The Middle River Group, LLC

fly fishing, conservation and politics.

tenkara, conservation, communications, politics

Key grip and trout wrangler at the Middle River Group, LLC. Playing Doc Holliday to the Wyatt Earps of the fish and wildlife conservation world. Deputy Director, Marine Fish Conservation Network. Guide and instructor, Mossy Creek Fly Fishing. Freelance outdoor writer.

“Yeah, I’d give my life for America any day. Wouldn’t think twice.”

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William McGurn wrote an excellent review of the movie Brothers at War in today’s Wall Street Journal.

With the 4th of July just around the corner McGurn captures a couple of the reasons we should be thankful for the women and men in uniform who protect us. McGurn writes:

“While spending five days with a reconnaissance unit reporting on foreign terrorists crossing through the Syrian border, Mr. Rademacher asks the men he is with why they fight. A young Army specialist named Christopher MacKay says he’s fighting for a better life for his nieces.

Mr. Rademacher presses him: Would it be worth it if it ends up costing you your life? Spc. MacKay answers matter of factly. “Yeah, I’d give my life for America any day. Wouldn’t think twice.”

“That’s not John Wayne speaking. That’s a young man who knows what he signed up for, knows why he signed up, and knows who he’s fighting for. In an America where Michael Jackson’s death gets more press coverage than a Medal of Honor winner, it’s sure nice to see at least one camera filming men who really matter.”

Makes me proud of them. All of them.

Though it does have its patriotic moments, they are quiet and hard to draw out from men who would rather joke about their cheating girlfriends back home. While spending five days with a reconnaissance unit reporting on foreign terrorists crossing through the Syrian border, Mr. Rademacher asks the men he is with why they fight. A young Army specialist named Christopher MacKay says he’s fighting for a better life for his nieces.
Mr. Rademacher presses him: Would it be worth it if it ends up costing you your life? Spc. MacKay answers matter of factly. “Yeah, I’d give my life for America any day. Wouldn’t think twice.”
That’s not John Wayne speaking. That’s a young man who knows what he signed up for, knows why he signed up, and knows who he’s fighting for. In an America where Michael Jackson’s death gets more press coverage than a Medal of Honor winner, it’s sure nice to see at least one camera filming men who really matThough it does have its patriotic moments, they are quiet and hard to draw out from men who would rather joke about their cheating girlfriends back home. While spending five days with a reconnaissance unit reporting on foreign terrorists crossing through the Syrian border, Mr. Rademacher asks the men he is with why they fight. A young Army specialist named Christopher MacKay says he’s fighting for a better life for his nieces.

American Sportfishing Association Elects Board of Directors Members

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Two good friends, Geoff Ratte and Martin MacDonald,  were elected to the American Sportfishing Association’s board of directors. Congratulations gentleman the industry is lucky to have you working on their behalf!

Here is ASA’s Press Release:

American Sportfishing Association Elects Board of Directors Members

Industry leaders will address a wide-range of sportfishing issues

Alexandria, VA – June 29, 2009 – Six members of the American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) Board of Directors were elected or re-elected to fill three regional seats and three at-large seats. Their terms begin October 1, 2009, and they will serve two-year terms. ASA’s board members may serve three, consecutive two-year terms.

Regional seats went to Martin MacDonald, director of Conservation, Bass Pro Shops, Springfield, Mo., who will serve the South Central Region; Bob Eakes,president, Red Drum Tackle Shops, Buxton, N.C., who will serve the Southeast Region (re-elected); and Dick Pool, president, Pro-Troll Fishing Products,Concord, Calif., who will serve the West Region. Eakes was re-elected for a third, two-year term. MacDonald and Pool will serve a two-year term. Pool has previously served on ASA’s Board of Directors.

At-Large seats went to John Jilling, president, Wright & McGill Company, Denver, Colo. (re-elected); Geoff Ratte, Water Gremlin Company, St. Paul, Minn.; andDave Bulthuis, vice president of Sales, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Inc., Daytona Beach, Fla. Jilling and Ratte were re-elected to serve a third and second two-year term respectively. Bulthuis was elected to his first two-year term.

“We’ve got a great mix of talent, experience and perspective with the incoming Board of Directors who will compliment an already impressive group of individuals,” said Mike Nussman, ASA president and CEO. “The members of the American Sportfishing Association will be well-served by these dynamic leaders, industry veterans and steadfast advocates for the sportfishing industry. I look forward to working with everyone and thank them for their time and support.”

Martin MacDonald was elected to his first term on ASA’s board of directors. MacDonald plans to address introducing adults to fishing, general sportfishing education and economic vibrancy in the sportfishing industry. Bob Eakes, who was re-elected to his third, two-year term on the ASA board, plans to use his time on the board to continue to address angler access issues. Dick Pool, an industry veteran, was elected for a two-year term and has previously served six years on ASA’s board. Pool plans to address the association’s role in advocating for fisheries resources and the individual angler. John Jilling, was re-elected to his serve his third, two-year term. Jilling has been with Wright & McGill for 36 years, the last 11 as president. He has also served as ICAST Show Committee chairman. He plans to focus on angler access and recruitment and fisheries resources issues. Geoff Ratte was elected to his second, two-year term. He’s been with Water Gremlin Company for 33 years. For over half that time, Ratte has represented the sportfishing industry’s interests on many ASA committees as well as state and federal industry working groups and committees. He currently has a seat on the Sportfishing and Boating Partnership Council. Dave Bulthuis, elected to his first, two-year term, currently serves as ICAST Show Committee chairman. He plans to dedicate his time on the board to addressing issues that preserve and grow the sport and the industry.

The current members of the Board of Directors are; Jeff Pontius, ZEBCO Brands (Chairman); Jeff Marble, Frabill, Inc. (Vice Chairman); Gregg Wollner, RapalaUSA, (Secretary); Peter Foley, Boone Bait Company, Inc. (Treasurer);Randy Lemcke, Plano Molding Company (Immediate Past Chairman); Thomas Dammrich, National Marine Manufacturers Association; Ed Dinkins, Boy Scouts of America; Bob Eakes, Red Drum Tackle Show, Inc.; John Frampton, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources; John Jilling, Wright & McGill Company; Jay Jolly; Jim Lebson, G. Loomis, Inc.; Chip Powell, Mason Tackle Company; Geoff Ratte, Water Gremlin Company; Bruce Stanton, PRADCO-Fishing; Gary Zurn, Big Rock Sports; Ken Hammond, The Hammond Group (ex-officio); and Darrell Lowrance, (ex-officio).

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The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community. We give the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s 60 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.

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ASA Communications

American Sportfishing Association

225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 420

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703) 519-9691 ex. 222

asacomm@asafishing.org

Fishing with the MSU Fly Gals

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A couple of weeks ago I was in Michigan teaching fly-fishing to some Michigan State University graduate students, their friends and their colleagues. This is the third year that I have had the pleasure of teaching these ladies the fine art of fly-fishing.

I got this gig because my friend, Bill Taylor, a MSU distinguished professor, asked if I would be interested in expanding the educational horizons of his graduate students. Taylor is not only a firm believer in sound education for our future fish and wildlife managers but thinks they should have a “hands-on” experience in the sports that help fund fish and wildlife habitat conservation.

The first year was a great success and Taylor decided to let the ladies “recruit” the next year’s students. First they decided to name the group the MSU Fly Gals. I am told it is considered a very prestigious thing to be offered an invitation to the two-day school.

The ladies are hosted by Bill Demmer at Big Creek Lodge, a historic private enclave in Lovells, Mich. Demmer, a successful businessman from Lansing and member of the Boone and Crockett Club, is as strongly committed to conservation education through a hands-on experience as Taylor is.

Former students now return to assist me in teaching the class and also to enjoy a float trip on the North Branch of the Au Sable. The float trips are organized by Fuller’s North Branch Outing Club. Over the last three years Fuller’s has become the outfitter of choice for the MSU Fly Gals.

The North Branch Outing Club is rooted in Au Sable River history and has been around since 1916. T.E. Douglas came to the area to make his fortune in the timber business. He opened a store and hotel, The Douglas House, to offer first class food, lodging and access to the outstanding fly-fishing and wing shooting in the area.

The Douglas was the headquarters for the North Branch Outing Club. It was a popular sportsmen’s club in its day with members from the Detroit area automobile industry such as Henry and Edsel Ford, John and Horace Dodge and Charles Nash.

The Douglas House closed in the early sixties. In the fall of 1996 the Fuller family bought the property. They re-opened it as Fuller’s North Branch Outing Club with a bed and breakfast, fly-shop and guide service. It received historic designation by the State of Michigan and is on the Department of Interior’s National Register of Historic Places.

Fuller’s usually sends a couple of guides over to assist me with some of the casting instruction. This year Todd Fuller ably assisted the ladies with the afternoon on-the-water casting and fishing instruction.

This is a wonderful chance for me to visit and fish one of the more storied and historic river system in this country, the Au Sable. It is certainly Michigan’s most famous trout fishery with wonderful brook and brown trout fishing

The Au Sable River has four branches. The East and Middle branches join together just west of Grayling and flows east through town. The Middle branch, commonly referred to as the Mainstem, and the North and South branches all east of Grayling are prime waters for fishing.

On the Mainstem the “go to” fly shop is Gate’s Au Sable Lodge, owned by Rusty Gates a noted conservationist and advocate for the protection of the Au Sable river system.

The Au Sable has legendary hatches, most notable the brown drake and hexagenia or “Hex” hatch. Fishing in the late spring when we are there is usually very good from early evening until dark. After sunset, intrepid anglers fish mouse patterns near the banks to catch large brown trout.

For many years I flew over this part of the country on my way out west. That was a big mistake. There is some truly terrific water to fish in the Au Sable system. If you want to try some new water, enjoy some great northern Michigan hospitality and get in some fabulous brown and brook trout fishing I strongly recommend a trip to the Au Sable.

You can read more of my columns at News Virginian.com

Good news for wetlands protection

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Those of us who care about wetlands got some great news this week. the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed an amended version of the Clean Water Restoration Act. There is much work ahead but at least things are moving now.

Here is the release from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership:

Sportsmen Laud the Senate Advancement of the Clean Water Restoration Act
The Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee moves this crucial conservation legislation forward to protect America’s waters

WASHINGTON – In a clear vote to protect clean water and essential habitat for fish and wildlife, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today passed an amended version of the Clean Water Restoration Act.  The bill as approved reaffirms the original intent of the Clean Water Act to broadly protect water quality and the streams, lakes and wetlands important to our country.  The vote today creates momentum for legislation to be introduced and quickly considered in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“ America’s waters are closer to again having the comprehensive Clean Water Act protections that Congress intended,” said Jan Goldman-Carter, wetland and water resources counsel at the National Wildlife Federation. “This bill restores critical protections for our nation’s increasingly-precious fresh water resources while respecting private property rights and continuing longstanding Clean Water Act exemptions for agriculture and forestry.”

“This is a huge step toward restoring the Clean Water Act’s safety net for prairie potholes and well over 20 million acres of wetlands throughout the U.S. that provide critical habitat for waterfowl and other fish and wildlife – and hunters and anglers,” said Scott Yaich, director of conservation programs for Ducks Unlimited

By a vote of 12 to 7, the committee approved a substitute amendment offered by Sens. Max Baucus (Mont.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.) and Chairman Barbara Boxer (Calif.) that:

  • Adopts a statutory definition of “waters of the United States” based on the long-standing definition in EPA and Army Corps regulations.  In addition, the amendment specifically excludes previously converted cropland and manmade waste treatment systems from the definition.
  • Deletes the term “navigable” from the Clean Water Act therby clarifying that Congress’ primary concern in 1972 was to protect waters from pollution rather than simply sustain navigation.
  • Includes a set of findings that clearly explains the Constitutional authority Congress has over an array of waters and wetlands.
  • Preserves existing exemptions from the Clean Water Act for farming, ranching,mining, energy development and forestry activities.  

A series of amendments to gut the definition of “waters of the United States,” including removing protections for streams and prairie potholes, were defeated.

“Hunters and anglers know first-hand the importance of wetlands, lakes and streams,” said Geoff Mullins, Policy Initiative Manager at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Restoring these clean water protections will ensure that sportsmen can enjoy these resources for generations.  Thursday’s committee vote represents the biggest step yet towards restoring these much needed protections in the past eight years.”

“Today’s vote is a major step toward restoring traditional Clean Water Act protections for streams, lakes and wetlands in our communities,” said Scott Kovarovics ,Conservation Director at the Izaak Walton League of America.  “There’s clear momentum now for legislation to be introduced and considered in the House of Representatives this summer.”

“This is not ‘the biggest bureaucratic power grab in a generation,’ as some have said, but rather it is about clean water and healthy watersheds for future generations,” said Steve Moyer, Vice President for Trout Unlimited. “Two bad Supreme Court decisions have derailed the Clean Water Act, and today’s courageous action by the Committee gets us a big step closer to getting the law, and all its clean water benefits, back on track,” said Moyer.

Thursday’s vote would not be possible without leadership from Sen. Russell Feingold (Wisc.) and EPW Chairman Barbara Boxer (Calif.).  Sen. Feingold has introduced the Clean Water Restoration Act in multiple Congresses and consistently championed the fight to protect drinking water and critical habitat.  This year, Chairman Boxer seized brought the bill to a vote less than three months after it was introduced.  We also commend Sens. Baucus and Klobuchar who brokered the amendment language that facilitated passage of the bill.

Contact: Geoff Mullins, 202-654-4609, gmullins@trcp.org

Sportsmen Laud the Senate Advancement of the Clean Water Restoration Act
News for Immediate Release
June 18, 2009
Contact: Geoff Mullins, 202-654-4609, gmullins@trcp.org

Baseball event to benefit Project Healing Waters

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The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs host a baseball event July 11 at Regency Furniture Stadium to benefit Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. The United States Military All-Stars Baseball team plays an exhibition game against the Latin American All-Stars. There will be fireworks display after the game.

This will be a really fun way to get out and enjoy a great game and help support our wounded vets.

Read the entire release below:

REGENCY FURNITURE STADIUM HOSTING MILITARY ALL-STAR GAME

United States Military All-Stars Will Take On Latin American All-Stars

In Exhibition Game Benefitting Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing On July 11

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are hosting a marquee baseball event this summer at Regency Furniture Stadium to benefit a terrific cause.  On July 11, the United States Military All-Stars Baseball team will play an exhibition game in the shadow of the nation’s capital in Waldorf, Maryland, to raise funds for Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.

Project Healing Waters is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying educations and outings.  The great work Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing has done and the effect it’s had has been featured multiple times on a national stage, including CNN and ESPN’s Outside The Lines news magazine program.

“Speaking for the Project Healing Waters organization, we are most grateful for the enthusiastic support that the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs have extended to our project by hosting this July 11 benefit ballgame,” said President Ed Nicholson, a retired Navy Captain.

Tickets to the game are $8.00 apiece, with $4.00 from every ticket going directly to the cause of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.  However, tickets are FREE for active duty military and their dependents with valid identification.  A spectacular fireworks show will follow the game.

The U.S. Military All-Stars and the “Red, White, and Blue Tour” are currently celebrating their 20th season by visiting over 40 states and eight countries, competing against nearly 100 professional and summer collegiate teams, including the Boston Red Sox earlier this spring.

The team is comprised of baseball players serving in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, National Guard and Navy, and will take on the Latin American All-Stars under the lights at Regency Furniture Stadium.  First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. and the gates at the Charles County ballpark will open at 5:30 p.m. for this event.

A member of the U.S. Military team is right-handed pitcher PFC Andrew Chung, a native of Gaithersburg, Maryland.  Chung is currently serving in the United States Air Force and played NCAA Division I baseball in the Atlantic Coast Conference at the University of Maryland in College Park, a short drive or a long fly ball from Southern Maryland.

It’s fitting that there is a Marylander on the U.S. Military All-Stars team, considering Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, despite its nationally renowned reputation, has such strong local ties.

“When our organization incorporated as a nonprofit we did it in Maryland and chose our headquarters to be in La Plata.  We are now a national organization with over 70 programs in operation at VA hospitals and other military posts, but our roots remain here in this area – even more reason that we are so excited about the July 11 benefit game.  We hope to see a packed ballpark!” said Ed Nicholson.

Like Andrew Chung, all members of the U.S. Military All-Stars are currently serving in the armed forces. The players are given some reprieve of their duties in order to be a part of the “Red, White, and Blue Tour” this season.

The U.S. Military All-Stars also have one of the most popular and unique fashions in baseball today. The team dons camouflage uniforms and hats that carry the military spirit with them in every game they play.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, call the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs at 301-638-9788, or visit SOMDBlueCrabs.com or USMilitaryAllStars.us.  For more information on Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, visit ProjectHealingWaters.org.

The mission of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing and fly tying education and outings.

The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, and play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland.  Single-game tickets and mini-plans are currently on sale for the 2009 season.  The Blue Crabs can also help your group fundraise at no risk or up-front cost, by helping you sell hundreds of tickets to exciting Atlantic League baseball.  Please call 301-638-9788 or visit www.SOMDBlueCrabs.com for more details and to save your seat at the ballpark today!

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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Ed Nicholson

President, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.

Captain, United States Navy, (Ret.)

ednichol@comcast.net

(301) 643-2148

Paul Braverman

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations

pbraverman@somdbluecrabs.com

(301) 638-9788 x215

Paul Braverman

Director of Media Relations & Broadcasting

Regency Furniture Stadium

11765 St. Linus Drive

Waldorf, MD 20602

301-638-9788 x215

pbraverman@somdbluecrabs.com

Go Outdoors and play!

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U.S. Forest Service is helping get kids outside for National Get Outdoors Day (‘GO Day’) on June 13.

Here is the Press Release:


For Immediate Release        FS No. 0905                          Contact: 202 205-1134

USDA FOREST SERVICE ENCOURAGES KIDS TO GET OUTDOORS
Sponsors National Get Outdoors Day- June 13

Washington D.C.–June 10, 2009–In an effort to reconnect kids with nature and attract new diverse communities to outdoor activities, the USDA Forest Service has partnered with state, local and federal land management agencies to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day (‘GO Day’) on June 13.  More than 80 locations nationwide are providing a variety of free recreational events designed to introduce children and new segments of the American public to the great outdoors while fostering a deeper appreciation for natural resources.

“We want every child in America to have the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, whether it is in a remote mountain wilderness or a city park,” said Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell.  “Our hope is to instill a curiosity about nature in children which will lead to a deeper appreciation of the environment and our precious natural resources.”

National Get Outdoors Day is co-sponsored by the Forest Service and the American Recreation Coalition.  The annual event has been designated to better engage urban and multicultural youth in nature-based activities and to attract first time visitors to public lands.

Planned events for GO Day range from the large, interactive visual projects such as the Wyland Foundation murals and artscapes about water and forests on the Capital Mall, to a multi-partner living classroom event at Kingman Island in Washington, D.C.  Across the country, forests, parks and recreation areas have free activities planned for outdoor family fun.

Aligned partners for the event include:

  • Wyland Foundation – founded by world renowned artist Wyland, the foundation uses art and science to teach young people about our forests and ocean. A kick-off event titled – FOCUS (Forests, Ocean, Climate – and US) – is a nationwide campaign in partnership with the Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Wyland Foundation that will take place on June 11, 2009 on the National Mall at the USDA People’s Garden and Whitten Parking Lot.  USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack and Forest Service Chief Abigail Kimbell will participate in the event.
  • Scholastic, Inc. – a leader in education, Scholastic has created a microsite on their social network where tweens will find a safe place to learn about GO Day and its related activities and goals.

A special addition this year is to feature exciting recreation opportunities called EChO Events.  These events will be a follow up to the GO Day events and will take place before the end of summer 2009 at state parks, national forests, national parks, wildlife refuges and more.  Activities include:  mountain biking, fly fishing, hikes with rangers to see wildlife, kayaking, rafting and more.

A listing of all national site locations is attached. More information on National Get Outdoors Day and Kids in the Woods can be found at: http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org and www.fs.fed.us/kidsclimatechange.

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.  The agency manages 193 million acres of public land and is the largest forestry research organization in the world.

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