by Mark Riley

We have cancelled our scheduled speaker from The Keystone Center, Todd Bryan.  Our reason for canceling is National Trout Unlimited’s concern that by hosting Todd, we were conveying the perception that we would be open to anything beyond National TU’s unequivocal stand against the Pebble Mine.  That perception was not our purpose.  But we have no interest in detracting from TU’s program against Pebble Mine — even if it is only a perception.

To reiterate: our intent behind inviting Todd to speak was not to “hear the other side of the issue”.  It was to hear from a mediator and facilitator of a public and open process and the results of his work in bringing all stakeholders together.

In the meantime, we have not been able to secure a replacement speaker for September 27, so we’ve cancelled this meeting.

Our next meeting will be Wednesday November 7 at 6:30PM at REI-Boulder.  The main topic will be our annual business meeting, board elections and officer elections.

We’re considering having a December meeting but don’t know the exact date yet or topic. We’ll send out an announcement in a few weeks.

by Mark Riley

Meeting Topic: Pebble Mine Proposal Near Bristol Bay, Alaska

The Pebble deposit is a massive storehouse of gold, copper and molybdemum, located in the headwaters of the Kvichak and Nushagak Rivers, two of the eight major rivers that feed Bristol Bay. If built, Pebble would be one of the largest mines in the world. Because of its size, geochemistry and location, Pebble runs a risk of polluting Bristol Bay, one of the world’s few and most productive wild salmon strongholds that supports a $500 million commercial and sport fishery.

Our speaker on September 27 will be Todd Bryan, of the Keystone Center, who is heavily involved in the Pebble Mine proposal as a facilitator and mediator.  He will present perspectives on both sides of the issue and will have recently returned from his work in Alaska.

Todd has worked in the environmental field for more than 30 years and has spent more than 15 years as a mediator, facilitator and trainer.  He works with government agencies, tribal governments, non-governmental organizations, industry, and communities, where he develops collaborative approaches to environmental and natural resource decision-making.

For more information on the Keystone Center: www.keystone.org

by Mark Riley

Our request for $80,000 from the Fishing is Fun grant program has been conditionally approved by the Division of Wildlife — “conditionally” means we need to develop some additional documentation, project details and permits for review by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  This is great news for BFC and means we can move forward with selecting a firm and starting detailed design.

With this FIF is grant, our total cash secured to date for this project is $205,000.  We are still waiting to see the results of our grant request to the Trout and Salmon Foundation and BFC is putting up $5,000 in cash plus volunteer hours.

Implementation will be in the summer of 2013.

Thanks to Tim D’avis and Allen Nakagawa for their work on the grant applications!

by Mark Riley

Orvis is holding a rod swap promotion in the month of July (see PDF): exchange a rod you currently own for a new Orvis rod and get 20% off.  The Orvis Boulder store has been kind enough to donate to BFC the rods exchanged for use in our youth programs and camps.

So head out to the Orvis shop and get a new rod and support BFC’s youth programs at the same time.

Thanks to Bruning Rangel and Chad Pettrone from Orvis Boulder for donating these rods to Boulder Flycasters!

Orvis Rod Swap Advertisement

by Mark Riley

See article from Denver Post on US Fish and Wildlife proposing conservation area of over 5 million acres.

by Mark Riley

I just watched a moving and inspirational show on KRMA, part of their Nature series.  Here is the description:

“Central Idaho’s Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 States. Endless rugged mountains, wild rivers, forests, and deep canyons define this land – a home to numerous species of wildlife including wolves, who have just returned after 50 years of near absence – and a young couple, Isaac and Bjornen Babcock, who chose this wilderness for their year-long honeymoon. But what begins as a romantic adventure becomes something much greater for the couple – and a tale of hope and celebration for every life trying to make it in the unforgiving heart of the wilderness.”

It is showing again on April 22 at 6PM.  It made me wish I was 25 again (which rarely happens).

If you’ve never fished the Middle Fork of the Salmon in this wilderness, it should be on your list.

http://www.rmpbs.org/content/index.cfm/show/276734/Nature

by Mark Riley

Actions by EPA possibly as a result of much work by TU, CTU and Headwaters Chapter.

Click here for article in Denver Post.

by Mark Riley

Click here to read an article in the New York Times.

by Mark Riley

Here is an article in Denver Post regarding lawsuit against this controversial project.

Click here to link to the article.