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Committed to
Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Arizona's watersheds and fisheries.
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"I look into... my fly box, and think about all the elements I should consider in choosing the perfect fly: water temperature, what stage of development the bugs are in, what the fish are eating right now. Then I remember what a guide told me: 'Ninety percent of what a trout eats is brown and fuzzy and about five-eighths of an inch long."
~
Allison Moir
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Message From The President
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Happy Independence Day! Welcome to the July 2020 Zane Grey Chapter newsletter. We hope you are staying safe, are well, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Your Chapter has been very busy preparing for the first ever Arizona youth fish camp. This camp, a joint venture with BSA Grand Canyon Council and Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited begins Sunday July 5 and runs through Saturday, July 11. The goal is to educate and inspire youth to become our next generation of conservation leaders and natural resource advocates.
The week-long Fish Camp is designed to provide youth a safe, fun and interactive opportunity to learn about conserving, protecting, and restoring our aquatic resources, while learning and enjoying the sport of fishing and fly fishing. In reality, this is a classic bait and switch; the youth think they’re just going fishing, while vicariously they learn conservation, outdoor ethics, and protecting our natural resources.
Some good news; the pandemic has increased fishing and fishing license sales. More and more people realize they can socially distance and enjoy being outside. See
The Today Show
feature
Pandemic Spurs Boost in Fishing License Sales
.
In other good News the Senate just passed the Great American Outdoors Act that permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This important piece of legislation passed the senate with wide bi-partisan support. See Tom Osterday’s Public Policy Section comments regarding this important legislation and its impact in the. To learn more about why the
Great American Outdoors Act is such a big deal
, please click
here
.
Susan Geer shares some thought provoking ideas about how we can increase our diversity through gifting memberships to friends, colleagues and associates.
Nate Rees reports about the relocation of nearly 200 Gila trout in Grapevine Creek from a drying intermittent section of the creek to a perennial area.
Jim Walker tells about the many successes of Trout in the Classroom without classes.
Coming this fall:
Your Zane Grey Chapter begins a series of occasional member appreciation, conservation, and pint nights through-out the valley. Our first event is September 24 at the
Bone Haus Brewing
in Fountain Hills. More information to follow; look for your invitation.
Carp Fishing Clinic, Saturday, October 3, 2020 at Kiwanis Park. We’re co-hosting a beginning carp fishing clinic with Desert Fly Casters Club. More details are in the newsletter.
Remember the easiest way to maintain social distancing is to go fishing. Simply swing your 9ft 5wt in the direction of the person crowding you and you’ve exceeded the six-foot minimum distance.
Here are some of the articles in this month's Newsletter.
- Photo Contest – Ends this month; See next article
- Public Policy – Report Great American Outdoors Act, ADEQ Water protection
- Diversity and Inclusion – Take the Challenge
- Women’s Activities To Check Out
- Grapevine Creek Gila Trout relocation a success!
- Trout Unlimited Wraps up a bizarre, but successful year
- Other Angling organizations
- ZGTU and affiliates calendar
- Follow ZGTU on Social Media
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No Board meeting for July. Enjoy Independence Day! Stay safe and social distance by going fishing
Until then,
Tight Lines.
Alan Davis
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Share Your Adventures!
Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited Photo Contest is over - Look for the winner announcement soon.
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Did you know? ...
Five Things Your Fishing License Does for Conservation While You Catch Fish
- Improve Fishing and Boating Access
- Enhance Water Quality
- Maintain Fish Habitat
- Teach and Recruit New Anglers
- Plan Long-Term Conservation
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US Senate Passes Historic Great American Outdoors Act
On June 17
th
, the US Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act (S3422) on a strong bipartisan vote of 73-25. The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) provides full and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at $900M annually. The LWCF, which is funded by oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf, is one of the most successful and impactful programs in our country’s history. The program has completed a conservation, recreation, or access project in every single county in the country! The bill also provides $15M annually to increase public access for hunting, fishing, recreational shooting and other forms of outdoor recreation.
The GAOA also provides $9.5B over 5 years to address the crumbling infrastructure on America’s public lands and water. The National Park Service will receive $6.5B in funding, and an additional $3B will be provided to the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service to repair and maintain public land infrastructure.
The GAOA is now with the U.S. House and debate is scheduled for late July. We encourage you to reach-out to your Representative and encourage them to pass the legislation without amendment.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Continues Work on “Waters of Arizona/Arizona Surface Water Protection Program”
The new Navigable Water Protection Rule went into effect on June 22
nd
. This rule, issued by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, removes protection from an estimated 90+% of Arizona’s surface water. The ADEQ is drafting legislation for the AZ Legislature to create laws to provide protection for our water.
A cornerstone of their approach to new regulation is to set new rules based on how the water is used rather than on characteristics of the water. The idea is that permitting would be based on the level of impact the permit holder would have on its uses. Draft documents are expected in August.
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The AZTU PPC hosts a virtual meeting on the second Tuesday 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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DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION — Take The Challenge!
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In the midst of the COVID-19 situation, we are all hoping to see the health of our country return bringing an easing of restrictions so that life can begin to get back on track. Looking at diversity and inclusion from an inward point of view, it doesn’t seem all that important who is casting next to you—as long as they are down stream! However, looking outward at diversity and inclusion and how it impacts Trout Unlimited’s mission of protecting clean, cold, fishable water, we might see things a bit differently. Membership to Trout Unlimited may be more important than ever to help conservation efforts move ahead in times of financial and physical uncertainty.
Why should you care about TU’s membership diversity? Because thriving membership ensures you will have plenty of fishing in your future.
It has been shown that diverse companies and organizations can outperform many of their industry peers. This “organizational health” results in better performance through intellectual stimulation, inspiration and group decision making when a diverse group of individuals is participating in steering the ship. And it trickles down to state councils and chapter levels as well. When our TU Chapter actively seeks to include individuals from varying ethnicities, genders, cultures, ages, experiences, education, socioeconomic status, abilities and, yes, political affiliations, we may find new, surprising and extraordinary solutions to our challenges of fundraising, membership engagement, education, social events and public policy advocacy.
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So, we challenge you! Think of someone who you know who is not like you in every way. Give that person a TU membership. There are:
- regular gift memberships ($35),
- family memberships ($55);
- Stream Explorer memberships for kids ($12); and,
- teen memberships ($14).
Depending upon the member-ship you choose, your friend will receive Trout Magazine, our email newsletter and thus be reminded throughout the year about all the good works Trout Unlimited does. It will help us in our journey to becoming an equitable organization for all who advocate for healthy waters.
Just click here:
gifts.tu.org
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
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Free Carp Fishing Instruction!
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Come Join Us For A Fall Carp On-The-Fly Fishing Clinic
October 3 At Kiwanis Park
What:
Carp Fly Fishing Instruction
When:
7AM-Canal fishers, 8AM-Lake fishers until 11AM
(Saturday, October 3, 2020)
Where:
Kiwanis Park, Tempe
Age:
14+
Cost:
FREE OF CHARGE
Enrollment:
Limited to 25-enrollees
Equipment:
Fly fishing equipment will be provided.
What to Bring:
See list below
The event will start with short instruction and optional practice casting “games” and then break off into small groups with an instructor to fish either canals or lake
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Participants should bring:
- 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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Women's Activities To Check Out
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Women's Virtual Book Club:
Title: The River Why by David James Duncan
Next conversation: Thursday, July 16, 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: Sara Westfall has started an Instagram page for Arizona Women of Trout Unlimited. Check it out: azwotu. If you're more traditional, try signing up for the private Facebook group:
Arizona Women of Trout Unlimited
.
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Back by popular demand:
Women’s Retreat to Lees Ferry.
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September 11-13, 2020 (Friday through Sunday)
$395 per person
Limit: 10 (women only)
Includes two nights stay (double occupancy) at Cliff Dwellers Lodge and one day guided fishing (two per guide)
Transportation to Lees Ferry, food, tipping and park fee are on your own.
We will be organizing a happy hour and dinner together for fishing as the event gets closer. Also, please note that there is a fee to get in/park at the Glen Canyon Recreation Area: If anyone has a National Park Pass or Senior Park Pass BRING IT and maybe we can carpool and not have to pay that.
• RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
Mail your check for $395 made out to Zane Grey TU to:
Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited
ATTN: TREASURER
5121 E Nisbet Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-2252
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Gila trout relocation on Grapevine creek
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On June 2nd Arizona Game and Fish Department Region 3, AZGFD Native Trout and Chub Program, US Forest Service, and Trout Unlimited staff successfully translocated 196 Gila Trout from lower Grapevine Creek (below perennial water) upstream above the waterfall to habitat that previously had few to no fish from the 2019 Gila Trout egg stocking.
These fish would likely have died if they had not been moved because their section of stream was cut off from perennial water by dry stream sections and the section was drying up rapidly.
We measured all translocated Gila Trout and found total lengths varied from 85 mm to 198 mm (see length frequency histogram below). These fish are all only 14 months old so it is crazy that some of them have almost reached 200 mm (7-7/8") already!
The pictures show the collection (above), sizing, transport via llama pack train, and delivery to their new location.
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Now that summer has arrived; there are many fishing opportunities; don't miss signing up for the Trout Challenges in Arizona and in the West.
Arizona's Trout Challenge
was developed to encourage anglers to learn more about fishing opportunities in the state. AZGFD manages many waters statewide to provide anglers the opportunity to catch several different species of trout, including two found only in the Southwest - the Gila Trout and Apache Trout.
There are two ways for anglers to complete the Challenge: Catch four species of wild trout in Arizona and catch at least six of the eight total species in Arizona.
The Western Native Trout Challenge invites anglers to help celebrate our western legacy by catching native trout and char in each of the 12 participating western states, at their own pace. By attempting to catch 18 species throughout 12 states (at the master angler level) participants can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!
limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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Unexpected and unchartered territory was experienced by teachers and students in providing and receiving classroom instruction since March as well as continuing their TIC classroom program.
Creativity by the teachers to provide online classes was also used for the TIC program. Ideas implemented by the teachers with help from the students included videos of the fish tanks (posted on school web pages, Facebook, or via Zoom) along with teachers and administrative staff arranging for the daily care and feeding of the fish.
Considering all the challenges at the end of the 2019 - 2020 school year, the TIC program ended as another success. Teacher testimonials on the value of the programs continue to be overwhelmingly positive.
While a well-earned summer vacation has been underway for students and teachers, ZGTU volunteers have been at work planning for the upcoming 2020 - 2021 school year. While there is uncertainty about the start of the upcoming school year, Arizona TU chapters plan to again support 37 schools again statewide. ZGTU plans to support 20 of those schools as we have done in the past.
Teachers and administrators interested in considering the program should send an email to
info@aztic.org
and a ZGTU volunteer will respond.
Volunteers are needed in many different roles and the amount of time is minimal over the school year.
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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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Arizona Flycasters Club
Sunnyslope Community Center | 802 E. Vogel Ave. Phoenix, AZ
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Fly-Fishing Social Event night - 2nd Thursday 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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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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