The Middle River Group, LLC

fly fishing, conservation and politics.

Fishing

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

RBFF Promotes National Fishing & Boating Week with Online Movement to Get Families Outside

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Here is some interesting news from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.

New Interactive Online Game Offers Chance to Win New Boat, Motor & Trailer.

ALEXANDRIA, VA (May 28, 2009) – There are tens of thousands of places to boat and fish in the U.S. – and for the 30th Anniversary of National Fishing & Boating Week (June 6-14), the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is launching an online movement that encourages kids and their families to find one. RBFF is asking boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels to visit TakeMeFishing.org where they can learn, plan and equip themselves for a day on the water, find free fishing days and locate events in their area. Site visitors may also be eligible to win daily prizes and a brand new boat, motor and trailer when they play the new interactive game, “Catch A Boat.”

Since its 2005 reauthorization, RBFF has introduced more than 500,000 youth and newcomers to boating and fishing while raising more than $6 million for state conservation efforts. Beginning with National Fishing & Boating Week, RBFF is hoping to see families across the country get involved.

“I can give anyone three good reasons to go boating and fishing this summer,” said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. “First, new research shows fishing is the number one gateway activity to get people interested in other outdoor activities. Second, it’s affordable and local at a time when many families are considering skipping their summer vacations all together. And third, participation in boating and fishing helps protect our nation’s waterways and fisheries, preserving them for future generations.”

To further encourage boating and fishing in 2009, RBFF has designed an interactive online game that lets TakeMeFishing.org visitors virtually “fish” for a chance to win a boat. Participants may be eligible to win daily prizes from one of RBFF’s sponsors – Dick’s Sporting Goods, Humminbird, Plano, Rapala, Simms, West Marine and Zebco – or the grand prize of a Triumph boat with an Evinrude motor and EZ Loader trailer. The Catch A Boat contest will go live at 12 p.m. CT on June 4, 2009, and run for seven weeks through boating and fishing season. For Official Rules and eligibility information, visit TakeMeFishing.org.

Catch A Boat is the latest online initiative from RBFF, which successfully re-launched its Take Me Fishing™ campaign Web site in April 2008. In its first year online, TakeMeFishing.org received 2.4 million unique visitors – up 129 percent from 2008 and 243 percent from 2007. RBFF also recruited more than 6,900 boaters and anglers to join its social network, Fishington – The Fishing & Boating Capital of the Internet – which debuted seven months ago and was recognized as an Official Webby Honoree in April 2009.

“Catch A Boat is designed to help RBFF meet multiple goals including increased traffic to our Web site and a boost in the number of Anglers’ Legacy Ambassadors and Discover Boating DVD requests,” added Peterson. “We hope our stakeholders will leverage the national Take Me Fishing campaign, which is now in full swing, to help inspire participation among their members and customers.”

National Fishing & Boating Week began as National Fishing Week in 1979 when industry and conservation leaders, state natural resource agencies and anglers organized a unified effort to introduce more young people to the sport and outdoor conservation. In 2001, responsibility for the week was handed off to RBFF.

National Fishing & Boating Week videos and images are available online.

About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.

The Jim Range National Casting Call

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On Monday I was in Washington, D.C. to participate in the Jim Range National Casting Call. I also had the privilege that evening to be the Master of Ceremonies at the event celebrating the life and conservation legacy of Jim Range, my dear friend who tragically died in January from cancer.

This was the ninth year that the American Fly Fishing Trade Association had gathered on the banks of the Potomac river to celebrate fly-fishing and an aquatic habitat success story, the return of prolific runs of American and Hickory shad to the Potomac river.

This was a special year for those of us who, under Range’s leadership, started the Casting Call. AFFTA’s board of directors, after conferring with the Range family and his friends, decided to rename the event in Range’s honor.

Jim Range was a widely recognized conservation visionary who represented AFFTA in Washington. He was a hero to many in the hunting, fishing and conservation community.

I wrote in this column at the time of his death that he was like a brother to me. The best man in my wedding, a hunting and fishing partner of many years, and the voice on the other end of the phone keeping me strong when trouble came. I still feel that way today and know many more who do as well.

Range saw the Casting Call and its venue, Fletcher’s boathouse on the Potomac, as the perfect opportunity for the fly-fishing industry to educate members of congress and administration officials on the important nexus between conservation and economic activity.

He knew as well that the partnership efforts that had gone into restoring shad to the Potomac were a model that could be replicated across the nation.

“The Jim Range National Casting Call gives us a chance to get government decision-makers on the Potomac to see and experience the aquatic resource we all cherish,” said Alan Gnann, Chairman of the Board of AFFTA. “It was our friend Jim who showed us that this was the best way to communicate the importance of aquatic habitat and fisheries and we will continue this tradition in his name and his honor.”

Around the time of the first casting call, the federally chartered Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, of which Range was a member, recommended that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develop a partnership effort similar to the successful North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

This effort, endorsed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and supported by numerous conservation organization and federal agencies became the National Fish Habitat Action Plan.

The Action Plan is a science-based voluntary effort to address the challenges facing aquatic habitat and our nation’s fisheries. There are six regional partnerships, including the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture that works here in the Valley.

Range saw the newly created National Fish Habitat Action Plan as an exceptional example of how partnerships like the one that had helped the shad could be replicated across the country. He saw the National Casting Call as a great opportunity to showcase success.

“The National Fish Habitat Action Plan’s approach – teaming federal, state and local partners – is helping to bring fishable waters back to life in a faster more strategic way. We can see real progress in treating the causes of fish habitat decline, not just the symptoms,” said Kelly Hepler, Chairman, National Fish Habitat Action Plan. “The Jim Range National Casting Call gives NFHAP the opportunity to spotlight 10 specific projects that display on the ground work that can be held high as a vision of what quality habitat should be.”

The Action Plan’s 10 “Waters to Watch” was started in 2007. It highlights examples of aquatic habitat conservation efforts of the National Fish Habitat Partnerships. In addition the NFHAP board presents two group awards and two individual awards including newly renamed Jim Range Conservation Vision Award, given this year to world- renowned conservationist Yvon Chouinard, the founder of outdoor clothing manufacturer Patagonia Inc.

Jim Range was deeply missed at this year’s Casting Call, but his name and legacy live on in tribute to his memory.

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

Why social networking is like fly-fishing…

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Twitter is one of my favorite tools for staying informed. Recently @karenrubin from @hubspot posed the following question.
“has anyone put their facebook profile public yet? if not are you going to?”

To which I replied, “@karenrubin don’t think I will be doing that. Might get 2 unwieldy. BTW hope you have great show on @hubspot tv 2day!”

In reply she posed another question.
“@troutscout thanks! I am worried about the un-wieldiness of it too, but at the same time want to promote my personal brand – what to do!?!”

I didn’t think I could do justice to her question in 140 words let alone 140 characters, hence this post…

My take on @karenrubin’s question about promoting personal brands is to use content to increase awareness. Something I hear repeatedly on @hubspot tv. from her and @mvolpe

@KarenRubin has content in at least three places. On @hubspot‘s blog, on hubspot tv and on her own blog gormandizing.

As a fly-fisherman I have to figure out what will get the fish to accept my presentation as food and commit to an action. The info cycle helps refine my presentation and improve my success. Content, in this case the right fly is key.

I have applied that thinking to my professional work as well. It works for me. CC Chapman – @cc_chapman – on twitter, made a similar point on @hubspot tv recently. If i provide valuable content, in my case lobbying skills and knowledge of conservation policy, then i will attact clients.

For me in my professional life as in fishing it is not a numbers game. What is most important is reaching the correct audience.  On twitter I really don’t care how many folks follow me. I follow who interests me so I can learn from them. I figure the same thing applies to those who follow me.

If they like the content then they follow. If the fish likes the fly they strike.

Because of her content @KarenRubin has me in effect promoting her personal brand by virtue of this blog post.

If on the other hand the question is where you want to send those people if they want more of that content then I think it requires making a distinction between personal and professional personas.

I believe it was Mark Drapeau aka @cheeky_geeky on twitter who wrote something along the lines that Linked In was his rolodex, and facebook was his scrapbook. I think that is a good way to look at it

Linked In is where I send colleagues, clients and potential clients who are interested in my background. Here is my Linked In profile. I keep that area strictly professional. This blog is there and I keep these posts relevant to my professional interests such as hunting, fishing, conservation and journalism.

Facebook is where my non-business persona resides. I don’t keep my facebook content from my clients but I don’t just add folks randomly either. I am happy to add folks when they become friends. I make friends pretty easily so I add people as I get to know them.

My clients know I am on facebook and have not asked to be “friends”. If and when they do I will explain they are now asking for something other than a business relationship and content on facebook does not reflect my professional life and should not be judged as such. If I think they can and will understand and accept the difference than I will “friend” them.

Opening up your profile on facebook will certainly increase exposure. That is true of a blog, podcast or live video, and you are more likely to attract folks who are interested in your content in those venues.

If I just cast a fly in the water, any water, I have to expect an unexpected result. Not always a bad thing. On the other hand if I want to catch brook trout I have to fish in brook trout water and use a fly I think, or experience has shown me, will increase the chances of a strike.

I like that element of control and structure in my fishing and professional life. For me content, be it words or flies, is the best way to increase awareness. I think I will keep it that way for now with facebook as well.