See News for Update on Restoring Jonathan Run
June 2 - CRTU/East End Community Center Fishing Day (See Gallery)
President 's Message - April 2022
As president, it is wonderful to feel that CRTU is regaining some of its momentum, lost by all organizations, during the height (so far) of the COVID pandemic. Our chapter is getting active again on many fronts. I was proud to help place trout from our Cooperative nursery into the stream at Hutchison Park for the Friends of Jim Tobal Youth Fishing Event. Thanks to the Nursery Committee for making that happen.
I attended the opening day of the Youth Event at Hutchinson on April 9, and the turnout was impressive. Most of the kids were fairly proficient anglers, but some needed help, which they received, and most kids caught a fish.
It was good to be a part of the annual Litter Cleanup again on Dunbar Creek. Several CRTU members braved snow squalls to clean up the Betty Knox Road and parking lots on Game Land 51, and our portion of the Dunbar-Ohiopyle Road. Thanks to all participants, and to anyone who made the decision NOT to litter along Dunbar Creek. CRTU members also replaced Fly Fishing Only, Catch and Release signage along the stream.
On March 31, I attended a meeting on Dunbar Creek with PA Fish and Boat Commission, Habitat Section, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Watershed Office, and American Rivers to plan collaborative work that will improve physical habitat in Dunbar Creek and improve fish passage. Collective goodwill is high, but there may be a shortage of funding at the moment. We have $4,500 to commit to related work at Dunbar, but we can’t accomplish much with the amount. It is more efficient for us to put that money into a collaborative effort with other parties’ funds. Waiting to see how this develops.
The Jonathan Run Alkaline Sand Project continues to move forward. Not as much to report as the last few months as most of the initial organizational work is done. Waiting for permits, funding assurance, etc. All looks promising to restore this beautiful mountain stream on public land to a trout fishery.
I was proud to attend a virtual on-line ceremony representing CRTU. The meeting was hosted by BHE Energy and Western PA Conservancy (administers the BHE Grants Program). We were awarded $800.00 to continue water sampling in Glade Run and Dunbar Creek and we were invited to discuss our project with about 30 other watershed and conservation groups in western Pennsylvania. Many compliments on our long-term commitment to Glade Run were expressed.
I ‘d like to thank the new Budget Committee for meeting and working hard to prepare a more formalized budget to guide our activities. The budget will be presented to the Board of Directors prior to the April meeting.
Thank you, be well, and good fishing.
Ben Moyer
President
