On Saturday, March 16, Nutmeg TU, helped by children from the Trout in the Classroom program, released trophy trout at the Doc Skerlick Fly Fishing area on the Saugatuck River.
The fish were set free in a catch-and-release, fly fishing only area.
Thanks to donations from Nutmeg supporters and members, 53 rainbow and brown trout, ranging in length from 18 to 22 inches, were let loose in the Saugatuck.
Click here to view a slideshow from that morning.
The Outdoor Industry Association has released figures quantifying the economic impact of outdoor recreation in all 50 states, with a separate report for each state that tallies direct spending, jobs, salaries and tax revenue. This data demonstrates that outdoor recreation is an important driver of state economies, supporting jobs, businesses and communities.
In Connecticut, Americans spend $6.9 billion on outdoor recreation, supporting 70,600 Connecticut jobs, generating $2.2 billion in wages, and producing $502 million in state and local tax revenue. Connecticut offers spectacular outdoor recreation opportunities at treasured destinations, including Bigelow Hollow State Park, the Willimantic River Water Trail and many others, providing the types of outdoor experiences that produce these economic benefits.
The state-by-state figures expand upon a national report OIA published in June 2012, which found that nationally Americans spend $646 billion each year on outdoor recreation, directly supporting 6.1 million jobs and generating nearly $80 billion in tax revenue.
“Outdoor recreation is a growing American industry that produces significant economic benefits,” said Will Manzer, chair of the OIA Board of Directors and former CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports. “For example, Americans spend almost twice as much on outdoor recreation as they spend on pharmaceuticals each year. And outdoor recreation supports more than twice as many jobs as the oil and gas industry.”
Outdoor recreation creates diverse jobs in product development, manufacturing, marketing, logistics, sales, retail, public land management, guiding services and more — and also supports service sector and other jobs when people spend money on trips and travel-related expenses associated with outdoor pursuits.
With nearly 140 million Americans participating in outdoor activities each year, outdoor recreation is a larger and more critical sector of the American economy than most people realize.
The outdoor industry can continue to generate jobs and be an economic driver in the United States if parks, waters and trails are managed as a system designed to sustain these economic dividends for America.
“Outdoor recreation is good for the American economy and our future,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA. “When we invest in the nation’s network of public lands and waters, we are protecting and enhancing outdoor experiences for the benefit of the thousands of businesses, communities and families whose livelihoods depends on the outdoor recreation economy.”
The new data is an expansion to OIA’s 2006 study and tracks direct jobs as well as direct consumer spending on gear, vehicles, trips and travel in 10 activity categories. OIA commissioned Southwick Associates, a research firm that specializes in shooting sports, hunting, angling, natural resource and environmental economics, to perform the research. Motorcycle Industry Council and National Marine Manufacturers Association contributed funding and data to support this study.
The national report as well as a one page fact sheet for each U.S. state is available on the OIA website at outdoorindustry.org/recreationeconomy.
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry and the title sponsor of Outdoor Retailer. OIA supports the growth and success of more than 4,000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailers of outdoor recreation apparel, footwear, equipment and services. For more information, go to outdoorindustry.org.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has begun a hearing process on the proposed Mill River cleanup after receiving more than 150 signatures calling for a review.
Only 25 signatures were needed to force a hearing on Exide’s proposal to remove contaminants from the river near the former car battery factory on the Post Road. Click here to read more.
The permitting process for Exide’s plan is now on hold until a remediation plan is finalized.
First Selectman Michael Tetreau and other town officials recently joined state Sen. John McKinney, Rep. Brenda Kupchick, Rep. Tony Hwang and Rep. Kim Fawcett to discuss the cleanup with state officials in Hartford. (Click here to read coverage.)
Updates will be posted as they become available.
Click here for the DEEP page on the project.
Bridgeport Police have raised enough funds to give 300 10- and 11-year-old at-risk inner city Bridgeport youths a Shakespeare spinning fishing kit (rod, reel, line, bobber and bait). The idea is to give these children a healthy form of recreation to keep them away from trouble, especially when school is not in session.
On Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. to noon, Bridgeport Police, in collaboration with the Connecticut DEEP’s CARE volunteers, Beardsley Zoo and Nutmeg TU, will hold a rapid fishing class at the Hanson Exploration Station at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. A minimum of nine volunteers are needed; no prior knowledge is required except for some very basic fishing know-how. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 8 a.m. to help assemble a few rods and to review the lessons (casting, a basic knot tying, fish ID, as well as a very quick overview of basic safety and what the Angler’s Guide is) for the day.
Volunteers will assemble the remaining 280 fishing rod and reel kits after training on April 13.
On April 20, 15 to 20 Nutmeg volunteers are needed when the kids get to go fishing from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The group will fish near where the Pequonnock River meets Bunnell Pond at Beardsley Park. For safety, there must be one instructor for every three children.
Children will begin to arrive between 8 and 9 a.m., and will fish from 10 a.m. to noon. After trophies are awarded at noon, there will be a barbeque.
Children will receive a free pass to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.
Information can be obtained by emailing admin@nutmegtrout.org. Updates will be at nutmegtrout.org.
From The Valley Gazette
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has launched a Youth Fishing Passport program to introduce youth to and connect them with a lifetime of fishing opportunities across Connecticut.
The free program allows youngsters to access fishing information and fishing-related activities and also helps to promote a sense of environmental stewardship at an early age.
Some vendors will offer free products and discounts to passport holders.
Participation is open to anyone under age 16, with permission from parents or guardians. Learn more at ct.gov/deep/yfp.
Here in the Valley, there are numerous opportunities to go fishing. From the Kellogg Center to the Seymour Land Trust’s Legion Pool, there are plenty of opportunities to introduce youngsters to a lifetime hobby.
Locally, most anglers are catch-and-release proponents. But even without a trophy fish to bring home, there are plenty of reasons to go fishing.
It benefits the environment through permit fees and simple awareness and appreciation.
It gets kids out into fresh air for healthy outdoor activity.
It forces you to take time to relax.
Fishing can be a fun way to spend time together as a family, while getting some light exercise and developing an appreciation of the outdoors. Get out and go fishing!
Your action is needed no later than Wednesday morning!
This year’s proposed budget calls for the removal of $147,910 specified as the amount necessary to operate the Kensington Hatchery!
The following are impacts of the loss of this hatchery:
• Valuable genetic traits defining Connecticut River salmon will be lost forever.
• Trout in the Classroom program may be lost due to the need for chilled water (only available at Kensington ) during egg development .
• The Salmon-in-Schools program, sponsored by the Connecticut River Salmon Association, would be terminated after this school year which would effect 60-70 schools and some 6,000 students.
• Up to 7000 Atlantic Salmon fishing trips in Connecticut will be lost with the end of the brood stocking program.
• The unique Seeforellen Brown trout will be lost to Connecticut anglers.
Take Action: Write the representatives of the Appropriations Committee. The easy way to do this is below. This takes about 3 minutes.
1. Got to this link: http://www.cbia.com/ga/CT_Appropriations_Committee/-AAPP
2. Select the “Check All” box in the center right of the page. This will check all the “Add to email” boxes on the page
3. Scroll down and click on the “Next Compose Email” button at the bottom of the page.
4. On the form that appears enter your personal information and cut and paste the info below into the subject line and the message fields.
5. Scroll down and click on the “Preview Message” button.
6. Scroll down and click on the “Send Email Now” button
Subject: Protect the Kensington Hatchery
Recommended Message:
As an angler, cold water conservationist and supporter of youth education, I oppose the cuts to that would close or curtail activities at the Kensington Hatchery. I ask the the subcommittee protect this important resource for anglers, conservationists and the school children of this state.
Thanks for your help.
Chuck
Reservations for Nutmeg TU’s 36th annual banquet must be received by Friday, March 15.
The banquet will be held Saturday, March 23, at the Restaurant at Tashua Knolls Golf Course in Trumbull.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with an open bar till 7:30 p.m.
The evening will include a door prize, raffles, a silent auction and presentations on Nutmeg TU activities.
Information is available from Banquet Chairman Chuck MacMath at cmacmath59@yahoo.com.
Click to download a printable reservation form, to be printed and returned to the address on it by March 15.
Antoine Bissieux, “The French Flyfisherman” will discuss fising with nymphs at the next meeting of Nutmeg TU Chapter 217 Tuesday, March 19, at 7 p.m. at Port 5.
A 2012 Orvis-endorsed guide, Bissieux leads fly fishing trips on the Farmington River in Connecticut, the Battenkill River in Vermont, and other places where you can cast at a fish.
After teaching thousands of beginner anglers and guiding at the Orvis fly fishing flagship school in Manchester, Vt., he now focuses on the Farmington, offering guided trips, classes, instruction all catered to each fisherman’s expectations. All levels and abilities are welcome.
The French Fisherman can also be heard on National Public Radio.
More information can be found a bissieux.com.
Nutmeg TU is taking part in two opportunities to help those who have given so much for our nation.
The First Congregational Church in Branford will host Take a Vet Fishing Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 1009 Main St., Branford.
Now in its seventh year, the Veterans Outreach Mission provides Christian outreach and fellowship to our Veterans in the CT VA Healthcare System and beyond. Information can be found at firstcongregationalbranford.org/Vets.html.
Volunteers may be asked to help a vet learn fly tying and casting, but may also be asked to help with food, camaraderie etc.; either way, you’ll be making a tremendous difference in a disabled veteran’s life.
Those who wish to help should RSVP to Edward Ochman, fatalbertandernie@yahoo.com.
Nutmeg members interested in carpooling can email John at gmorresi@gmail.com.
Trout Unlimited’s Veterans Service Program will meet Thursday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Newington Health Center of the Veterans Affairs (VA), 555 Willard Ave., Newington, in the 3rd floor, Conference Room.
Nutmeg volunteers will join members of the Farmington Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited to teach disabled veterans fly tying (and, weather permitting, fly casting). Please bring spare fly tying materials.
Space is limited to five volunteers.
RSVP to James Iannone, Farmington Valley TU Program Lead, at 860-523-7545 or jdiannone@comcast.net.
There are fears Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s budget for 2013-15 could spell the end of the Kensington Hatchery.
The forums on flyaddict.com include a discussion and links to the page in the proposed budget that details the cuts, including savings $150,000 toward closing the massive deficit by closing a hatchery. The Office of Fiscal Analysis, a nonpartisan advisory group, projects the deficit at $138.6 million, twice the Malloy administration’s projection of $64.4 million, according to the CT Mirror.
Page 3 of the forum on flyaddict.com includes names and contact info for members of the committee involved in the decision so fishermen can speak out before it’s too late.