Youth Chapter – The Phil Genova Jr.TU Chapter desperately needs an adult or adults to organize the group, work with kids, and enroll more interested children. At present I am running this program but I cannot continue my efforts. Time commitment should be approximately 1-2 evenings per month.

Trout In The Classroom - Trout in the Classroom at Dewitt Middle school is proceeding nicely, and the sixth graders are fattening up their brown trout fry in anticipation of their impending May 16 release at Taughannock State Park.  During the past month, however, the focus has been on fly fishing, naturally, and I want to pass along thanks from all the classes to Chapter members Carl Palmer, Rich Andrews, Chris Stull, Rob MacCormack, and Mike Lenetsky for providing a fantastic presentation on the art of fly tying and the life cycles of the aquatic insects.  The students greatly enjoyed a program, and successfully tied about 70 woolly buggers- there are future fishermen in this group!  This was a truly unique and valuable experience for the students, and I think I can say it was a day well-spent for Carl, Rich, Chris, Rob and Mike.

Looking ahead to next year, we are on track to introduce Trout in the Classroom at a number of new schools, and our ability to find community mentors will determine which communities benefit from this program.

If you would be interested in working with elementary students at Cayuga Heights, South Hill, Enfield or Virgil schools, or with older students at Boynton, Dewitt, Newfield, Groton, Dryden or Lansing Middle Schools, we would like to hear from you!  No commitments are necessary at this point, and we will provide training and support for those who do wish to become mentors in the fall.

In the meantime, a great opportunity to experience this program first-hand is coming up.  Our Dewitt classes will be traveling to Taughannock State Park on Friday, May 16, to release their trout, participate in stream ecology studies and cruise onto Cayuga Lake aboard the Floating Classroom.  We’ll need volunteers to help out in all areas- feel free to contact me at (607)-272-7256 or parsifal@twcny.rr.com to learn more.

Leon Chandler Chapter Board of Directors - Currently there are opportunities to serve the board on several "general" committees. These include, the programming committee, fund raising committee, nomination committee, Ithaca Fishing Day planning committee, and as at-large members. Time commitment varies from attendance at one meeting per month to other activities.

Stream Restoration Project – This is an opportunity to make a difference on a local stream and impact a native trout fishery. We really need someone to lead this project for the Chapter.

Tompkins County Soil and Water and the Fall Creek Watershed Committee - are looking for Chapter Members who are interested in assisting with water monitoring in Upper Fall Creek. This involves gathering stream samples and taking them to a laboratory for testing. The general commitment is about 12 hours per year. The testing examines water run-off and water quality. Testing will primarily be above McLean. If interested, let me know and I will put you in contact with the appropriate people.

Fall Creek Watershed Committee - is also looking for general membership from the Chapter. Meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month. If interested, let me know and I will provide additional information.

Finger Lakes Land Trust - is looking for representation from the Chapter on a committee looking to consider options for the use of the Owasco Flats Under the guidance of the Central New York Regional Planning Board and the Cayuga County Planning Board, the Finger Lakes Land Trust will:

• Assess natural resources within the Owasco Flats through the compilation and synthesis of existing data as well as the gathering of additional information through field surveys (with prior permission from the landowner
• Determine the goals and objectives of landowners and other local stakeholders who influence the future of this area
• Provide information about land conservation options and the tax incentives associated with conservation easements, as well as general information about the Flats, to landowners and the general public;
• Provide options and recommendations for the future management and conservation of significant resources on public and privately owned land within this area.

The project will consider all aspects of the Flats including their conservation values, recreational uses, current and potential economic value, agricultural use, and role in maintaining water quality. Again, if you are interested let me know and I will put you into contact with the appropriate people.

Your Suggestions - Especially for upcoming events. We always need ideas for upcoming events and names of potential speakers.

Meeting Space - We are currently seeking alternate locations for hosting our monthly meetings. If you have access to a room that holds 25 people, is located in Ithaca or Cortland and is available in January or June let me know.

We are a volunteer-based, grass roots organization and cannot do anything without the participation of our members.  We currently have plenty of opportunities available. For information on all activities contact Michael Lenetsky.