Notes-January-24-2008

Posted by Aaron Rubel on 24 January 2008 | 0 Comments

Tags: Donation Form

In the next few weeks there will be opportunities to get out of the house and enjoy some activities leading up to the warmer weather and trout fishing. On February 12th, Jon Ray will be coming to speak to us about fishing with grasshopper flies at the Sterling Heights Nature Center. A winter storm in December required us to re-schedule with Jon. In March, there is of course, the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo at Macomb Community College. Just a few weeks later on April 3rd, we will enjoy the 2008 Conservation Fundraising Banquet. Be sure and reserve a ticket and bring a friend. Every person that attends who hasn’t been a Trout Unlimited member before will be offered a free membership.

For the past few years there has been a tool in development for assessing approval for water use, and how the process would work across separate categories of rivers. The goal of the project lead by the Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council was to develop a science based process for water use and guidance as to policy. In December, the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited Executive Committee called an emergency meeting to discuss legislation on a House and Senate version of bills that are a result of the work compiled by the Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council. This advisory council was made up of a cross section of interests and government appointments from around the state. The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited was represented on the Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council during the development phase of the project. During the emergency meeting in December, representatives from the DNR, DEQ and the Michigan Environmental Council explained the history of the Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council, , water withdrawal approval under the newly created process, and features of the tool that are a step in the right direction and those that also may need improvement. Following their presentations, there was discussion with the representatives on the challenges and obstacles of the water use assessment tool and approval process for water use. Suggestions were also made by some of the Trout Unlimited members in attendance for continuous improvement. The session concluded with a closed door meeting of those members of Trout Unlimited and the Michigan TU Council in attendance. MCTU will be represented at round table discussions to negotiate final details of the assessment tool and water use approval.

Take a look at our new chapter donation form. We invested more funds back into the resource last year than we took in. We would love to do more this year than last. Can you help with even a small donation? Every little bit helps. Does your employer give to charity? Most companies have a budget to give to charity organizations. Check with your employer. If they make a donation to Clinton Valley Trout Unlimited, we’ll give them advertisement in our newsletter, post a link to their website and just about anything else we can do to thank them. Remember to renew your membership when it comes due as well. Trout Unlimited needs your support and membership is the core of our organization. We are thankful to realize a 7% increase in membership this past year. Thank you for your support. It energizes the chapter.

I would like to also thank those that are serving on the board. We have a full board of nine members. The newest member of the board is Alan Johnston. Alan is a long time member of some 25 years and now serving as our Vice President.

I hope all is well with you and your family.

Thank you,
Aaron Rubel
President