The next Membership Meeting will be held on February 1, 2007 at 7:30 PM at the Comfort Suites Hotel, 132 Village Drive, State College. The PSU Flyfishing Club will have four of their most accomplished fly tyers demonstrating a selection of flies, including saltwater, steelhead and traditional patterns. Come to the meeting to ask questions, learn a new pattern or improve your skills. 

Mark your calendar. Bring a friend.

The March Membership Meeting will be held at the Boalsburg Fire Hall on Thursday, March 1. At the March Meeting George Daniel from Lock Haven will be making a presentation on "Seductive Streamer Strategies". The time is as usual (730 PM) and just the location is changed.

SCTU BOARD MEETINGS

Board meetings are held at the Comfort Suites Hotel, 132 Village Drive, State College at 7:30 p.m. on the second Monday following the scheduled Membership Meeting. The Board members welcome and would appreciate greater participation from Chapter members. As many of you know, our membership and board meetings are held at the Comfort Suites Hotel. Comfort Suites provides the rooms to us at no charge. We want to thank Karen Mansfield and her staff for their support.

The Web Site lists membership and board meeting dates; contains the past 5 months of Tertiary Treatment; and provides links to Spring Creek USGS stream flow conditions, weather, and a number of other good information sources.

SCTU LIST-SERVE

Please consider joining the SCTU List-Serve. The Chapter maintains a List-Serve, an e-mail contact list that includes approximately 65 of the 350 SCTU members. The List-Serve is used to provide e-mail notices of upcoming events and activities. You will not be flooded with a lot of unwanted e-mails. The List-Serve will only be used for important communication from the chapter. If you would like to be included in the List-Serve please send your e-mail address to Bill Brusse at wbrusse@converseconsultants.com </ym/Compose?To=wbrusse@converseconsultants.com> or to Vince Norris at vpn1@psu.edu

SCTU needs volunteers. Many of the issues that affect the Watershed will be decided based on the “science” of the issue. We need knowledgeable individuals to help out with land use, water quality, and legal issues. We also need volunteers to attend Township and Borough meetings to help track development plans and proposed ordinances that could impact the Creek so that SCTU has the opportunity to comment on those issues before they are approved. We also need volunteers to organize creek improvement and cleanup activities.

Where: Ramada Inn, State College, PA

When: Saturday, March 31, 2007

Happy Hours 5:30 - 7:00

Deluxe Buffet Dinner served at 7:00

Silent Auction - Bucket Raffles - 52 Card Draws - Live Auction – 50/50

Ticket Price: Adults/$30.00 - Children Under 10/$15.00

(Buffet Dinner, Dessert, Free Keg, Cash Bar)

Mail Reservation Form & Check To: Richard E. Stevenson

20 Mahala Street

Port Matilda, PA 16870

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY March 27, 2007

Joe Boston : Spring Creek Habitat Improvement.

Initiating stream habitat improvements by local TU chapters has been the one of the foundation efforts of Trout Unlimited since the organization’s inception. The SCCTU has been instrumental in stream bank fencing and riparian planting with CWC in the past.

Much has been written about the threat to Spring Creek from stormwater run off and the resulting loss of habitat through siltation. In 1999 the chapter used a Growing Greener grant to fund the “Watershed Channel Assessment and Stream Restoration” Study. The study identified 13 sections of the stream in need of immediate help.

One of the sections identified in the study is the Rock Road area. Efforts are underway to do habitat improvement through bank stabilization and channel re-positioning and riparian planting with native trees and shrubs starting in August of 2007.

Design work has been completed by PA F&B Habitat Team. Grant applications have been submitted and permit application will be submitted shortly.

If you have ever fished the Rock section you can attest to the deep silt, eroding banks and loss of canopy trees. Dr. Carline’s data shows that the brown trout population and redd counts in this section are much lower than other sections.

Most of the laborious detail work is done, however volunteers will be needed to help with the acquiring of materials, selecting a contractor, coordinating transportation of materials, obtaining volunteer equipment and other items. If you are interested in becoming involved in this grass roots stream habitat improvement effort you can do one or all of the following.

Volunteer to become a member of the “Rock” Project committee by calling Joe Boston 814 861 5566 or email joeboston1959@comcast.net <mailto:joeboston1959@comcast.net>

OR

Help acquire donated materials through your contacts. Materials needed are. Hemlock or Larch logs 14” dia. by 35’ to 50’. Rough cut oak planking 8’ x 6” x 1”. #5 Rebar. #5 or #6 Limestone. Truck transportation. Equipment.

OR

Make a donation to the “Rock” Project. Check made out to SCCTU. Mail to Joe Boston 2326 Sagamore Dr. State College, PA 16803

It should be mentioned that we do not expect to use chapter volunteers for actual labor.

The Spring Creek wild brown trout will appreciate your help

Ted Trostle: Spring Creek Watershed Watch

After many months of work, Bob Donaldson, Ted Trostle, and Dick Stevenson have completed the preparation of the SCTU Spring Creek Watershed Watch project. This project has been approved by your board of directors. This information is provided at this time in order for the SCTU membership and others to study the project and ask questions about it. The membership is encouraged to particpate and volunteer to be active in the project.

The section dealing with our time line shows when the important parts are to be completed and when the project will be actually be hitting the ground. There remains a lot of work yet to be completed. To achieve the level of cooperation needed, we will be working with many organizations who can help, and support our efforts. The members and friends of SCTU will be expected to help make this project successful.

SPRING CREEK WATERSHED WATCH

A Project of THE

SPRING CREEK CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED

Revision C - 11/20/2006

1. PURPOSE - The purpose of the Spring Creek Watershed Watch Project is to protect, preserve and enhance water quality and aquatic life throughout the Watershed with special emphasis on Spring Creek and it’s tributary streams and originating sources.

1.1 An initial basic assumption is that the project needs to start as a simple exercise and grow as appropriate, depending on membership interest and voluntary commitments of dedication and time.

2. Project ELEMENTS - To assure success, the project must be comprehensive and use the following elements.

2.1 Assign TU member volunteers and interested non-TU members volunteers to physically observe specific sections of Spring Creek and its tributary streams. See sections 3 and 4.

2.1.1 Observations will be made from areas of public access and private lands where the owner has granted permission. Photographs should be taken to support the visual evidence.

2.1.2 There shall be two (2) types of observations. First any project/development earth disturbance which appears to have a potential for uncontrolled storm water run off into Spring Creek, Second, an observation of the conditions of Spring Creek as defined in the Team Field Guidebook, see 5.1

2.2 Observations will be based on training and standard criteria involving stream characteristics, and known stream responses to storm or weather based events. This criteria and photo examples are contained within the Team Field Guidebook. A map will be prepared to assign stream sections for each team.

2.3 When possible the observations will also be coordinated with knowledge obtained at municipal meetings, awareness of subdivision and land developments in proximity to Spring Creek and its tributaries, and storm water flows from existing or newly completed projects.

2.4 When observed conditions closely match or exceed the parameters defined in the Team Field Guidebook, digital photos are to be taken and emailed to the appropriate authority. An entry will be made into the observation log. A copy of the email and photos are to be also attached to the log.

2.5 According to the Water Resources Monitoring Project data, in 2005 there were 9 significant storm events. In one month there were 4. We should assume one event per month. Each event will require 2 1/2 hours for travel, observation, and follow up with the team leader. Some events may require a 2nd or even a 3rd observation.

3.0 TEAMS - TU member volunteers and non-TU member volunteers are assigned to a team for each designated section of Spring Creek and each team will pick a Team Leader * who coordinates the team activity and action. Each team is called a Watershed Team.

4.0 PROJECT LEADER - A designated TU member is assigned to be the Project Leader who coordinates with all of the teams. The Project Leader ** communicates the team’s observations to the appropriate government office, ie. DEP, Centre County Conservation, PFBC, etc.. Note that an assistant Project Leader is assigned for backup and coordination purposes.

4.1 The Project Leader also guides the teams with information collected from other meetings and known land development projects and subdivisions.

5.0 ORIENTATION and TRAINING

5.1 ORIENTATION - Team leaders, and team members, plus others should attend an orientation session to first learn about the project elements, watershed organizations, and basic s of watershed characteristics. The session will focus on the following:

1) Organize Watershed Teams: Team Leaders and Project Leader.

2) Initial Meeting with: Centre County Conservation District, Department of Environmental Resources and Fish and Boat Commission.

3) Familiarization With Stream Characteristics: map reading {USGS] and stream side walk.

4) Familiarization of Construction and Earth Disturbance Activities.

5) Familiarization of weather conditions and forecasting.

6) Develop Relationships With Municipal Officials: engineers, managers and zoning officers.

7) Develop Relationships With Others: ClearWater Conservancy, municipal authorities and other watershed groups.

8) Continuing Training, Education and Outreach; quarterly or semi-annually as appropriate.

5.2 TRAINING - In order for the team observations and activities to be accurate, each team member is trained on how to observe, when to observe, what to observe and how to report the findings.

5.2.1 Training sessions may include multiple topics and are intended to generate discussion. Assume that each session may take between 2 and 3 hours.

5.2.2 Refresher training may be needed every 3 to 6 months. All volunteers should attend.

5.2.3 A project review will be included every 6 months to study team activities, project adjustments, and changes to observation protocol. The review should be conducted with DEP, PFBC, and the Conservation District.

* The Team Leader will be expected to have some experience with team leadership and an understanding of the chain of command.

** The Project Leader will also be expected to have experience with team leadership and the chain of command. Additional knowledge of the Spring Creek Watershed, the regulatory agencies and municipal and civic organizations will be desired.

6.0 COMMUNICATION - The Project Leader and Team Leaders will establish a calling tree to facilitate timely reporting and coordination. The use of email is encouraged to send date/time stamped digital photos as evidence of the observation.

7.0 thru 9.0 (Left blank for future information)

10. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

10.1. Work closely with local property owners, the Centre County Conservation District, the local municipalities, the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, and the Pa. Department of Environmental Protection.

10.2 Work closely with the CLEARWATER Conservancy, with special emphasis on their annual Cleanup Day activities. The same Team Watchers would be assigned to their respective stream segment. This cleanup activity could be completed several times during the year.

10.3 At an appropriate time after the project is working, it should be considered to add routine non-weather based inspections. These inspections shall be conducted at a minimum of once each month and will be specifically focused on designated potential “hot” spots. This inspection will also include an overall observation of stream conditions at stream locations to be designated between at Oak Hall and ending at Milesburg.

11 IMPORTANT ELEMENTS

11.1 Establish and maintain ongoing relationships with municipal administrative staff related to land use activities. Attend municipal meetings when appropriate.

11.2 Be aware of and monitor subdivision and land developments that are in proximity of Spring Creek or its tributary streams. Be specifically watchful of any earth disturbances related to erosion-sedimentation and storm water events. Also of concern is storm water flows from new and existing impervious surfaces such as rooftops, and paved and un-paved parking areas.

11.3 Establish and maintain ongoing relationships with the administrative staffs and Board members of the Watershed-wide Sewer and Water Authorities as well as the Centre County Solid Waste Authority. Also, be mindful of malfunctioning on-lot sewage treatment systems.

11.4 Establish and maintain interaction with the Spring Creek Watershed Community’s Water Resources Monitoring Project. [Bob Carline is the current Chairman. The Project is administered through the CLEARWATER Conservancy.]

11.5 Establish and maintain relationships with Penn State University, especially the Office of Physical Plant and the College of Agriculture Science.

11.6 An Outreach effort will used to generate support, input, and involvement. The following organizations are to be included.

1. ClearWater Conservancy

2. Spring Creek Watershed Commission

3. Spring Creek Watershed Community

4. Stewardship Alliance

5. Heritage 1/CBIof CC

6. Municipal managers/engineers/zoning officers

7. MS4 Group [Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System]

8. Penn State University [Office of Physical Plant]

9. RSVP/Senior Environmental Corps

10. Retired Flyfishers Club

11. Centre Regional Planning Agency

12. Centre County Planning Commission

13. Centre County Conservation District

14. Pa Department of Environmental Protection

15. Pa Fish and Boat Commission

16. and Others..as appropriate.

Spring Creek Watershed Watch Project Time Line - 11/08/2006

November 2006                                                April 2007             <----------May 2007--------->   ???????
x--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------X                        
Complete Project Content    Field Guide Book    Orientation    Public Awareness*    Recruitment   Training Do-it
                                                                                            Personal Contact  Coslo
                                                                                            SC Community     TU Mmbership   DEP
                                                                                            Clearwater           Property Owners          PFBC
                                                                                            PFBC                    Others
                                                                                            Mark Nale/CDT

* A central information meeting followed by personal contact and a letter follow up.

Chapter Officers:

President              Bill Brusse
Vice-President   Vacant
Treasurer            Jere Willey
Secretary            George Moellenbrock

BOARD MEMBERS - PHONE - E-MAIL


Jere Willey   (12/09)  667-3895  jjw2@psu.edu

George Moellenbrock   (12/09)  364-9528  gxm3@psu.edu

Allen Phillips 238-4414    (12/09)  atp@.psu.edu<mailto:atp@.psu.edu>

Bob Donaldson 237-4362    (12/08)  rbdonald@adelphia.net

Jay Lynch 422-8988    (12/07)  Jlynch@AOL.com

Theodore Trostle 237-9509  (12/08)  tctrostle@verizon.net

Dick Stevenson 692-8471  (12/07)  res4@ psu.edu

Jim George 867-0765  (12/08)  jamestgeorge@earthlink.net

William Brusse 234-8851wbrusse@converseconsultants.com <mailto:wbrusse@converseconsultants.com>

Start or Renew Your TU Membership through SCTU

When your membership is about to expire, or join for the first time, fill out the form below and forward it with a check (payable to Trout Unlimited) to the address indicated below.

Name ________________________________ Check Membership Category *

Address ______________________________  Regular Membership ($35)

 Family Membership ($50)

City _________________________________  Senior/Student ($20)


 Individual Life ($750)**  Family Life ($850)**

State _____________ Zip ________________  Business Member ($200)  Conservator Member ($350)

CHAPTER: Spring Creek TU #185 * US Dollars Only ** No further dues

Send To:  Check enclosed. Payable to Trout Unlimited

Trout Unlimited

PO Box 1335

Merrifield, VA 22116-1335