President’s Report October 2015- Sept 2016

The past year has been a busy one for the Monocacy Chapter and we continue to move forward with our mission of conserving and protecting the coldwater resources of the Monocacy Creek.

Highlights include:

  1.  Extremely Successful 2nd showing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour, which sold out before the screening.  This event has not only exposed our Chapter to many outside of our membership, but has become a meaningful fundraiser and has built important partnerships with community partners including ArtsQuest.  We will look to expand the event for Spring 2017.
  2. Removal of a small dam at Bridal Path which will help to increase flow and hopefully combat the increase in silt/ mud/ stormwater from the Traditions development.
  3. Very productive second annual Directors meeting host by VP Mike Recine.  This planning meeting has given our Chapter a good sense of direction and advanced planning for the coming year.  See website for notes from meeting
  4. I traveled to the annual PATU meeting and was awarded the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award.
  5. VP Mike Recine was asked to visit with our Reps. in D.C. to encourage them to pass the Delaware River Basin Joint Commission.
  6. Chapter members participated in Veterans and Women's Fly Fishing events hosted by other area Chapters.
  7. We hosted our first “Holiday Get together” at SteelGarden, which was a great evening with members from all of the local Chapters.
  8. All QTR reports and financial reports were submitted complete and on time.

Some Challenges:

  1.  A continued push by several factions to change the Special Regs section of Saucon Creek to include bait fishing.
  2. Continued development in the watershed leading to increasing storm water runoff.
  3. Resignation of Ralph Carp from City Parks Dept.
  4. An overt change in the tone of the PFBC to increase stocking of trout, and a push to possibly do away with Special Regulation protecting Wild Trout.

While these lists are not inclusive, I feel they at the very least highlight the fact the Chapter is moving in a positive direction, even in the face of some large environmental and political obstacles.

Submitted by Erik Broesicke, President Monocacy Chapter TU.  October 25th, 2016