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Because there's more to fishin' than just fishin'!
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| Gigantic win for public lands. |
I think that the Summer 2020 Montana Wilderness Association newsletter had the most apt description of Congress passing the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) - a Gigantic Win for Public Lands. And the full page ad in today's papers sponsored by Montana TU, the Montana Wildlife Federation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and  other groups was equally laudatory.
As the MWA newsletter notes the GAOA will provide full funding for the Land and Water  Conservation Fund which directs royalties from off shore oil and gas leasing to public land, outdoor recreation and public access all over the country. In Montana, this amounts to $600 million for parks, trails and fishing access sites, including those in the Bitterroot.
Although US Senator Jon Tester was a long time advocate for the LWCF, the current piece of legislation garnered support from the entire Montana delegation - Sen Tester, Sen Steve Daines and US Rep Greg Gianforte. This was not a forgone conclusion, but pressure from sportspersons and conservationists proved crucial in this election year. At any rate, all the delegation deserves gratitude for this unusual bit of bi-partisanship.
You can read more about the GAOA here. Aquatic invasive species.
A month or so ago, I asked a long-time angling buddy what she knew about aquatic invasive species. After explaining that I wasn't referring to drift boats on a trailer with out of state license plates, we had a very informative conversation, she chastened me that out of state boats and trailers are a prime worry when it comes to the  introduction of aquatic invasive species or AIS, and that was why the boat inspection stations, like the one near Sula, are so important. So, I  guess we were both right.
Since the mid-1990's, Montana has been assaulted by a legion of AIS, starting with whirling disease, and followed by proliferative kidney disease, New Zealand mud snails and zebra mussels. One of the measures being employed to minimize the chances of inadvertent introductions is the Clean. Drain. Dry strategy whereby anglers and other water borne recreationists are encouraged to properly handle their gear.
This map shows the  present distribution of invertebrate AIS in Montana and makes clear how proximal the threat is to not only the Bitterroot but entire Columbia River drainage.
BRTU Chapter President Jeremy Anderson was appointed to the Columbia Basin AIS Council and he is working to make sure that the interests of Bitterroot Conservationists and anglers are taken into consideration. Jeremy sent a copy of the most recent MFWP AIS newsletter. It is definitely worth a read! |
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| Smith River mine receives permit - Montana TU joins lawsuit! |
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BRTU E-News has covered the Black Butte copper mine issue since news of this environmental travesty first appeared.
Readers will recall that the project now being  schemed up by an international mining conglomerate envisions a large copper mines in the upper reaches of Sheep Creek, a clean flowing spawning tributary of the Smith River. The mining companies always promise results like those seen in the photo to the left, but all too often they skip town leaving something more like the photo to the right.
As expected, on the heels of recently approving the bogus Environmental Impact Statement, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality issued a Hard Rock Mining Operating Permit for Phase 1 to the international mining conglomerate Tintinna Montana, Inc. earlier this week.
As part of the permit, Tintinna agreed to a paltry $4.65 million dollar bond. I calculate that this is roughly the cost of about 1/2 dozen of the large residences along the Bitterroot between Wally Crawford and Hamilton. A pretty cheap price for potentially ruining one of Montana's natural treasures. You can read a story and see a fairytale book picture of the mine here.
Montana TU and several other conservation groups filed a lawsuit against the project in June. It looks like that was a prudent move as this is likely the best way to stop the travesty. You can learn more about Montana TU's efforts to Save the Smith here.
In other news related to mining schemes, the most lunatic idea has to be the Pebble Mine proposed for Bristol Bay. This gold and copper mine threatens one of the largest  wild salmon fisheries in the world, along with countless jobs and a recreational paradise. Trout Unlimited has made opposition to this mine a top national priority since its inception.
In an unusual turn of events, Donald Trump, Junior, has expressed opposition to this project, injecting a modest ray of optimism at the forces of darkness arrayed in favor of this project. Some readers may know that the President's son showed up in a local fly shop a couple of years ago and took a float trip on the Bitterroot. Maybe the guide was able to encourage an appreciation for wild fish that is now manifest.
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Picture of the Week.
This week's picture of a vandalized 310 law poster was submitted by long-time West Fork resident and angler Mike Hansen. Mike was among the first to raise concerns about the illegal cutting of trees in the stream on the West Fork.
The Bitterroot Conservation District, the local entity charged with enforcing the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act or 310 Law, put up these informational posters. The posters are to remind river users that removal of wood in the streambed or manipulation of the streambed requires a 310 permit so that the BCD supervisors and MFWP can assess the proposed project to determine its need and to see if any mitigation is required. TU chapters around the state are staunch advocates for the 310 permitting process, and BRTU tries to have a representative at the BCD meetings.
This is the second incident of 310 law poster vandalism that I am aware of. This particular cowardly act also takes a shot at our chapter. Presumably this is because our stand against illegal activities has been transmogrified into a stance against floating the West Fork.
The chapter has always opposed all violations of the 310 law, including illegal use bulldozers in the stream and unpermitted riprap projects on the entire Bitterroot drainage.
Please be sure to send me any photos that might be suitable for the Picture of the Week. I promise not to divulge locations.
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The BRTU Puzzler.
Boy! This was really a puzzler because no one entered a correct entry even after a month!
The item displayed is an esoteric piece of tying equipment called a hackle folder. According to Les Korcala, who provided the picture, these came in several different sizes and were used to fold feather fibers back to provide a better wet fly. This video shows the effect but uses a different device.
In the next issue of BRTU E-News, there will be a brand new puzzler, And as always, please feel free to send new Puzzler entries to BRTU Puzzlemaster Marshall Bloom.
Chuck Stranahan has generously offered a prize to all winners of the BRTU Puzzler. The winner will be able to can claim a prize of hand-tied trout flies by contacting Chuck.
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October 2020 BRTU banquet cancelled!
The BRTU Board of Directors has made the hard decision to cancel our 2020 banquet that was scheduled for this coming October. Uncertainties about status of the COVID-19 pandemic at that time and possible reluctance of people to come together in large groups were 2 of the factors.
Plans are being made to have a virtual auction and we have already lined up some exceptional premiums. As soon as more details are available, we will share them.
This would have been the 41st annual fundraiser and this decision was not made easily.
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Monte Dolack BRTU prints
now available at Joe's Studio.
A small number of Pubisher's Proofs of the limited edition "Bitterroot River-Lost Horse Bend" by Monte Dolack are now available at Joe's Studio. BRTU commissioned Monte  Dolack in 2007 to create this iconic print of the Bitterroot River.
The remaining Publisher's Proofs are $375 and all proceeds support BRTU efforts to protect trout and streams.
Joe's Studio, a regular sponsor of our banquets, is located in Hamilton at 220 Marcus Street (961-4586, joesstudio@aol.com)
The "U" in BRTU
Unlike many groups, BTRU has no paid staff. We are an entirely volunteer organization. We are always looking for new members to get involved in projects or to join our board and assist with maintaining our focus on native fish, clean healthy streams and education. If you would like to help out, please contact BRTU Chapter President Jeremy Anderson. We could sure use your help!
In other words, how about putting a little "U" in BRTU?
If "U" are not already a member, "U" can join TU today by going to the BRTU website. Our chapter number is #080. If you have a question about your membership, please call Clayton at 406-543-0054.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemi, BRTU board meetings are now being held virtually on ZOOM. They are open to all BRTU members. Date and time vary, so please contact Jeremy if you would like to log in and learn what is going on.
The BRTU Mission statement is "To conserve, protect, and restore the Bitterroot River and it's watershed," directly in line with the Montana TU mission statement.
For your information, here is a tabulation of our current hard-working BRTU officers and board members.
BOARD OFFICERS
Dr. Jeremy Anderson; President; E-mail: mtwildtrout1@gmail.com
Dave Ward; Vice-President; E-mail: dward451@comcast.net
Marissa Sowles, Secretary (acting); sowlesm@gmail.com
Keith Mullan, Treasurer; E-mail: keithcmullan@hotmail.com
BOARD MEMBERS
Donna Haglund; E-mail: haglunddonna@gmail.com
Marlin Lewis; E-mail: Lewism@hsd3.org
Shelia Bryan; E-mail: shoe6561@gmail.com
Gavin Marston (student board member)
GENERAL FACTOTUM AND NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER
Dr Trout (Marshall Bloom); E-mail: drtrout@mtbloom.net
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We're currently in the planning stages of our Annual Fall Event. This has historically been one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, and we could always use more help. To learn more about how you can volunteer, please email Rick Todd at email@constantcontact.com. . Learn More. |
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