Nor'East TU

February Meeting

2012-02-05T11:16:00.000-08:00

Two reasons to come to our February 6th meeting:

First, we failed to give away the Winston Ascent rod at our last meeting, so we’ll be raffling it off at the meeting. As a reminder, you received a free chance to win the rod for every meeting you attended.

Second, Sean Smith will be presenting "Fishing the New Hampshire Seacoast" and providing great insight into fishing the seacoast rivers, including the Lamprey, Exeter, Isinglass and Cocheco. Sean has guided in this area for years and was the former president of the Great Bay TU chapter. We hope to see you there.

Monday February 6, 2012
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

Congratulations to the 2012 Slate of Officers

2012-01-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

There is still an opening for the office of secretary. Please let Kevin Correa know if you are interested in holding this office.

President - Kevin Correa
Vice President - Tom Schultz
Treasurer - Mike O’Neill
Secretary - Open

Directors:
James Goodhart
Neil Green
Art Howe
Harris Krinsky
John LeJeune
Jim MacDougall
Bill Mann
Bob Torkildsen
Tim Twombly
Ken Washburn
David Williams

January Meeting

2012-01-06T11:21:00.000-08:00

Attention All Members
Annual meeting and elections to be held this Monday at the IWRA. We will discuss the future events and happenings of the chapter for 2012. Please attend this import ant meeting.
Monday January 9, 2012
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Meeting
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

Two Interesting Events at the IRWA

2012-01-06T11:12:00.000-08:00

Macroinvertebrate Workshop

Saturday, January 14th, 1 - 4 pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Join us for a workshop about the fascinating world of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Learn about what collecting and studying these seldom seen creatures entails and how they can be used to measure water quality. Expertise in invertebrate taxonomy is not required. Learn how to get involved with the Ipswich River Watershed Association Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Program.
RSVP to Ryan at rodonnell@ipswichriver.org or call – 978-412-8200 ext. 15

Towards A Free-Flowing Ipswich River

Wednesday, February 8th, 7 - 8 pm at Riverbend, 143 County Road, Ipswich

Interest in river restoration has grown exponentially in Massachusetts over the last few years. Dam owners, communities, non-profits and government agencies are removing dams in order to restore rivers and eliminate threats to public safety. Beth Lambert from the MA Division of Ecological Restoration and IRWA’s Brian Kelder will explore opportunities to restore the Ipswich River by removing aging dams. They will discuss 1) the role and function of dams; 2) how dams impact river ecosystems; 3) the dam removal process; and 4) dam removal projects in the Ipswich River Watershed.

RSVP to Cynthia at cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or call – 978-412-8200 ext. 15

December 2011 Newsletter

2011-12-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

The December Newsletter has been sent out and has also been posted in our Newsletters Page. You can find this months and all previous newsletters by following this link. Important information about our upcoming Annual Business Meeting and Elections in January. Also included, information on Local dam and culvert restoration and news of our own Art Howe representing the Massachusetts - Rhode Island chapters on the TU National Leadership Council.

December Meeting

2011-11-21T07:23:00.000-08:00

We hope to see you at the December meeting.

Monday December 5, 2011
6:00 Pizza free to all!
7:00 Fly tying and informal discussion
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

This months meeting will be our annual holiday pizza party fly tying get-together. You don't have to be a fly tyer to come. We'll have pizza for all, so bring an appetite and your own holiday cheer. Like last year, fly tyers can bring their tools and materials and tie up anything they'd like. If you have an extra vice and tools bring them along and maybe help some non-tyers find out about the other half of the fly fishing sport. All are encouraged to try their hand at this wonderful pastime. This is a relaxed and cozy meeting where members can come and enjoy each others company as the year winds down.

We'll have informal discussion about the upcoming 2012 calendar and also discuss our Annual Chapter Business Meeting in January where we will hold elections. We'd also like to hear what's on your mind and what you'd like to see the chapter be doing in the future.

Mark your calendars for this very spacial meeting.

Free Lecture Thursday November 17th

2011-11-15T10:52:00.000-08:00

November 17th: Mathias Collins
NOAA/National Marine Fisheries Service, Gloucester
“Historical Trends in New England River Flooding and What is Happening Lately"
**************************
Lectures are held at 7 PM, Friend Room, Sawyer Free Library
FREE ADMISSION
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Mathias has published some great research showing that the size and frequency of large floods have increased dramatically over the last 30-40 years. Smaller floods have increased too. Huge implications for our aging dams and also for culvert, bridge, and storm water design.

November Meeting Recap - A Great Success

2011-11-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Chapter would again like to thank Russ Cohen for his wonderful talk on cold water habitats and their importance. We'd also like to thank him for the donation of a signed copy of his book Wild plants I have Known. . . and Eaten. Copies of his presentation can be downloaded by clicking here. For those members who missed the meeting or are interested in hearing more of Russ he will be speaking nearby very soon in Salisbury on Monday November 14 at 7:00 PM.

Water - When is Enough Not Enough?
Featured Speaker: Russ Cohen, Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Dept. of Fish and Game (http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/index.htm)
Massachusetts is blessed with relatively abundant precipitation (an average of 45 inches/year), leading many residents to the erroneous belief that there’s plenty of “surplus” water available for human consumption at any time and for any purpose. Russ’s presentation explains why our water resources can at times be insufficient to support our aquatic ecosystem, how human activities both historically and today adversely affected our river and stream systems, and what potential solutions are available to mitigate these impacts.
The talk is sponsored by the Sea Spray Garden Club and will take place at the East Parish United Methodist Church, 8 Lafayette Road in Salisbury. The talk is open to all interested people.

November Meeting - Russ Cohen - Wild Trout Streams, Why We Should Care

2011-11-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

"Why We Should Care About Wild Trout Streams and their Inhabitants"

Our Speaker: Russ Cohen, Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Dept. of Fish and Game

Russ’ presentation elaborates on the point that the presence of naturally-reproducing wild trout are an indicator that a stream is in relatively good shape and is likely to support a host of aquatic and other sensitive organisms that share wild trout’s demanding habitat requirements. While there are more wild trout streams around than many people (even TU members) realize, these high-quality habitats are threatened and could be lost unless they are better recognized and protected. Russ’ presentation covers the characteristics of healthy wild trout streams (adequate instream flows, cool water temperatures, plentiful streamside vegetation, large woody material in the stream, etc.), the various human activities that can degrade trout habitat (excessive removal of riverine vegetation, water supply withdrawals, impervious surfaces, etc.) and what actions people can take to help protect and restore these valuable resources. Russ is the co-author of "Ten Ways Conservation Commissions Can Help Protect Coldwater Streams and Their Inhabitants", an important publication that provides tangible ways conservation commissions and others can most effectively protect coldwater resources within their communities. Besides the obvious appeal trout streams have to Trout Unlimited members, and the fact that many TU members are familiar with cold water conservation efforts, Mr. Cohen's presentation will expose our members and others to new ideas and current approaches to stream management.

Monday November 7, 2011
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Presentation
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.
Dinner will be three bean chili or clam chowder, salad, bread and dessert. Bring your own beverage.

John LeJeune

October Meeting - Dick Brown - Bonefishing Fly Patterns

2011-09-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

This month's meeting is a must see! Dick Brown, Internationally acclaimed author specializing in bonefish will be speaking at our October meeting this Monday at the Ipswich River Watershed Association. Dick has just released the second edition of his "Bonefish Fly Patterns" book. Dick gets right to the the essential information on the quarry of this premier saltwater gamefish. His patterns are beautiful and effective. Dick's extensive experience and deep knowledge is sure to bring even the saltiest angler new tools in bringing the most elusive fish to hand. I have personally tied with Dick and his thoughtful and knowledgeable manor is a pleasure to be around. Don't miss this exciting presentation. Dick will also have copies of his books for sale at the meeting and will be glad to personalize your purchase. More info about Dick Brown, and all things bonefishing can be found at dickbrownbonefishing.com

Monday October 3, 2011
6:00 Dinner ($5.00 donation)
7:00 Presentation
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road
Ipswich, Mass
Click here for directions.

John LeJeune

Longmeadow Brook Access Project

2011-09-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

On Sunday September 18, 2011 Nor'East Chapter members undertook a small but significant project at Longmeadow Brook in Boxford. Longmeadow Brook feeds into Fish Brook. Unfortunately the ideal brook trout habitat offered by Longmeadow Brook had an impassable access point for fish from Fish Brook. Chapter member Greg Murrer brought this to the attention of the chapter while a survey of nearby Crooked Brook was being conducted for a culvert replacement project. It was noted that simply removing boulders at the mouth and providing proper grade for water flow would greatly improve the situation. Greg along with chapter members David Williams, Chett Walsh, Kevin Amaral, Tom Costa, Jack Monaghan, Steven Gross, and Thomas Wooldridge made quick work of the situation and fish passage to Longmeadow Brook is now a reality. Many thanks to all the members who participated and special thanks to Greg for spearheading the project and to Jack Monaghan for taking pictures to document the project. More pictures can be found in the Longmeadow Brook Project Photo Album.

Bonefish Fly Partterns - Book Review

2011-09-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

A great review of Dick Brown's Bonefish Fly Patterns has been posted over at the Global Fly Fisher website. Martin Jorgensen of Denmark gives Brown's book a rare 6 out of 6 "Global Class" rating. Take a look at the review of this excellent book.

Dick Brown will be speaking at out next chapter meeting on October 3, 2011. He will be signing books and will have some available for purchase. Mark your calendars for this very special event.

Nor’East Chapter Family Day

2011-09-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

The event was at Green Meadows Farm in South Hamilton. While the weather threatened to put a damper on Family Day, the rain held off long enough and a good time was had by all. It was great to meet everyone’s families and one thing was clear, all of the kids had a blast!
Thanks to Andrew Rodgers, the farm manager and his family, for a great tour of the farm. As always thanks to the members who helped make Family Day a success, with a special thanks to John LeJeune and Mike O’Neill for cooking up a great meal and making sure everything ran smooth.

Be sure to check out Green Meadows Farm at www.gmfarm.com.

California Dreamin'

2011-06-17T04:21:00.000-07:00

A niece piece from California Trout Unliited produced by none other than Mikey Weir.

Stream Crossing Inventory Training

2011-06-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

Greetings Nor’East Chapter Members and Friends,

As I send out event and meeting notifications, I usually get several replies from members who would like to attend but have conflicts with work or maybe one of their children’s activities. Following are details of a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to habitat restoration close to your home and on your own time.

The Parker, Ipswich and Essex Rivers Restoration Partnership (PIEr2)—of which the Nor’East Chapter is a member—has organized a session to train individuals to conduct an inventory of stream crossings in their towns. The training will be at the Topsfield Library on Thursday, June 23 at 5 p.m. and is provided by the Mass Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), UMass Wildlife Extension, Ipswich River Watershed Association and the Topsfield Conservation Commission.

Why is this training and information important? When a road crosses a stream, the style and size of the bridge or culvert may create a barrier to the migration of fish and wildlife. As we’ve seen locally, many of our rivers have stretches that run dry in the summer. Trout will seek refuge where they can, but if a culvert is impassable, they’re often living on borrowed time.

The first step in restoring river continuity is to measure and analyze each culvert and bridge along a river, stream or brook. The information is then entered into a computer model developed by UMass Wildlife Extension and assessed for its effect on stream continuity.
The information processed by UMass helps towns and organizations like the Nor’East Chapter prioritize restoration projects based on potential habitat gains for fish and wildlife.

Once you’re trained in the assessment process, you can survey as few or as many crossings as you like. Documenting every stream crossing in our area is a massive undertaking, so even if you think you would only analyze one or two culverts/bridges, your contribution is valuable.
Please let me know if you can attend the meeting, and please forward this email to any people you think could help with the inventory.

Stream Crossing Inventory Training
Thursday, June 23, 5 p.m. (bring a brown bag dinner!)
Topsfield Library
One South Common St.
Topsfield, MA 01983

Thanks for all of your hard work.
Warm regards,
Kevin Correa
President
Nor’East Chapter | Trout Unlimited

Cuando la trucha de baile son felices!

2011-06-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

When the trout dance they are happy. . . Brown Trout from our "Trout In The Classroom Project" were caught dancing to "Pensamiento y Palabra" recently while the janitorial staff was cleaning the science classroom of our TIC coordinator Ed Tivnan. These trout are indeed happy and healthy and we look forward to releasing them very soon.

Parker River Stocking

2011-05-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Last Friday TU Nor'East Chapter members assisted the Mass. Wildlife in float stocking the Parker River. We've collected some photo's of the stocking. Thanks to First Light Anglers for the use of their stocking pens.

Mill River Clean Up Shows Year to Year Improvement

2011-05-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Mill River Assault Team - Left to Right: Nick Hurlin, Marlene Schroeder, Thomas Wooldridge, Natalie Wooldridge, Amy Madden, Max Madden, Jack Van Loan, Jack Monaghan, Chett Walsh, Tom Schultz, Mike O'Neill, Behind the lens - John LeJeune

Nor'East TU joined forces with the Parker River Clean Water Association for another battle against trash on the Mill River. The team labored fiercely for over an hour and a half yielding more than 20 man hours dedicated to trash removal at the Rowley/Newbury line put in. Fourteen bags of trash were collected and disposed of thanks to neighbor and friend of Mill River, Chris Latham. Chris facilitated the disposal of the trash collected via private trash collection. Although there was still a large volume of trash removed it is an improvement over last year's efforts that yielded large appliances an amazing amount of cans and bottles along with paper and plastic trash of all kinds. This year's team was able to really scour the area on both sides of the highway and remove every visible piece of trash in the area. Many items which became exposed due to the heavy snows of last winter were literally dug up from the river banks by the team. There was little debris in the water this year a welcome improvement over last year. We hope that keeping the area clean will encourage would-be polluters to think twice about defacing this beautiful part of the Mill River waterway. Following the clean-up, Thomas Wooldridge produced an amazing lunch for members to enjoy. Kudos to all who participated it was a fun and rewarding event. Special thanks again goes to Chris Latham for solving the disposal problem.

Chris Latham crossed the river to collect another bag of trash for the clean up.

May 2011 Newsletter

2011-05-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

There are lots of events to recap and many more coming up that are covered in this issue of the newsletter. If you haven't been able to make all the meetings these future events are opportunities for you to help out in other capacities. We're sure you'll enjoy attending. Please have your calendar handy to schedule your participation. You can find the latest issue and all our past issues on the Newsletters page.

Mill River Clean Up This Saturday

2011-05-04T09:13:00.000-07:00

Please join the Nor'East chapter this Saturday morning for a clean up event at the Mill River. We'll meet at the put-in on Route 1 on the Rowley - Newbury Line. This event will be held in conjunction with the Parker River Clean Water Association. Bring waders or boots, gloves and any clean up tools used to pick up trash. The chapter will supply the trash bags. We'll meet at 9:00 AM and work the morning, then have lunch available for the volunteers when we finish. This area is important to the chapter since it is ground zero for the brook trout stocking program started last year by First Light Anglers. Please consider participating in this worthwhile and fulfilling activity. It always feels good to know you are directly impacting a cleaner, safer and more beautiful environment. If you'd like to sign up or have any questions or comments please contact us. Thanks to Thomas Wooldridge for coordinating this chapter event. See you there!

When:
Saturday May 7, 2011 9:00 AM
Where:
Mill River Put-in

Show on Google Maps

IRWA Canoe Dock Opening Celebration

2011-05-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

The Canoe dock is in for the season!

You're Invited to the Canoe Dock Opening
Saturday May 22, 2011
Join the Ipswich Stream Team for an opiional morning paddle from Winthrop Street to Riverbend or start with ice cream at 2:00

2:00 Downriver Ice Cream
2:30 Paddle, Explore, Enjoy the river
4:00 Bring your own picnic supper

143 County Road, Ipswich
contact: cingelfinger@ipswichriver.org or 978-412-8200 ext.13

A Big Thank You From IRWA

2011-05-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Click the image to read a larger copy

2011 Parker River Paddle - Fish & BBQ

2011-05-01T09:16:00.000-07:00

Photos of the Chapter Paddle/Fish/BBQ at the Parker River can be found in the Photo Gallery.

The chapter's second annual Parker River outing took place Saturday April 30, 2011 and was well attended by members. Boats were put in at the Thurlow Street Bridge and the paddle went down river to Crane Pond and some paddled to the hemlocks section. Lots of fishing and catching was done. Species included pickerel, crappie, small mouth bass and sunfish. The flotilla included both canoes and kayaks. The light winds created laments for anchors left at home, but the soft ripple gave cover to feeding fish. Ominous clouds loomed making for dramatic skies but no precipitation was felt. Excellent food was provided by Mike Oneill the chapter's BBQ master. At the end members patrolled the parking area for trash left by previous revelers and we left the area better than we found it. Thanks to Kevin Correa for organizing another successful event. May the chapter have many more!

Rod Building 101 - Monday May 2nd Chapter Meeting

2011-04-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

Photo Kevin Correa

Think catching a fish on a fly you tied is satisfying? Wait until you catch a fish on a rod you built. Tom Costa and Kevin Correa present "An Introduction to Rod Building." The presentation will include choosing the equipment and materials you'll need to build your rod, and an overview of the steps involved in the building process. Plus Tom and Kevin will share tips and tricks to help your build go smoothly. Having trouble with a rod you're building? Bring it in and we'll help troubleshoot the problem.

See you Monday!

Details:
May Chapter Meeting - Monday, May 2nd
6 p.m. Doors open for dinner ($5 donation)
7 p.m. Introduction to Rod Building
Ipswich River Watershed Association
143 County Road, Ipswich

Work Day at the IRWA a Great Success

2011-04-17T03:56:00.000-07:00

The Dirty Dozen

Front Row L to R: Bruce Bromby, Art Howe, Thomas Wooldridge, Harris Krinsky Jim MacDougall
Back Row L to R: Bob Young, Matt Keating, Kevin Correa, Neil Wermouth, Chett Walsh, Gary Uhring Behind the Lens: John LeJeune

Our Nor'East TU chapter had a wonderfully successful day at the Ipswich River Watershed Association. They met Saturday and completed the tasks on a beautiful but chilly April Saturday morning. A new trail was completed that will bring folks to the riverside. Work included brush clearing, stump removal, tree pruning and the installation of six railroad tie steps at the bottom of the trail. A trail sign was installed to mark the entrance next to the IRWA headquarters. The many shrub beds around the property were also cleaned and mulched which has given the property a crisp spring look. There was also a quick waterside trash pick-up. The team was well represented by new Chapter members Chett Walsh, Neil Wermath and Bob Young. Chett's extensive construction knowledge and power tool selection made the step installation go smoothly. Neil's Alligator brush cutter made light work of limbing many of the trees that needed to be cleared and Matt's youth and strength helped complete the work in a timely manor. Finally the gas grill was cleaned and christened for 2011 with a tasty cookout prepared by Art Howe for the trail crew. The Chapter wants to thanks all the members who participated. It was a great opportunity to thank the IWRA for the use of the facility over the past year and for all their support in revitalizing the chapter.

Chett Walsh uses his hand grinder to put a point on re-bar used for the trail steps.