18, the Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited Board of Directors elected Susan Geer as National Leadership Council (NLC) Representative for the Arizona Trout Unlimited chapters and council. NLC Representatives are similar to members of Congress who serve with the national organization for the members of their state.
Susan serves on the ZGTU board and has been active in establishing many activities in Arizona: Arizona Women of TU, fishing opportunities for women, youth events, Special Olympics fishing derby, Stream Girls and book club promoting opportunities for more member involvement. She has served for several years on the NLC Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Workgroup. Congratulations to Susan for being recognized for her many contributions – past and future!
For more information on how you can get involved with these activities, you can contact Susan at DEI Chair.
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2021 Legislative Sessions
The 2021 Arizona legislative session convened on January 13th. Several pieces of legislation that are important to our mission have been introduced into the session. This is, of course, very dynamic. Here are a few of the bills that we are monitoring or taking a position on:
- HB 2056 - This bill, proposed by Rep. Griffin would protect water rights holders who do not consume their entire allocation to retain that right in the future. Currently if a rights-holder does not use their allotment, they lose it. As of 1/27/2021, this bill has passed out of the House: Natural Resource Committee, Rules Committee and is headed for a House vote on 1/28. We support this bill.
- SB1177/HB 2247 - This bill, named the Healthy Forest Production Tax Credit, would provide tax credits to companies who remove logs and biomass from our forests to get a tax credit of fifty cents per ton of material removed. This would incentivize firms to participate in forest thinning and support the 4 Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI). As of 1/27/2021, this bill has passed the Natural Resource Committee and has been assigned to the Ways and Means Committee and the Rules Committee. We support this legislation.
- SB 1175/HB2248 - This bill would require the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) that manages utilities in the state to get legislative approval to set any standards for clean or renewable standards for electric generating utilities. We oppose this bill and there is a good chance we will reach out for TU member action opposing this bill if it goes to a floor vote.
- SB1384/HB2127 - The American Heritage Fund bill would dedicate $10M to be spent on maintaining and improving Arizona's trails, parks, cultural sites and open spaces. As of 1/27/2021, this bill has been assigned to the House: Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and will be heard on 2/1. We support this legislation.
- HB2679 - This bill provides the county board of supervisors in counties outside of an Active Management Area (AMA) the ability to require monitoring of groundwater pumping. This bill has not yet been assigned to a committee, as of 1/27. We support this legislation.
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Probably the most impactful legislation for protecting the clean, cold water we like to fish is the legislation that the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has drafted as the "Surface Water Protection Program". We have been tracking this in past ZGTU Newsletters. With the issuance of the Navigable Water Protection Rule by the US Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers, most of the surface water in AZ has lost its protection. This is Arizona's attempt to put protections in place. While we are concerned that ephemeral streams may not receive adequate protection and "dredge & fill" is not managed, this is a major step forward. More information is available at: https://adeq.gov/permittee-meeting-resources. We are awaiting the submission of this legislation.
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The AZTU Public Policy Committee (PPC) hosts a virtual meeting on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 until 8:00 PM. If you are interested, please contact Tom Osterday at publicpolicychair@zanegreytu.org
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Women's Virtual Book Club:
Book - The Secret Life of Lobsters
by Trevor Corson
Next conversation: Thursday, March 18th, 6 PM
Join us whether you've read the book or not!
Call In: 712-432-0220
(Access code: 4632017)
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Welcome to the newest Arizona Woman of Trout Unlimited! |
Sara Westfall and her husband, Brian, announced the birth of their little girl, Marley Rose on January 7. The happy family is looking forward to many exciting outdoor adventures ahead! Everyone at Zane Grey TU wishes the Westfall Family tight lines, bent rods and lots of joy! |
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Social media: Sara Westfall has started an Instagram page for Arizona Women of Trout Unlimited. Check it out: azwotu. If you're more traditional, try signing up for the private Facebook group: Arizona Women of Trout Unlimited.
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Zane Grey Chapter Joins AZFishbook for Salt River Saturday and trash Clean-Up #Notinmywater
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Saturday, January 6, and again on January 30, ZGTU joined with AZFishbook.com hosting a couple of Salt River Saturdays.
Everyone enjoyed the time outdoors, fishing and the opportunity to help clean up the river. We're going again this month. Come join us February 13, and February 27. Check your email for last minute information.
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Pandemic Cancels Yet Another Event!
Trout In the Classroom Cancels the 2020-2021 School Year Program -
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There should be no surprise about the recent announcement regarding the cancellation of the Arizona Trout-In-the-Classroom (TIC) program for the remaining 2020 - 2021 school year.
As mentioned in the July newsletter, due to the highly contagious Coronavirus (COVID-19), school administrations and teachers are overwhelmed with educating students with online training. This coupled with providing safety for teachers, volunteers and Arizona Game and Fish Department staff have been the major reasons for cancelling the program for the school year.
We will make an announcement in August and advise all parties as to plans for the Arizona TIC program for the school year 2021 - 2022.
Until then, please contact a TIC volunteer or let us know at info@aztic.org if you have any questions or suggestions.
Arizona Game and Fish Department looked at the history of the Arizona program in their recent article "Hands-On Conservation". We intend to add more years to the successful program and joy to the students as soon as safely possible. |
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Did you know? Special regulations are your friend!
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Special Regulations can mean more successful opportunities for anglers, and are in place for the long-term welfare of State Fishing Waters. Check out this amazing interactive map from AZGFD to learn more! |
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Looking for a Fishing Opportunity? |
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Below is a list of fishing organizations in Arizona. Feel free to join, explore, visit their websites or attend a meeting to find out more information: |
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Arizona Flycasters Club
Sunnyslope Community Center | 802 E. Vogel Ave. Phoenix, AZ
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Fly-Fishing Social Event night - 2nd Thursday of each month. Great speaker and awesome raffle. Donations support our Community outreach partners from Veterans to Youth activities.
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Desert Fly Casters
Check website for details.
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General meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month. There may be some exceptions so check website for details.
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AZFISHBOOK offers a variety of social activities. Listed below are some of the activities available.
Check out the AZFISHBOOK Groups at:
Looking for buddy to fish with?
Signup for AZFishBook Newsletter:
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Join Trout Unlimited Today!
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REMEMBER:
Your Conservation License Plate Supports TU Programs
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The Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) license plate fund is derived from the sale of wildlife conservation license plates and member organizations as well as non-member organizations are eligible to apply for those funds.
The Arizona TU Council and Chapters have received funds over the past seven years in support of the Annual Native and Wild Trout Conferences and the Trout-In-the-Classroom programs.
The next time your registration comes up for renewal, choose the conservation license plate option at registration to show your support for conservation and our projects.
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Combined Calendar
AZ Trout Unlimited & Chapters, Arizona Flycasters Club and several other area fishing and conservation calendars
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You may access our calendar here.
Zane Grey Trout Unlimited
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Protect. Reconnect. Restore. Sustain. Conserving coldwater habitat in the desert southwest. |
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