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.

MoJo | The Week That Is: What Does River Conservation Really Mean?

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Each week, I have the pleasure of joining Mountain Journal founder Todd Wilkinson in our “The Week That Is,” column where we discuss topical events relating to the nation’s capital city and the public land West. On Monday’s you can read the previous week’s column here.

In this edition, the conversation turns to the battle over protecting the character of the Upper Madison River in Montana from overuse by anglers and how, more broadly, it raises questions about the real meaning of river conservation.

Read it here > What Does River Conservation Really Mean?

MoJo | The Week That Is: Situational Truth-Telling in Wyoming And Beyond

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Each week, I have the pleasure of joining Mountain Journal founder Todd Wilkinson in our “The Week That Is,” column where we discuss topical events relating to the nation’s capital city and the public land West. On Monday’s you can read the previous week’s column here.

In this edition we talk Biden’s climate plan, Cheney’s censure and dismissing science unless it serves one’s own political agenda.

Read it here > Situational Truth-Telling in Wyoming And Beyond

Patagonia’s Tough Puff Pants

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Here is the review I posted on the Patagonia website.

I know these pants are supposed to go under my waders, but I doubt they will stay there. Here in Virginia, we are fortunate to fish and guide year-round. Last year my go-to winter jacket was the Tough Puff Hoody. When I saw these Tough Puff Pants pop up on the radar screen, I figure they would be just the ticket for wearing under my waders. And, of course, they are. But, as soon as I put them on, I knew they were likely to see more daylight than the inside of my waders.

Here’s the deal. Winter weather here in the Shenandoah Valley is changeable. One day it’s 19 degrees at 6 a.m., and the next day it’s 30 degrees. Each morning, usually before sun up, I take my dog out for a stroll as the first cup of coffee is brewing. We go regardless of the weather. Not having to do more than pull on warm, weather-resistant pants (thanks DWR finish) is a joy. Truth be told, most of the time, I keep them on all day. They are not only comfortable, but they are also good looking, so I don’t mind running errands in them. The stretchy fabric means it moves when I do inside or outside of waders, enhanced by the gusset crotch and articulated knees. The durable face fabric resists snags and tears from working around the house or yard.

The deep from pockets are one of my favorite features. Deep front pockets mean things stay put and don’t go missing when you climb in and out of your vehicle or sit and stand up. If you have waders on, you will appreciate the opening’s angle; it makes access to whatever is in them when you do the contortionist thing when you have your waders on. If you know, you know. A few other things I like are the zippered back pocket to keep my wallet secure, the built-in belt to snug them up when loaded with stuff in the pockets, a zipper fly for when nature calls and tapered ankles, so they slip into the waders or boots without bunching.

Can’t think of anything I’d change. They work as advertised.

MoJo | The Week That Is: Feb. 1

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Every Monday I have the pleasure of joining Mountain Journal founder Todd Wilkinson in our “The Week That Is,” column where we discuss topical events relating to the nation’s capital city and the public land West.

This first exchange focuses on the dust-up between US Rep. Liz Cheney, who has a home in the Greater Yellowstone town of Wilson, Wyoming and those loyal to former President Trump.

Read it here > In Wyoming, Will Liz Hold The Upper Hand?

Got my MoJo working*

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Last month one of my dreams became reality when I picked up a side hustle as Mountain Journal’s (affectionately know as MoJo) National City Correspondent. For those not familiar with MoJo (affectionately know as MoJo,) it’s a non-profit public interest publication at the intersection of people and nature in Americ’s wildest, most iconic ecosystem, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Here’s MoJo’s Editor’s note:

With his introductory essay below, Mountain Journal introduces Tom Sadler who brings decades of experience as a writer and veteran of navigating Washington DC policy issues—issues that require thinking and working across political divides. Sadler also has been a business entrepreneur, a fly-fishing guide and conservationist dealing with freshwater and saltwater fisheries policy. He understands the importance of clean water as much as anyone. 

Here’s my inaugural article: Meet Tom Sadler, MoJo’s Correspondent In The US Capital City 
Monitoring what’s happening in Washington DC has never been more important. for policies shaping greater Yellowstone and the West.

Links to future article will appear after they are published on MoJo

Please subscribe to the newsletter and support the cause in the sidebar of the MoJo website.

* sorry, I couldn’t resist, the headline wrote itself…