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Rally | Back the
Brookie
Rivercourse
2004
Conservation oriented classes included in-stream entomology, herpetology (concentrating on S. Appalachian salamanders), watershed issues and solutions, the Enviroscape, and riparian restoration. Fly fishing oriented classes included casting, reading the water, knots, leader building, water safety, fly tying, stocking of fish, and equipment, especially what to carry in a vest.
A wonderful time was had by adults and campers alike. Every camper caught fish. One day the river had high water and we couldn’t fish. Fortunately, Matt Rhea, manager of Sorrell Trout Farm, had invited us to fish their trout ponds. Most of the campers caught fish there, including many trout in the four to five pound range.
TU volunteers came from all over the state (eight chapters were represented) to serve as speakers, chaperones, fly tiers, and ghillies (guides). With their help, this year’s camp was outstanding. Thanks y'all!!
The highlight of the week was an all day field trip to the Davidson River. The Pisgah Chapter has an ongoing conservation project chaired by our own Rivercourse Assistant Director, Craig Larson. The Pisgah Chapter picked up the tab for the whole field trip as a work effort for the project. By coordinating with fisheries biologists from the US Forest Service and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, we were able to demonstrate how TU partners effectively with public agencies. After explaining the importance of riparian restoration, USFS biologists Lorie Stroup and Sheryl Bryan led the students in planting native plants in a well worn riparian area in the Coontree picnic grounds. Doug Besler of the NCWRC dissected a trout, which had everyones’ rapt attention. Bob Daubert of the Pisgah Chapter, who is a volunteer at the Pisgah Fish Hatchery, gave us a behind the scenes tour of the facility and coordinated the entire day. And once again, Bob Caldwell, of Asheville’s WLOS TV station joined us to report on the kids’ plantings that day. This was an enjoyable and educational day for sure. As the campers were leaving on Friday, we overheard one say to his mother: "Mom, let’s take a different way home. I have to show you the bush I planted." That says it all, folks!
Won’t you join us next year by sending qualified young people, scholarship money, or yourselves? It will be June 12-17, 2005 at Lake Logan Center.
The future of coldwater conservation lies in our youth.
Betsy Craig, NCTU Rivercourse Director
Craig Larson, NCTU Rivercourse Assistant Director