From the Leadership Team As I prepare this column it has finally rained after a very dry summer (Or at least that was the story in Gaithersburg; I understand other areas were not as dry.) It will be interesting to see how the dry summer will affect the fall/winter streamflow, trout habitat, and trout populations. Another big news item in Maryland trout this summer was the aggressive approach taken by your Mid-Atlantic Council of Trout Unlimited (MAC-TU) to address the spread of Whirling Disease in the State. MAC-TU partnered with–and in some cases led–Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in efforts to halt the spread of Whirling Disease (WD). (See the article in this issue on how you can stop the spread of WD.) MAC-TU, with the support of TU National, met with DNR leadership to request a change in DNR operations to stop raising then stocking trout infected with WD. DNR agreed with TU and stopped the practice! TU also assisted DNR by arranging for nationally recognized scientific expertise to assist in planning the DNR monitoring and cleanup efforts. At this time, the outcome of our (and DNR’s) efforts to limit the further spread are unknown. Monitoring efforts will continue in 2008 to determine the scope of the infestation. And, frankly I am encouraged that the worst case scenario does not look as likely as first thought. That is good news. As you can see by the WD issue and MAC-TU’s response, the actions of your Mid-Atlantic Council of Trout Unlimited do affect you and your fishing options. While we all have the ability to speak individually on State management and regulation issues, your voice is amplified when the 2,000 plus members of MAC-TU offer their collective voice. The Mid-Atlantic Council of Trout Unlimited is your magnified voice for coldwater conservation issues in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic. As you will see in this issue of Headwaters, MAC-TU is bringing your voice to issues of stream health, Brook Trout habitat, stream improvement, whitewater releases, power plant operations, and developing the future of our sport. What’s that you say, “The articles that follow does not represent my view?” Well, have you conveyed your opinion to your Chapter’s President or MAC-TU delegates? Have you attended a MAC-TU meeting (or a recent Chapter meeting)? Have you become involved? At the risk of sounding just like every other Chair of any volunteer-based organization, I must appeal for YOUR involvement. I have seen this request made by others and it always seemed a bit forced. That is, until you become the Chair and realize that being a volunteer group, it really is up to the involvement of the membership that determines the activity level of the organization. So get involved! Whether it is helping with Brook Trout management, stream improvement, or your Chapter’s activities, or cleaning up a stream, or teaching someone the fun of fishing, it is all up to YOU. The members of the leadership team for MAC-TU are Noel Gollehon - Chair; Neil Jacobs -Vice-Chair for Administration; Ken Pavol - Vice-Chair for Conservation; Martin Eisman- Secretary; John Starmer – Treasurer, and Jason Beckstrom– National Leadership Council Representative. I think I can write for all, when I say our door (and e-mail) is open to hear you and we will bring your ideas to MAC-TU. Communication is a two way street, and we will do what we can to foster the exchange of ideas up and down the organization. The Chapters have a lot going on, please keeping us in the loop and informed. May you have stretched tippet and solid knots. Noel Gollehon, Chair |