Ted Trueblood Chapter-- February Report
by Andy Brunelle
Chapter President
Wow, only one month into 1999 and the Ted Trueblood Chapter has been very
busy!
FLY FISHING SEMINAR -- TU, BVFF and the Idaho Angler put on the fly fishing
seminar at BSU Jan. 23-24, with noted fly fishermen Dave Hughes and Rick
Haefle, both of Portland, OR. We had nearly 80 people attend Saturday, and 60
on Sunday. All day Saturday was spent on western Hatches. The information
about aquatic insects was impressive. I had not heard so much Latin since
before Vatican II.
FISH IN THE TANK! -- Our fish tank project at Riverside Elementary took a big
step forward in January with the addition of river substrate (that's rocks for
you non technical types), vibert boxes with fertilized eggs, and four or five
juvenile rainbow trout. Rick Prange reports that a very high percentage of
the 150 eggs are beginning to eye out. The 4th graders were thrilled with the
program were brood stock were brought from Hayspur Hatchery, spawned in the
classroom, and the eggs fertilized. We'll continue with future reports as the
life cycle continues.
A TROUT LICENSE PLATE? -- TU is working with the Idaho Wildlife Federation to
propose a trout license plate to the Idaho Legislature. Proceeds from the
special plate would be targeted to stream and riparian habitat restoration.
What are your thoughts? Can you help us make this a reality? Contact
tutedtrue@aol.com or call me at 343-1510.
PAT MCMANUS SHOW -- We will have a return of the always popular Patrick
McManus show on Saturday, March 20. Mark your calendar and watch for details
in future letters.
8TH ANNUAL TU CONSERVATION BANQUET -- Our annual conservation banquet will be
held Saturday, April 3 at the Double Tree Riverside. Tickets will go on sale
soon. Please plan to attend this event and support the local Chapter of Trout
Unlimited.
MINING -- Come learn more about these threats at the Idaho Conservation
League's Mining Activist Workshop. We'll discuss the proposed Rock Creek mine
which threatens Lake Pend Oreille, the need to reform the 1872 Mining Law, and
problems associated with the 8,000 abandoned mines in Idaho. The ICL Mining
Activist Workshop will be February 4-5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Log Cabin
Literary Center, 801 So. Capitol, Boise.
For more info. and RSVPs call Scott Brown, 345-6933, ext. 13
FISH AND GAME FUNDING -- Contact the House Resource Committee before next
Tuesday, Feb 9th which is when the committee will take up HB 66 and HB 68 the
Fish and Game Fee increase and Fee Indexing provisions respectively.
Indications so far are that committee members are only hearing from anti-IDFG
eers and are only hearing opposition to any fee enhancement measures.
Now is the time for folks to contact House Resource committee members and let
them know what they feel about fish and wildlife management and financial
support for the Agency.
Letters are best, but phone messages, faxes, e-mail needs to go.
Golden Linford Committee Chair
Francis Field, Grandview
Mike Moyle, Star
Lawrence Denney, Midvale
Ken Robinson, Boise
Mail: Idaho State Legislature
State Capitol Building
PO Box 83720
Boise ID 83720
332-1000 or 1-800-626-0471
fax 334-5397
email infocntr@lso.state.id.us
Remember Committee Hearing day is Feb 9th
And don't forget that the Idaho Wildlife Federation Lobby Day is Tuesday,
February 9th beginning at 8 am at the Idaho Legislature. We have reserved the
Gold Room (4th fl) for presentations to our board and members on the bills we
are concerned about. The Joint Finance and Appropriations will be considering
the Fish and Game budget at 8:30 am that morning as well. (not the fee
increase) Look for the schedule in subsequent e-mails.
The TU state council will also have a presence at the annual "Lobby Day" with
Idaho Rivers United and Idaho Conservation league on Monday February 22. The
primary focus at last discussion is going to be readoption of the Payette
Plan. We have the 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. will be an evening reception and program
at the Rose Room, 714 W. Idaho. For more information and if you want to
participate, contact Darci at 343-7481.