Pulp Fly

Has anyone checked out the new e-book Pulp Fly? It seems to be attracting quite a bit of attention and I’m curious. I must admit that the amount of great (and free) fly fishing content on the web has spoiled me and I’m hesitant to pay for a subscription…but Pulp Fly has assembled quite a crew of writers from The DrakeGray’s Sporting JournalFly Rod & Reel, and Fly Fish Journal, and I’m tempted to see what its all about. Check out the writeup on the TU Blog. If anyone has subscribed please share your thoughts!

Project Healing Waters Volunteers Needed

Wes Hodges, who spoke at our February meeting, and Dave Sisson of the Salem VA Project Healing Waters (PHW) program are looking for regional TU folks and other fly fishers who would like to help with PHW outdoor activities, which kick off at the end of March. Some of the activities include outdoor fly casting instruction, fly fishing on the New or regional trout streams, and trips to the South Holston and Rose River Farm. They need volunteers who can serve as instructors or guides for veterans learning to fly fish.

If you’re interested in helping out, contact Angelo Biviano via the form below and he’ll get you in touch with Wes and Dave.

Radford Meetings to Help Gather Public Input for 2013 Virginia Outdoors Plan

Planners with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will hold two public meetings Feb. 7 in Radford to gather regional input for the 2013 Virginia Outdoors Plan.

Meetings will be at 3 and 7 p.m., at the New River Valley Competitiveness Center, New River Room, 6580 Valley Center Drive, Radford. Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the area’s outdoor recreation and land conservation needs, including:

  • Expansion of New River Trail State Park
  • Expansion of the Huckleberry Trail
  • Increased public access points on the New River
  • Further development of local parks such as Whitt-Riverbend in Giles County and Bissett Park in Radford
  • Expansion of partnerships and collaborative efforts to connect the region’s natural, historic and recreational resources
  • Cooperation with watershed-focused groups on outdoor education and stewardship programsRecommendations for scenic rivers and byways

The Virginia Outdoors Plan is the state’s comprehensive plan for meeting outdoor recreation, land conservation and open space needs. Established in 1965, the plan provides guidance for all levels of government and the private sector. In addition, it assists the state in prioritizing projects and allocating funds for outdoor recreation and land conservation. The plan was last developed in 2007.

“The Virginia Outdoors Plan serves as the guide for increasing and enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for all Virginians, as well as our many visitors and tourists,” said Danette Poole, DCR’s director of planning and recreation resources. “We look forward to gathering feedback from communities across the state so that the upcoming plan continues to reflect the needs of citizens.”

The Radford meetings are part of a series of public-input sessions scheduled statewide. Anyone who cannot attend either meeting may submit written comments. Email comments to janit.llewellyn@dcr.virginia.gov, or write to: VOP Comments, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 203 Governor St., Suite 326, Richmond, VA 23219.

View the 2007 Virginia Outdoors Plan.

Aquatic Invasive Species Survey

From troutunlimitedblog.com - The spreading of existing aquatic invasive species (AIS), along with new AIS invasions and climate change is expected to have significant negative impact on TU’s efforts to conserve and protect native species across the country.

AIS impacts can be devastating — invasive lake trout and whirling disease have combined to cause a 90 percent decline in Yellowstone Lake’s Yellowstone cutthroat trout population — the world’s largest refuge of native Yellowstone cutts.

TU’s AIS Program Director Dave Kumlien and researchers from Illinois State University have developed an aquatic invasive species survey. The survey will help TU identify priorities and develop AIS policy.

The survey asks a few questions about how AIS have affected your favorite places to fish, and some questions about your fishing habits. No personal information is collected, and your participation is very important. 

Know of a fellow TU member or trout angler who would be interested? Be sure to tell them about the survey.

Climate Impacts on Trout

From Troutunlimitedblog.com – A new study by a team of 11 scientists from TU and federal and state agencies and organizations shows that a changing climate could reduce suitable trout habitat in the western United States by about 50 percent over the next 70 years, with some trout species experiencing greater declines than others. Scary stuff to say the least. Read the full report here.