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July 2022 | View Upcoming Events

Greetings!

July 2022 Newsletter

Happy Independence Day; a time for hot dogs, baseball, ice cream, and fireworks (although not in our National Forests, and open spaces, please … it’s just too dry). Welcome to the July Zane Grey Newsletter.

Your chapter has been very busy this past month. Many of us helped with the AZTU-Grand Canyon Council, BSA (GCC) Fish Camp, during the weeks of June 5 and June 19. These two camps were well attended, and included lots of fun, excitement, and fishing opportunities for the campers. Some campers were so enthusiastic, they went fishing during their free time (getting up @ 4AM); and came back in the evenings to tie more flies. More about fish camp below in the Volunteer Section.

Joe Miller of Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited, Gila Trout Chapter, Desert Fly Casters, Payson Flycasters, Ducks Unlimited, and undoubtedly, several other organizations was selected to the Wildlife For Tomorrow, Arizona Outdoor Hall of Fame. Joe, along with several other candidates, including Cinda Howard, White Mountains guide, a TU Business Member and past president of Desert Fly Casters Club, will be honored Saturday, August 20, 2022. Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited is sponsoring and hosting the bar. AZTU will also have a couple of tables supporting Joe.

Congratulations to Terry Gunn, on his semi-retirement. Terry has stopped guiding professionally. This doesn't mean he'll have any less to do, he and wife Wendy still have their business Lee Ferry Anglers and the Cliff Dwellers Lodge to run. Terry just plans to spend less time on the river. Kirk Deeter, editor of Trout Magazine, wrote a very nice tribute article about his life-long friendship with Terry Gunn. They don’t make fly guides like this anymore! You may read Kirk's article here: They don’t make fly guides like this anymore - Trout Unlimited.

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

Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)

+1 323-676-6261,597936271# United States, Los Angeles

Phone Conference ID: 597 936 271#

Until then,

Tight Lines.

Alan Davis

CLICK HERE to Join Us for Our Monthly Board Meetings

Trout Facts won last months poll in a landslide, 92% vs 8%, so we here at ZGTU will continue to post some fun and interesting Trout Facts moving forward. Lets see how well you know your Rainbow Trout with some great info from the Big Sky State!

A group of rainbow trout is called a __________, they have upper teeth but no lower teeth, and they have seven fins. Learn more here

Results will be posted in each subsequent newsletter.

School

Pod

Hover

Murder

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 are currently 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 great Instagram! Follow us here!
Arizona TU (@trout_unlimited_arizona)
Volunteer Opportunities and Updates:
See above in the President's Message
Public Policy
Legislative Updates
Next Meeting Thursday July 14th, 7PM
Conservation
Improve the Outcomes for the Fish you Catch
Fish Photography Basics
National Leadership Council
Remember what Smokey the Bear Says!
Fly Girls Women's Initiative
Ladies Fall Lees Ferry Trip - ONLY THREE SPOTS LEFT!
Education
Kayaking / Boating Safety Tips for Summer and Beyond
Fishing
Orvis Arizona Fly Fishing Reports
Other Angling organizations
ZGTU and affiliates calendar
Follow ZGTU on Social Media

AZTU-GCC Fish Camp 2022 a Great Success!

For a third year Arizona Council Trout Unlimited volunteers conducted another great Fish Camp with the Grand Canyon Council BSA. The camp was conducted at the R-C Scout Ranch in the cool Ponderosa Pine Forest 20 miles east of Payson Arizona during the early part of June 2022. Over two dozen boys, girls, and fathers from Arizona, California, and Texas earned the fly fishing and fishing merit badges, and a lifetime of memories.

Each camper received some sweet SWAG, including a sling pack loaded with a box of flies, nippers, forceps, leader, and tippet. Additionally, each youth received a Trout Unlimited membership, an AZGFD annual Hunt-Fish Combo license, along with a hat, a shirt, and a unique Fish Camp patch. The patch design is pictured above, and includes rockers for various trout species caught.

More Pictures from Camp here

Highlights included keynote addresses by Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) Commission Chairman James Goughnour giving the campers insight into the Arizona Game and Fish Department's role in managing over 800 species and giving credibility to the Camp by setting the stage for the week-long program.

But the Scouts didn't sit around in class all-day listening to speeches; they learned fishing basics of equipment, knots and casting techniques, fly tying, fish anatomy, dissection and pathology, entomology, including using a seine to capture aquatic invertebrates, aquatic invasive, nuisance species, water and soil conservation, including 'leave no trace' philosophy, daily excursions to other streams and mountain lakes, an introduction and understanding of AZGFD rules and regulations for fishing and taking of aquatic species, How to properly catch, clean, and cook a fish, part of the Fishing and Fly-Fishing merit badge requirements .

The overwhelming response from all was they planned to tell others about the great time they had in Fish Camp! These feelings were shared by the volunteers as well.

Thanks to Our Sponsors

This camp would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, including:

Arizona Game and Fish Department
Arizona Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation
AZ Fly Shop
Orvis
Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited
Old Pueblo Chapter Trout Unlimited
Zane Grey Chapter Trout Unlimited
BSA Grand Canyon Council

The most important contribution came from our volunteers; without which we could not have run a successful camp. These volunteers devoted their time, energy, expertise and enthusiasm, and literally made the camp a success. Those volunteering on-site included: Steve Berry, Rod Buchanan, Alan Davis, John Doss, Doyle Gaines, Glen Knight, Tom Knight, Bill Larson, David Mayl, Ron Stearns, Greg Stock, and Jim Strogen.

Thanks also to our Grand Canyon Council partners, and in particular to Greg Harmon, Director of Program Services, who helped us understand how to run a scout camp, and to Cole Darland, who served as camper wranglers and liaisons with Grand Canyon Council. A special shout out to CEO Andy Price, who helped make this program a reality!

Legislative Update - Nate Rees

The Arizona State Legislature has officially Sine Die the 55^th session on 6/25/2022. Like always, there were some wins and losses throughout this session. Some highlights: TU managed to stop the anti-30x30 resolution , after months of effort and meetings with Senators and Representatives we succeeded with a majority of NO votes on the Senate floor. TU helped pass a resolution that outlines the importance of outdoor recreation to Arizona’s economy. TU helped to dedicate 2.5 million dollars of funding to the Arizona Heritage Fund. In the beginning of the session, we were advocating for 10 million in funding, this was whittled down to the 2.5 million. We’ll try again next year for more funding. For a detailed description of each bill that TU was following throughout the legislative process Please contact Nate Reese.

Link to the final state budget:

https://www.azjlbc.gov/budget/h-splanasengrossed062322.pdf

SB1740 Delivers $1B in Funding for Arizona Water

In the final hours of the legislative session, SB1740 was passed. It provides $1B of funding for water augmentation, reuse and conservation. The budget for this fiscal year includes a third of that amount. The funds will be managed by Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA), an existing government agency that currently dispenses smaller grants and loans using federal funds. 75% of the funds are committed to the Long-term Water Augmentation Fund for projects that import water into Arizona. Governor Ducey's proposal for a water desalination plant in the Sea of Cortez would be a project for this Fund. An amendment sponsored by Sen. Lisa Otondo (D-Yuma) allocated $200M of the funding to the Water Conservation Fund to support conservation programs and education. No action was taken with regard to groundwater in the legislation. Many conservationists believe that we need to "fix the leaks in the bucket" before we look for new sources of water.

Haley Paul, co-lead of the Water for Arizona Coalition and Arizona Policy Director for the National Audubon Society, issued the following statement:

"The Arizona Legislature made a critical down payment on improving Arizona’s water outlook. Nearly $440 million is dedicated to conservation and water reliability projects throughout the state including unprecedented funding for improving surface water flows, groundwater recharge and aquifer health, and landscape watershed protection including through green infrastructure. This funding–if used wisely–can help jump-start the long-term transformation we need in order to adapt and thrive in our new water reality of drought and water scarcity supercharged by climate change.

"But despite these historic investments, Arizona leaders missed a tremendous opportunity to address the groundwater challenges we face throughout Arizona. Today, groundwater across 85% of our state's geography is unprotected, and unlimited groundwater pumping threatens rural communities' water supplies. These unchecked withdrawals have resulted in land subsidence, fissures in the ground, wells running dry, streamflow declines, and a de facto policy of 'the deepest well wins.' This threatens rural communities’ very existence."

Colorado River Water Shortage

At the Governor's Water Augmentation and Innovation Council's meeting on June 28th, Arizona Department of Water Resources, Director Tom Buschatzke provided a comprehensive outlook of the water crisis that is occurring on the Colorado River. He, in collaboration with Camille Touton of the US Bureau of Reclamation, are calling for plans to reduce outflows from Lake Powell and Lake Mead by 2 million acre-feet in the coming year to keep the lakes from reaching "dead pool", the point at which water stops flowing from the reservoirs. To put that in context, Arizona's allocation of Colorado River water is 2.8 million acre-feet!

Upcoming Events

July Meeting, Thursday, July 14th at 7:00 PM

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 .

HELPING ANGLERS IMPROVE THE OUTCOME FOR EACH FISH THEY RELEASE

"If anglers could reduce their catch-and-release mortality by 1 percent through better fish handling, or by catching fewer total fish, that would amount to 20 million more fish alive per year (including all sportfish)"

https://www.keepfishwet.org/tips

Fish Photography Basics

When it comes to handling fish that we plan to release, a few basic practices will go a long way. Same goes for capturing that moment in photographs. Here are a few simple things to consider the next time a fish comes to hand and the camera comes out. More here...

Remember What Smokey Bear Says!

July brings a lot of outdoor activity. Fishing, hiking in the mountains, boating and camping are opportunities for everyone to recharge and reconnect with nature. Part of Trout Unlimited’s conservation legacy is to engage our community to understand the value of nature and to encourage everyone to protect our lands and waters.

At the time of this writing, the Arizona Wildfire Watch shows several wildfires burning and many, many more satellite fire detections. According to the Department of Forestry and Fire Management, nine out of ten wildland fires are started by humans and in 2020 more than 80% of Arizona’s 2,520 wildfires were human caused, burning nearly 980,000 acres.

Be responsible! Check fire restriction information before you travel. When towing a camper or boat, take an extra minute to double check that your chains are not dragging the pavement.

To keep abreast of Arizona fire information, click here.

And with Independence Day just a couple days away, we need to consider the impact of fireworks and other hazards on wildlife and its surrounding habitat. As you enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends this summer, please make doubly sure your barbecues are completely out. As anglers, we can do our part to reduce injuries or deaths to wildlife by properly disposing of trash and fishing gear including line and hooks. Consider picking up after others when you can.

Thanks for keeping our forests healthy as you celebrate summer.

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.

I Want To Learn More About The NLC And (MAYBE) Get Involved!

ONLY THREE SPOTS LEFT!

Ladies Fall Lees Ferry Trip

October 7-9, 2022

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!

Social Media:

Check out the Instagram page for

Arizona of Trout Unlimited: @Trout_Unlimited_Arizona

If you're more traditional, try signing up for the private Facebook group: Arizona Women of Trout Unlimited.

Have an Amazing 4th of July, and be Safe on the Water with these Boating Safety Tips

Kayak Fishing Safety:

by Jerry White (paddling.com)

Have you noticed that every time you go out to fish that you see more and more fellow paddlers? I'm sure you've also noticed that many of them don't have a clue about kayak angling etiquette,

accepted navigational rules, let alone common courtesy. Some of this is our fault - we encouraged folks to come join us, and they did. Unfortunately, a lot of these same people are putting themselves in danger, and don't even know it. This is where we can help them, as we also help ourselves. Novice anglers learn a lot by watching those more experienced, and that carries over to safety practices as well. In this installment, my goal is simply to remind you of some things that you probably already know but may not practice as much as you should. As I point 1 finger at you, I also point 3 back at myself (thumbs don't count), because I need to polish my safety practices as much as the next person. After reading this, I don't expect you to be the kayak fishing safety poster child, just a little more aware, that's all.