The Mountain Bridge TU Board meets monthly:

Below are the latest minutes;

August 4, 2025. 

• Members present: Dave Armstrong, Ben Claus, Sam Claus, Paul Glasser, Ken Bearwald,  George Duziak, Jim Bell, Keith Stinchcomb, Tom Fegus, and Steve Duda. 

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes 

• Corrections to the minutes: 

• Online auction: "the second highest bidder can match the winner. So that is  correct. So there would be two winners." 

• Treasury report: Tim Brandt, not Tim Swanson. 

• Creek spelled with R versus W. 

• Motion to approve the minutes passed. 

TU National Updates 

• Southeastern Rendezvous will be in Black Mountain, North Carolina, March 13-15, 2026. • Next General meeting is September 16th. 

• South Carolina Council TU updates online auction, multi chapter, and also the Council  will participate. 

• Approximate starting date will be September, running for 30 days. 

• Participants will have a Zoom meeting with event group Wednesday night. 

Treasury Report 

• Expenditures for the veterans trip in July. 

• Received annual South Carolina license income: $560. 

• Received two conservation donations in July: $101 and $500 (came through PayPal, so  $489.56). 

• Donations were not tagged to a specific project. 

• One check to Mountain Bridge for conservation. 

• The last three or four donations were specifically for the Joe Cassidy project. • Amounts: $150, $100, $500, and another amount to be confirmed. 

• Sub-account can be set up for the Joe Cassie Project. 

• Normal expenses: Mailchimp, new member packets, Malden Senior Center. • Operations (including veterans): $24,600. 

• Conservation: $40,000. 

• Total at the end of July: $67,909.81 (about $600 less than June). 

• Public storage is a topic again. 

• South Carolina financial information is in. 

• Tax filings are at.990 is done. 

• Waiting for South Carolina reports to be approved to renew raffle and sweepstakes  permits. 

Annual Spending 

• Veterans program: $8200 spent this year (mostly fishing trips and a veterans first  responders event). 

• Trout in the Classroom: roughly $2,000 per year. 

• Received $725 reimbursement from the state this year. 

• Meeting location: $300 per year. 

• Other expenses: around $3,000 for general stuff. 

• $25,000 donation for the North Saluda (now over $26,000 due to interest). • Other conservation balance is just under $15,000. 

Conservation Money and Snorkeling Program 

• There will be more conservation money coming this fall and into next year. 

• There will be another expense coming up with the U.S. Forest Wildlife Service for the  snorkeling program. 

Kickoff Meeting and Green Charter 

• A kickoff meeting in Columbia is scheduled for August 27th with the three chapters in  the DNR. 

• There was a good meeting with Green Charter, and they are waiting to hear back from  them. 

Lost Teacher and New Participants 

• One teacher was lost, but he was "marginally engaged" and didn't do much. • They are continuing to try and get more participants. 

Jocaste Project and Volunteers 

• The Jocaste project keeps getting delayed, and they are still waiting on funds. • They have 20 volunteers now. 

Jim Banister and Upper Saluda 

• Jim Banister had a family matter come up, but he is still happy to come and give an  update. 

• Steve and Mac sent a note about the Upper Saluda, and Mac will get back to them with  an update. 

Upper Saluda Technical Assistance and 319 Projects 

• Melanie gave an overview of what they've been doing and all their 319 grant money. • They are delayed on getting some NRCS grants. 

Cherry Creek and Partnering Opportunities 

• Cherry Creek is a tributary to North Saluda. 

• Melanie is going to reach out to people if they're interested in a field tour in the fall to  visit some new sites. 

Climate Change Coordinator and Greenville Swamp Rabbit  Conservation Event 2026 

• Jeff Olsen, the climate change coordinator, wants them to do something, but they are  waiting for an email to figure out what it is. 

• Ben has a handle on the Greenville Swamp Rabbit Conservation Event 2026. 

Southeastern Wildlife Expo 

• The speaker feels that conservation organizations participate in the Southeastern  Wildlife Expo as a way to sell tickets. 

• It costs $2500 to have a booth at the event, which guarantees the ability to sell 100  tickets for $25 each. 

• Mike Waddell suggested sending money to the Southeastern Wildlife Expo, an event in  Charleston that gets 50,000-60,000 attendees. 

• A motion was made not to participate in the event at a level that requires financial  commitment, and the motion passed. 

U.S. Forest Service Kids Scarfing Program 

• The U.S. Forest Service is requesting $5,000 for Airbnb to house volunteers from  Virginia Tech who are skilled in the kids scarfing program. 

• The speaker will try to find private money to support Keith Whalen and the program. 

• The program is for elementary-age kids, primarily city kids who have never been out in  nature. 

• The speaker believes it is a great program and wants to stand behind Whalen, as the  U.S. Forest Service is essential for trout restoration. 

Adirondack Canoe Donation 

• Scott and Sharon, former TU members, are donating an Adirondack canoe due to Scott's  early onset Alzheimer's. 

• The canoe is worth $3,000, and Sharon will split the proceeds with the organization. • The organization stands to make $1,500 from the sale. 

• A new canoe goes for $3,600. 

Raffle Items 

• A person will bring fly boxes and a fly rod to the meeting to be part of a raffle. • The speaker notes that they are getting low on raffle items. 

Low Cost Raffle and Future Sales 

• The club has higher-priced items like rods and reels. 

• Suggestion to have a night early next year to sell accumulated fly-tying materials and  wet metal. 

• Sam may be able to help put it on Facebook Marketplace. 

September Elections of Officers 

• According to bylaws, elections for officers are to be held in September. • Positions open: president, vice president, secretary. 

• The current president will stay on until the first of the year. 

• A blast will be sent out with positions that are open. 

• Bylaws also call for a discussion of initiatives for the coming year. 

Veterans Program 

• The club had four or five successful outings. 

• An outing with trophy water guides in July included six veterans. 

• Funding will be submitted to the Anderson Foundation in September for 2026. • Other chapters do not have a veterans program. 

Speakers and One Fly Event 

• September 16th: Steve Dubois 

• October 21st: Dan Burns from Orvis, Debbie from Dro. 

• One Fly event is October 8th at DRO. 

• The event usually gets about eight or ten people and raises about $400. 

• Participants can fish anywhere in South Carolina or North Carolina, except private  water. 

• Ends at 4:30 at Mills River Brewing Company. 

One Fly Event Details 

• One fly can be repaired. 

• Participants get a tape measure. 

• If the fly is lost, the participant can still fish but can't measure fish for the tournament. 

Picnic and Alternative Outing 

• The picnic is canceled. 

• Ken has offered to host an outing at his lakeside mansion for board members and special  invitees. 

• Ken will send an invite to the board members with available dates. 

• The outing will be rain or shine. 

Greenville Newcomers and Furman 

• Greenville Newcomers idea is dead. 

• Furman has a volunteer list, and Steve Gross teaches fly fishing there.

• The club could try to get involved with Furman. 

• Travelers Rest may have a Newcomers list. 

Greenville Newcomers 

• Speaker believes that Travelers Rest is getting more than their fair share of growth. 

Membership Report 

• 483 members 

• 3 new members in July 

• 16 expiring in August 

• National is two months behind on cashing checks for credit card. 

Social Media 

• Jim Bell: There was no problem with the Facebook account. 

• The issue is that since Dan left, nobody knows enough about social media to do  anything. 

• Sam Claus is going to be the new social media person. 

• He is in grad school at Clemson. 

• He works for TR Unlimited in their water stewardship program. 

• Everett will help Sam learn the website. 

• Any email to the Google account comes to the speaker. 

• Sam's contact info will be shared for people to send ideas and photos. • Sam will be a big help with the open online auction starting September 1st. 

Communications 

• Mike Floyd, editor of Gray's Sporting Journal, is interested in the Joe Cassidy project. • Dave will write an article for submission to Gray's once the Joe Cassidy project is done. 

New Business 

• Update on the subchapter in Rock Hill: 

• Craig Home has contacted some folks and there is interest from about a half a  dozen people. 

• The email list should be used to advertise the subchapter. 

• The subchapter in Spartanburg never got off the ground. 

Old Business 

• The address for the chapter needs to change to the new treasurer's address. • It has already been changed on the bank accounts. 

• It needs to be changed on the website. 

• The PO Box was given up because the bill wasn't paid. 

• The treasurer is not thrilled about using their home address. 

• They may go to the post office to see what the current deal is. 

End of Meeting 


Last Meeting: July 14, 2025 at 6:35 PM

• Motion to accept the minutes was approved. 

National Updates 

• Southeastern rendezvous will be in Black Mountain, North Carolina in April. • Next general meeting is September 16th. 

• Meetings in September 16th, October, and November. 

South Carolina Council of TU Meeting 

• Meeting held July 12 in Spartanburg. 

• Ken Keith, Steve Genta, Steve Dunna Duda attended. 

• Discussion about a joint fundraiser for each chapter. 

• Auction items will start September 1st and run for 30 days. 

• Bidding to start 20-30% above the reserve. 

• Auction Items: 

• Two trips to Argentina. 

• Trip on the Bighorn. 

• Kingfisher Lodge in Montana (3 nights and 2 days). 

• G. Loomis rod (retail value ~$800). 

• Hardy saltwater fly rod (value ~$1500). 

• Premium fly tying bundle (details to come). 

Fundraising Split 

• Randy Martin got the Hardy fly rod because the rep for Hardy is on their board.

• The fundraiser will be split four ways. 

• Hope to raise $20,000 and split it four ways ($5,000 for each council). 

Minimum Dollar Value of Donations 

• Trip reserve: Bids to start 20% above reserve (e.g., $6,000 trip starts at $7,200). • Retail value of trips ~$11,500. 

• If reserves aren't met, the second-highest bidder can match the winner's bid. 

• G. Loomis rod, Hardy Rod, premium fly tying package, and Max's one day donation will  start at 20-30% above retail value, but have no reserve. 

• Additional donations of lower-priced items are welcome. 

Feedback on the Council 

• Keith: "I thought it was educational. More, more to learn about what's going on at  national than anything else." 

• National is in the red and was flagged in 2023 for a yellow flag audit from the IRS. • Flagged again in 2024 for lacks in internal financial controls. 

• Net loss of over $4 million each year for the last two years. 

• CEO makes $490,000. 

• Feedback from state councils goes to National. 

• Mike Waddell is on the national leaders Council and gives them feedback. 

Treasurer's Report 

• Tim Swansel's last report. 

• $38.95 earned in interest. 

• $250 in donations went to conservation. 

• $65 from raffle. 

• $500 donation via PayPal from James Bozen from Clover. 

These notes were taken with Minutes AI (https://myminutes.ai)

• $150 check from somebody. 

PayPal Account 

• There are three bank accounts set up on PayPal, one of which is the TIC. • PayPal took a $10 fee from the Trout in the Classroom (TIC) account. • The fee should be taken from operations and transferred back to TIC. • There's a miscellaneous account with $10 in it that hasn't been used recently. • The suggestion is to close the account and put the $10 in TIC. 

Board of Directors 

• Tim is still on the board of directors. 

• "As far as we know, no money's missing. Good job." 

Trout in the Classroom 

• Last year, there were four schools involved. 

• Belton, Honeyapath is out because the contact's role is changing. 

• An environmental science teacher there might be interested. 

• Contacting the principal to see about keeping the program there. 

• Sterling Middle School is also not participating this year. 

• Green Charter School may be coming back. 

• Keith is setting up a meeting with them on Friday. 

• Keith has a contact at Spartanburg Day School. 

• Someone will talk to a school at their church that has a middle school. • Two attempts to reach out to 19 middle schools yielded no takers. 

• The program is targeted at sixth and seventh grade. 

• Byrnes High School wanted to participate but wanted the tank set up at the teacher's  house. 

• The program involves setting up a 55-gallon tank, providing equipment, and starting the  tanks in early November. 

• Eggs are added in December, and the fingerlings are released in March/April. • Kids do daily recordings for the tank. 

Fly Fishing Activities 

• A retired school principal shared his experience with fly fishing activities in his school  district. 

• A fly fishing class expanded over a few years, involving around 400 students. • They organized trips and activities, including fly fishing during school hours. • One of the schools started a fly fishing club this past year. 

• They did equipment sessions, fly tying, and casting clinics. 

• They took the kids to the Chattooga River with the help of Carl from Chattooga  River Fly Shop. 

• Severe Middle School has a fishing club. 

• Central High School had a Pennsylvania program. 

• Out of 19 schools contacted, only about three responded. 

• A donor has given a check for $2500. 

• There is currently $3 and a lot of equipment. 

Fishing Club 

• The only expenses associated with the fishing club were leaders and flies. • Thousands of flies have been donated, so they didn't spend a lot of money. • Last year, they got $725 back from the DNR for chemicals and filters. • Glenn, one of the donors, offered to talk to the principal of Burns about the fishing club. 

Conservation 

• Working with Frank on Jocasty Gorge brook trout restoration, including four streams with  the DNR. 

• They hope to start the end of July or the first week in August. 

• When done, they will have restored seven to nine miles of trout water. 

• Brook trout restoration on the North Saluda River is supposed to start in December,  waiting on land transfer from Natureland Trust to the DNR. 

Saluda Basin Plan 

• Mike was going to reach out after Wednesday this week. 

• The North Saluda River comes right out of the lake and is "the purest water in South  Carolina." 

• They're going to do a quarter of a mile of restoration. 

• Four years ago, it was going to cost $120,000, and they committed $20,000. 

Volunteers 

• They have 13 committed volunteers with agreements signed. 

• They need 40 man days as part of their donations. 

• Carl posted information on his list of contacts and got 19 positive responses. • The Saluda chapter is going to donate $5,000 towards the project. 

Right Creek 

• There were questions about why the DNR is going to kill wild rainbows in Right Creek to  put in brook trout. 

• The goal is to expand the range of the brook trout. 

• There are questions about endangered species that may be in there, so it's been  delayed. 

Fish and Conservation 

• The speaker questions the practice of killing one species to benefit another, especially  when wild fish are involved. 

• The speaker mentions a plan to shock fish and pick them up in buckets, but questions its  effectiveness and potential harm to other species like Hellbenders, which are now  classified as endangered. 

• Right Creek is anticipated to be the biggest challenge for the project. 

• DNR is working on access to the area, with a team of young DNR employees working on  cutting a trail. 

Vice President Position 

• The primary job of the vice president is to find speakers. 

• John Conits was previously scheduled to speak but had to cancel due to a threat of a  winter storm. 

• The speaker suggests reaching out to John Conits again and mentions another  potential speaker, a guide named Sherry fishes with. 

Veterans Program 

• The veterans will be going on a three-boat float trip with trophy water guides in June,  specifically on July 18th or 19th, spending two nights at Paw Paws Lodge and fishing one  day with Justin and the guides. 

• The veterans organization they work with has put in 190 hours serving veterans, with six  events and 87 veterans and first responders served. 

Speakers and Outings 

• Steve Dubois, a guide and member of mbtu, has volunteered for the Jake Cassidy Gorge. • Dan Burns from Orvis will speak in October about Yellowstone. 

• Debbie from DRO will speak on November 18th. 

• Melanie from Save Our Saluda and Kevin Howe have volunteered to be speakers. 

One Fly Event 

• The One Fly event is planned for October, potentially in the middle of the week. These notes were taken with Minutes AI (https://myminutes.ai)
• The event will likely be held at the South Mills Brewery. 

• The rules: participants must declare one fly they will use, and only fish caught with that  fly are eligible for the tournament. 

• The event is a small fundraiser, typically raising about $400-$500. 

Picnic 

• There's discussion about reviving a picnic at Herman Walker's farm on the Saluda River. • Dave will be asked to contact Herman to see if he'll host the picnic in October. 

Weekend Fly Fishing Event 

• Could be held in November or September. 

• September might be cooler. 

• Pickens County location is about 30 miles away from a veterans event. 

• Suggestion to combine the fly fishing event with a veterans outing at a place with  water. 

• Still hoping to get on the Greenville Newcomers list to attract new members. 

Membership Report 

• As of July 1, there were 491 members. 

• Four new members joined in June. 

• 25 memberships expiring in July. 

• Membership is staying around 500. 

• Difficulty attracting new, younger members. 

Public Relations and Marketing 

• Dave Armstrong will write a letter to Matt Williams to get the password to the Facebook  account. 

Bylaws Review 

• Several areas of non-compliance with current practices were identified. 

• Monthly membership meetings are stated to be on the third Monday of the month  in the bylaws. 

• Monthly review of financials is required but not being done since Gary left. • President has to co-sign all checks over $300 with the treasurer. 

• Term limits for treasurer should be enforced to prevent long-term control. 

• Procedure to change the bylaws requires informing members 30 days in advance of a  vote. 

• Ken will do the overview of the financials. 

• David Close had knee surgery on the 9th. 

Expenditure Approval 

• For expenditures over $300, the president needs to approve. 

• The president (Tom or whoever) needs to email the treasurer approving the check  issuance. 

• A plan will be written up and reviewed by Dave. 

September Meeting and Officer Nominations 

• In September, new officers will be nominated. 

• The September meeting should include: 

• Presentation by the board on the chapter's accomplishments, future plans. • Review of the financial situation. 

• Addressing officer elections. 

• This addresses the survey feedback requesting more information about the board's  activities. 

Rock Hill Subchapter (Alternative Engagement Group) These notes were taken with Minutes AI (https://myminutes.ai)

• Craig Jasper is interested in starting a group in the Fort Mill/Rock Hill area. • TU uses the term "Alternative Engagement Group" instead of "subchapter." 

• This group would target current members in the area who don't participate in current  activities. 

• Operating procedures for TU Alternative Engagement Groups will be sent to the board  for review. 

• TU wants to maintain oversight to prevent a "rebel organization." 

• Members must be South Carolina residents. 

• Vision for the group includes: 

• Spring cleanups. 

• Teaching people how to fish and tie flies. 

• An email can be sent to members with Frank's contact information for those interested in  the new subchapter. 

Meeting Setup 

• Set up a meeting place and time, and "we'll put the word out." 

• They will market the meeting and representatives from their chapter will attend. • Goal is to get a potential roster together. 

• They can come down and help when there is a big deal. 

Logistics 

• Target Portville, Port Mill. 

• 30 days lead time is needed to set something up. 

• Meeting place not yet determined. 

• Places like this or public libraries are options. 

• Libraries usually have AV and don't usually charge. 

• Libraries usually have parking. 

Wrap Up 

• Find a meeting place and they will market it. 

• Meeting is adjourned. 

Roll Call 

• Members present: 

• Keith Stinchcomb 

• Steve Genta 

• Ken Beall 

• Jasper Ray Jasper 

• Paul Glasser 

• Tom Theus 

• Steve Duda 

• Jim Bell 

• Frank Panabaker 

• Tim Brandt (new vice president) 

• Recording stopped. 


Date:​​​May 5, 2025

Location:​​Stax Omega

Time:​​​6:30 p.m.

Members Present:​Tom Theus, Ken Baerwalde, Steve Genta, Paul Glasser, Ben Clauss, George Derdziak, Steve Duda, David Groseclose, Amy Holstein

 

• Call to Order – T. Theus

• April 7, 2025 minutes approved

• Welcome/Introduction – T. Theus

o Non-board members in attendance:  George Derdziak, Steve Duda, David Groseclose, Amy Holstein

o T. Theus - motion to add Steve, David and Amy to the bod – approved

o Next general meeting May 20th

o let Tom know of any trips…the Loomis fly rod & Argentina trips – Sept/Oct timeframe

 

• SCCTU Council Update

o Next Council meeting held in Spartanburg July 12th 

D. Grossclose asked if conservation efforts are TU based; T. Theus commented get v. little money from National TU; Chapters fundraise

Greenville Water is planning to retrofit former waste water treatment facilities to hatcheries near North Saluda

• Treasurer’s Report – T. Theus

o Current balance $71,659.67

• Conservation Update – B. Clauss

o Eastern brook trout Jocassee Gorge project – MBTU has committed to 300 hours of assistance – in what capacities tbd   (date May 19th)

o S. Duda believes this project will take 1.5-2 years to complete and involve shocking studies, clean-up, restoration efforts – expected to begin in July

o Estatoe project – will involve repairing 900’ buffer under Duke’s transmission lines – contractor evaluating May 20th– expected to commence this fall

o Dan Rankin/SCDNR, produced 40 pg report on all the projects would like to target for Appalachian brook trout

o DNR has substantial funds to purchase property for catch & release water, or anything conservation related – let B. Clauss know of potential sellers

o Goal is to raise $ 100-250K - T. Theus/B. Clauss have list of potential donors and will solicit member donations; K. Baerwalde working on solicitation letter to specific donors

o These would be non-capital gain & write-off donations

o S. Duda will reach out to Melanie Ruhlman of Save our Saluda - all homeowners group, for funds

o QR code on catch & release signs

o Poaching – call for everyone to add DNR Hotline to their phone; DNR staffing limitations presents major challenge to police waterways

• Board member position

o VP position – urgent need to fill; board member voting in September

• Veterans

o organization put in 90 hours; 87 veterans & first responders served

o Save the 22 banquet, 400 attendees - April 19th – silent auction/raffles- few thousand $ in items

• Speakers/Outings/Events

o T. Theus proposed either swap meet or casting clinic before general meeting on May 20th – consensus was for casting clinic

o A. Holstein will promote on Instagram/contact Everette to post on website

o E. Watanabe will send 3 e-mail blasts

• Membership Update

o K. Baerwalde noted we have approximately 500 members – a slight decrease since**

o P. Glasser has contact through Greenville Newcomers – MBTU volunteer op synopsis & QR code for free 1 yrMBTU membership will accompany request to be added to their volunteer listing

• New Business

Social Media – A. Holstein

o On April 12th, A. Holstein & T. Theus viewed TU social media presentation

o Standout points:

o Utilize all means of social media possible

o Need for content to post – request at all general meetings mb’s take photos and short (5-10 sec, slow/steady) videos to post on Instagram

o We are missing large subset of people by not utilizing Facebook/A. Holstein working with TU and Matt Williams to reset our Facebook page

Meeting Adjourned

 

April Minutes

MBTU BOARD MEETING MINUTES April 7, 2025

Call to Order, 6:41 pm, Tom Theus

Minutes Approved, Steve Genta, Ken Baerwalde 2 nd , unanimous approval

Update from National TU: Paul McKee said that $80 million in frozen government funds

have been restored.

SC Trout Unlimited Update: A joint chapter fund raising event, probably a raffle, is being

planned. So far donated prizes are a G. Loomis fly rod ($800 from WLS member

Travis), and a trip to Argentina with a $500 reserve from Frontier Travel Service.

Treasurer Report provided by Tim Brandt.

A motion to buy storage insurance was made Ken Baerwalde, 2 nd by Steve Genta, vote

to approve was unanimous.

TIC Releases were made at Table Rock SP today. Steve Genta

Conservation, Ben Clauss: Naturaland Trust must transfer North Saluda River Project

property to SCDNR. Greenville Water is converting some of their facilities into trout

hatcheries for the N. Saluda River. There will be brook trout habitat restorations on four

Lake Jocassee tributaries. The Embrace a Stream Grant is close to completion.

Membership meetings: It was proposed that we have none in July, August, and

December

Upstate Forever luncheon on April 22

Casting Clinic at Dodson Fly Fishing on May 31

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 pm.




March Minutes

Mountain Bridge Chapter – Trout Unlimited

Board Meeting Minutes

Date:​​​ March 3, 2025

Location:​​Stax Omega

Time:​​​ 6:30pm 

Members Present:​Tom Theus, Steve Genta, Keith Stinchcomb, Dave Armstrong, Paul Glasser, Ben Clauss, Tim Brandt, George Derziak, Jim Belle

• TU National – ​TU Eastern Rendezvous scheduled for April 25-27 in Shepherdstown, WV.

▪ TU National Online Town Hall March 4th at 8:00pm to discuss the impact of Federal funding on conservation efforts.

• SCTU Council

o SEWE was a great event.  Tom Theus made several new contacts.

o SCCTU – Next meeting March 15th hosted by the Saluda River Chapter in Columbia.

o A joint fund-raising effort between all 3 SC TU chapters is being discussed.  It would be a raffle.  Possible prizes are being discussed/pursued.

• Treasurer’s Report

o No significant transactions of donations to discuss this month.

• Membership – Current membership holding at approximately 500.

• Conservation Initiatives

o Ben is pursuing a meeting with the Greenville Water Commission.  Some initial mention of possible conversion of an unused waste water treatment facility to a hatchery is being bantered about.  Funding will be necessary.

o Ben had a lengthy discussion with Dan Rankin of SCDNR. $50,000 in Federal funding for the brook trout restoration project has been put in hold, impacting a number of additional funding sources that would contribute once Federal funds are received.  Also discussed the recent fish study on the Chattoogaand possible next steps.

o Upstate Forever Awards Luncheon April 22nd

 

• Trout In the Classroom

• Release dates at Table Rock State Park are scheduled for March 11, 25, 26 & 27.

• A fishing outing with the Christ Church Episcopal School Trout Fishing Club was held on February 27th with 11 8th grade boys, 1 8th grade girl and three faculty members.  The outing was a success with several fish landed.  A second outing for the balance of the club members is scheduled for March 14th.  Karl Ekberg from Chattooga River Fly Shop is assisting with the outings as well.

• Sharri Duncan has resigned from the program.

 

• Communications

• A follow-up email to the survey will be sent to all members in the next few days.  Feedback received and comments from the board will be included along with another link to the survey foradditional members to utilize.

• A number of survey respondents indicated possible interest in board participation.  These members are being contacted for follow-up.

 

• Dave Armstrong will compose a short synopsis of the Pig Pen Creek project for submission to Trout magazine.

 

• Tom has a connection for possible inclusion of the above story in American Fly Fisherman magazine and Grey’s Sporting Journal. 

 

• Upcoming Speakers at General Meetings

- March 18 – Callie Freeman – Stream Entemology

• Fishing outing to the Raven’s Fork in Cherokee, NC scheduled for March 24th.

• A riverside clean-up on the Chattooga and Chauga coordinated by the USFS is scheduled for Saturday April 5th.  Volunteers are to meet at the Highway 76 Chattooga River Access parking lot at 9:00am.

• Ken to pursue possible Helene recovery volunteering with Habitat for Humanity.

 

▪ Meeting Adjourned