First 2013 Outing!!

Don't forget - Sunday April 14 a day trip to Lost Lake [the one lost in Clatsop County....not those other ones lost throughout Oregon] is scheduled - that's only 2 WEEKS away. First of the season - and a nice warm up!

Consider contacting Andy Andrews who works hard to organize these trips to RSVP [or bother him about gear!]! Last year saw a great mix of Oregon 'spring' weather and a good number of fish to hand....hope to see you there.

Outing Schedule

Legislative Update - HB 2530 Genetically Modified Salmon and more...

As reported from Tom Wolf, Oregon State Council:

HB 2530 - which would ban genetically modified and Atlantic salmon from Oregon waters - for commercial purposes - had a hearing on Thursday [3/21] in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. TU had met with committee chair, Rep. Witt and was positive for an open and equal hearing. Jack Williams, TU Senior Scientist, traveled up from Medford as our expert for the bill. TU was hopeful there was a strong chance of passing this bill.....

Sandy River Hatchery Ruling

Sandy River hatchery lawsuit ruling: U.S. District Court Judge Ancer Haggerty ruled last week on a preliminary injunction that requested a halt to this spring’s releases of salmon and steelhead from the Sandy River hatchery by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW).

Waldo Lake - pristine?

Appears so - at least the attempts to keep these important headwaters so. After some often contentious discussions the process of making it motor-free has taken flight - literally. After banning motors on boats in the past few years - sights were set on seaplanes which continued to use the lake with impunity. Citing concerns for water quality and protection against invasive species many have argued - with apparent success - that no fossil fueled type devices can power vessels on these waters. Some concession to limited electric power have been included in the recent discussion that just passed the Senate committee. Looks to have taken hold for with good support for future law - consideration and thoughts can be shared with your Legislators during these final reviews.

Press article - The Oregonian

Bill 602 Text

Upcoming Volunteering Fun

Redd Surveys - Salmonberry River: starting in April, the Steelhead Spawning surveys are taking place again on the Salmonberry River - this will be the 20th year of surveying [that is a lot of potentially good data]!

National Recognition for TVTU!

In the April issue of Field & Stream - a national outdoor publication - Conservation Director Michael Ellis was recognized as a Hero of Conservation for the chapter’s “Christmas for Coho” Christmas tree ecocycle program. The magazine features persons and organizations who spend their time working to create, improve, or restore fish and wildlife or habitat and gives credit to those who are dedicated to the spirit of conservation volunteerism and demonstrate a particular extension beyond the normal – as well as a $500 contribution toward the program. It is with great appreciation that Michael can accept the honor for the many dedicated members and organizers who have put forth effort and time to the project!

“Congratulations and thanks members of TVTU! It is ALL of the volunteers that have made this possible” says Michael.

And thank you Michael for your extra efforts!
Don’t forget – you too can help the Christmas for Coho Program.

Invite from Tom Wolf, Oregon Council

Oregon TU member- 

Be part of Oregon's Clean, Green Lobby Machine! 

We are counting down to our Lobby Day – Thursday, March 21, 2013. We know that the only way that we can counteract powerful interests who prefer development to conservation is with the help of everyday Oregonians – people like you, your best friend, your colleague, your neighbor. So, please – RSVP today to spend the day with us on March 21st. We will provide a meaningful training, a delicious lunch, and scheduled time with your legislators and other leaders. You provide your voice and support for the OCN Priorities for a Healthy Oregon.

Hopefully you can plan to come down and take a chance to talk to your legislator about banning suction dredge mining, a top TU priority this session and also one of OCN's top priorities. If you can make it that would be great. Also if you can show up at 8am, Jack Williams, TU Senior Scientist, and I will be testifying in support of HB 2530, a bill banning genetically altered and Atlantic salmon from being raised in the state. Should be a great hearing.

Hope you can make it,

Tom Wolf, Oregon Council TU chair

Christmas for Coho Committee Forming - BECOME A PART OF IT - JOIN US!

By Michael Ellis 

Christmas trees collected by TVTU placed in the Off Channel Wetland Complex at the Thompson property

Due to the success of our Christmas for Coho project we have decided to form a committee to better be able to handle the workload. If you have an interest in helping out with any aspect of this project please join the committee. E-mail me, Michael Ellis, at TVTURestoration@gmail.com  to sign up. We will need people to concentrate on planning for next year, donor outreach, transportation logistics, volunteer recruitment, site prep and staffing, publicity, public outreach and education, fundraising and a host of other topics that may arise. This project has given us a great way to meet the general, non fly fishing, public and to tell them about our group and its activities. Please join us in making the third year of this project better than ever.

IT'S TONIGHT! Member Meeting

Don't let it pass by! Come join us at the Luck Lab in Multnomah Village Tomorrow [March 13] - starts at 6:30. John Bracke will be joining us at 7:00 or so. Pizza, beverages, fish stories and more! MORE INFO

The Trout Line - March/April 2013

The latest issue of the TVTU newsletter is available!! CLICK and enjoy!