Susquehanna Ripples...2016/11/09 · Please send information via email or mail directly to: David...
Transcript of Susquehanna Ripples...2016/11/09 · Please send information via email or mail directly to: David...
Susquehanna Ripples
Newsletter of the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited #044 January 2017
Happy New Year The Officer’s and Directors of the Susquehanna Chapter
of Trout Unlimited want to wish all of our friends and
family a very happy New Year. 2016 was a good year
and 2017 will be even better.
Watershed Summit to be Held
The Susquehanna Chapter Trout Unlimited is hosting
its annual meeting of area watershed associations, pub-
lic officials, and conservation organizations which help
to preserve, protect, and enhance our area streams and
watersheds. Each year, these groups have carried out
projects including improving stream habitat, stabilizing
stream banks, monitoring water quality, and educating
land owners and the public about watershed issues and
best practices. The public is invited to come and learn
about the volunteer efforts and beneficial projects ac-
complished by our area’s watershed groups, conserva-
tion organizations, and agencies during 2016 and their
upcoming plans for 2017. All are invited to hear about
this important work and how to get involved. The meet-
ing will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Fellow-
ship Hall (rear of 102 East 3rd Street at Mulberry St. in
Williamsport) on Wednesday, January 11th at 7:00 PM
Chapter Elections Held Elections were held at the November 9, 2016 Annual
Chapter Meeting and we want to congratulate the fol-
lowing individuals for their election for the 2016 - 2017
year. We also want to thank them for their willingness
to give their time and help lead the Chapter.
President: Walt Nicholson
Vice President: Dave Craig
Secretary: Kevin McJunkin
Treasurer: Bob Baker
Directors:
Carey Entz-Rine (2017)
Jim Latini (2017)
Charles Knowlden (2018)
Steve Szoke (2018)
Burr Boston (2019)
Joe Radley (2019)
Chapter Online Store Coming Because of the very generous donations individuals
have made to the Chapter, we have been able to accrue
a very large inventory of fly tying materials and other
assorted fishing items.
With an anticipated start date of February 1, 2017,
the Chapter will have an online store to market the items
that we have. Because of the quantity we have, it will be
impossible to list everything so we will list a variety of
items and will change what we offer every few months.
If there is something that you want and do not see it, let
us know and we will check for the items that you want.
We have an entire fly tying shop in our inventory and
will have just about anything you would need as well as
other miscellaneous fishing items not related to fly ty-
ing.
Look for more information on our website and in the
February issue of the Susquehanna Ripples.
January 2017 2
Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Officer and Directors
President: Walt Nicholson
Email: [email protected]
Vice President: David Craig
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 570-326-1002 / 570-971-4744
Secretary: Kevin McJunkin
Email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Bob Baker
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 570-337-1279
Board of Directors
Carey Entz-Rine (2017)
Jim Latini (2017)
Charles Knowlden (2018)
Steve Szoke (2018)
Burr Boston (2019)
Joe Radley (2019)
Director Emeritus and Advisor
Bill O’Connor
Media Liaison: Kevin McJunkin
Program Director: Joe Radley
Youth Coordinator: Carey Entz-Rine
Women’s Programs: Carey Entz-Rine
Newsletter Editor/Webmaster
Bob Baker
Newsletter Team members
Cheyenne Baker
Dakota Baker
susquehannatu.com
Fly Tying Class to be held The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be
holding its annual fly tying class from February 21,
2017 through April 4, 2017. The class will be held on
Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm in the
Fellowship Hall, 102 East 3rd Street, Williamsport.
Parking is in the rear of the Church along Mulberry
Street.
There is no charge for the class and all materials and
tools will be provided. If you have your own vise and
tools, you are more than welcome to bring them to use.
We will once again be having instruction for beginners
through advanced and ask that if you have any flies that
you would like to tie, please let us know a head of time
so that our instructors can prepare.
We are looking for instructors as well. If you would
like to teach please let us know. This class has been
successful the last few years and we are looking forward
to another successful class.
We are asking you to pre register for this class by
sending an email to [email protected] or by
contacting Walt Nicholson at 570-447-3600.
Thank you all for your interest in the past and for
making this class a success!!
Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grant
Treasurers Report for October 1, 2016
through December 31, 2016
Submitted by Bob Baker, Treasurer
Beginning Balance October 1, 2016 $4,250.00
No Deposits
No Expenses
Account balance December 31, 2016 $4,250.00
Treasurers Report for October 1, 2016
through December 31, 2016 Submitted by Bob Baker, Treasurer
Checking Beginning Balance: $5,163.51
Income
In Memory of Bob Rinn $ 25.00
Total Income: $ 25.00
Expenses:
Lycoming Creek Anglers Club $1,00000
Total Expenses $1,000.00
Checking Account Balance $4,188.51
Savings Account Beginning: $8,181.41
Income
Dividend 0.67
Total Income $ 0.67
No Expenses:
Savings Account Balance $8,182.08
Money in the bank
Checking Account: $4,188.51
Savings Account: $8,182.08
$12,370.59
January 2017 3
Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited
THANK YOU to our
Watershed and Conservation Groups
The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to thank all the Watershed Organizations and Outdoor
Conservation Groups that work so hard to protect our resources. We know the amount of work that you do and that
this work is done with limited resources (financially and manpower). We applaud you for everything that you have
done and look forward to continuing our relationship and working with you in the future. Central Pennsylvania is a
much better place because of your efforts and we can not thank you enough. If you do not belong to any of these
groups, please consider joining one (or more) of them. Please contact them with your support because they need your
help to continue meeting their goals.
Black Hole Creek Watershed
Association
35 South Main Street
Montgomery, PA 17752-0125
Consolidated Sportsmen Of Muncy
Creeks
660 Clarkstown Rd
Muncy, PA 17756
Endless Mountains RC & D
200 Lake Road, Suite A
Towanda, PA 18848
Larry’s Creek Watershed
Association
PO Box 64
Trout Run, PA 17771
Lycoming Audubon Society
PO Box 4053
Williamsport, PA 17701
Lycoming College Clean Water
Institute
700 College Place
Williamsport, PA 17701
Lycoming County Conservation
District
542 County Farm Road, Suite 202
Montoursville, PA 17754
Lycoming County Planning
Commission
48 W. 3rd Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Loyalsock Creek Watershed
Association
PO Box 216
Montoursville, PA 17754-0216
Lycoming Creek Anglers Club
2079 Blair Street
Williamsport, PA 17701-2871
Lycoming Creek Watershed
Association
PO Box 173
Trout Run, PA 17728
Muncy Creek Watershed Associa-
tion
PO Box 47
Muncy, PA 17756-0047
North Central Pennsylvania
Conservancy
PO Box 2083
Williamsport, PA 17701
PA Bureau of Forestry
10 Lower Pine Bottom Road
Waterville, PA 17776
PA Bureau of Forestry
6735 Route 220 Highway
Dushore, PA 18614
PA Department of Environmental
Protection
208 W. 3rd Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Waterdale Environmental Education
Center
c/o Williamsport Municipal Water
Authority
253 W. 4th Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Pine Creek Preservation Associa-
tion
PO Box 11
Waterville, PA 17776
Pine Creek Watershed Council
118 Main Street
Wellsboro, PA 16901
Sullivan County Conservation
District
9219 Route 487
Suite B
Dushore, PA 18614
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership
201 Furnace Road
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Dr. Jonathan Niles
Assistant Professor, Biology Dept
Susquehanna University
514 University Avenue
Selinsgrove, PA 17870
Trout Unlimited Eastern Brook
Trout Initiative
643 Mills Hill Road
Wellsboro, PA 16901
West Branch Regional Authority
127 Girton Drive
Muncy, PA 17756
January 2017 4
Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Gill lice discovered in PA brook trout
population
“Some of you may already be aware of the problems
in Wisconsin with gill lice infecting that state's native
brook trout population. Well, unfortunately, the problem
has arrived in Pennsylvania. At the PATU Trout Man-
agement Committee (TMC) meeting on October 23,
PFBC Division Chief of Fish Management Jason Detar
presented the findings of the PFBC in several Centre
County freestone streams. Both wild and stocked
brookies were found to be infested with gill lice during
surveys. Further investigation by the PFBC showed that
the nursery where the hatchery brookies were raised was
the source of the infected fish. Subsequently, all the
brookies in that co-op nursery were destroyed.
These parasites live on the edges of the gills and suck
blood from their hosts. They weaken the fish and, if seri-
ous enough, cause the trout to become listless and lack
sufficient oxygen. The gill lice found are specific to the
Salvelinus (char family) genus to which brook trout be-
long.
PATU is planning to work with the PFBC to identify
the extent of this problem. Details will be worked out
with the PFBC before the next trout season. In the
meantime, if you catch a brookie, check the gills. These
parasites look like tiny maggots and attach themselves to
the fringes of the gills where they dine on the brookies’
blood.
The TMC is going to have additional meetings with
the PFBC in order to map out a plan to study the situa-
tion to determine how far reaching it is. PATU will
likely be asking chapters and their members to help. In
the meantime, if you catch any brookies, take a quick
look at the gills. If you see gill lice, please record the
information below and send it to Dave Nihart as soon as
possible. If you happen to have a camera, take a photo
of the infected gills and pass it on to the PFBC.
Required Information: Stream name, Where the fish was
caught (e.g. Strobes Road Bridge near Milltown), If
possible, include a latitude and longitude of catch loca-
tion, Date fish was caught, Photo of fish that shows pos-
sible gill lice.”
Please send information via email or mail directly to:
David Nihart | Fisheries Biologist
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
Division of Fisheries Management | Coldwater Unit
450 Robinson Lane | Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: 814-359-5220 | Fax: 814-359-5153
www.fishandboat.com | [email protected]
Recipe of the Month
Panfish and Taters Recipe 16 panfish fillets, or 8 pan-dressed panfish
6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup green pepper, cut into strips
1 (4-oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained
1/2 cup corn meal
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Saute the bacon pieces in a large cast-iron skillet until
almost, but not quite, crisp. Spoon a little of the bacon
grease (to cook the fish in) into a cup and set aside. Add
potatoes, green pepper and pimientos to the skillet.
Cook, stirring, until potatoes are nicely browned and
bacon is crisp.
While the potatoes are cooking, shake together the corn
meal, flour, salt and pepper in a zip-seal plastic bag.
Add the fish, and shake to coat.
Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet, then add the
extra bacon grease and heat. Add as much fish as you
can without crowding it, and cook until the coating is
crispy and golden. Cook the remaining fish, and serve
piping hot with potatoes on the side. http://1source.basspro.com/index.php/component/k2/218-fish-recipes/1078-
cooking-up-a-shore-lunch-with-5-fish-recipes
January 2017 5
Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Disposal of Medications
Improper disposal of prescription
drugs could create environmental
hazards impacting groundwater and
rivers and harming wildlife.
All pharmaceutical drugs that are
being disposed of need to be in a
sealed container such as the original
bottle or a zip-lock bag. They may
not be disposed of loosely.
Liquid pharmaceuticals should
remain in the original container.
Personal information should be re-
moved or blotted out with a perma-
nent marker.
Items Accepted include Prescrip-
tion and over-the-counter solid
medications, tablets and capsules,
liquid medications, inhalers,
creams, ointments, nasal sprays, and
pet medicines.
Items NOT Accepted include
Intravenous solutions, injectables
and needles.
Expired or unused, prescribed
and over-the-counter medications
will be collected at the following
Police Departments. Community
members can utilize these drop
boxes to ensure that medications
will not end up in the wrong hands
but rather properly disposed of.
City of Williamsport Police Dept.
245 West 4th Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
570.327.7548
Hughesville Borough Police Dept.
147 South Fifth Street
Hughesville, PA 17737
570.584.2111
Lycoming County Sheriff’s Dept.
48 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701-6536
570.327.2280
Montoursville Police Dept.
617 North Loyalsock Avenue
Montoursville, PA 17754
570.368.2488
Old Lycoming Township Police
Dept.
1951 Green Avenue, Ste. 2
Williamsport, PA 17701-1202
570.323.4987
South Williamsport Police Dept.
329-331 West Southern Ave.
South Williamsport, PA 17702
570.327.8152
Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police
Dept.
129 South Pennsylvania Ave.
Jersey Shore, PA 17740
570.398.2146
Clinton County Sheriff’s Dept. (In
the Garden Building across the
street from the courthouse)
232 East Main Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
570.893.4070
Sullivan County Sheriffs Office
Sullivan County Courthouse
245 Muncy Street
PO Box 157
Laporte, PA 18626
1-570-946-5201
How do I recycle other
stuff around my home?
Automobile fluids contact your lo-
cal auto parts store, they accept
many types of fluids for recycling
Paint - consider donating to a char-
ity. If latex paint, remove lid and
let dry. Once dry, it can be thrown
in the trash and recycle the can.
Pesticides and similar items - read
the label for the correct disposal
methods.
If you are unsure of how to dispose
of something, or if it is recyclable,
please contact your local recycling
center or your local governmental
officials.
Estate Fishing Gear The Chapter has been fortunate to
have received fly-tying and fishing
equipment from the estates of de-
ceased members. Please con-
sider leaving these items to the
chapter when you can no longer use
them. This will supply a source of
materials for future fly-tying classes
and equipment for fund-raising
events. What a great way to leave a
legacy to the activity we all enjoy!
Welcome New Members
Kenneth Crooks
Kim Dockey
Rod Fry
John Knopp
John Kwieraga
Michael Linn
Jeffrey Little
Steven McLaughlin
Bryan Sholtis
Martin Vitti
Robert Whitmyer
Chapter meetings Held on the 2nd Wednesday of each
month and are open to the public
and begin at 7:30 pm (unless other-
wise noted). Meetings are held at the
First Presbyterian Church of Wil-
liamsport in the Fellowship Hall
(unless otherwise noted), 102 East
3rd Street, Williamsport. Parking is
in the rear of the Church along Mul-
berry Street.
No meetings are held in May, June,
July, August or
December
January 2017 6
Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited
We all live in a watershed.
What is it and what is its
place in our community?
A watershed is an area of land
that drains rain water or snow into
one location such as a stream, lake
or wetland. These water bodies sup-
ply our drinking water, water for
agriculture and manufacturing, offer
opportunities for recreation and pro-
vide habitat to numerous plants and
animals. Unfortunately various
forms of pollution, including runoff
and erosion, can interfere with the
health of the watershed. Therefore,
it is important to protect the quality
of our watershed
WHY DO WE NEED HEALTHY
WATERSHEDS?
Watersheds sustain life, in more
ways than one. According to the
Environmental Protection Agency,
more than $450 billion in foods,
fiber, manufactured goods and tour-
ism depend on clean, healthy water-
sheds. That is why proper watershed
protection is necessary to you and
your community.
Watershed protection is a means
of protecting a lake, river, or stream
by managing the entire watershed
that drains into it. Clean, healthy
watersheds depend on an informed
public to make the right decisions
when it comes to the environment
and actions made by the commu-
nity.
WHY WE NEED TO PROTECT
OUR WATERSHEDS
The Earth is covered in 70% wa-
ter and unfortunately 40-50% of our
nation's waters are impaired or
threatened. "Impaired" means that
the water body does not support one
or more of its intended uses. This
could mean that the water is not
suitable to drink, swim in or to con-
sume the fish that was caught there.
The leading causes of pollution
in our waterways are sediments,
bacteria (such as E. coli) and excess
nutrients (such as nitrogen and
phosphorus). Although nutrients
sound like things that belong in a
healthy environment, they can cause
big problems in a poorly managed
watershed. Sediment can suffocate
fish by clogging their gills and the
presence of bacteria alone can indi-
cate that other viruses and germs
can be found in the water as well.
Erosion, runoff of animal waste and
overflowing of combined sewers are
just a few ways these pollutants
reach our waters.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
The EPA offers their tips on how
you can help keep your watershed
clean and healthy.
Conserve water every day. Take
shorter showers, fix leaks &
turn off the water when not in
use.
Don’t pour toxic household
chemicals down the drain; take
them to a hazardous waste cen-
ter.
Use hardy plants that require
little or no watering, fertilizers
or pesticides in your yard.
Do not over apply fertilizers.
Consider using organic or slow
release fertilizers instead.
Recycle yard waste in a com-
post pile & use a mulching
mower.
Use surfaces like wood, brick or
gravel for decks & walkways;
allows rain to soak in & not run
off.
Never pour used oil or anti-
freeze into the storm drain or
the street.
Pick up after your dog, and dis-
pose of the waste in the toilet or
the trash.
Drive less—walk or bike; many
pollutants in our waters come
from car exhaust and car leaks.
(Taken from nature.org)
Donations Received
The Chapter has received the fol-
lowing donations:
Gitzit Incorporated - 3 dozen
Micro Little Tough Guy Lures M e l a n i e R i n n -M a r t i n e k
(daughter of Bob Rinn) donated
Bob’s inventory of fly tying
materials and books
VIS Sunshine School - $25 in
memory of Bob Rinn
Chapter Bylaws The Chapter bylaws have been re-
vised and were adopted at the No-
vember 9, 2016 Chapter meeting.
They are now consistent with the
bylaws of National TU. A copy of
the bylaws was sent to all Chapter
members (who have allowed com-
munications from the Chapter) in
October with the October issue of
the Susquehanna Ripples. If you
would like a copy of the adopted
bylaws, please email the chapter at
[email protected] and a
copy will be mailed to you.
Eric Hussar Elected PFBC
Vice President At a special meeting held on No-
vember 18, 2016 of the Commis-
sioners of the PA Fish and Boat
Commission, Eric Hussar was
elected to serve as the Vice Presi-
dent. Eric is the Commissioner for
our area. We want to congratulate
him on this achievement!
January 2017 7
Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited
Smallmouth Bass Improving
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Dec. 8) – Following nearly a
decade of poor recruitment due to disease affecting
young-of-the-year, the smallmouth bass populations in
the Susquehanna and lower Juniata rivers are showing
signs of improvement, according to information released
today by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(PFBC).
Surveys conducted from 2013-2016 reveal increasing
numbers of adult smallmouth bass compared to severely
reduced numbers collected from 2005-2012. Decreased
prevalence of disease in young-of-the-year smallmouth
bass, along with the implementation of mandatory catch-
and-release regulations enacted in 2011, have resulted in
better recruitment of young bass to the adult popula-
tions.
However, bacterial infections causing sores and le-
sions continue to be observed in young-of-the-year
smallmouth bass, prompting a renewed call by PFBC
Executive Director John Arway to list the river as im-
paired. Other abnormal effects such as melanistic black
spots and intersex conditions in adult bass, along with
unprecedented nuisance algae blooms continue to plague
the smallmouth fishery.
“Although we are cautiously optimistic about the
population numbers we have observed over the last four
years, our sampling is still finding young-of-the-year
smallmouth bass displaying clinical signs of disease,”
Arway said. “We continue to urge the U.S. Environ-
mental Protection Agency (EPA) to list the river as im-
paired in its final review of the 2016 Integrated Water
Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report submitted
by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).”
The DEP submits an updated report every two years
to EPA Region 3 for approval. Adding the Susquehanna
to the list as a “high priority” impaired water would trig-
ger a two-year timeline requiring DEP to develop a
comprehensive plan to identify the causes and sources of
pollution and put a plan together to clean up the river
consistent with the goals of the federal Clean Water Act.
DEP recommended against listing the river as im-
paired in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 reports. EPA is ex-
pected to review the 2016 report and issue a ruling by
early next year, either accepting the report or requiring
changes. Recently, EPA Region 3 exercised its authority
and added 28 stream and river segments to West Vir-
ginia’s impaired waters list.
Last year, DEP and the PFBC released findings from
a multi-year study (CADDIS) indicating that the most
likely causes for the population decline of smallmouth
bass in the Susquehanna River are endocrine-disrupting
compounds and herbicides; and pathogens and parasites.
Arway says the next step should be to focus on iden-
tifying the sources of the endocrine-disrupting com-
pounds and herbicides, which would be required with an
impairment designation.
“The Susquehanna River's smallmouth bass fishery
once attracted anglers from all over the world,” he said.
“I am confident that the results from last year’s study,
along with a continued commitment by DEP to identify
the causes and reduce the sources of pollution, will pro-
vide for the eventual recovery and return of that once
world class recreational fishery.”
“The impairment designation is critical to this ef-
fort,” he added. “Our concerns continue to be driven by
the need to conserve and protect our aquatic resources
so they may be enjoyed by present and future genera-
tions as guaranteed by our state constitution.” Taken from the PFBC website
Fly of the Month
Snowflake Dun Pattern: Roman Moser
Fly and photograph: Hans Weilenmann
Hook: Tiemco 102Y #13-#17 (or equivalent fine wire
hook
Thread: Brown or White 8/0
Tail: Fairly sparse CDC clump (Type 3), half to three
quarter shank length
Body: Dubbing to match the natural
Outriggers: Hackle fibers
Wing: Double layer of CDC
Head: Fine white poly yarn
http://www.flytierspage.com/hweilenmann/snowflake_dun.htm
Upcoming Events
November 1, 2016
through April 30, 2017
Mandatory Life Jacket
Requirement
January 11, 2017
Chapter Meeting - Annual
Watershed Summit 7 PM
January 19 - 22, 2017
Outdoor Sportsman’s
Expo at Lycoming Mall nmpwoutdoorexpo.weebly.com/
January 26 - 29, 2017
Early Bird Sports Expo,
Bloomsburg Fair Grounds
January 27 - 29, 2017
The Fly Fishing Show,
Somerset, NJ
February 4 - 12, 2017
Great American Sports
Show, Harrisburg
February 8, 2017
Chapter Meeting
February 18 - 19, 2017
18th Annual Valley Out-
doors Cabin Fever Expo
at the Mifflinburg Inter-
mediate School
February 21, 2017
Fly Tying Class
February 28, 2017
Fly Tying Class
March 4 - 5, 2017
The Fly Fishing Show,
Lancaster, PA
March 7, 2017
Fly Tying Class
March 8, 2017
Chapter Meeting
March 14, 2017 Fly Tying Class
March 21, 2017
Fly Tying Class
March 25, 2017
Mentored Youth Trout
Day - Regional
March 28, 2017
Fly Tying Class
April 1, 2017
Regional Opening day of
Trout
April 4, 2017
Fly Tying Class
April 8, 2017
Mentored Youth Trout
Day - Statewide
April 12, 2017
Chapter Meeting
April 15, 2017
Statewide Opening of
Trout
The Mission of the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited is to work to conserve, protect and restore Cen-
tral Pennsylvania’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds
Susquehanna Ripples
Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited
PO Box 1132
Williamsport, PA 17703 - 1132