Susquehanna Ripples...2016/11/09 · Please send information via email or mail directly to: David...

Susquehanna Ripples

Newsletter of the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited #044 January 2017

Happy New Year The Officer’s and Directors of the Susquehanna Chapter

of Trout Unlimited want to wish all of our friends and

family a very happy New Year. 2016 was a good year

and 2017 will be even better.

Watershed Summit to be Held

The Susquehanna Chapter Trout Unlimited is hosting

its annual meeting of area watershed associations, pub-

lic officials, and conservation organizations which help

to preserve, protect, and enhance our area streams and

watersheds. Each year, these groups have carried out

projects including improving stream habitat, stabilizing

stream banks, monitoring water quality, and educating

land owners and the public about watershed issues and

best practices. The public is invited to come and learn

about the volunteer efforts and beneficial projects ac-

complished by our area’s watershed groups, conserva-

tion organizations, and agencies during 2016 and their

upcoming plans for 2017. All are invited to hear about

this important work and how to get involved. The meet-

ing will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Fellow-

ship Hall (rear of 102 East 3rd Street at Mulberry St. in

Williamsport) on Wednesday, January 11th at 7:00 PM

Chapter Elections Held Elections were held at the November 9, 2016 Annual

Chapter Meeting and we want to congratulate the fol-

lowing individuals for their election for the 2016 - 2017

year. We also want to thank them for their willingness

to give their time and help lead the Chapter.

President: Walt Nicholson

Vice President: Dave Craig

Secretary: Kevin McJunkin

Treasurer: Bob Baker

Directors:

Carey Entz-Rine (2017)

Jim Latini (2017)

Charles Knowlden (2018)

Steve Szoke (2018)

Burr Boston (2019)

Joe Radley (2019)

Chapter Online Store Coming Because of the very generous donations individuals

have made to the Chapter, we have been able to accrue

a very large inventory of fly tying materials and other

assorted fishing items.

With an anticipated start date of February 1, 2017,

the Chapter will have an online store to market the items

that we have. Because of the quantity we have, it will be

impossible to list everything so we will list a variety of

items and will change what we offer every few months.

If there is something that you want and do not see it, let

us know and we will check for the items that you want.

We have an entire fly tying shop in our inventory and

will have just about anything you would need as well as

other miscellaneous fishing items not related to fly ty-

ing.

Look for more information on our website and in the

February issue of the Susquehanna Ripples.

January 2017 2

Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Officer and Directors

President: Walt Nicholson

Email: [email protected]

Vice President: David Craig


Phone: 570-326-1002 / 570-971-4744

Secretary: Kevin McJunkin


Treasurer: Bob Baker


Phone: 570-337-1279

Board of Directors

Carey Entz-Rine (2017)

Jim Latini (2017)

Charles Knowlden (2018)

Steve Szoke (2018)

Burr Boston (2019)

Joe Radley (2019)

Director Emeritus and Advisor

Bill O’Connor

Media Liaison: Kevin McJunkin

Program Director: Joe Radley

Youth Coordinator: Carey Entz-Rine

Women’s Programs: Carey Entz-Rine

Newsletter Editor/Webmaster

Bob Baker

Newsletter Team members

Cheyenne Baker

Dakota Baker

susquehannatu.com

[email protected]

Fly Tying Class to be held The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be

holding its annual fly tying class from February 21,

2017 through April 4, 2017. The class will be held on

Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm in the

Fellowship Hall, 102 East 3rd Street, Williamsport.

Parking is in the rear of the Church along Mulberry

Street.

There is no charge for the class and all materials and

tools will be provided. If you have your own vise and

tools, you are more than welcome to bring them to use.

We will once again be having instruction for beginners

through advanced and ask that if you have any flies that

you would like to tie, please let us know a head of time

so that our instructors can prepare.

We are looking for instructors as well. If you would

like to teach please let us know. This class has been

successful the last few years and we are looking forward

to another successful class.

We are asking you to pre register for this class by

sending an email to [email protected] or by

contacting Walt Nicholson at 570-447-3600.

Thank you all for your interest in the past and for

making this class a success!!

Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grant

Treasurers Report for October 1, 2016

through December 31, 2016

Submitted by Bob Baker, Treasurer

Beginning Balance October 1, 2016 $4,250.00

No Deposits

No Expenses

Account balance December 31, 2016 $4,250.00

Treasurers Report for October 1, 2016

through December 31, 2016 Submitted by Bob Baker, Treasurer

Checking Beginning Balance: $5,163.51

Income

In Memory of Bob Rinn $ 25.00

Total Income: $ 25.00

Expenses:

Lycoming Creek Anglers Club $1,00000

Total Expenses $1,000.00

Checking Account Balance $4,188.51

Savings Account Beginning: $8,181.41

Income

Dividend 0.67

Total Income $ 0.67

No Expenses:

Savings Account Balance $8,182.08

Money in the bank

Checking Account: $4,188.51

Savings Account: $8,182.08

$12,370.59

January 2017 3


THANK YOU to our

Watershed and Conservation Groups

The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to thank all the Watershed Organizations and Outdoor

Conservation Groups that work so hard to protect our resources. We know the amount of work that you do and that

this work is done with limited resources (financially and manpower). We applaud you for everything that you have

done and look forward to continuing our relationship and working with you in the future. Central Pennsylvania is a

much better place because of your efforts and we can not thank you enough. If you do not belong to any of these

groups, please consider joining one (or more) of them. Please contact them with your support because they need your

help to continue meeting their goals.

Black Hole Creek Watershed

Association

35 South Main Street

Montgomery, PA 17752-0125

Consolidated Sportsmen Of Muncy

Creeks

660 Clarkstown Rd

Muncy, PA 17756

Endless Mountains RC & D

200 Lake Road, Suite A

Towanda, PA 18848

Larry’s Creek Watershed

Association

PO Box 64

Trout Run, PA 17771

Lycoming Audubon Society

PO Box 4053

Williamsport, PA 17701

Lycoming College Clean Water

Institute

700 College Place


Lycoming County Conservation

District

542 County Farm Road, Suite 202

Montoursville, PA 17754

Lycoming County Planning

Commission

48 W. 3rd Street


Loyalsock Creek Watershed

Association

PO Box 216

Montoursville, PA 17754-0216

Lycoming Creek Anglers Club

2079 Blair Street

Williamsport, PA 17701-2871

Lycoming Creek Watershed

Association

PO Box 173

Trout Run, PA 17728

Muncy Creek Watershed Associa-

tion

PO Box 47

Muncy, PA 17756-0047

North Central Pennsylvania

Conservancy

PO Box 2083


PA Bureau of Forestry

10 Lower Pine Bottom Road

Waterville, PA 17776

PA Bureau of Forestry

6735 Route 220 Highway

Dushore, PA 18614

PA Department of Environmental

Protection

208 W. 3rd Street


Waterdale Environmental Education

Center

c/o Williamsport Municipal Water

Authority

253 W. 4th Street


Pine Creek Preservation Associa-

tion

PO Box 11

Waterville, PA 17776

Pine Creek Watershed Council

118 Main Street

Wellsboro, PA 16901

Sullivan County Conservation

District

9219 Route 487

Suite B

Dushore, PA 18614

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

201 Furnace Road

Lewisburg, PA 17837

Dr. Jonathan Niles

Assistant Professor, Biology Dept

Susquehanna University

514 University Avenue

Selinsgrove, PA 17870

Trout Unlimited Eastern Brook

Trout Initiative

643 Mills Hill Road

Wellsboro, PA 16901

West Branch Regional Authority

127 Girton Drive

Muncy, PA 17756

January 2017 4


Gill lice discovered in PA brook trout

population

“Some of you may already be aware of the problems

in Wisconsin with gill lice infecting that state's native

brook trout population. Well, unfortunately, the problem

has arrived in Pennsylvania. At the PATU Trout Man-

agement Committee (TMC) meeting on October 23,

PFBC Division Chief of Fish Management Jason Detar

presented the findings of the PFBC in several Centre

County freestone streams. Both wild and stocked

brookies were found to be infested with gill lice during

surveys. Further investigation by the PFBC showed that

the nursery where the hatchery brookies were raised was

the source of the infected fish. Subsequently, all the

brookies in that co-op nursery were destroyed.

These parasites live on the edges of the gills and suck

blood from their hosts. They weaken the fish and, if seri-

ous enough, cause the trout to become listless and lack

sufficient oxygen. The gill lice found are specific to the

Salvelinus (char family) genus to which brook trout be-

long.

PATU is planning to work with the PFBC to identify

the extent of this problem. Details will be worked out

with the PFBC before the next trout season. In the

meantime, if you catch a brookie, check the gills. These

parasites look like tiny maggots and attach themselves to

the fringes of the gills where they dine on the brookies’

blood.

The TMC is going to have additional meetings with

the PFBC in order to map out a plan to study the situa-

tion to determine how far reaching it is. PATU will

likely be asking chapters and their members to help. In

the meantime, if you catch any brookies, take a quick

look at the gills. If you see gill lice, please record the

information below and send it to Dave Nihart as soon as

possible. If you happen to have a camera, take a photo

of the infected gills and pass it on to the PFBC.

Required Information: Stream name, Where the fish was

caught (e.g. Strobes Road Bridge near Milltown), If

possible, include a latitude and longitude of catch loca-

tion, Date fish was caught, Photo of fish that shows pos-

sible gill lice.”

Please send information via email or mail directly to:

David Nihart | Fisheries Biologist

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission

Division of Fisheries Management | Coldwater Unit

450 Robinson Lane | Bellefonte, PA 16823

Phone: 814-359-5220 | Fax: 814-359-5153

www.fishandboat.com | [email protected]

Recipe of the Month

Panfish and Taters Recipe 16 panfish fillets, or 8 pan-dressed panfish

6 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces

1/2 cup green pepper, cut into strips

1 (4-oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained

1/2 cup corn meal

1/2 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Saute the bacon pieces in a large cast-iron skillet until

almost, but not quite, crisp. Spoon a little of the bacon

grease (to cook the fish in) into a cup and set aside. Add

potatoes, green pepper and pimientos to the skillet.

Cook, stirring, until potatoes are nicely browned and

bacon is crisp.

While the potatoes are cooking, shake together the corn

meal, flour, salt and pepper in a zip-seal plastic bag.

Add the fish, and shake to coat.

Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet, then add the

extra bacon grease and heat. Add as much fish as you

can without crowding it, and cook until the coating is

crispy and golden. Cook the remaining fish, and serve

piping hot with potatoes on the side. http://1source.basspro.com/index.php/component/k2/218-fish-recipes/1078-

cooking-up-a-shore-lunch-with-5-fish-recipes

http://www.fishandboat.com/

mailto:[email protected]

January 2017 5


Disposal of Medications

Improper disposal of prescription

drugs could create environmental

hazards impacting groundwater and

rivers and harming wildlife.

All pharmaceutical drugs that are

being disposed of need to be in a

sealed container such as the original

bottle or a zip-lock bag. They may

not be disposed of loosely.

Liquid pharmaceuticals should

remain in the original container.

Personal information should be re-

moved or blotted out with a perma-

nent marker.

Items Accepted include Prescrip-

tion and over-the-counter solid

medications, tablets and capsules,

liquid medications, inhalers,

creams, ointments, nasal sprays, and

pet medicines.

Items NOT Accepted include

Intravenous solutions, injectables

and needles.

Expired or unused, prescribed

and over-the-counter medications

will be collected at the following

Police Departments. Community

members can utilize these drop

boxes to ensure that medications

will not end up in the wrong hands

but rather properly disposed of.

City of Williamsport Police Dept.

245 West 4th Street


570.327.7548

Hughesville Borough Police Dept.

147 South Fifth Street

Hughesville, PA 17737

570.584.2111

Lycoming County Sheriff’s Dept.

48 West Third Street


570.327.2280

Montoursville Police Dept.

617 North Loyalsock Avenue

Montoursville, PA 17754

570.368.2488

Old Lycoming Township Police

Dept.

1951 Green Avenue, Ste. 2


570.323.4987

South Williamsport Police Dept.

329-331 West Southern Ave.

South Williamsport, PA 17702

570.327.8152

Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police

Dept.

129 South Pennsylvania Ave.

Jersey Shore, PA 17740

570.398.2146

Clinton County Sheriff’s Dept. (In

the Garden Building across the

street from the courthouse)

232 East Main Street

Lock Haven, PA 17745

570.893.4070

Sullivan County Sheriffs Office

Sullivan County Courthouse

245 Muncy Street

PO Box 157

Laporte, PA 18626

1-570-946-5201

How do I recycle other

stuff around my home?

Automobile fluids contact your lo-

cal auto parts store, they accept

many types of fluids for recycling

Paint - consider donating to a char-

ity. If latex paint, remove lid and

let dry. Once dry, it can be thrown

in the trash and recycle the can.

Pesticides and similar items - read

the label for the correct disposal

methods.

If you are unsure of how to dispose

of something, or if it is recyclable,

please contact your local recycling

center or your local governmental

officials.

Estate Fishing Gear The Chapter has been fortunate to

have received fly-tying and fishing

equipment from the estates of de-

ceased members. Please con-

sider leaving these items to the

chapter when you can no longer use

them. This will supply a source of

materials for future fly-tying classes

and equipment for fund-raising

events. What a great way to leave a

legacy to the activity we all enjoy!

Welcome New Members

Kenneth Crooks

Kim Dockey

Rod Fry

John Knopp

John Kwieraga

Michael Linn

Jeffrey Little

Steven McLaughlin

Bryan Sholtis

Martin Vitti

Robert Whitmyer

Chapter meetings Held on the 2nd Wednesday of each

month and are open to the public

and begin at 7:30 pm (unless other-

wise noted). Meetings are held at the

First Presbyterian Church of Wil-

liamsport in the Fellowship Hall

(unless otherwise noted), 102 East

3rd Street, Williamsport. Parking is

in the rear of the Church along Mul-

berry Street.

No meetings are held in May, June,

July, August or

December

January 2017 6


We all live in a watershed.

What is it and what is its

place in our community?

A watershed is an area of land

that drains rain water or snow into

one location such as a stream, lake

or wetland. These water bodies sup-

ply our drinking water, water for

agriculture and manufacturing, offer

opportunities for recreation and pro-

vide habitat to numerous plants and

animals. Unfortunately various

forms of pollution, including runoff

and erosion, can interfere with the

health of the watershed. Therefore,

it is important to protect the quality

of our watershed

WHY DO WE NEED HEALTHY

WATERSHEDS?

Watersheds sustain life, in more

ways than one. According to the

Environmental Protection Agency,

more than $450 billion in foods,

fiber, manufactured goods and tour-

ism depend on clean, healthy water-

sheds. That is why proper watershed

protection is necessary to you and

your community.

Watershed protection is a means

of protecting a lake, river, or stream

by managing the entire watershed

that drains into it. Clean, healthy

watersheds depend on an informed

public to make the right decisions

when it comes to the environment

and actions made by the commu-

nity.

WHY WE NEED TO PROTECT

OUR WATERSHEDS

The Earth is covered in 70% wa-

ter and unfortunately 40-50% of our

nation's waters are impaired or

threatened. "Impaired" means that

the water body does not support one

or more of its intended uses. This

could mean that the water is not

suitable to drink, swim in or to con-

sume the fish that was caught there.

The leading causes of pollution

in our waterways are sediments,

bacteria (such as E. coli) and excess

nutrients (such as nitrogen and

phosphorus). Although nutrients

sound like things that belong in a

healthy environment, they can cause

big problems in a poorly managed

watershed. Sediment can suffocate

fish by clogging their gills and the

presence of bacteria alone can indi-

cate that other viruses and germs

can be found in the water as well.

Erosion, runoff of animal waste and

overflowing of combined sewers are

just a few ways these pollutants

reach our waters.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

The EPA offers their tips on how

you can help keep your watershed

clean and healthy.

Conserve water every day. Take

shorter showers, fix leaks &

turn off the water when not in

use.

Don’t pour toxic household

chemicals down the drain; take

them to a hazardous waste cen-

ter.

Use hardy plants that require

little or no watering, fertilizers

or pesticides in your yard.

Do not over apply fertilizers.

Consider using organic or slow

release fertilizers instead.

Recycle yard waste in a com-

post pile & use a mulching

mower.

Use surfaces like wood, brick or

gravel for decks & walkways;

allows rain to soak in & not run

off.

Never pour used oil or anti-

freeze into the storm drain or

the street.

Pick up after your dog, and dis-

pose of the waste in the toilet or

the trash.

Drive less—walk or bike; many

pollutants in our waters come

from car exhaust and car leaks.

(Taken from nature.org)

Donations Received

The Chapter has received the fol-

lowing donations:

Gitzit Incorporated - 3 dozen

Micro Little Tough Guy Lures M e l a n i e R i n n -M a r t i n e k

(daughter of Bob Rinn) donated

Bob’s inventory of fly tying

materials and books

VIS Sunshine School - $25 in

memory of Bob Rinn

Chapter Bylaws The Chapter bylaws have been re-

vised and were adopted at the No-

vember 9, 2016 Chapter meeting.

They are now consistent with the

bylaws of National TU. A copy of

the bylaws was sent to all Chapter

members (who have allowed com-

munications from the Chapter) in

October with the October issue of

the Susquehanna Ripples. If you

would like a copy of the adopted

bylaws, please email the chapter at

[email protected] and a

copy will be mailed to you.

Eric Hussar Elected PFBC

Vice President At a special meeting held on No-

vember 18, 2016 of the Commis-

sioners of the PA Fish and Boat

Commission, Eric Hussar was

elected to serve as the Vice Presi-

dent. Eric is the Commissioner for

our area. We want to congratulate

him on this achievement!

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/indiana/journeywithnature/gulf-hypoxia.xml



http://www.epa.gov/

January 2017 7


Smallmouth Bass Improving

HARRISBURG, Pa. (Dec. 8) – Following nearly a

decade of poor recruitment due to disease affecting

young-of-the-year, the smallmouth bass populations in

the Susquehanna and lower Juniata rivers are showing

signs of improvement, according to information released

today by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

(PFBC).

Surveys conducted from 2013-2016 reveal increasing

numbers of adult smallmouth bass compared to severely

reduced numbers collected from 2005-2012. Decreased

prevalence of disease in young-of-the-year smallmouth

bass, along with the implementation of mandatory catch-

and-release regulations enacted in 2011, have resulted in

better recruitment of young bass to the adult popula-

tions.

However, bacterial infections causing sores and le-

sions continue to be observed in young-of-the-year

smallmouth bass, prompting a renewed call by PFBC

Executive Director John Arway to list the river as im-

paired. Other abnormal effects such as melanistic black

spots and intersex conditions in adult bass, along with

unprecedented nuisance algae blooms continue to plague

the smallmouth fishery.

“Although we are cautiously optimistic about the

population numbers we have observed over the last four

years, our sampling is still finding young-of-the-year

smallmouth bass displaying clinical signs of disease,”

Arway said. “We continue to urge the U.S. Environ-

mental Protection Agency (EPA) to list the river as im-

paired in its final review of the 2016 Integrated Water

Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report submitted

by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).”

The DEP submits an updated report every two years

to EPA Region 3 for approval. Adding the Susquehanna

to the list as a “high priority” impaired water would trig-

ger a two-year timeline requiring DEP to develop a

comprehensive plan to identify the causes and sources of

pollution and put a plan together to clean up the river

consistent with the goals of the federal Clean Water Act.

DEP recommended against listing the river as im-

paired in the 2012, 2014 and 2016 reports. EPA is ex-

pected to review the 2016 report and issue a ruling by

early next year, either accepting the report or requiring

changes. Recently, EPA Region 3 exercised its authority

and added 28 stream and river segments to West Vir-

ginia’s impaired waters list.

Last year, DEP and the PFBC released findings from

a multi-year study (CADDIS) indicating that the most

likely causes for the population decline of smallmouth

bass in the Susquehanna River are endocrine-disrupting

compounds and herbicides; and pathogens and parasites.

Arway says the next step should be to focus on iden-

tifying the sources of the endocrine-disrupting com-

pounds and herbicides, which would be required with an

impairment designation.

“The Susquehanna River's smallmouth bass fishery

once attracted anglers from all over the world,” he said.

“I am confident that the results from last year’s study,

along with a continued commitment by DEP to identify

the causes and reduce the sources of pollution, will pro-

vide for the eventual recovery and return of that once

world class recreational fishery.”

“The impairment designation is critical to this ef-

fort,” he added. “Our concerns continue to be driven by

the need to conserve and protect our aquatic resources

so they may be enjoyed by present and future genera-

tions as guaranteed by our state constitution.” Taken from the PFBC website

Fly of the Month

Snowflake Dun Pattern: Roman Moser

Fly and photograph: Hans Weilenmann

Hook: Tiemco 102Y #13-#17 (or equivalent fine wire

hook

Thread: Brown or White 8/0

Tail: Fairly sparse CDC clump (Type 3), half to three

quarter shank length

Body: Dubbing to match the natural

Outriggers: Hackle fibers

Wing: Double layer of CDC

Head: Fine white poly yarn

http://www.flytierspage.com/hweilenmann/snowflake_dun.htm

Upcoming Events

November 1, 2016

through April 30, 2017

Mandatory Life Jacket

Requirement

January 11, 2017

Chapter Meeting - Annual

Watershed Summit 7 PM

January 19 - 22, 2017

Outdoor Sportsman’s

Expo at Lycoming Mall nmpwoutdoorexpo.weebly.com/

January 26 - 29, 2017

Early Bird Sports Expo,

Bloomsburg Fair Grounds

January 27 - 29, 2017

The Fly Fishing Show,

Somerset, NJ

February 4 - 12, 2017

Great American Sports

Show, Harrisburg

February 8, 2017

Chapter Meeting

February 18 - 19, 2017

18th Annual Valley Out-

doors Cabin Fever Expo

at the Mifflinburg Inter-

mediate School

February 21, 2017

Fly Tying Class

February 28, 2017

Fly Tying Class

March 4 - 5, 2017

The Fly Fishing Show,

Lancaster, PA

March 7, 2017

Fly Tying Class

March 8, 2017

Chapter Meeting

March 14, 2017 Fly Tying Class

March 21, 2017

Fly Tying Class

March 25, 2017

Mentored Youth Trout

Day - Regional

March 28, 2017

Fly Tying Class

April 1, 2017

Regional Opening day of

Trout

April 4, 2017

Fly Tying Class

April 8, 2017

Mentored Youth Trout

Day - Statewide

April 12, 2017

Chapter Meeting

April 15, 2017

Statewide Opening of

Trout

The Mission of the Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited is to work to conserve, protect and restore Cen-

tral Pennsylvania’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds

Susquehanna Ripples


PO Box 1132

Williamsport, PA 17703 - 1132

Susquehanna Ripples...2016/11/09 · Please send information via email or mail directly to: David...

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