Committed to 
Protecting, Connecting and Restoring Arizona's watersheds and fisheries.
When all the routines and details and the human bores get on our nerves, we just yearn to go away from here to somewhere else. To go fishing is a sound, a valid, and an accepted reason for an escape. It requires no explanation.
~Herbert Hoover

Message From The President
Greetings!
Wow what a month! We are certainly in interesting times, and all of us have added new words to our vocabularies: Covid-19, N-95 Masks, shelter-in-place, social-distancing, Zoom, etc. And, speaking of social distancing, New Mexico Game and Fish has a unique chart to figure out social distancing. See here .

As we continue to navigate these trying times, we encourage you all to turn off the constant news barrage, wash your hands frequently, and please quit hoarding the toilet paper. Get outside; go fishing, get some exercise; and keep your social distance.

There is some good news. Lee’s Ferry Anglers just announce they are reopening after a month-long, self-imposed closure. However, as we go to press, we learn Arizona Governor Ducey has extended his stay-at-home order until mid-May. While the Governor’s order keeps the schools, restaurants, bars, gyms and small businesses closed, no one is staying home. This past weekend one would not think anyone was staying home, because the mountain highways were jammed as were the local lakes.

In the meantime, we’ll preserve and all get through this. So, here are some options to entertain you and your kids.

Looking for ideas to teach your kids ? How about “How to draw a Rainbow Trout” see YouTube video here :

Want to get away this summer? Or, maybe better yet, send your teenagers away and learn to fish? Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited is partnering with BSA Scouting Grand Canyon Council, creating Arizona’s first Fish Camp. Read more here , and see the article below.

And some other related information ...

Orvis Assists Beyond Conservation
Orvis Turns to Mask Making see the video about Orvis turning its focus from helping conservation to a focus on saving lives. Don't miss viewing this good news story.

Free Thank You Memberships to essential employees by TU CEO
Trout Unlimited announced last week free memberships to essential employees in America as a “thank you” for putting themselves in harm’s way during the coronavirus outbreak.

Chris Wood, TU CEO and President, offered free, one-year memberships to essential workers:emergency personnel, first responders and those in the health care community that might benefit from becoming a member of the TU community. In addition, Chris included food and grocery workers, transportation and logistics personnel, etc. If you are, or know, an essential worker, please  reach out directly to Chris Wood and he will arrange a complimentary membership. Details of the membership offering can be seen at contact Chris Wood. Click here for details.

Gila trout recovery on Mt. Graham
Gila trout recovery in Arizona was just highlighted by TU national as another step in the ongoing Southwest Native Trout Strategy launched in 2015 in Arizona. Nate Rees, Arizona's Sportsmen’s Conservation Project, gives a recap of the latest efforts in Arizona. Don't miss the article at Gila trout recovery

Here are some of the articles in this month's Newsletter.
  • Photo Contest – See next article
  • Diversity And Inclusion – Continuing The Momentum
  • Women’s Activities To Check Out
  • Arizona's first Fish Camp is looking for campers and staff
  • Public Policy Committee Report
  • Win a TFO 9ft 5wt and Cabela’s RLS reel
  • Other Angling organizations
  • ZGTU and affiliates calendar 
  • Follow ZGTU on Social Media 

We’re going virtual!!!!
Please join us for our May board teleconference meeting:
Thursday, May 7, 2020 7:00 - 8:45 PM
to join via computer: Click here . ,PW: ZGTU2020

Until then, 
Tight Lines. 
 
Alan Davis
Share Your Adventures! 
Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited is now accepting entries for our photo contest!
Photo Contest Prizes
 
  • First Prize:  Hand built H&H 9' 5wt fly rod and case
  • Second Prize:  Hand built H&H 7'9" 3wt fly rod and case
  • Honorable Mentions (three): Trout Unlimited ball cap
 
Photo Contest Rules
 
  • Deadline for online submission is June 30, 2020
  • You may enter as many as five (5) photos
  • Entries are approved at Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited's discretion; photos that do not meet the entry rules will be disqualified
  • Voting begins January 1 and ends July 15
  • Fraudulent votes will be disqualified at the discretion of Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited
The contest is free to enter. It's also easy. People can enter via the link below. Click here for complete contest rules. If you have any questions, please e-mail Tom Goodwin at  tlgfin1@gmail.com
‌
New rule puts small, headwater streams in peril
Photo by Chris Hunt.

Here’s how you can help advocate for our streams.
On April 21st, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers (Corps)  published  a final “Waters of the U.S. Rule.” This rule replaces a 2015 Rule, which clarified the extent of Clean Water Act protections for small streams and wetlands. This new 2020 rule not only reverses the clarifications made in 2015, but further reverses protections that have been in place dating back to the 1970s. The rule will go into effect in 60 days.
What it Means for Clean Water
Research by Trout Unlimited  suggests that the new rule will end Clean Water Act protections for  more than six-million miles of streams—half of the U.S. total . Some sources estimate that 97% of the stream miles in AZ will lose protection. You can read the entire TU article and access additional helpful links here . 
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) takes on Water Protection Initiative
With the new federal rule taking effect, the ADEQ is taking action to enable AZ to provide protection: 

" The State supports the narrower definition in the Navigable Waters Protection Rule. The waters of the state are unique, and ADEQ believes it is best for Arizona to address Arizona waters locally in practical and pragmatic ways. ADEQ is currently reviewing the new definition in detail to ensure we fully understand how it impacts Arizona.
ADEQ acknowledges the new definition creates a gap in protection for some Arizona waterways and supports developing a ‘local control approach’ at the state level to protect Arizona’s important and precious water resources. ADEQ is actively working with stakeholders on a program outline to protect surface waters and ephemeral drainages."

Ultimately, the ADEQ will be making recommendations to the AZ legislature on new laws to protect our water. You can learn more by clicking on the following link: https://azdeq.gov/woaz  


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

Diversity And Inclusion – Continuing The Momentum
T&C magazine Dec2019
Diversity and inclusion mean much more than gender and age. It encompasses lifestyle and culture; workers and the retired; race and ethnicity, able bodied and those with disabilities, and a host of other inclinations that make us each unique as individuals but bind us together as humans. While we might venture an educated guess that many, if not most, of the people reading this newsletter are religious cold-water anglers, we cannot assume that the Zane Grey Chapter of Trout Unlimited members represent all those who follow the lure of the lure.

In a recent ad in Town and Country magazine, Orvis not only subtly tips their hat to diversity and inclusion by showcasing gender and people with disabilities, but also appeals to a new audience that might not be reading Trout magazine (much to editor Kirk Deeter’s dismay). The ad depicts the end of a successful day presumably spent in the outdoors featuring Orvis Ambassadors, Becca Skinner (looking up at her husband across the table) and Eduardo Garcia giving the toast. Here is a link to read more about Eduardo’s personal story .

Zane Grey TU is similarly celebrating inclusion by working hard to be a welcoming place for cold water conservationists of all walks of life. The Zane Grey leadership is fostering our members’ appetites for social networking, boots on the ground conservation, shaping public policy, educating ourselves and others, and camaraderie on the water. 

If you see an area you feel we as a Trout Unlimited chapter can cultivate, please contact any of the board members. We will listen to your thoughts and brainstorm ways to nurture and shape our chapter to become more relevant to our members and the community at large. It is only by actively involving our membership that we can share our passion for the protection of Arizona’s cold, clean, fishable water.

* This is not an endorsement in any way for Orvis or its products. 

 
Spread The Word: Catfish And Carp
 Fishing Clinic Needs Volunteers
TU member, Paul Holmes, is planning a fall catfish/carp fishing clinic for the public. Details are still being pounded out, but Paul would love input from TU members to organize an urban water fishing clinic. . Have an idea? Want to help out? Contact Paul at:  paul.holmes@bhhsaz.com  or 602.315.8992  
Women's Activities To Check Out
AWOTU Virtual Book Club: 
Time Is a River by Mary Alice Monroe
Next conversation: May 21st @ 6:00PM 
RSVP: Sara Westfall email: srcwestfall@gmail.com  
Join us! 
Thursday, May 21
6:00 PM

Call In: 712-432-0220 (Access code: 4632017)
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 .
Want to send your teen to camp?
AZTU – GCC 2020 Fish Camp

The first Annual Arizona Fish Camp is scheduled for July 5-11, and July 12-18, 2020. Each camp is limited to 12 scouts, between the age of 13-18, and is open to both boys and girls. This, one-week, limited enrollment, extra-cost camp, is designed for the teen who is looking for something else in their summer camp activities.

This limited size allows for a high staff to camper ratio, as well as flexibility in program and outings. The Fish Camp is based at R-C Scout Ranch, about 20-miles east of Payson on Christopher Creek, at an elevation ~6000ft. The Grand Canyon Council is providing lodging and meals for campers and volunteer staff. In addition, they will provide a dedicated camp director, additional adult leadership, and canoes for fishing excursions.

The camp is run with experienced anglers from Arizona Trout Unlimited who volunteer to teach and mentor participants with various fishing activities and hands-on conservation exercises. The program is presented in a daily agenda that includes the following topics:

  • Fishing basics, 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 mountain lakes and streams
  • Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery Tour

More information may be found here .
Or, send Alan Davis an email for more details. 

Interested in volunteering?
We’re recruiting TU volunteers for AZTU GCC Fish Camp

We’re looking for experienced anglers that can help teach and instruct Fish Camp campers in various activities. Fish Camp 2020 runs July 5-11, and July 12-18
Some of the things we’ll offer include, and need your help are:
  • Fly tying
  • Casting
  • Entomology and using a seine to capture aquatic invertebrates
  • Water and soil conservation, including Leave No Trace
  • Fishing various Mogollon Rim streams and lakes
  • Fish anatomy and dissection


Interested? More information is here . Contact Alan Davis here
Your chance to win a TFO Rod!
The Arizona Council of Trout Unlimited is sponsoring a sweepstakes to win a a TFO 9ft 5wt rod with Cabela's RLS+ Reel and Cabela's Prestige Fly line.
 
Win a TFO 9ft 5wt Rod with Cablea's RLS+ Fly Reel and Cabela's Prestige Fly Line. No Purchase Necessary but for $5 you will receive 10 chances. Sweepstakes runs through May 31st. Please click the button below. 
Now that spring has arrived there are still 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. 
 
More information and to apply can be found at Arizona Trout Challenge .
 
The Western Native Trout Challenge  - If you have been looking for another lifetime challenge to add to your list this could be it.
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!
 
Information and signup at Western Native Trout Challenge .
limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
Looking for a Fishing Opportunity?
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:
Organization
Arizona Flycasters Club
Sunnyslope Community Center | 802 E. Vogel Ave. Phoenix, AZ
Link To Website

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.
Contact
Desert Fly Casters
Check website for details.

General meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month. There may be some exceptions so check website for details.
Sun City Grand Fishing Club
Sun Lakes Fly Fishing Club
Payson Fly Casters
White Mountains Lake Foundation
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:
Committee Volunteers
As always, there are many opportunities to participate in the various activities and committees, make new friends and make a difference. For more information, visit our website at  ZGTU Committees , contact us at Volunteer Interest Signup  or contact any  ZGTU Board Member  for details.
Join Trout Unlimited Today!
Not a member yet? Looking for a gift idea?  Join today at Trout Unlimited!
REMEMBER:
Your Conservation License Plate Supports TU Programs
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. 
Combined Calendar 
AZ Trout Unlimited & Chapters, Arizona Flycasters Club and several other area fishing and conservation calendars
You may access our calendar  here . 
Zane Grey Trout Unlimited
Protect. Reconnect. Restore. Sustain. Conserving coldwater habitat in the desert southwest.