BRTU E-News
Because there's more to fishin' than just fishin'!
Hi, you're receiving this email because either you are a member of Bitterroot Trout Unlimited or you have expressed an interest in BRTU. Don't forget to add drtrout@mtbloom.net to your address book so we'll be sure to land in your inbox! We make very effort to make sure this list is current. If you are receiving it by mistake, please let us know right away! Please feel free to forward on to friends and have them contact me if they would like to receive the BRTU E-News.
Permission is herein granted to forward or to use the content and photos in this newsletter. A credit would be appreciated. The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the publisher and may not represent those of BRTU or others featured in the newsletter.
You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails.
#262: August 28, 2022
|
|
"Score One for the Cutthroats" - Hoot Owl Changes Approved by Fish & Game Commission. |
|
Montana TU Conservation and Government Affairs Director gripping and grinning a non-native trout. He typically adheres to Keep 'Em Wet. Courtesy: Clayton Elliott |
|
Map depicting current Hoot Owl restrictions and closures as of Aug. 27 Source: MFWP . |
|
At the August 25 meeting of the Montana Fish and Game Commission there was a huge win for native trout, primarily cutthroat and bull trout, that might be called "Cold Water for Cutthroats." The Commission approved the proposal to lower the Hoot Owl trigger point for high value cutthroat streams, triggering a change in the ARM (Administrative Rules of Montana). The Bitterroot's native trout are likely to be among the primary beneficiaries.
The proposal which was tentatively endorsed by the Commission earlier this summer was developed by MFWP, with major input from Bitterroot Fisheries Biologist Jason Lindstrom and Region 2 Fisheries Manager Pat Saffel. BRTU strongly endorsed the concept, and Montana TU Conservation and Government Affairs Director Clayton Elliott, the Montana Wildlife Federation, Back Country Hunters and Anglers as well as several others all testified in favor at the Commission meeting.
According to Clayton, the key points of the adopted version can be summarized as follow:
- Creates a new cutthroat specific criteria for drought restrictions (Hoot Owl) at 66 degrees. That applies broadly to both Westslope and Yellowstone Cutthroat.
- Keeps the 73 degree Hoot Owl criteria for nonnative salmonid species, and it keeps the 60 degree criteria for bull trout.
- Provides more discretion for biologists to determine deteriorating stream conditions (broadly defined) beyond the temperature and flow thresholds that can contribute to invoking the rule.
- Provides more discretion to biologists in applying or lifting restrictions to adapt to changing weather or stream conditions (i.e. if we are in Hoot Owl and a brief storm technically meets the reopening criteria but there is a return to hot and dry in the forecast, biologists can keep the restrictions in place). This will prevent on-off-on again situations.
-
Removes any specific date for sunset of the restrictions. The existing rule was September 15th, the new rules proposed moving that to August 31st However, a last minute amendment to just remove a specific date was proposed by Commissioner K.C. Walsh and approved 7-0. This means that no matter the time of the year, stream conditions will dictate the implementation of the rule, and there will not be an arbitrary date on the calendar lifting all restrictions and conceivably preventing them from going back on if the conditions warrant in late fall.
- Corrects some grammatical issues with the original language. This was an amendment by Region 2 Commissioner Jana Waller, which also passed 7-0.
- Although it was not part of the rule change per se there will be a greatly improved process for implementing the drought restrictions regulations.
This is patently a very forward looking and far reaching action, and we owe Jason, Pat, and Clayton as well as the MFWP Fisheries staff and the Fish and Game Commission a huge thank you for their efforts in bringing the proposal to fruition. BRTU Chapter President has already sent a thank you note our Region 2 Commissioner Jana Waller. You might take a minute and send these folks a note thanking them for their efforts on behalf of our native fish.
However, there is still more work for Clayton, MTU, BRTU and other trout advocates to do. A key point will be the determination of "high value" cutthroat streams. We will have to monitor upcoming Fisheries Plans and proposed regulations to make sure that this term is not abused to exclude important streams or reaches from the new rules. You can review the proposals and comment at this site.
In the meantime, persistent high temperatures and low stream flows continue to impact many of Montana's fisheries, including the Bitterroot. The current reaches subject to Hoot Owl or frank closure are shown on the map above. MFWP maintains a list of all the restrictions.
|
|
BRTU Wins Prestigious Grant for Metcalf Restoration Project |
|
This stand pipe has served as an absolute barrier for fish passage on North Burnt Fork Creek for 50 years. It will be removed as part of the project. Courtesy: Christine Brissette. |
|
Reed canary grass lines a section of North Burnt Fork Creek. Courtesy: Christine Brissette. |
|
Trout Unlimited's Embrace A Stream (EAS) Program is considered by many to be one of the most prestigious stream restoration awards in the country. Since its inception in 1975, EAS has provided $4.85 million dollars in direct awards to TU councils and chapters to support over 1,000 projects.
At the 2022 National TU Convention in Maine, BRTU was awarded nearly $10,000 from TU's Embrace a Stream Program after ranking #1 among all applicants. The award was announced at the Convention's Awards Banquet and includes a commemorative Bamboo fly rod.
Partnering with BRTU were TU National, Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Bitterroot Audubon. The successful application was prepared by TU National's Project Coordinator Christine Brissette and BRTU Board member Marisa Sowles. Christine will be the project manager.
The funds will support a major revegetation project on North Burnt Fork Creek as it flows through Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. The work will include a major construction project to remove a stand pipe that has been an in-stream barrier that has prevented fish from traveling between the Bitterroot River and North Burnt Fork Creek for over 50 years. Together, these efforts will reconnect 2.5 miles of spawning habitat to the Bitterroot River and improve shade, bank stability and cover along 1/2 mile of stream.
There will be many additional details to share on this exciting project in the coming months including ways to get involved through public tours, donations and volunteer events.
Congratulations to Christine and Marisa for their winning proposal!
|
|
Contest for New BRTU Logo. |
|
“We’re soon going to have a new look for the Bitterroot TU Chapter,” said JuliAnne Thomas, BRTU board member. “A number of talented artists submitted entrees for our logo.
The BRTU board members will select the winner in early September. We had hoped to announce the the winner and unveil the new logo in October, but since we had to postpone the banquet until next spring. So stay tuned...........
|
|
Water flowing over the spillway at Painted Rocks Lake. |
|
The last Painted Rocks update I have received from DNRC engineer Larry Schock was on August 17 and is pasted below. It will be interesting to see if the recent rainstorms have improved the reservoir situation. There was a bit of a blip at Bell Crossing but flows are trending down there again and remain below average.
Hello Everyone,
Well, the long hot summer continues. Our temperatures have been running 10-15 degrees above normal with plenty of hot winds. These factors have led to a very dry environment and very rapid decline in stream flows.
Since the beginning of August, the area stream flows have dropped by approximately 30%, and despite our best efforts there will not be enough contract water to keep Bell Crossing at our initial target of 250-275 cfs. We will have to readjust or expectations and try to hold 200 cfs at Bell Crossing.
Since the beginning August the reservoir inflows have dropped from approximately 106 cfs to 77 cfs and the reservoir level is dropping pretty fast. Therefore, within the next week or so we will have to start making gradual reductions in the releases from Painted Rocks Reservoir.
The river levels will be kept as high as possible for as long as possible. The initial release reductions will be kept as small as possible, but the subsequent reductions will gradually increase in size and will be dependent upon how much further the reservoir inflows drop off, and the reservoir levels. Unfortunately, there is the very real possibility that the contract water may be exhausted by mid-September.
Sorry, I wish there was better news, but Mother Nature has not been very cooperative this year. Hopefully, September will bring cooler temperatures and some good rain.
Here is the Painted Rocks Reservoir status as of 8/17:
Outflows:
Pre-Adjustment 392 cfs
Post-Adjustment 421 cfs
Adjustment 29 cfs.
Reservoir Inflows: Currently at 77.6 cfs. Down from 92.6 cfs on 8/6.
Reservoir Information
Elevation 4708.71 ft.. Down 9.86 ft. since 8/6
Storage 28150 AF. Down 6859 AF since 8/6.
Thank you for your time in attending to this matter.
Larry A. Schock
DNRC MRO WRD
Civil Engineering Specialist
406 542 5885
|
|
Dave Genter and a beautiful Salmo salar. Courtesy : Les Korcala |
|
This issue's Picture of the Week was provided by TU supporter and ardent angler, Dave Genter.
Last month Dave wrote to say:
just arrived in southern Labrador and back in civilization where you can bathe and have potty time without fear of swarms of mosquitoes and black flies attacking. All worth it tho'. This pic of a nice specimen of Salmo salar - the flying salmon (aptly named as I had several jump 6-9 feet out of the water in epic fights).
The pic here is an 84cm hen that had marks of a vicious seal attack in her recent travels. It was caught on a Caribou Bomber in an unnamed river of northeast Labrador. We managed 99 fish for two of us in a short week, with 58 to hand or net. Most were caught on wet flies, variants of the Undertaker, an old favorite.
The river in this photo is absolutely stunning and the falls in the background are just breathtaking. An Atlantic salmon trip is something that many of us will only be able to dream about. So congrats with a bit of green envy to Dave for actually doing it!
Please send me any fishing or conservation related photos to be considered for the "Picture of the Week." Make sure that the files are less than 5 mB in size. Note that in most cases I plan to not to use "grip and grin" photos, but rather pictures of fish in the water or net.
|
|
This week's BRTU Puzzler was submitted by the owner of handsome leg pictured. Although I have been given permission to use their name, it would not be proper to do so.
The victim had been wet wading in the river and subsequently developed a nasty and very painful rash that turned into the bumps.
The Puzzler is to identify the cause of the rash, what makes this so unusual in our valley, and how to avoid catching it. Hint: it is not monkeypox!.
The winner will be able to claim their prize of a $10.00 gift card in person from Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton.
The BRTU Puzzler now has a new sponsor - Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton. Chapter One is offering a $10 gift card to each winner but it must be picked up in person. The book store is a long time BRTU supporter and has an unbelievable inventory of books and magazines. If Chapter One doesn't have the tome you want, they can get it in a jiffy. Shouldn't we be patronizing local small independents rather the big online services?
If you have a cool fishing or conservation related photo, consider submitting it to BRTU Puzzlemaster Marshall Bloom for the BRTU Puzzler. BRTU E-News will no longer publish grip and grin photos of native fish out of water but will highlight photos of actual fish in the water.
|
Monte Dolack BRTU prints
now available at Joe's Studio.
A small number of Publisher'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 Dave Ward. 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 the BRTU website. chapter number is #080. If you have a question about your membership, please call the Montana TU office at 406-543-0054.
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
Donna Haglund; Vice President; E-mail: haglunddonna@gmail.com
Vacant, Treasurer;
BOARD MEMBERS
Charlie Harris; E-mail: hmgharris@gmail.com
JuliAnne Thomas; E-mail: thomasjulianneh@gmail.com
Vacant; (student board member)
GENERAL FACTOTUM AND NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER
|
|
Company Name | Phone | Address | Website |
|
|
|
|
|
|
