TU CHAPTER 589 TUG HILL – BLACK RIVER MEETING MINUTES – November 13, 2018

Members Present: Garrett Brancy, Paul Miller, John Propster, Ed Stankiewicj, Wayne Weber, Adam Nichelson, Andy Greulich, Rose Greulich. Welcome guest speaker Mike Riordan.

1000. called to order: 7:00 pm. Treasures Report: Balance $733.87

3096568. Speaker – Mike Riordan, Salmon River International Sport Fishing Museum, 3044 State Route 13, Pulaski, N.Y. Mike presented an over view of the Museum which is a 501c3 not for profit organization supported by the generosity of volunteers and donations. The Museum houses artifacts from all over the world, originally part of the Gladding International Sport Fishing Museum collection. The Museum is open from April through October. Mike conducts several programs based at the Museum including educational fishing programs for kids. Anyone interested in becoming a member, sponsor or volunteer please contact Mike directly at 315-374-2997. Donations are gratefully accepted.

Mad River Wind Farm – Currently no new information is available. A letter has been submitted to the Public Service Commission requesting inclusion of NYS TU as an intervenor. Tug Hill Tomorrow has contracted SUNY ESF to conduct a study on species that may be impacted.

Lake Ontario and Tributaries Focus Group Meeting – Another meeting is anticipated. The date has not been set. Member Paul Miller will attend.

Tug Hill Heritage Brook Trout Project – In addition to the Brook Trout project Paul Miller suggested that we also conduct collections similar to those done by NYSDEC WAVE participants. These two projects will be planned concurrently for the spring.

Grant Application Update - Our grant application that was submitted to assist with funding for the Brook Trout project was not approved at the fall TU State Council meeting. It has been tabled until the spring council meeting.

Status of Lake Ontario Alewife and 2019 NYSDEC Stocking Plans – NYSDEC Great Lakes and Fisheries staff presented information at a recent public meeting on these two issues. “In response to intensified concerns regarding Lake Ontario’s alewife population, DEC must take additional action to protect the long-term sustainability of the trout and salmon fishery.” “DEC will further reduce Chinook Salmon stocking by an additional 20% in 2019.” The full report is available at dec.ny.gov.

NYS TU Fall State Council Meeting Summary – Larry Charette from the Rochester area Seth Green TU Chapter is the new chairman. Thank you to former chairman Ron Urban for his many years of service. A Trout Power video was presented detailing DNA analysis of Brook Trout in various areas of New York State. NYSDEC Bureau of Fisheries Chief Steve Hurst discussed Lake Ontario stocking levels. A new trout stream management study was mentioned which will list classifications for both wild trout streams and stocked trout streams.

Trout in the Classroom – Brook Trout eggs will arrive from SUNY Morrisville soon for TIC programs at New Hartford and Camden. Atlantic Salmon eggs from Maine will be ready sometime in late December or early January and be delivered to Camden, IHC, APW and Verona.

International Fly Fishing Film Festival – The IF4 showing is set for Saturday evening, April 13, 2019 at Tailwater Lodge, Altmar, N.Y. There will be various raffles, and light refreshments available for purchase before the show. Exact times will be posted soon. Tickets will be $15 per person. We will need items for the raffle.

Chapter Fundraiser Status Report – A fundraiser was initiated to increase available funds for Trout in the Classroom as well as future expenditures related to the Tug Hill Heritage Brook Trout Project. Two raffle items still available are a guided fishing trip donated by Wayne-O’s Guide Service and a Steelhead Season Pass donated by the DSR. Tickets for these two items will be available at $5 per ticket or 5 tickets for $20 until the drawing on December 11, 2018. Raffle info will be available on TU Facebook and DSR website.

Oswego PHWFF Fly Tying Event – Meets Monday nights at the Mexico VFW from 6 – 8 PM. Join them on Monday, November 19 and learn how to tie a flesh fly. All materials will be supplied. For additional info contact program lead John Propster at: john.propster@projecthealingwaters.org

December Meeting – Our next meeting will be Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the DSR Welcome Center, Lake Street, Pulaski, N.Y. from 7 – 9 PM. We will have our annual Christmas gift exchange. Please bring a gift priced in the $10 range to exchange.

Meeting Adjourned: 8:37 pm