In the Spotlight:
11 May - Didymo Found at Gunpowder Falls. Didymo is an algal diatom that forms long stalks which combine to form heavy, thick mats that can smother a stream bottom. The stalks can persist for two or more months after the diatoms die, causing habitat damage for an extended period of time. Originally found in Scotland and extreme northern Europe and Asia, Didymo has been transported worldwide. Recently, the species has been found in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.
In many cases, anglers have unknowingly transported the diatom on their fishing gear.
Anglers and other recreational users of Gunpowder Falls and surrounding waters are especially urged to make sure they don ’t contribute to the spread of Didymo or any other aquatic invasive species. The public is asked to clean anything that comes into contact with stream water by scrubbing away all dirt and debris before leaving a stream.
DNR urges anyone who observes Didymo to contact Don Cosden at 410-260-8287 as soon as possible.
Here are some links that provide more information on this invasive speceis:
Full DNR Press Release - Invasive Algae Found in Maryland
DNR Website - Didymo
DNR Website - Invader of the Month - Didymo
MAC Website - Invasive Species - Didymo
27 April - TU Tri-State Conservation and Fishing Camp to be held June 22-27th at Graves' Mountain Lodge, Syria, Virginia (adjacent to Shenandoah National Park). Eligibility requirments are that the student must be in 8th-11th grade (or will be age 13 by June 08). Students will enjoy six days outdoors experiencing mountain streams and their environments to learn about successful and responsible fishing, conservation, stream life and restoration, wildlife, outdoor skills, team challenges, leadership, and lots more, all while having fun. Registration costs are $550 with full or partial scholarships offered!! Apply soon...the camp fills up fast! For more info visit tucamp.org.
12 April - Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley announces the State will prohibit the construction of wind turbines on State lands. Here are links to several articles:
Baltimore Sun.com
Washington News.com
Cumberland Times-News.com
27 March - Seneca Valley Chapter held their annual 'Children's Spin Fishing for Trout and Conservation Clinic' at the Olney Manor Park pond. The Chapter co-sponsors these events annually with Black Hill Regional Park. Just over 50 children, up to age 16, participated in this year's Spin Fishing Clinic.
21 Feb - Public Hearing scheduled for 7:00 pm February 27th at Garrett College Auditorium. Wisp Resort Lakeside, LLC has applied for a permit to withdrawl an annual average of 300K gallons of groundwater per day to supply the proposed 2500 dwelling units on Marsh Hill. The potential loss of baseflow in the headwaters of Hoyes Run will be detrimental to trout populations. Hoyes Run supports native brookies, naturally reproducing rainbows and browns! Click here to view the Public Hearing Notice. The Youghiogheny Chapter of TU, the Youghiogheny River Watershed Association, and Maryland DNR - Fisheries Service (to name a few) have been working hard to conserve and restore Hoyes Run for future generations. Visit the Disappearing Act of Hoyes Run for more information on just one of the challenges this unique stream has been dealing with. Currently, a design has been completed by the Garrett County Soil Conservation Service for a stream bank restoration project (utilizing a natural stream channel design) and these organizations have been working hard to secure funds for this much needed project, also in the headwaters area. Your help is needed to protect this unique stream!
16 Feb- Mining threat to Wolfden Run, a tributary to the North Branch Potomac River. A mining company has applied for a permit with the Maryland Department - Bureau of Mines to strip mine 500 acres in the headwaters portion of the Wolfden Run, near Kitzmiller, MD. The mine would eliminate 3100 feet of this perennial headwater stream. In 2003, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources documented wild brook trout and more recent surveys in 2006 and 2007 showed good numbers for young of year brookies as well as multiple year classes. Click here to view a factsheet from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
4 Feb - Trout Unlimited is excited to announce that its new television program "On the Rise" will begin airing on the Outdoor Channel in July. Hosted by Telluride, CO fly fishing guide, Frank Smethurst, the show will feature some of the best fly fishing around the country. Filming continues on the east coast this spring. If you have a suggestion of where Frank should park his trailer and cast a few flies...click here!
Mission Statement: "To conserve, protect and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds."
Our Vision: By the next generation, Trout Unlimited will ensure that robust populations of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within their North American range, so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters.
11 May 2008
© Mid-Atlantic Council of Trout Unlimited, All Rights Reserved
email: admin@mac-tu.org
Upcoming Events: (click on the blue links below for more information)
- May 17th - 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm. MAC MEETING to be held at the North Point State Park, Edgemere, Baltimore County.
- May 28th - 7:00 pm. Seneca Valley Chapter Meeting and Rod Building 101. For more information on the meeting click here.
- May 31st - 2:30 to 7:00 pm. Seneca Valley Chapter Barbeque Fundraiser! Live auction, bucket and silent raffle auctions for great fishing equipment, etc. Proceeds support their chapters conservation efforts and educational programs. Click here to view and print the flyer.
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Mid-Atlantic Council
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