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Hatcheries at risk again…
TVTU Members and Connecticut Anglers: Fish hatcheries, and the programs they make possible, are again being put at risk due to the state’s budget deficit. In this case, the worst case scenario is not a loss of funding or cuts directed specifically at the hatcheries but the inability of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Bureau of Natural Resources to sufficiently staff the facilities. The state has instituted a hard hiring freeze and has issued layoff notices to workers. Maintainer positions were part of this layoff and those with the least seniority were the first targeted in this layoff. Unfortunately, this included three of the 14 total staff who operate the hatcheries. In addition, two more positions will be lost, including a supervisor, due to voluntary departures this summer. In 2009, the hatcheries were staffed by 22 people. These departures would leave fish and wildlife officials with nine total staff to operate three hatcheries -an impossible task. The result could be closure of a hatchery; regardless of how many hatcheries remain open, the number of trout available for stocking could be reduced from 650,000 to as few as 350,000. That’s fewer fish stocked for anglers, and a serious risk for programs such as Trout in the Classroom and Salmon in the Schools, which according to DEEP statistics allowed 10,000 to 15,000 Connecticut students to get hands-on, cross-curricular exposure to the environment and fish, and crucially helps create the next generation of anglers and conservationists. The next generation of anglers is key to the future of fish and fishing in Connecticut. Programs such as the hatcheries are funded by license fees and taxes on hunting and fishing equipment. The looming cuts put at risk not only current revenues from fishing licenses brought in by resident anglers but another $40 million, if not more, in revenue to local economies, paid directly by the more than 100,000 anglers from near and far who make 1.5 million trips to Connecticut to fish. The loss of non-resident licenses would be even more devastating, as those anglers pay more to access to the legendary trout rivers of Connecticut in the Housatonic and Farmington river systems. Whether or not you fish for trout, you need to care about this. Connecticut sportsmen cannot be divided on any of these issues, because the next cuts could hit the pursuit of species of interest to you. With the legislature about to return to Hartford to attempt to craft a now-late budget, anglers need to speak now. Use this fact sheet (click here) to call or email your state senators and representatives, as well as Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. In your email or letter, state your name and if you belong to an organization, the name of the organization to which you belong. Let them know that the revenue that would be generated by fully staffed hatcheries would more than fund the programs for which sportsmen already foot the bill. The fact sheet (click here) will help outline what to say. Please feel free to send the entire fact sheet to your legislator but please let them know in your own words why this is important to you as a constituent. Thank you for your time and support. How to contact your legislator: Click here to find your legislator (click on the name to get contact information). Contact Governor Malloy: Office of the Governor State Capitol 210 Capitol Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 Phone Number: (860) 566-4840 Or click here to send an email. Scout Troop 73 Fly Casting Outing
On June 4th TVTU volunteers provided fly casting instruction for Scout Troop 73 leaders and scouts working towards their merit badge in fly fishing. Through the efforts of Ray Schaefer, Bass Pro Shop and Cabela's donated fly tying kits and fly rod outfits for Troop 73 to continue instructing future scouts in fly fishing. TVTU also donated additional fly tying equipment and books. We hope to be involved with the Scouts for future events and instruction. Troop 73 provided lunch for all participants. 2017 TVTU Camp-out & Breakfast
Now the fishing was spotty for most of us... except for Ray Schaffer who's black Wooly bugger netted him many, many fish--- we all had a great time Sandy Beach. Friday after a hotdog dinner we enjoyed warm but windy conditions and a good caddis hacth. Saturday was cool until late morning but we were all warmed by hot coffee and a hearty full breakfast prepared by our President, VP and Treasurer. We were serenaded by music from George Jacobi while we fished for elusive trout. Hacthes included Golden stoneflies, Sulfurs, Black and Tan caddis. Those who fished below the surface were the most successful. 
Diversity Initiative "On The Rise" June Newsletter Offers Tips on Growing & Diversifying
TU's Women's Initiative was launched in 2011 to address the concern that only six percent of all TU members were women, while at the same time women made up 36 percent of all anglers in the U.S. In 2016, the initiative was renamed the Diversity Initiative in recognition that the successes of the past five years in recruiting and engaging female members and leaders could translate to similar growth in other demographic areas of our membership. The June edition of the Diversity Initiative Newsletter "On the Rise" is designed to share the best practices and lessons learned by your fellow volunteers in recruiting, retaining and engaging a diverse range of members in TU and in leadership roles. WHY EVERYONE SHOULD JOIN TROUT UNLIMITED
Hank Patterson explains why... |
We are now on Facebook!
Click Facebook ICON in upper right hand corner of any website page NewNew (1/4)New - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. (5/7) - Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying pageNew - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. (5/7) - Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying pageNew - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. (5/7) - Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying pageNew - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. (5/7) - Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying pageNew April 2016 "Stream Lines" newsletter posted - Newsletters Page(6/1) -New (4/4) - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below.- April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. June Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below.New April 2016 "Stream Lines" newsletter posted - Newsletters Page(6/1) -New (4/4) - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below.- April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. June Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below.New (8/19 New - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. (5/7) - Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying pageNew - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. (5/7) - Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying pag- Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying page- Improved Baetis Sparkle Dun. See Fly Tying page.New (10/20) - Octber 2016 Stream Lines Newsletter posted. See Newsletter Page.New (10/20) - October 2016 Stream Lines Newsletter pNew (oNew (6/21) - June 2017 Stream Line Newsletter posted. See Newsletter page
New (6/1) - "On The Rise" June Diversity Initiative Issue posted. (See Below) New (4/26) - Natchaug River Clean-up Slideshow. See River Clean-up page New (4/19) - 2017 Slide Show page just added. See page. New (3/31) - Dorsey's Top Secret Midge pattern. See Fly Tying page. pril 2016 "Stream Lines" Newsletter Posted - Newsletters Page - Newsletters Page. See Newsletter page.April 2016 "Stream Lines" Newsletter Posted - Newsletters Page - Newsletters Page. See Newslew - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. (5/7) - Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying pageNew - April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative Newsletter. See Below. (5/7) - Partridge Caddis Emerger. See Fly Tying pag- Partridge Caddis Emerger.- April Issue of "On the Rise" Women's Initiative News 
TVTU President Duke Preston (right) presents Paul Rice with his new Cabel's/Orvis outfit
Congratulations Paul Rice - Winner of TVTU Cabela's/ Orvis Fly Fishing Outfit
The drawing of our Cabela's/Orvis Fly Fishing Outfit was won by Paul Rice. Paul bought an extra ticket at our final meeting of the season and of course it was the winner. Thanks to Paul and all who helped us raise $560 for the Thames Valley TU Chapter. 
Jesse Filingo poses with Pete Belisle winner of a float trip
Pete Belisle Winner of Float Trip
Our May Membership meeting speaker Jesse Filingo donated a float trip worth $420 with him and Pete Belisle was the lucky winner. Jesse also provided coupons worth $100 off a float trip to anyone at the meeting who wanted one. Judging from Jesse's presentation Pete and those who took advantage of Jess's generous offer will have great day on the waters that he guides in NY/PS. Thank you Jesse Filingo! 
Free Family Membership Upgrade Extended
We are pleased to launch a new Free Family Membership Upgrade offer to any existing Trout Unlimited member -- for a limited time only! By signing up and adding the names and information for the family members living in your household at www.tu.org/familymembership, you will enjoy the benefits of a TU family membership for the duration of your regular membership for free. These benefits include: • Ensuring your family members feel that great sense of belonging to the nation’s leading trout and salmon conservation organization. • Additional family members can expect to receive communications and invitations to local, statewide and national events and activities, like for example one of our dozens of chapter-hosted women's specific fly fishing seminars or youth fishing days. • A complimentary copy of Stream Explorers magazine for any youth under age 12. • All members of the household will be able to create a unique member profile on www.tu.org to engage in our online community, join discussion groups, access member-only content such as the digital version of TROUT Magazine and more... TVTU/DEEP Stock the Blackledge, Salmon, Natchaug & Shetucket rivers from May 12 to 17.
TVTU volunteers & DEEP completed this springs stocking. Thanks to all the volunteers and some rain we all should have some great fishing for awhile. See slide show on Stocking page. 
Don't be like these guys! Join Thames Valley TU Chapter for a special introductory rate of $17.50... half the normal membership price! Click - Join TVTU Be sure to select the "Thames Valley" Chapter 282 when signing up online. |
Welcome!
Thames Valley TU Chapter's Mission: To conserve, protect and restore Eastern Connecticut's trout and salmon and their watersheds.
To learn more about us, please click the button below.
