News

MTU hosts 2019 guide briefing

by Bill Pfeiffer

The atmosphere was casual and the mood convivial as area guides gathered at the MTU headquarters for the 2019 MTU guide briefing. Montana Trout Unlimited and Trout Unlimited’s Clark Fork Program staff provided policy, legislative and project updates with a focus on information relevant to the guiding community.  Mike Bias, executive director of Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM), provided updates on FOAM’s legislative work and the launch of their advanced guide training program, Guiding for the Future. Alec Underwood, Montana Wildlife Federation, gave presentation on the Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Project.

Questions were as plentiful as the beer and pizza.  It was a treat to host such a large group of guides who support conservation work. Thanks so much to Paul Moseley and Ruby Springs Lodge for funding this years guide briefing.  We can’t wait until next year.

If you are a guide and would like to receive updates from Montana Trout Unlimited, send an email to [email protected] with the subject “guide list”.

MT DEQ releases draft EIS for mine proposed on Smith River

by Bill Pfeiffer

If you care about Montana’s Smith River, it’s time to pay attention.  Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality just released a draft environmental analysis paid for by the Australian-owned mining company proposing to build a large mine in the headwaters of the Smith River.  We will be conducting an expert, scientific review of this analysis and the risks this mine poses to water quality, water quantity, habitat and fish in the Smith.  Stay connected with us for more information based on our review and about the public comment period on this critical issue.

News

Smith Mine Draft EIS released for public comment

by Bill Pfeiffer

It’s game time folks. We need YOU to attend public hearings, submit comments to DEQ, and get your friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to do the same. The Smith River mine represents an existential threat to the Smith, and it’s time to let the Montana Department of Environmental Quality know how much this river matters to all of us!

You can review the draft document here

News

Aquatic Invasive Species prevention a high priority

by Bill Pfeiffer

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pose critical threats to Montana’s waterways.  Montana Trout Unlimited has been busy lobbying for adequate funding for the State’s AIS Program this legislative session.  HB 608 proposes a $50 fee and mandatory decontamination of boats with ballasts or bladders when they enter the state or cross the continental divide.  Read more here.  

News

Online applications open for Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp

by Bill Pfeiffer

Montana Trout Unlimited is accepting applications for their 2019 Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp.  This years camp will be held July 14-18, 2019.  Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2019 and applicants will be notified of acceptance to the camp by May 15, 2019.  The camp is very popular and space is limited.  We cannot accept incomplete applications and youth must be between ages 11-14 during the camp.  Apply online here.  The application requires parents or guardians to complete the following release forms and upload them with the online application:

The fee is $400 to attend, which includes all meals, lodging & equipment use.  Scholarships are offered by local chapters.  Please inquire with your local chapter for an application if you are interested in receiving a scholarship. Georgetown Lake is located near Upper Rock Creek, Flint Creek, and between the towns of Philipsburg and Anaconda, Montana.

If you have questions about Montana TU’s 2019 camp, contact Montana TU at 406-543-0054 or [email protected]

Montana Angler owner and American Fisheries Society policy director stand up for clean water in Kansas City

by Bill Pfeiffer

Brian McGeehan, owner of Montana Angler, and Drue Winters, policy director for American Fisheries Society, traveled to Kansas City this week to attend the public hearing on the EPA’s proposal to narrow the definitions of waters protected under the 1972 Clean Water Act.

Brian McGeehan speaks in support for strong protections for our waters, “Our business; and many, many others, relies solely on clean rivers and streams. Without clean water I cannot support my family or the dozens of other families that rely on Montana Angler to make a living.”  Watch the full video of Brian’s statement here. 

Drue Winters understands how critical clean water protections are for the health of our watersheds,“The rule fails to align with the original intent of the Clean Water Act to ‘to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.’ Further, the rule is inconsistent with more than a half century of scientific research that demonstrates that the integrity of “traditionally navigable” waters fundamentally depends on ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial headwater streams, as well as the many associated lakes, wetlands, and off-channel habitats”.  Watch the full video of Drue’s statement here.