Another year another quagga.....

These small Quagga mussels were found on a boat that stopped at the Ontario boat inspection station. ODFW photo

Invasive Quagga mussels stopped at the border

March 10, 2016

ONTARIO, Ore –Quagga mussels once again were prevented from entering Oregon and potentially causing millions in damage to our state’s water systems and ecosystems. 

Yesterday, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife technicians at the Ontario boat inspection station intercepted a Quagga mussel infested boat last used in Lake Havasu, Arizona which is plagued with these invaders. 

The station just opened March 3.This is the first vessel of the 2016 inspection season found infested with the invasive mussels. 

For you roundball fans....fun and TU support

It's a different take on the normal March Madness Bracketology.....let us know what you think! Brackets are open until MARCH 16.

$5,000+ worth of fishing prize Only $10 to enter 100% of proceeds benefit Trout Unlimited and Casting for Recovery

Learn More About Cheeky March Madness

Another reminder...

FOR FUN!!

WHAT: NW Fly Tyer and Flyfishing Expo

WHEN: March 11-12, 2016

WHERE: Albany, OR - Linn County Expo Center

WHAT'S it COST: $10 General Admission [free parking] - FREE for youth, veterans, and FFF members

WHAT to EXPECT: The NW Expo has been heralded as the “largest fly tying event west of the Mississippi". Come to the Expo and be part of the crowd of fly tyers and fly fishers building their knowledge and seeing old friends.  At the Expo you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn from 200 Fly Tyers
• Explore 50 Exhibitors
• Observe Daily Casting Demonstrations 
• Choose from over 50 Classes on Tying, Casting, & Fly Fishing
• Attend the Daily FREE Fly Fishing Education Program
• Participate in Raffles & Silent Auctions daily
• Attend the Banquet Saturday night.

<<<<MORE INFO ON NW EXPO>>>

Don't forget....

GENERAL MEETING - this week!

WHEN: Wednesday, March 9, 2016
WHERE: Lucky Lab Public House [Multnomah]\
WHAT TIME: 6:30 p.m. Socializing; meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.
WHAT to EXPECT: Marc Williamson - "Fishing Fall River"

Marc will share information specifically regarding Fall River as well as discussing some general information that relates to spring creek techniques. Capitalize on your efforts and become successful in what can be very difficult waters. Marc has been a teacher, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Professor at Warner Pacific College and continues to teach fly fishing throughout the Pacific Northwest and Montana; he is also an instructor/guide for WaterTime Outfitters.

WHAT to BRING: appetites and friends welcome! Food and beverages are available for purchase - second floor banquet room. A little cash for the raffle?

What'd I Miss....February Edition

The February Madness Member Meeting went off without a hitch again this year – well attended with the ladies of Stonefly Maidens Club [wives/girlfriends/fellow TU members of the finer sex take note and consider meeting the Ladies of the Stonefly]. About 50 persons were in attendance for the finer business of TVTU and to hear Rick Hafele.

The Stonefly ladies started it off...

March at TVTU?

Hope you enjoyed our annual February weather break last week - what a time!! Cannot wait until July 4th when the Oregon summer officially begins! Lots going on these next few so lets get on with the information sharing!

Speaking of Summer - Andy Andrews, the TVTU explorer has released the 2016 TVTU Outing schedule.....

Feeling political?

Oregon TU Members we need your help,

Tell the Oregon Legislature - Vote No on SB1584 Protect Flows for Salmon and Steelhead

Please help stop a major threat to Oregon's salmon and steelhead runs that is being rushed through the state legislature. Senate Bill 1584 would rollback crucial fish protection and water conservation planning standards.

These standards apply to new development of old water rights by some cities on streams with struggling fish populations. Current standards help ensure that cities use water in ways that allow imperiled salmon, steelhead, and other native fish to persist in the waterways affected by their water use, while also requiring the cities to implement basic, proven water conservation measures. SB 1584 would allow an exemption from these crucial protections.

Please take action today,
Dwayne Meadows, PNW Outreach Coordinator TU
Canyon City, OR

FYI....

We continue to post information on the inspection efforts of ODFW; the interest lies in the fact that although not numerous there are continually invasives being found. The inspection stations will open soon for 2016....and there were finds in 2015:

ODFW technicians decontaminate a boat at an inspection station last year.
- ODFW photo -

Boat Inspection Stations Open

Vehicles hauling boats must stop for free inspection


February 22, 2016
SALEM, Ore – Aquatic invasive species watercraft inspection stations open March 1 at the Ashland Port of Entry on northbound I-5 and March 3 at the Ontario rest area on northbound I-84. Watercraft inspection stations in Lakeview, Klamath Falls and Gold Beach open in mid-May.

All vehicles carrying motorized or non-motorized boats, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and sailboats must stop. Motorists are alerted to inspection stations by large orange “Boat Inspection Ahead” signs followed by “Inspection Required for All Watercraft.”

“It’s very important that people stop at these stations and get their boats inspected. It’s our first line of defense in keeping aquatic invasive species such as mussels, plants and snails out of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest,” said Rick Boatner, Invasive Species Coordinator.

More on the Elwha....

Elwha: Roaring Back to Life
By Lynda V. Mapes
Seattle Times environment reporter

ELWHA RIVER — The Elwha watershed is booming with new life, after the world’s largest dam removal.

“Big things can happen if people persevere,” said Mike McHenry, biologist with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, which got the ball rolling on dam removal when it was still thought a crazy idea. “Back in 1990, you ask somebody in Anywhere, USA, about dam removal,” McHenry said, “they would have told you that you were nuts.”

Not anymore.

<<<<SEATTLE TIMES Article>>>

Trees in other places....

Reedsport Community Charter School students and staff put Christmas trees in Buck Creek. ODFW photo.

Christmas trees help native fish

February 11, 2016

 

ROSEBURG, Ore – The holiday season may be over, but Douglas County’s fish are just getting their gifts. December’s used Christmas trees were recently placed in East Fork Rock Creek and Buck Creek to enhance fish habitat.

 

“We put the Christmas trees in streams...