August 2022 Newsletter
It’s August, it’s hot, but we are getting a respectable monsoon, so this helps our water and our mountain streams. August is also “back-to-school” time for those of us in Arizona. I still have trouble getting my head around school starting in August. It was always the Tuesday after Labor Day when I was a kid.
Welcome to the August 2022 newsletter. We just returned from the Trout Unlimited Annual meeting in Portland Maine. It was great to see so many of our TU friends, and get updated, in person for the first time this decade. Later in the Newsletter, Susan Geer links to Chris Wood’s annual State of Trout Unlimited
One of the highlights of this year’s TU annual meeting was the annual Ray Mortensen Coldwater Conservation Award. Our very own Jim Walker, immediate past president of Zane Grey Chapter, and National Leadership Council Chair received the award recognizing the TU organization’s top volunteer honor. More about Jim and his award may be found here.
As reported last month, Joe Miller of Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited, Gila Trout Chapter, Desert Flycasters, Payson Flycasters, Ducks Unlimited, and several other organizations was selected to the Wildlife For Tomorrow, Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. Also being honored is Cinda Howard, White Mountains fishing guide, a TU Business Member and past president of Desert Fly Casters Club, will be honored Saturday, August 20, 2022. The Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited is sponsoring and hosting the bar. AZTU is hosting a couple of tables supporting Joe. AZ Fly Shop is also hosting tables. If you’d like to join the fun, a link to join the celebration is later in the newsletter.
Recently the Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited (ZGTU) Board of Directors developed a Strategic Action Plan aligning our many diverse activities and helping better define our mission while setting our organizational course for the next several years.
So, this Fall, we are kicking off our volunteer recruitment in concert with our strategic plan.
Scroll down to the volunteer section to learn more and look for a follow up email addressed to Zane Grey members asking for your help and support.
Board meetings - We’ve gone virtual!!!!
Please join us for our monthly board teleconferences the
First Thursday of each month @ 7:00 – 8:45 PM
Microsoft Teams meeting:
Join on your computer or mobile app
Or call in (audio only)
Phone Conference ID: 597 936 271#
Until then,
Tight Lines.
Alan Davis
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Help Wanted Needed!
Consider volunteering for a position with your chapter. We are currently looking for a number of volunteers. Scroll down to the Volunteer Section for more information. Or, contact any board member, or me.
Here are some of the articles in this month's Newsletter.
- Your Zane Grey Chapter of TU has a great Instagram! Follow us here!
- Arizona TU (@trout_unlimited_arizona)
- Volunteer Opportunities and Updates:
- See above in the President's Message and below
- Public Policy
- Legislative Updates
- Next Meeting Thursday August 11th, 7PM
- Fishing
- Free Carp Fishing Clinic
- Carp Rally Hosted by Az Fly Shop
- National Leadership Council
- The State of Trout Unlimited
- Fly Girls Women's Initiative
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Ladies Fall Lees Ferry Trip - ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT!
- Education
- Salmon of the Desert
- Trivia Question
- Conservation
- Support and Learn More about Wildlife for Tomorrow
- Celebrate Joe Miller and Cinda Howard's Outdoor Hall of Fame Inductions
- Other Angling organizations
- ZGTU and affiliates calendar
- Follow ZGTU on Social Media
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Last month's answer for "What do you call a group of trout," is a HOVER. While we don’t think School can really be deemed as absolutely wrong, it is also not scientifically accurate (according to Montana) Here are the survey results. Congrats to the 21% of you that got HOVER correct!
Scroll down to this month's Education section for the August Trivia!
School - 57.9% (generic overall, but specific for some species)
Pod - 15.8% (whales)
Hover - 21.1% (rainbow trout)
Murder – 5.3% (group of crows)
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ZGTU Volunteer Opportunities |
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Recently the Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited (ZGTU) Chapter Board of Directors developed a Strategic Action Plan aligning our many diverse activities and helping better define our mission while setting our organizational course for the next several years.
Our focus, in formulating this plan, are the key factors that drive the Zane Grey Chapter as an organization:
- conservation;
- membership outreach;
- external and community outreach;
- chapter sustainability and leadership development; and,
- fundraising.
The ZGTU strategic plan is a dynamic document covering the next three-years and created as a map for ZGTU’s future. Our intention is implementing and updating often. Here is a link to the Plan or (click on the picture below.
We are now looking to you, our chapter members, for help in reaching our Chapter goals! We know we have many talented chapter members that could assist in various ways, and we encourage you to become involved. Whether it’s an hour a month or more we want you! This will be a fun and rewarding endeavor! If you would like to know more and or are ready to “jump in” please reach out to:
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Legislative Update - Nate Rees
With the 2022 state legislative session in our rearview mirror it's time we start preparing for next year. My goal is to identify legislation in other western states that protects water resources, access to public lands and supports the outdoor recreation industry. I’ll then workshop these bills with some of our key allies in the House and Senate, ideally introducing a pragmatic piece of legislation that stands a fair chance of passing in the 2023 state legislative session. On top of this, I will continue to meet with and educate our state lawmakers on the importance of public lands in Arizona. During this time I’ll be leaning on the AZTU PPC for insight / feedback on potential new legislation. These exercises will go on from now till the end of the calendar year.
ADEQ Moving Forward with Implementing the Surface Water Protection Program (SWPP)
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is aggressively moving forward with the roll-out of the SWPP. They have published 5 Technical Papers and the Draft Rule. This Rule includes the list of which surface waters are going to be protected, called the Protected Surface Water List (PSWL). Ninety of the ninety-five waters on our AZTU Priority Waters List are on the PSWL and we are working with ADEQ and AZGFD to get the other five added. One aspect that we are watching closely is how the Economic, Social and Environmental (ESE) Cost/Benefit Analysis is going to be modeled. This is the tool ADEQ will be using to determine whether to add or remove a water from the PSWL. We want to make sure that the Social and Environmental value of waters are considered, not just the potential creation of jobs and tax revenues. By statute, the Rule must be finalized by year-end.
Here is a link to the technical Papers and the Draft Rule:
We believe that this implementation of the SWPP is critical to protecting our fresh, clean water in AZ as it will dictate how waters not protected by the federal Waters of The US (WOTUS) Rule will be managed.
Upcoming Events
August Meeting, Thursday, August 11th at 7:00 PM
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The AZTU Public Policy Committee (PPC) hosts a virtual meeting on the second Thursday of the month at 7:00 until 8:00 PM. If you are interested, please contact Tom Osterday at PublicPolicyChair@az-tu.org .
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FREE Carp Fishing Instruction!
Upcoming Carp Rally Information!
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Join Zane Grey TU and Desert Fly Casters for a Carp-On-The-Fly Fishing Clinic |
What: Carp Fly Fishing Instruction
Date: Saturday, October 1, 2022
Time: 7:30 AM
Where: Carriage Park Lake and Canals (see map below)
Age: 14+
Snacks: Of course!
Cost: FREE OF CHARGE
Enrollment: Limited to 24
Equipment: Fly fishing equipment will be provided
What to bring: See list below
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Participants will be teamed up in small groups with seasoned carpers as they arrive. Optional practice casting will be available upon request.
Participants should bring:
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Fishing license -- Buy your license here: www.azgfd.com/license
- Walking shoes
- Water
- Eye protection (polarized sunglasses or safety glasses)
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- If you want to use your own equipment, bring a 9 ft, 5 or 6 wt. fly rod, with 9’ 4X leader and 4X fluorocarbon tippet, and flies (Prince nymphs, clown eggs, leaches and a stimulator fly), lanyard with fishing accoutrements
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I want to learn (or help others) fly fish for carp!
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LOCATION
Carriage Park, 3140 S Carriage Lane, Mesa 85202
DATE AND TIME
10/01/22 7:30am
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10/01/22 11:00pm
Enter the parking lot and we'll be in one of the ramadas to the left. Look for FISHING signage.
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Valley of the Sun Carp Rally 2022 |
Carp Rally: A 24 Hour Battle Royale!
Sept 23rd 10AM - Sept 24th 10AM
Space is limited to 25 teams.
Be a sponsor and or purchase raffle tickets for great prizes to benefit conservation efforts by Wildlife for Tomorrow!
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The State of Trout Unlimited |
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Listen to Chris Wood, Trout Unlimited’s President and CEO speak to the current state of affairs for trout and TU. Chris Wood is always a passionate speaker and this presentation from the July annual meeting in Portland, Maine is an inspiring and powerful look back (and forward) of all the incredible work done through dedicated and committed TU members such as you! Chris Wood discusses the hundreds and thousands of miles of river spawning trout, steelhead and salmon as well as the local level work on restoring degraded streams and engaging kids in outdoor education.
You should be proud to be part of an organization that makes such a positive impact!
If you would like to learn more about Trout Unlimited’s mission and goals, please contact Arizona’s NLC representative, Susan Geer, here or at the link below.
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GOING! GOING! (ALMOST) GONE!
Ladies Fall Lees Ferry Trip
October 7-9, 2022
HURRY! ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT!
AWOTU is pleased to announce a ladies’ guided fall fly fishing trip to Lees Ferry! Described as “The World’s Largest Spring Creek,” Lees Ferry offers fly fishing in crystal clear tailwaters surrounded by sandstone cliffs, making for a spectacular and unforgettable experience. Come meet other women anglers, learn from top guides and enjoy a weekend getaway to this world-renowned trophy trout fishery, located in our own backyard.
All levels welcome!
Details: Check into the lodge on Friday, October 7 and enjoy a welcome happy hour with the group at the restaurant on-site. We will start early on Saturday and enjoy a full day on the water, wading and boat fishing. Depart on Sunday at your leisure.
8 spots guaranteed, with 2 fly fishers per guide boat. We will run a wait list and add more if possible.
Cost: $550, SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY (double occupancy less but there is an additional 3% fee if using a credit card.) Included in cost: Happy hour, 2 nights lodging, full day of guided fishing with boat (two anglers per boat), including lunch.
At participant’s own expense: Tip for your guide (15-20% of fee is customary), other meals, beverages and purchases. Fee to get in/park at the Glen Canyon Recreation Area (see below). Transportation to and from Marble Canyon.
Park Fee: The launch site is a short drive from the lodge, located inside Glen Canyon Recreation area. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle/4 occupants. If anyone has an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass or Senior Park Pass, please BRING IT and maybe we can carpool.
Lodging/Rooms: Lodging is at Cliff Dwellers Lodge is located at Mile Post 547 N Hwy 89A in Marble Canyon, AZ. We have reserved enough rooms for each person to have her own room, or you may double up with a friend. Queen and Full rooms include two beds. King rooms have one bed. Please specify preference when reserving and indicate if you plan to share a room. Room allocations will be made first-come, first served.
Amenities/Other activities: A restaurant and a fly shop are located on site. There are no other stores in the immediate area, so you will want to pack accordingly. In addition to sightseeing, other activities in the area including kayaking, SUP and boat rentals. Learn more at https://cliffdwellerslodge.com
About Lees Ferry: “…Described as “The World’s Largest Spring Creek,” the Colorado River at Lees Ferry is a massive, clear running tailwater fishery. The river runs 15.5 miles from the outflow of Lake Powell at Glen Canyon Dam to the upper end of the Grand Canyon. …
RESERVATIONS/QUESTIONS: Please contact Eileen at ekleinaz@gmail.com to RSVP and make a deposit of $300 to claim your spot!
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Social Media:
Check out the Instagram page for
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Do we have wild salmon in the desert?
Only in Arizona: Native top predators act like migratory anadromous fish of the Pacific Northwest, and have been battling threats since nearly going extinct in the 1970s.
By: Mark Nothaft (April 2017)
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The geography didn't match, but it's easy to see how early settlers mistakenly thought the Colorado pikeminnow were salmon of some sort.
The large migratory fish had many of the characteristics of California and Pacific Northwest varieties, and the Colorado River during the mid-1800s drained into the Gulf of California. But alas the "white salmon" and "Colorado salmon," as they were dubbed, were no salmon at all. Click here to continue reading.
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August Facts: Regarding Salmon, being Anadromous means they...
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Results will be posted in each subsequent newsletter.
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are not fin-dominate, but can equally swim with both their right and left fins.
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only feed on other living creatures.
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hatch in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, and return to fresh water to spawn.
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Learn more about Wildlife for Tomorrow
and Celebrate with the Fly-Fishing Community
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We are excited to congratulate both Joe Miller of Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited, Gila Trout Chapter, Desert Fly Casters, and several other organizations and Cinda Howard of Fly Fish Arizona & Beyond as they are inducted into the AZ Outdoor Hall of Fame Hosted by Wildlife for Tomorrow.
Join us at an AZTU-sponsored table at the 24th Annual Outdoor Hall of Fame Induction Banquet.
Date: Saturday August 20, 2022
Where: Hilton Resort at the Peak
Address: 7677 North 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ
Tickets: $100
Meal Choice: Meat or Vegetarian
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Looking for a Fishing Opportunity? |
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Below is a list of fishing organizations in Arizona. Feel free to join, explore, visit their websites or attend a meeting to find out more information: |
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AZ Flycasters Club
@ The American Italian Club
7509 N 12th St
Phoenix, AZ 85020
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Fly-Fishing Social Event night - 2nd Tuesday of each month. Great speaker and awesome raffle. Donations support our Community outreach partners from Veterans to Youth activities.
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Desert Fly Casters
Check website for details.
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General meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month. Social Event 6-7 Meeting @ 7PM Great speakers; check website for details.
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AZFISHBOOK offers a variety of social activities. Listed below are some of the activities available.
Check out the AZFISHBOOK Groups at:
Looking for buddy to fish with?
Signup for AZFishBook Newsletter:
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Join Trout Unlimited Today!
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REMEMBER:
Your Conservation License Plate Supports TU Programs
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The Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) license plate fund is derived from the sale of wildlife conservation license plates and member organizations as well as non-member organizations are eligible to apply for those funds.
The Arizona TU Council and Chapters have received funds over the past seven years in support of the Annual Native and Wild Trout Conferences and the Trout in the Classroom programs.
The next time your registration comes up for renewal, choose the conservation license plate option at registration to show your support for conservation and our projects.
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Committed to
Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Arizona's watersheds and fisheries.
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Combined Calendar
AZ Trout Unlimited & Chapters, Arizona Flycasters Club and several other area fishing and conservation calendars
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You may access our calendar here.
Zane Grey Trout Unlimited
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Protect. Reconnect. Restore. Sustain. Conserving coldwater habitat in the desert southwest. |
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