Dave Swope, our July 1st guest speaker announced the work day on Conewago Creek on Saturday July 24.
Will you help us maximize the number of volunteer workers from our Chapter this year? Although the Adams County local TU members will start work at 7:30 a.m. (which you are welcome to join), our NVATU contingent usually arrives at about 9:00 a.m. Work will normally end at about 1:00 p.m., when a lunch will be provided.
We can park at the bowling alley (Gillly's Bowl & Grille, (717) 677-9542) on route 34.
2855 Biglerville Road (Rte 34) - Lat, long: N39.915003, W77.24762
Gettysburg, PA 17325-8179
During our Chapter's 28-year long partnership with Adams County TU the stream has been elevated from a formerly ailing waterway in which cows routinely watered, with major erosion and habitat problems, to a destination trophy trout stream.
- posted July 7th, 2010 Back to top
Thanks to Marshall Osborne, NVATU members now have a facebook group for all to join in sharing ideas, listing events and more -- All NVATU members and friends are invited who join. Great news for event chairs/leaders -- post your events and request attendees RSVP.
You may join facebook at http://www.facebook.com and search for the facebook group, "Northern Virginia Chapter 360 - Trout Unlimited" to join.
Click to visit Northern Virginia Chapter 360 - Trout Unlimited facebook.
- posted March 21th, 2010 Back to top
Adams County TU to speak at the July 1, 2010 meeting.
Representatives from Adams County TU will demonstrate through a power point will highlight our progresses, workmanship, and long termed goals in protecting our waterways along the Conewago Creek. A partnership that has endured through many years, annually restoring the streambanks, fish habitat, along with aquatic life in 1.1 miles of water, what is now termed "the secret hideaway" while fishing the Lincoln Highway.
All are invited. You need not be a member to attend. Our NVATU monthly meeting is the First Thursday of the month, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., at the Vienna Firehouse, Vienna, Virginia . Come at 7:00 p.m. and join in the fun of meeting other members to swap fishing stories. Come at 6:30 p.m. to join in the fly tying classes -- see fly-of-the-month below for details. We're excited about the latest information on the NVATU Trout in the Classroom program.
- posted June 19, 2010 Back to top
We learned from Dr. Vicki Blazer
why it is so important for each of us to be involved in doing our part in protecting the Potomac River watershed starting at our business, in our home and our yards. To get started, see "Liveable Neighborhoods, Water Stewardship" brochure and become a leader in your neighborhood!
Don't let your downspouts send hot polluted water to a stream. Be the first to re-route your roof gutter downspout to a dry well or a rain garden so it soaks into the ground and also save money and time, as well as the birds, fish and other critters! References:
VA DOF on Rain gardens
Rain scapes
CBF on stormwater
22nd Annual Potomac Watershed Cleanup begins April 3rd.
- posted March 13th, 2010 Back to top
Demonstrated by John Hadley
July Fly of the Month to be demonstrated by John Hadley: Foam Beetle Plus. One of my favorite flies and a sure winner for brookies in the Shenandoah National Park streams summer and fall.
Originator: This is a combination of several recipes and adds a wing tip sticking out from under the back shell of a struggling beetle; recommended in an article by A.K. Best.
Bring your vice and thread. I will provide the rest of the materials. Come early and plan to be setup to start tying by about 6:30 p.m.
Fishing Technique: Dead float once then dead float with occasional twitch; best fished in late summer and fall.
Recipe:
- posted June 19, 2010 Back to top
Brook Trout are now stocked!
Trout in the Classroom (TIC) now has five tanks in the Northern Virgina area, thanks to Karen Sizelove and George Paine. Karen is an Environmental Educator who joined Northern VA Trout Unlimited and immediatly volunteered and helped setup our Outdoor Show booth. She and George Paine are helping educate youth about fish life cycle and the importance of keeping our streams full of clean, cool water. Having trout in a classroom inspires students to think more broadly about everyday topics and skills. Virginia started with one tank in 2004 and now has about 150 tanks setup. About 8,000 eggs were distributed in early October.
George delivered Brook Trout eggs to Northern VA schools on 8 October, inlcuding a home school. The home school family refers to their program as Trout in the Basement. The home school blog is http://raisingtrout.wordpress.com. Here is how one school explained the arrival:
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"The 227 (give or take a few) eggs we received at Terraset yesterday seem to be doing well. Our Nature Club will be caring for the eggs/fish. Some of the kids went on to WTER, our internal daily news broadcast, to announce the arrival of the eggs and to let the rest of the school know what to expect over the next few weeks. There’s a lot of excitement in the school about the whole project – even the principal keeps stopping by to check the tank! The kids will be recording the progress of the project in a blog which can be found at http://www.terrasetptaclubs.blogspot.com/. Thanks for your effort in coordinating this program. It has been really exciting for us so far! -- Dianne"
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Contact George Paine at 703-860-0862, or
E-mail George.
Contact Karen Sizelove at 703-975-7359 (cell), or
E-mail Karen
If you would like to volunteer to take over this rewarding and exciting project helping children re-connect with their watershed, please contact George Paine, 703-860-0862, or E-mail to volunteer. Review NVATU TIC brochure, Click here!
Help us expand this program.
- posted Jan 24th, 2009; updated Nov 23,2009 Back to top
October 2009 is the beginning of our new fiscal tax year. Northern VA Chapter #360 Trout Unlimited is grateful for sponsor donations. E-mail NVATU Treasurer for how to get your card posted here.
Click on Sponsors-NEW on the left menu to see the total list.
- Posted Oct 3, 2009 Back to top
To see our new NVATU brochure, Click here!
NVATU Trout-in-the-classroom (TIC) brochure, click here!
To print, save to your desktop. Click on the link and it will open in Acrobat Reader. Select scaling of "NONE" and ensure all check boxes are NOT checked! Click on printer "Properties", select "Landscape" and two-sided printing. Then print and fold.
If you want the MS Publisher version, E-mail Duane Murphy
- Posted Sep 27, 2009, updated Oct 3, 2009 Back to top
Sediment Control Failures along 495/HOT project
VDOT and its contractor, Fluor-Transurban, have not been satisfied with the injury done to Accotink Creek by removal of the wooded buffer along the Capital Beltway (I-495) for their HOT Lanes project without mitigation, but have also filled the creek with the mud and sediment churned up by construction. After one year of reporting failures, sediment control is still extremely poor, with the stream and aquatic life suffering. Also, the taxpayers will be getting a multi-million dollar bill in a few years when Lake Accotink has to be dredged again; the cost passed along to the taxpayers for ineffective construction company sediment controls.
August 12, 2009. Here are pictures from the Coons Branch tributary of Accotink Creek showing a healthy creek turned into a muddy channel: 081109 Photos - Coons Branch sediment pumping Recently, this tributary has been releasing sediment into Accotink, even during dry periods (usually these tributaries run brown with sediment during rain events, but otherwise run clear), so Philip Latasa and I decided to investigate. What we found was surprising, even though I'm used to seeing sediment control failures as a result of the 495-HOT construction. This failure was relatively trivial, a small mistake, or an act of laziness, and the contamination, relative to the large amounts of sediment I've watched wash into Accotink over the last year, not that serious. Just one little tributary, turned into a muddy slop.
- Posted Sep 6, 2009 Back to top
Project Healing Waters
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(L to R) NVATU members Brian Suddarth, Dennis Suddarth, Dick Bubeck, Jim Galvin, George Paine
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George Paine monitoring technique of wounded warriors fly fishing along Mossy Creek
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The Northern Virginia Chapter of Trout Unlimited (NVATU) once again joined with Massanutten TU and Mossy Creek Fly Fishing to assist Project Healing Waters (PHW) at the second annual Mossy Creek Invitational held April 4, 2009 on a private stretch of Mossy Creek near Harrisonburg VA. The event was a huge success and raised nearly $108,000 for PHW. Project Healing Waters’ mission statement notes that PHW was initiated and conducted by members of the Federation of Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited to serve military personnel who have been wounded, injured, or disabled, and to aid their physical and emotional recovery by introducing or rebuilding the skills of fly fishing and fly tying, and by using and enjoying these skills on fishing outings and as lifelong recreation.
NVATU members George Paine, Dick Bubeck, Brian Suddarth, Dennis Suddarth and Jim Galvin traveled to Mossy Creek as on-site volunteers to assist the wounded warriors and their team members with fly selection and casting recommendations. They also netted, measured and released the brown and rainbow trout. NVATU members Paul Jacobs, Wray Sinclair, Bob Parsons and Bob Howard either tied flies or contributed from their fly boxes for the event. Their streamers seemed to work magic despite the tough conditions of fast and muddy water following a few days of rain in the Harrisonburg area. Nearly every warrior landed a trout and had truly enjoyable streamside experiences. NVATU volunteers also came away with memories to last a lifetime.
Information about Project Healing Waters can be found at www.projecthealingwaters.org.
- posted May 28,2009 Back to top
LANDS and WATERS is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to watershed protection and education. Jeanette knows parts of Accotink Creek very well, and is actively involved in environmental education and restoration projects in partnership with Fairfax and DC public schools. LANDS and WATERS environmental program links classroom instruction with hands-on conservation projects. Here's a link to her website: http://forlandsandwaters.org/, where you will see her many projects to utilize storm water where it falls.
See Jeanette discuss in a Video at Accotink Creek impervious surface and human impact.
http://forlandsandwaters.org/law_video.html/
- posted Jan 31th, 2009 Back to top
Carl Craig is a retired fighter pilot and federal law enforcement officer, TU Life Member, and avid angler. He has fly fished all over the United States, Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia. Next on his wish list is New Zealand. And if there is anything that will take a fly in Antarctica, he'll go there just to say that he has fly fished on every continent! We are a Trout Unlimited Outfitters and Guides Business Member a Federation of Fly Fishers Retailer and also a member of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association.
- posted January 30th, 2009 Back to top
Rivers of Restoration - Trout Unlimited's First 50 Years of Conservation. Get your personal copy before they are gone! John Ross, Virginia Council Trout Unlimited, provided us a few of his special autographed copies.
DESCRIPTION
We all love rivers and the trout that the best of them hold. For fifty years, the volunteers of Trout Unlimited have strived to restore, sustain, and preserve the nation's trout and salmon waters. Weaving together human and natural histories, Ross tells the stories of twenty watersheds where Trout Unlimited has labored to save rivers damaged by human shortsightedness. From Michigan's Au Sable to New York's Delaware to rivers in California, Washington, and more, the stories of these rivers—both in peril and in recovery—will remind fishermen why they love the sound of running water, and why our natural resources need to be protected.
Contact our Logo Merchandise Sales Chairman; Jim Galvin; phone 703-771-0410 or E-mail. You may also pick up a copy at our NVATU regular monthly meeting the first Thursday of the month, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., at the Vienna Firehouse, Vienna, Virginia.
- posted Dec 27th, 2008 Back to top
1. If you are a CPA, please contact George Paine to discuss helping with our books. Please E-mail George or call him at "703-860-0862" to discuss.
2. Committee chair. See: VACANCIES. If one of these current vacancies interests you or if you have questions, please E-mail Burt Weisman or call him at "703-255-2579" to discuss.
- posted Nov 23, 2008 Back to top
Stay tuned for late Oct 2009 trout stocking of Accotink Creek and Holmes Run by VA DGIF with help from chapter members. See VA DGIF trout stocking schedule. See the outstanding Accotink Creek December 20, 2008 fishing report.
Backwater Angler reports on Gunpowder conditions and fishing.
Harry Murray reports on conditions, trout and smallmouth bass fishing in the Shenandoah Valley.
Brian and Colby Trow reports on conditions,trout and smallmouth bass fishing at Mossy Creek and the Shenandoah Valley.
Watch for fishing updates from local new store; Urban Angler, Arlington, VA.
Stay in touch with Shenandoah Riverkeeper, Jeff Kelble, and water quality issues: Shenandoah Riverkeeper, Jeff Kelble, knows first hand the affects of an unhealthy river. In 2005, after fish kills ruined his fishing guide business, Jeff joined up with Potomac Riverkeeper Ed Merrifield and became the Shenandoah Manager. Find out how to Report Pollution and Become a Member to help improve water quality.
Check out our Northern Virginia Trout Unlimited conservation/ education booklet, "Washington, DC Area Trout Fishing, A Guide to Day Trips" at local Orvis stores:
Tysons Corners, VA; Bethesda, MD; and Arlington, VA.. Or you may contact our NVATU Logo Merchandise Sales Chairman; Jim Galvin; phone 703-771-0410 or E-mail. You may also pick up a copy at our NVATU regular monthly meeting the first Thursday of the month, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., at the Vienna Firehouse, Vienna, Virginia .
If you are not receiving the monthly email reminders and bulletins, please click to send us an E-mail and we will add your name to the list.
Now it is very easy to donate to the Chapter and the good work that the volunteers do. Network for Good provides the vehicle for you to make your donations online.
It's easy, just click below.
Learn more about and see calendar for Fish-With-A--Member trips to VA, MD and PA.
Regular Monthly Meeting, first Thursday of the month at the Vienna Firehouse, Vienna, Virginia
Regular Montlhy Board Meeting is the second Thursday of the month. If you have questions, contact Jay Lovering, 703-973-1024.
See map for Jay' Century 21 Office location, 6631-A Old Dominion Drive, McLean, VA 22101
For other events, such as stream restoration, Kid's Fishing Derby and Clinics, etc., click 'Calendar' on left menu.
The regular membership meetings are the first Thursday of the month at the Vienna Firehouse!! Visit the Firehouse site for directions. You can see the Mapquest map here.
Everyone is welcome at our meeting. If it is your first time at one of our meetings, please let us know at the table when you come in and we can tell you about membership, show you a newsletter, introduce you to folks, and welcome you.
Trout fishing - Private stocking, with state stocking nearby. Fifty-two miles of stream near the cabins are stocked by state.
Visit www.wvlogcabins.com
Dave's Description: "One day in 2006, I thought that if I were ever going to write about my learning experience with fly-fishing, it should be now while I am making the transition from "Newbie" to "Somewhat Proficient." I have come from knowing absolutely nothing about the sport to being reasonably good at it. At least I can catch fish consistently and, more importantly, most of the time I know why I am catching them. If you don't know anything about fly-fishing, this is the book for you because that was exactly my situation a few years ago. The book will help anyone to catch fish using a flyrod without any prior knowledge."
Dave's book take you through his first three years of learning to fly-fish. Read how Dave make the "transition", and gather valuable tips and inisght along the way.
Dave not only mentions the Chapter in his book, but has generously offered to make a donation to the chapter for each book he sells through lulu.com. The site allows you to look through the book and decide for yourself. If you're a beginner, or just looking for some good "fishing reading", I'll bet you'll enjoy this book.
Visit lulu.com and look through. Better yet, get Dave's book and make your own journey to "somewhat proficient". Thanks Dave!!
If you would like to fish with the folks from the Shenandoah Chapter of the FFF, please E-mail Bill Cartwright at dichb 'at' aol.com, or telephone at (540) 432-0607. The chapter has regular "fish with a member" events, and would love to have you "fish along"!
We're announcing a new partnership! Take a look at the Speedtech Instruments Angler’s EDGE Plus Fishing Predictor.
Purchase a Mariners Edge or the Anglers Edge, and Speedtech will donate 25% to the chapter for any NVATU member that provides the chapter number #360! New EDGE technology makes SOLUNAR TABLES obsolete.
These one-of-a-kind instruments measure the different influences of moon phase, moon/sun position and barometric pressure, to predict when fish, deer, and elk will be the most active. Fish and Hunt SMARTER with Speedtech's EDGE!
Compare the features of different Speedtech products HERE.
25th year anniversary at the Conewago Creek, right to left: president ACTU Dave Swope, landowner Wayne Rodgers, president NVTU Jay Lovering, restoration chairman NVTU Bob Rosenthal