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Committed to
Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Arizona's watersheds and fisheries.
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Creeps and idiots cannot conceal themselves for long on a fishing trip.
~John Gierach Trout Unlimited
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Message From The President |
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Welcome to the December 2021 Newsletter,
Welcome to the Zane Grey Chapter December 2021 newsletter. Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, happy holidays.
We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and are enjoying our Autumn weather. While the mountain creeks may be low, there are still many opportunities for fishing here in the valley. One opportunity is this coming Saturday, December 4, 2021, where we will again co-host a Salt River Saturday event with Arizona Flycasters Club. More information is below and here.
Orvis is offering a special holiday fundraiser for Zane Grey chapter: buy a box for the holiday present, $2.50, and half the proceeds go to Zane Grey chapter. So be sure and buy a box when shopping at Orvis this month.
We’ve had a busy month: we held a fishing day with the Kiwanis Club of Phoenix, and introduced fishing and donut eating to some kids from the Diamondback Boys and Girls Club of South Phoenix. See the article and pictures below. Look for more activity coming soon.
Next month we announce a series of conservation work projects. Watch for the announcements, with the specific times and dates.
Have you seen our recent fundraising letter? It came in a plain white envelope, so it may have been overlooked. But it is not too late, you can still help Zane Grey Chapter in our goal to get Apache and Gila trout off the threatened list. See the letter here, or to donate, simply click here.
The Arizona Trout In the Classroom (TIC) program held its 2021-22 School year introduction earlier this month. Unfortunately, the eggs delivery and some aquarium equipment are experiencing the all too familiar supply chain issues and delays. The eggs are now scheduled for arrival during the first week of February. More about TIC later in the newsletter.
We are grateful and thankful that Congress passed the bi-partisan infrastructure bill. We’re concerned, as are most citizens, of the tremendous debt we are creating for our children and grandchildren. Nevertheless, there are several features of the new bill that are very helpful to trout and salmon conservation efforts. Chris Wood, Trout Unlimited’s President, outlines many of the benefits of the infrastructure bill in an article you can read here: Why "Infrastructure Week" was a big deal for trout and salmon | Trout Unlimited
We’ve gone virtual!!!!
Please join us for our monthly meeting:
Look for our December board meeting announcement.
Until then,
Tight Lines.
Alan Davis
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Help Wanted Needed!
Tired of doing crossword puzzles and 10,000-piece jigsaw puzzles? Then consider volunteering for a position with your chapter board. We currently are looking for a STREAM Keeper leader, and a board member at-large. If interested, 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 new Instagram! Follow us here!
- Arizona TU (@trout_unlimited_arizona)
- Volunteer Opportunities and Updates:
- Zane Gray's Fund to help delist Apache and Gila trout
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
- Kids Fishing Event Thank You!
- Important Message on Diversity and Inclusion
- Public Policy
- Presentation by Steve Kandell - 30X30 Initiative
- Legislative Update by Nate Rees
- Audubon Groundwaters Webinars
- Fly Girls Women's Initiative:
- Virtual Book Club: 52 Rivers: A Woman's Fly Fishing Journey
- Conservation: Planting Willows for Trout: Jim Strogen
- Education: Trout in the Classroom - Updates
- Fishing: Salt River Saturday Info and Tipping Your Fishing Guide Article
- Other Angling organizations
- ZGTU and affiliates calendar
- Follow ZGTU on Social Media
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Giving Tuesday was yesterday, but you can still donate to Zane Grey's fund to restore Apache & Gila Trout habitats |
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I will help restore Arizona’s Apache & Gila Trout habitats!
My tax-deductible gift is enclosed:
☐ $50 ☐ $100 ☐ $150 ☐ $250 ☐ $Other
Name_______________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________
City/State/Zip_________________________________________________________
Phone_____________________________ Email_____________________________
Please charge my: ☐ VISA ☐ MC ☐ AMEX ☐ DISC
☐ Card Number___________________________ Exp. Date________ Security Code_____
Thank You for Supporting Zane Grey Trout Unlimited’s Initiative to Save Arizona’s Apache Trout and Gila Trout!
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Thanks To All Who Introduced Kids To Fishing! |
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A picture says a thousand words and you can see by the smiles on these kids' faces that they had a great time at Kiwanis Park with all the volunteers from Trout Unlimited who helped make the day a success. And, a fish was caught! We hope that the experience will lead future generations to understand the importance of conserving our natural resources and nature.
But, perhaps, this message from Jeff Carter says it best:
"Thanks to you and your team for a well planned event at the park today. I realize the time it takes to organize such an even and enjoyed helping out. It was fun and everyone had a good time.
On other notes, the introduction of fishing and especially fly fishing to our young people does so many things. The sport is so much more than just fun, it is a way to learn much about nature, conservation, and maybe as important, ethics, honor and respect.
As with most TU chapter clubs based in a urban location, the majority of members are us old men. Absent are more women and young people. The importance of TU and other groups to preserve and protect our fisheries cannot be understated, however I see challenges in our future. Without the efforts of introducing young people to our passion, I think our cause is in jeopardy in many urban areas.
I was introduced to TU in 1982 by the owner of the local shop in Breckenridge. It was my first correct experience with a fly rod, and he picked me as the first student in my class to try to nymph fish. I caught two in a manner of 10 minutes and the rest is history. In a ski resort the populace is weighted toward young people and the trout streams are plentiful and close by. It was easy to recruit new members and the club grew quickly.
A combination of being in an urban setting with lots of attention gathering things to do, the age of the internet, etc. I see getting younger people (AND women), more engaged increasingly more difficult. We simply must replicate our commitment and knowledge to the next generation of fishers and conservationists. I know the leadership of TU is fully aware of this conundrum, and equally sure there have been plenty of discussions to tackle the challenge.
Keep me in mind for any future instructional/introductory events as well as habitat projects. I used to crew with the DOW and have experience in stream improvements, shocking crews, etc. I would be interested in hearing (and maybe offering), some ideas on how to attract our future as well as more women. Please feel free to pass this on to other leaders."
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DEI is a skill that we have to keep learning and practicing. Our goal is to make the need for this TU Workgroup obsolete. We would love to hear YOUR ideas about how to help encourage the love of nature and coldwater conservation to any underserved community. Also, ANYONE and everyone is invited to join in TU’s national Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Zoom workgroup on the third Thursday of each month at 8 p.m. Eastern time. |
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We are better because of you—so please join in the conversation! |
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Presentation by Steve Kandell - 30X30 Initiative
Steve Kandell leads TU's Advocacy work in the Western United States. He moved to Durango, Colorado over 20 years ago to pursue his passion of conservation, fishing and hunting. Steve has a distinguished career in environmental planning in both the public and private sectors.
He noted that the 30 X 30 Initiative (recently renamed the America the Beautiful Initiative) captures the Biden Administration's goal to protect 30% of US lands and waters by the year 2030 from adverse effects of climate change, including the reduction of green house gases. The Initiative includes:
- Science Driven Organization
- Latest IPCC Report – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- Increased Sense of Urgency – to Cap Emissions
- Focus on Biodiversity
- Natural Climate Solutions, plus Emission Reductions
TU is a science-based organization and Helen Neville is the Science Director for TU. Native trout is on the front line of this initiative. This is a global Initiative with 65 to 70 countries signing on and is based on a scientific paper, the Global Deal for Nature, done years ago. About 30% of carbon emissions is absorbed by the Earth’s forests. A 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit average increase in the Earth’s temperature is considered the tipping point of major changes. They would like to see various local initiatives rather than a top-down directive. The Initiative is considered a bold vision and needs to be backed-up with actions.
A working group has been formed: the White House Council on Environmental Quality. The definition of what land and waters are considered protected in the 30% is vague and a work in progress. What is considered "permanently protected" is underway. There is a goal to have the American Conservation Stewardship Atlas, created by the US Geological Society, completed by early 2022. The Atlas will be the mechanism to track our progress toward the 30% protection goal. There are approximately 2.27 billion acres of land in the U.S. About 640 million acres, 28% of the total land in the U.S., is public land. Of the public land, about 12% to 13% is considered protected.
This Initiative is an opportunity for TU. TU National has identified various actions/opportunities to monitor as follows:
- Infrastructure Package -- Done -- Passed by Congress
- Budget Reconciliation
- On the Ground Restoration Work
- Permanent Lands Protection
- Agency Climate Plans
- Mineral Withdrawals
- Amend PILT – Payment In Lieu of Taxes
- State Level Efforts
Nine or ten states have already signed on to support the 30X30 Initiative. The Infrastructure Package has a lot of money, up to $250 million, that will help fish as well as to provide improvements to forest service legacy roads, trails, culverts, etc., and dedicated funds to clean up abandoned mines in the West.
The Budget Reconciliation Bill may have $3 billion to clean up abandoned mines in the West.
TU has, and will continue, to be involved in lots of restoration work in the U.S.. Chris Wood, TU CEO, has expanded the Initiative name to 30X30 plus 20 to suggest that 50% of the lands and waters need to be protected. Here is a link to an article he wrote on it: https://www.tu.org/magazine/from-the-president/30x30-plus-20/
The Grand Canyon Protection Act is an example of Permanent Lands Protection through legislation, as well as the mining ban at Bristol Bay in Alaska and and in the Pecos watershed outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. He stated TU is not opposed to mining, but some mining proposals might be the wrong mine for a chosen spot. Steve believes that Mineral Withdrawals should be counted towards the 30% protected lands. TU would like to see an amendment to the PILT to include an excise tax on the purchase of outdoor gear like backpacks to provide funding to various counties that have lots of public lands, since the counties can’t tax public lands. He stated it’s a long road ahead to accomplish the goal. The White House is to begin hearings on the Atlas. TU’s work feeds into the 30X30 Initiative and TU will continue to monitor the Atlas, the Antiquities Act option, various bills, priority waters, etc. The Grand Canyon Protection Act is a high priority for TU National. The National Monuments issue is on the back burner for TU at this time as the current administration is reversing the prior administration's reductions. Nate Rees stated that he will monitor any opposition to the “America the Beautiful” in the AZ legislature.
Legislative Update by Nate Rees
The 2022 legislative session begins the second week of January 2022. AZTU plans to support pro-30X30 legislation in the AZ Legislature which will serve as a defense against the anti-30X30 legislation that Gail Griffin introduced last year. Nate and the PPC membership will be meeting with AZ legislators in anticipation of the start of the 2022 Session. Camo at the Capitol will be February 3rd. TU and the AZ Wildlife Federation will both have booths with activities on the AZ Capital lawn. He also noted that the US Geological Survey has proposed to take uranium off the critical minerals list and has requested comments by December 9, 2021. This may support our efforts to continue the ban on uranium mining near the Grand Canyon.
Priority Waters
We continue working with Julie Carter and her staff at AZGFD in developing the Priority Waters list for AZ.
Audubon Groundwater Webinars
In case you missed it in last month's newsletter, Audubon recently conducted 3 very informative webinars on ground water pumping. The links are here:
PPC Meeting Schedule Change
The PPC decided to move our meetings from the second Tuesday of the month to the second Thursday of the month to avert a conflict with the Arizona Flycasters Club meetings and allow our members to participate in both.
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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@zanegreytu.org
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Women's Virtual Book Club:
Book - 52 Rivers, A Woman's Fly Fishing Journey by Shelley Walchak
Next conversation:
Thursday, January 20th, 6 PM
Join us whether you've read the book or not!
Call In: 712-432-0220
Access code: 4632017
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Social Media:
Check out the Instagram page for
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Planting Willows for Trout on the East Verde River
by Jim Strogen
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It may sound a little odd, but trout love willows! They provide the shade that helps cool the water and offer great cover for the trout to hide in.
Please enjoy this throw-back article from March of 2020.
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Trout in the Classroom Update |
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What’s the Latest?
Well, we continue to hear of delays or cancellation of activities and events of organizations due to various issues. You can now add the Arizona TIC program to the list.
The supply chain that delivers our supplies and the processes to move ahead continue to cause a delay in the start of the program for the 2021 - 2022 school year.
Even with many challenges, VASCA Aquarium Supply, our partner, has been successful in locating and providing almost all of the chemicals, equipment and other supplies for our upcoming program. Several other suppliers have not been as successful.
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What’s Next?
The pickup of eggs and delivery to schools is now rescheduled for the week of February 1.
Volunteer drivers are needed for delivery day. If you have up to 3 hours available to deliver a bag of 100 rainbow trout eggs to a school near where you live please contact us at Volunteer.
More information on the TIC program can be found at the newly redesigned website at www.aztic.org.
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Salt River Saturday - Join Us!! |
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Zane Grey Chapter and Arizona Flycasters Club are co-sponsoring
Salt River Saturday Conservation and Fishing event,
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LOCATION
Blue Point Recreation Area, Bush Hwy
DATE AND TIME
12/04/21 9:00am - 12:00pm
Salt River Saturday and trash pickup along the Salt River - We're back at the Blue Point Bridge
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Ever wonder how much you should tip your guide? |
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Fishing guides are a service industry, tipping is customary. However, there is still a good bit of confusion among anglers as to how, when, and why guides should be tipped. Read more here ...
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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. There may be some exceptions so 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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The Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited and chapters have received numerous Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation (AZSFWC) grants over the past years to support our conservation and youth programs.
Please support their fundraiser. Entries close December 22, 2021.
Remember, it only takes one ticket to be the winner.
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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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