2007-8 HOMEPAGE ARCHIVE

Good News on Delaware Flow Issue!

Thanks to pressure from TU and other groups, the Delaware Basin River Commission (DRBC) has delayed a key vote on the Flexible Flow Management Plan (FFMP), from Septrmber 24th to at least December 10th. Thanks to all who submitted a comment in support of this delay! We'll keep you updated on this important process.

NYCTU Central Park Casting Clinic- Very Successful

On June 14th 6 FFF Certified Casting Instructors joined NYCTU to offer free fly-casting lessons to the public. We would like to thank Instructors Wallace Henderson, Michael Gallart, Phil Shook, Jim Valle, Craig Buckbee and our John Field who gave 15-20 minute individual lessons to approximately 100 students! Thanks go to Urban Angler for providing fly casting outfits and to Backpacker Magazine for inviting us to participate at the 2008 Adventures NYC. It was great hearing our event announced to thousands of attendees over the loud speaker. At the conclusion of the event near the Band Shell and Bethesda Fountain, a lighting and rain storm forced everyone, including us, under tents for an hour. It rained so much we could swear we saw trout rising in the river of rain water!

Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Musum Trip- "Lots of fun!"

The trip was really fun this weekend (May 31- Jun 1).  Eight members came on the trip. The weather cooperated for the most part; it rained hard twice on Saturday, but both downpours were near mealtimes so we all just got off the river for a few hours.  There were a ton of bugs around, but the trout were a little finicky.  About half the people didn't land any fish, and the other half landed a few.  Duncan Blair got one nice-sized brown and also cooked-up a wicked good chilli enjoyed by all. All the members on the trip had a good time and were very interested in getting more involved with the chapter.  All said they would at least come to meetings and work days if not maybe even take on a committee or other duties.  Most of them said they would be attending the casting clinic in a few weeks (June 14th).

TGF/NYCTU Alliance

Jan 15th- The alliance was solidified when NYC TU President, John Field offered our help at the TGF Board Meeting on Jan. 15th. The Board unanimously accepted and welcomed us. This is the result of Theodore Gordon Fly Fishers President, Bert Darrow and his talk on conservation plans to NYC TU at our Dec. 3rd meeting. NYC TU will work together with TGF on several upcoming projects.

Art Flick Chapter Briefs NYC TU on Carmans River Invasive Species

Jan 6/08- Art Flick President and NYS TU Council V.P. Dave Thompson and Art Flick Past President George Costa gave a presentation to the NYC TU board on this serious problem. Carmans is a Long Island coastal spring creek that is home to a unique native strain of brook trout and several other anadromous species. The big problem is that the Brookhaven and Yaphank's citizens are faced with a two-edged sword. Dammed sections of Carmans have Milfoil and Fanwart infestations. These are invasive weed species most residents don't want, and they are split between employing either a known toxic, carcinogenic herbicide, or dredging, which would adversely effect all forms of aquatic life too. Art Flick's position is not to use either of these methods and find one that does less harm to the environment. Ideally, taking out the dams would eliminate the weeds and increase natural habitat, but would adversely impact lakeside real estate values. Read some local views:

Come to the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum Summerfest and Jubilee!

This enjoyable annual event will be held Saturday, August 10th. There will be 100 tables of fly fishing collectables, materials and much more. To learn about the activities, vendors, and contests click here for more information.

NYC TU Central Park Casting Clinic at 2008 Adventures NYC

Mark your calendars: June 14th 12-4P between the Central Park Band Shell and Bethesda Fountain. NYC TU will be offering free casting lessons to TU members and the public; first come first served. We will have fly-fishing outfits for you, but feel free to bring your own. Want to cast with less effort, more accurately, farther, we can help! Most of our instructors are Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructors. Email for more details

Chapter Trip Announced:

Come Fish the Catskills May 30th and 31st with NYC TU- The prime fishing weekend of the year! Stay for two nights on the banks of the Willowemoc at the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum and Center for $75. Space limited to first 20 members. For more info or reservations, contact Duncan Blair.

Project Access and Spring Willow Planting- April 26th!

Join fellow NYC TU and TGF members to re-establish gravel handicap ramps on the Willowemoc and plant willow saplings on the banks of Horton Brook, an important Beaverkill tributary. Meeting place: Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum, Livingston Manor. Time: TBA. If you're interested in participating, please contact John Field.

Bert Darrow Addresses NYC TU on Conservation Projects

Dec. 3/07- Bert spoke at a membership meeting in Manhattan to share his conservation experiences and current projects in the Catskills. Bert is President of Theodore Gordon Fly Fishers and serves on the board of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. He was the NYS Council TU 2003 Individual Conservation Award and Silver Trout recipient. Bert is a past President of the Catskill Mountains Chapter of TU and Regional Vice President of the NY State Council of TU in Region 3.

These issues are ones Bert is working on, and welcomes our chapter's help as well:

Delaware River Flows Comment Period Ends 1/18/08

As you may have heard, the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) is accepting comments on the current version of the Flexible Flow Management Plan (FFMP) until this Friday, January 18th.  TU's position is that a number of changes need to be made to the FFMP to protect the health of the Upper Delaware River ecosystem and its trout fisheries.  As a person who lives or works in and around New York City, your input is particularly valuable to the DRBC.  The chapter has made an official comment (see the letter by clicking here), and we encourage you to submit your own statement supporting changes to the FFMP by visiting TU's online action center.  If you have already submitted comments, thank you very much for your time and commitment to this important cause.

Catskill Development Called Win for Environment

Trout Unlimited and other conservation groups were able to convince developer Dean Gitter to significantly reduce the impact of a proposed development in the Catskill Mountains. Gov. Spitzer announced the deal on Sept. 6th, saying that the project would “protect the local environment through green buildings, watershed protection and land preservation.” The deal includes a land parcel of 1,216 acres that will be given to the state to remain “forever wild” as part of Catskill Park. For more details, click on the New York Times article here and the Kingston Daily Freeman article here. Read 9/10/07 NY Times editorial here.

Dear NYC TU members,

Negotiations with the Delaware River Basin Commission regarding Catskill reservoir release policy are at a critical stage. It is important for New York City decision-makers to hear that New York City residents care about the health of the river in addition to drinking water. Please help us send this message by contacting the Mayor and the Governor. For detailed information about the issue, go to www.drarp.org. To email Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Spitzer and let them know that you, as a New York City resident, support the Adaptive Release Policy, please go to www.drarp.org/heard.php.

Thank you for your support, NYCTU Board of Directors

June 19th- The Beaverkill Devastates Floodplain (Again)

Reports from Roscoe- One confirmed dead and several more missing. Eight inches of rain fell on parts of Delaware County and caused more damage to communities recovering from last year's June 28th flood. Members of NYCTU offer condolences and support to the families of the dead and missing. (Read NY Times report)

Summer Meetings and Events a Success!

Meeting Announcement!

Next Meeting: Dec. 3rd. 7-9 PM at General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen- 20W. 44th St. New York, NY

Angling educator and conservationist Bert Darrow will update us on Catskill conservation issues. Bert is President of Theodore Gordon Fly Fishers and serves on the board of the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum. He was the NYS Council TU 2003 Individual Conservation Award and Silver Trout recipient. Bert is a past President of the Catskill Mountains Chapter of TU and Regional Vice President of the NY State Council of TU in Region 3.

Oct 18th Connetquot Trip Is On!

Fred Thorner will be leading us to this trophy managed spring creek located in Long Island. No felt soled boots will be allowed in the river this year. If you'd like to come, (even if you're not a chapter member) send a check for $60 payable to NYCTU to Fred Thorner 248-44 Thebes Avenue Little Neck, NY 11362. (Details and directions)

COME FISH THE CATSKILLS WITH NYCTU

Stay two nights, June 16-17th, on the banks of the Willowemoc at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum. The cost is only $75 and is limited to the first 20 members. For more information or reservations, email Duncan Blair, or you may call him (718)-664-0350.

NYC TU ANNUAL CASTING CLINIC- Join us this June 9th from 10A-2:30P for free casting lessons in Central Park. Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructors have volunteered to teach and Urban Angler is coming to diagnose your casts with the Sage Casting Analyzer. You can bring your own rod, or we'll have student outfits. Come to Cherry Hill off 72nd. St. and look for our banner. (map)

Alley Creek/Back the Brookie/Conservation Committee Meeting & Alley Creek Tour

Due in part to the overlap in committee members, NYCTU has scheduled the following committee meeting(s) for Sunday June 3rd at the Alley Pond Environmental Center (see for directions).  Our approximate schedule will be as follows:

The purpose of the above is to familiarize committee members with Alley Creek and to review the action plans and make committee assignments for all three committees for the remainder of 2007.  Existing committee members, prospective committee members and all other Chapter member are encouraged to attend some or all of the above.  Attendees are asked to RSVP to Fred Thorner - for Back the Brookie) and Wayne Tusa - for the tour and other committees) by 5/30.