Committed to 
Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Arizona's watersheds and fisheries.
"There are only two occasions when Americans respect privacy, especially in Presidents. Those are prayer and fishing."
~ Herbert Hoover

Message From The President
Greetings!
Welcome to the December 2020 newsletter.

Happy Holidays Everyone! As I write this, we are winding down our Thanksgiving holiday. This year, in spite of the many challenges we’ve faced as a nation from the Covid-19 pandemic, we have many reasons to be thankful. Some of the reasons we are thankful are:

  • U.S. Army Corps denies Pebble mine construction permit in Bristol Bay headwaters, Alaska. After nearly two decades of fighting this open-pit mine, we’re very pleased to report that Pebble is stopped in its tracks. See more in Tom Osterday’s Public Policy discussion below.
  • The Arizona Council received some very good publicity about its joint conservation work on Christopher Creek and participation with Grand Canyon Council, BSA. See our article below, and the entire article here
  • And there was a great article about Gila trout recovery efforts; see article below, and read the article here

Tom Osterday, in public policy, shares some interesting insights in managing Arizona’s water. Specifically, the seeming lack of inclusion of significant pieces in Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Releases Surface Water Protection Program Framework.

Looking for an opportunity to help in youth conservation education, but in a fun way? Susan Geer invites all to join her and the TU National Youth Education team, Thursday, December 3 at 6:00PM MST, for and introduction on Stream Girls, aka Stream Keepers. See the article below, and then register here.

Susan also shares some thought-provoking ideas about what we think may not reflect the reality of the situation.

Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation Fund (AZSFWC) the license plate fund has a great fundraiser for a brand-new 2020 Ford Raptor. AZTU Council, and Zane Grey chapter, have benefited from these funds. See the raffle article below. Buy Now! last chance is December 17.

Coming Soon:
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 Date: Saturday, December 12, 9-12, Blue Point Bridge, and Saturday, December 26, 9-12.

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 newsletter editor, a STREAM Keeper leader, and a board member at-large. If interested, contact any board member, or me.

Remember the easiest way to maintain social distancing is to go fishing. Simply swing your 9ft 5wt in the direction of the person crowding you and you’ve exceeded the six-foot minimum distance.

Here are some of the articles in this month's Newsletter.
  • Stream Keepers webinar, Thursday, December 3, 2020;
  • Scouts, Anglers join forces helping Christopher Creek;
  • Public Policy – Pebble Mine denied permit; Waters of Arizona Update;
  • Diversity and Inclusion – It’s Hard to See What You Don’t See!
  • Women’s Activities To Check Out
  • ZGTU joins AFC for Salt River Clean Up and Fishing day;
  • ZGTU and AZFishbook sponsor December Salt River Saturdays
  • AZSFWC 2020 Ford Raptor Raffle
  • Other Angling organizations
  • ZGTU and affiliates calendar 
  • Follow ZGTU on Social Media 
 We’ve gone virtual!!!!
Please join us for our next board tele-conference meeting:
Thursday, December 3, 2020 7:00 - 8:45 PM
Join Zoom Meeting here

Meeting ID: 862 8257 4742
Password: ZGTU2020
 
 
Until then, 
Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy New Year, and Tight Lines. 
 
Alan Davis
Join In A STREAM Girls-Kids-Keepers Webinar!
Thursday, December 3
6:00 PM (Arizona)

You’re cordially invited to a presentation and discussion about TU’s STREAM Girls program, a watershed and fly fishing experience that employs STEM-education (science, technology, engineering, math) plus recreation and arts. Originally organized with Girl Scouts in mind, Zane Grey TU is looking to modify the program to work with girls, kids, families or adults in an urban setting. The program encourages people to view their local waters through the eyes of an artist, a fly angler, and a scientist. TU’s National Leadership Council is putting on this presentation, and we would love for you to be there!

To see more about TU STREAM Girls, go to www.tu.org/streamgirls and be sure to watch the STREAM Girls promo video.
  
Please join us to learn more about the program. You’ll hear from presenters that will highlight adaptations and precautions for COVID times. Presenters include staff and volunteers from different states. We will answer questions about how to get a STREAM Girls-Kids-Keepers program up and running in your area.

EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
You won't be committing to anything if you sign up!

Christopher Creek & R-C Pond Conservation Work
Natural Channel Design October R-C & Christopher Creek survey work, all photos by Anton L. Delgado/The Arizona Republic
In October, Natural Chanel Design's engineering crew surveyed R-C Pond and Christopher Creek. Environmental reporter Anton L. Delgado, with The Arizona Republic joined the survey, took photos, and reports about how the challenges of drier seasons, hotter temperatures, steady erosion and a lack of maintenance has led to warmer waters and an increase in soil erosion in the waterbody. These challenges are making portions of Christopher creek unsustainable to some native wildlife.

Reporter Delgado, additionally discussed the joint conservation efforts on Christopher Creek by Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited and Grand Canyon Council, BSA. See the entire article here
U.S. Army Corps denies permit to construct massive open-pit mine in the headwaters of
Bristol Bay

On November 25th, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers denied the key permit for the proposed Pebble Mine and announced that it found the proposed Pebble mine would cause significant degradation to the Bristol Bay regionCol. Damon Delarosa, commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Alaska, said in a statement that the agency would block Pebble Mine because it determined that the plan the Pebble Limited Partnership submitted to deal with the project’s waste “does not comply with Clean Water Act guidelines and concluded that the proposed project is contrary to the public interest.”

That’s right. After nearly two decades of fighting this mine, we’re so very pleased to report that Pebble is stopped in its tracks. Finally.

"The Corps’ denial of the permit for the Pebble Mine is a victory for common sense. Bristol Bay is the wrong place for industrial-scale mining, and we look forward to working with the people of the Bristol Bay region, Alaska’s Congressional delegation, the state and other partners to permanently protect Bristol Bay and its world-class fisheries."
Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited
Read TU's Press Release here
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Releases Surface Water Protection Program Framework

On November 6th, Trevor Baggiore, Director of Water Quality at ADEQ, released the Department's proposed Framework for protecting surface water in Arizona. With the Environmental protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers new Navigable Waters Protection Rule taking effect on June 22 of this year, many of the streams and lakes in Arizona lost their protection under federal law. This is the ADEQ's attempt to propose legislation to be considered by the Arizona legislature to provide protection. AZTU applauds the state's efforts to provide protection but has two major concerns with the proposed Framework:

  1. Ephemeral streams are expressly excluded from protection in the Framework. Only "wet waters" are protected.
  2. There are no provisions to limit "dredge & fill" operations. This would allow developers, mining companies and other operations to disrupt waterways without permitting or oversight.

The slides from the November 6th virtual meeting are posted online at: ADEQ Framework

The ZGTU Chapter, as well as the AZTU Council, have provided feedback on our concerns and encourage individual members to submit comments to: adeqmeetings@azdeq.gov.
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

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION -
It's Hard To See What You Don't See
I was hiking with a friend recently and we saw a hawk flying. The hawk was huge and my friend said, “Wow. Look at the size of him!” I corrected my friend saying that the hawk was probably a female because in the raptor family, the females are larger than the males. He just saw something big and assumed it was a male.
 
Most of us would probably think we’re not biased in our attitudes, understanding and decisions that we use to make assessments. However, everyone possesses implicit, or unconscious biases that reside so deep in our unconscious that we can’t begin to see them without some help. These implicit biases build over our lifetimes and are based on experience, social and news media and a multitude of attitudes that can be either favorable or not.
  
Zane Grey Trout Unlimited is not trying to neglect the voice of the majority, however TU is actively seeking to listen and welcome the voices of those who are not often heard. To quote singer-songwriter John Gorka: 

"If the wind is at your back and you never turn around
You may never know the wind is there
You may never hear the sound."
Women's Virtual Book Club: 

Book - The Laughing Trout by Jim Ure

Need more info? Contact Marcia Lescault: LescaultMarcia@yahoo.com  

Next conversation: Thursday, January 21, 6 PM

Join us whether you've read the book or not! 

Call In: 712-432-0220
(Access code: 4632017)
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.
Zane Grey Chapter Joins Arizona Flycasters Club for Salt River Saturday and trash Clean-Up #Notinmywater
AFC-ZGTU Salt River Clean-up
Saturday November 14, Zane Grey Chapter joined Arizona Flycasters Club for its Salt River Saturday at Blue Point Bridge fishing day. We brought the donuts, coffee and trash pickers asking each angler to pick up a net full of trash. Most of the 24 anglers and families brought back a net full. 

Everyone enjoyed the time outdoors, fishing and the opportunity to help clean up the river. Near by are some pictures of the event.
Join ZGTU and AZFishbook for Salt River Saturdays!
#cleanmywater

Zane Grey Chapter is joining with AZFishbook and presenting Salt River Saturdays this month. We'll continue our conservation efforts by asking everyone to collect a net full of trash. We'll present these Salt River Saturdays:
  • Saturday, December 12, Blue Point Bridge 9-12; and
  • Boxing Day, Saturday, December 26, Blue Point Bridge 9-12

We'll ask everyone do their part in helping keep the river clean by picking up a net full of trash. #cleanmywater

Blue Point Bridge Lower Ramada
Look for the TU Banner. 
Raffle for a dozen flies for those attending
Don’t forget you need a Tonto parking pass
 
Bring your rod, waders and flies and let’s catch some fish!
Also, don't forget your mask...we social distance with our rods!
 
Instructions for beginners: At 9:30 am
 
Coffee and Donuts, and trash grabbers! 
 
Bring your Green Weenie's, small black zebra midges, pheasant tails, green, black and yellow woolly worms and woolly buggers. 
 
Questions: call,
AZFishBook Host for this Saturday,
John Doss, (623) 229-8335

Tonto National Park Pass required or 
a National Park Pass to visit the Salt River 

Photo TIC Workshop August 2019
Trout-In-the-Classroom - AZGFD Reminisces
With the daily challenges of the pandemic facing everyone the thoughts of returning to the classroom are always present by students, teachers and especially parents. One of the enjoyable activities going to school is to check on the fish in the tank of the Trout-In-the-Classroom program.

Unfortunately the 2020 - 2021 program is on hold as would be expected.

Arizona Game and Fish Department looked at the history of the Arizona program in their recent article "Hands-On Conservation".

Enjoy the look back.
Photo Gila trout Hatch Magazine v Nov 2020
"The Plight of the Gila Trout"
The challenges to protect and restore the Gila trout are ongoing. A reflection on experiences of the fish and the angler is shared in the article written by Chris Hunt, Trout Unlimited’s Director - Digital Content, in his recent article “The Plight of the Gila Trout” in Hatch magazine. 
AZSFWC Truck Raffle - Last Chance, ends December 17, 2020
The Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited and Zane Grey chapters have been members of the Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) for many years and have been the recipient of many grants from their Conservation License Plate Fund.

The AZSFWC is conducting a raffle for a 2020 Ford Raptor vehicle. Raffle tickets are $20 each, or 6 for $100, with the drawing at the end of December 2020.

Buy your tickets here by December 17th to be the lucky winner!


Did you know? ...

Five Things Your Fishing License Does for Conservation While You Catch Fish
  • Improve Fishing and Boating Access
  • Enhance Water Quality
  • Maintain Fish Habitat
  • Teach and Recruit New Anglers
  • Plan Long-Term Conservation
Now that fall has arrived; there are many fishing opportunities; don't miss signing up for the Trout Challenges in Arizona and in the West.
 
Arizona's Trout Challenge was developed to encourage anglers to learn more about fishing opportunities in the state. AZGFD manages many waters statewide to provide anglers the opportunity to catch several different species of trout, including two found only in the Southwest - the Gila Trout and Apache Trout.
 
There are two ways for anglers to complete the Challenge: Catch four species of wild trout in Arizona and catch at least six of the eight total species in Arizona. 
 
More information and to apply can be found at Arizona Trout Challenge.
 
The Western Native Trout Challenge - If you have been looking for another lifetime challenge to add to your list this could be it.
The Western Native Trout Challenge invites anglers to help celebrate our western legacy by catching native trout and char in each of the 12 participating western states, at their own pace. By attempting to catch 18 species throughout 12 states (at the master angler level) participants can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
 
Information and signup at Western Native Trout Challenge
Looking for a Fishing Opportunity?
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:
Organization
Arizona Flycasters Club
Sunnyslope Community Center | 802 E. Vogel Ave. Phoenix, AZ
Link To Website

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.
Contact
Desert Fly Casters
Check website for details.

General meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month. There may be some exceptions so check website for details.
Sun City Grand Fishing Club
Sun Lakes Fly Fishing Club
Payson Fly Casters
White Mountains Fly Fishing Club
http://flyfishingwm.com/
White Mountains Lake Foundation
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:
Committee Volunteers
As always, there are many opportunities to participate in the various activities and committees, make new friends and make a difference. For more information, visit our website at ZGTU Committees, contact us at Volunteer Interest Signup or contact any ZGTU Board Member for details.
Join Trout Unlimited Today!
Not a member yet? Looking for a gift idea?  Join today at Trout Unlimited!
REMEMBER:
Your Conservation License Plate Supports TU Programs
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. 
Combined Calendar 
AZ Trout Unlimited & Chapters, Arizona Flycasters Club and several other area fishing and conservation calendars
You may access our calendar here
Zane Grey Trout Unlimited
Protect. Reconnect. Restore. Sustain. Conserving coldwater habitat in the desert southwest.