IROQUOIS CHAPTER OF TU

Minutes from the Directors meeting on 06/08/05 and any updates after the meeting.

   CONSERVATION

1.       LIMESTONE CREEK

Embrace a Stream project:  Bob Alexander has suggested that we look at the stream in three distinct segments, concentrating our efforts from Enders Road down to the village of Fayetteville, a total distance of about five miles.  The first segment begins at Enders Road upstream from the village of Manlius and runs through the canyon section down behind the old Suburban Park through the old Mill section of the village (Mill Run Park), ending at Route 173. The stream gathers a couple of small tributaries through this section, and is subject to some pretty severe erosion and siltation trouble here from the bank collapsing behind the townhouses and apartments on Route 92.  The second segment is from Route 173 in the village of Manulius to the Highbridge on Route 92, between Manlius and Lyndon.  This section gathers in a main tributary, the West Branch, just downstream of Route 173 in Manlius, and runs behind the Stickley plant and the Cavalry Club Golf Course as the gradient flattens a bit behind the housing developments southwest of Route 92.  There is an old dam located at he Highbridge section.  Upstream from the Highbridge approximately 250 yards the stream gathers a cool tributary that drains Snooks Pond, located to the West.  The third section begins at the Highbridge on Route 92 and flows downs stream to the diversion dam behind the Manlius Town Offices in the village of Fayetteville.  In this section, the gradient increases somewhat and we see large sections of rapids and riffle water interspersed with some very large, deep and shaded pools.  After a rainfall, wastewater runoff from the road design dumps the water from hot asphalt right into the stream without the benefit of a catch basin to mitigate the temperature change.  Fortunately, there are two coldwater springs that dump into this section providing some relief to fish during high heat periods.

The board has concluded that the only way to get serious DEC (Dan Bishop/Region 7) co-operation in this effort is to present it with a complete project package (i.e., the area selected, the improvements defined, and the resources allocated).  Chris Canoica, the Iroquois Chapters very own environmental engineer, met with us this date and discussed a variety of approaches to developing an appropriate “Embrace a Stream” project on the Limestone.  He suggested that we should not think too big, for example we shouldn’t focus on riverine (whole river) sedimentation or hydraulics but smaller, more focal projects to correct problems on specific pools, banks, riffles, and runs.  Sedimentation projects should also be restricted to specific areas, for example, a particular farm where the owner would be delighted to allow TU to plant the soft banks with canary reed grass, alders or willows.  Chris suggested that we contact and maybe partner with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, which has ample funds for these kinds of projects.  We need a contact person for NRCS to find out what they are involved in locally and what they might do to help us with the Limestone.  Bob Alexander, Les Monostory and Chris Canocia need to meet and focus on likely project areas, and schedule spring inspection.  Chris is willing to clearly define the problem associated with a chosen project and design hydraulic improvements (his area of expertise).   Once a project is identified, our chapter will provide the manpower and TU National will provide money.  Les Monostory and others will be invited to future board/regular meetings to discuss our approach to this project. 

At the April Board Meeting Les Monostory stated that, in general, the Limestone Creek was in pretty good shape.  There are no serious siltation or deoxygenation problems.  Although the stream does silt up quickly after a rain, particularly in the “mudslide area”, it clears up quickly too and, therefore, behaves normally.  That doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for stream improvement, however, Les, like Chris Canocia, thought that we should keep our short-term projects simple and local as in stabilizing erosion prone banks in accessible areas like Mill Run Park.  Such improvements could be accomplished by selected bank plantings.  We should work through District Soil and Water Conservation, NRCS and DEC to determine what those plantings should be.  The result would be an immediate, high-visibility improvement accredited to TU.  For the longer term he suggested we work though ESF to thoroughly study bank erosion on the Limestone (as the county did with Butternut Creek above the reservoir) by attaching to an existing study (graduate study) or by instigating a new one (say with a TU grant).  Toward this end, some names were mentioned as potential contacts at the county and ESF.

Bob Alexander, John Dobricki, and others will meet in the P&C parking lot off Rt.173 at 6:00 PM on 23 May to walk “Alexander section one” of the Limestone Creek that covers the Mill Run area and identify banks that could be planted, and sites for temperature monitors.  Once these tasks are accomplished Marty Ivery will contact a Soil and Water Conservation District representative to guide us in what to plant (unless we can get one to accompany us on the 23^rd).

Bob Alexander, John Dobricki, Frank Dober, Dave Lemon (DEC) and a representative from the County Cooperative Extension Service walked “Alexander section one” of the Limestone Creek on the evening of the 23^rd and identified specific areas where bank improvements  (planting and/or structure) is warranted.  Additionally, four spots to place stream temperature monitors were identified.  Bob and John will place the four temperature monitors in the designated sites next week.  Additionally, they will attempt to find the source of stream siltation (believed to be between Manlius and Fayetteville) that, seemingly, is becoming an increasing problem for insect fauna.

Mudslide issue: The stabilization plan is now basically complete.  Ostensibly, work began winter 2004 and should be completed in 2005 (no June update).

2.       SKANEATELES CREEK

The serious erosion borders the properties of Steve Napoli, Joseph Kompf and Brian Boratko on Valley Drive.  Resolution of these issues will take considerable time as the first step in the process requires involvement of the Onondaga County Soil & Water Conservation District (OCSWCD) via requests from area residents and TU (much as was done in Madison County for the East Branch Limestone Creek mudslide situation).  A letter of concern has been issued and a meeting to review the situation was be held at the site (no June update).

3.       NINE MILE CREEK

Dave Lemon of the Region 7 DEC has confirmed to JW that the project for stream habitat improvements is continuing to progress.  Landowner permission has been granted to commence work on the banks at the access area just south of the RR arch.  The plan is to provide bank stability at the exposed high bank on the west side of the creek and to provide habitat improvement at the tail out of the main hole.  Also, the DOT will be doing some improvements at the downside of the bridge at that location to lessen the drop-off from the bridge apron.  Unfortunately, landowner permission for work on the wall area has not been forthcoming, and because of that J-hooks cannot be installed in this area.  However, in that stretch of the creek, boulder clusters will be installed to provide holding water and feeding lanes; work has started.  JWT reports that there is trouble on Nine Mile Creek behind Crown Point between it and the paper company.  It seems that the private (home?) construction underway there is being done with little regard for sediment and erosion control.  DEC has reminded the builders of their obligation to provide appropriate controls but, so far, compliance hasn’t been obvious.

4.       WEST CANADA CREEK - Flows have been an ongoing concern since Brascan Company purchased the hydro-generation facility.  The problem exists because the Brascan Power Company no longer provides power to Niagra Mohawk.  When they sold to NiMo exclusively, they could generate at a consistent, continuous flow based on water availability.  The provisions of the contract between NiMO and Brascan that created the consistent, continuous flows are no longer being observed.  Power generation is now based on peak demand periods and sold to the highest bidder.  This requires Brascan to generate power between 6 and 10 AM and between 6 to 10 PM (time of peak power demand and ideal fishing).  Flows are substantially higher at these times than otherwise and vary depending on how many turbines, each running at approximately 400 cfs, are online.  Three turbines online, running at 1200 cfs total, is the approximate maximum turbine flow.  This situation creates inconsistent high-low water levels and while Brascan recognizes that these flows are an inconvenience to fisherman, they maintain that they do not harm a fishery that they say is not self-sustaining anyway.  Currently, ideal water levels (around 500 cfs) occur between noon and 5 PM almost daily.

This is really a contest of the needs and will of business over sport fishing.  Returning to more consistent releases/flows will be a huge issue and will require intense involvement by all concerned groups.  For the moment, Brascan is looking into the stream impact based on their current generation program.  They continue to listen patiently and politely and are willing to discuss concerns with all interested groups.  Further meetings with the various interest groups and the DEC are scheduled.  As the situation intensifies, political pressure and legal pressure will mount and may pressure Brascan to abide by the original contractual flow agreements, however, Brascan does currently have the support of the NYPA and does seem to be functioning within the letter of the law.  At the moment, DEC does not feel that it has sufficient grounds to pursue Brascan on this issue.  Coincidentally, “pulsing” flows on the West Branch have recently diminished somewhat.

Morgan Lyle of the Schenectady Daily Gazette reports that New York Power has once again (since April) allowed Brascan to resume its “peaking and ponding” flows on West Canada Creek.  Additionally, he states that New York Rivers United, an advocacy group based in Oneida County, has enlisted students from the University at Buffalo Law School to draw up legal action against DEC and/or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to restore a sensible schedule of flows on West Canada Creek.  Notably, Power Authority spokesman, Jack Murphy recently said “ While it may be true that we’ve always had the right to do this (regulate flows) ever since we built this plant, I can’t imagine that the spirit of the license would allow the authority to utterly ruin a recreational activity that has come to mean so much to so many people”.

Coincidently, erratic flows (peaking and ponding) has, once again, abated. 

The J. P. Ross fly and outfitters shop in New York Mills continues to actively address this situation and has asked that individuals contact him (email or otherwise) to report their concerns that these flows are degrading the trout fishery.  Ross urges Syracuse area fly shops, the Iroquois Chapter, and the TU State Council to get involved and provide support and exert pressure.

Contact J. P. Ross at 315-736-0353, www.risingtroutoutfitter.com to see how you can help.

To let Brascan Power Company and the DEC know how you feel about these fluctuations, please call them and discuss your concerns: DEC Region 6 – 315-785-2252; Brascan Companys John Elmer @ 315-779-2401 or Steve Murphy @ 315-413-2788.

                         5.  BIG BEAR TRAP CREEK – Habitat Improvement

(no June update).

C.  WEB SITE

Activities (dated and to be announced) for 2004/2005

·        October 6, 2004 – Pete Thompson, Streamers

·        November 3, 2004 – Fran Verdoliva, Salmon River update

·        December 8, 2004- Christmas Party At the Glen Loch.

·        January 5, 2005 – Wayne Walts, Saltwater Fly Fishing

·        February 2, 2005 – John Warakomski, Montana Fly Fishing

·        March 2, 2005 – Dave Lemon’s DEC Annual Stream Update

·        April 6, 2005 – Kevin Henebry, Ausable River Fly Fishing

·        April 8, 2005 – Stream Stocking on Chittenango Creek (Firehouse)

·        April 16, 2005 - Earth Day Stream Clean-up on Butternut Creek

·        April 28, 2005 - Fly Fishing School at Carpenter’s Brook Hatchery - cancelled

·        April 30 and May 1, 2005 – TU Booth at Bass Pro Shop

·        May 4, 2005 – Casting Clinic with Wayne Walts

·        May 23, 2005 – Limestone Creek Stream Bank Inspection

·        May 12 and 25, 2005 - Stream Stocking at Limestone (Manlius Burger King)

·        May 28, Youth Fishing Day at Mill Run Park

·        June 1, 2005 - Annual Picnic @ Mill Run Park Manlius

·        June 4, 2005 – Atlantic Salmon Stocking on Fish Creek (10:00 AM Taberg Little League Ball Field)

·        June 17-19, 2005 – Annual Catskills Fly Fishing Trip - cancelled

·        September 8-10 - Ausable River Fly Fishing Trip

D.  OLD BUSINESS

1. Trout About – This event is likely to be replaced by a public “gala” fund-raiser dinner (under discussion).  

2. Delaware River Flows – The Chapter voted overwhelmingly to await, and then follow, the National TU position on issues of the Delaware River.  

3. Christmas Party – Was a pleasant affair but not well attended and not a big money maker.  Next year we’ll look into a less expense buffet for around 15 to 16$ per person (people don’t really come for the food), send a postcard and post the event in the local newspaper, and continue to enhance the tradition of member slide presentations from past fishing trips.

4. TU State Council – Gary Morison attended the June Council Meeting.  The meeting was informative (and the fishing was good).  Gary learned that State TU money is available for Trout in the Classroom and Embrace a Stream projects.  All that is required is a sensibly written grant proposal.  There are State TU people available to assist in grant writing. 

5. Casting to Recovery – John Dobricki will check to see what we’ve contributed in the past and this will be repeated.

6. Earth Day Clean Up – This year’s “Earth Day” turnout of “volunteers” for the clean up on Butternut Creek was low but cleanup by TU members was extensive and all enjoyed John Dobricki’s grilling.

7. Chapter Spring Fishing Trips – Bob Alexander will attempt to arrange a trip to the Ausable River in September.

8. Fisheries Subcommittee of the Onondaga Lake Partnership Outreach Committee – The OLP (Onondaga Lake Partnership) is leaning toward designating Onondaga Lake a “cool water” fishery.  Although Les Monostory realizes that the Iroquois Chapter has embraced Limestone Creek, he would like to see those organizations interested in cold-water fisheries (TU and FFF) show more interest in the reclamation, cleanup and restoration of trout friendly habitat on Onondaga Creek.

9. Fly Fishing School – Cancelled for lack of interest (only 2 enrollees).

10. TU Booth at Bass Pro Shop – The event went well.

11. Rod Raffle/Annual Picnic – Last year’s lined-up reel (donated by Jake DiCapio) with a two-piece Orvis 3 or 4 WT Superfine flyrod was raffled off at the annual picnic to a non-attendee/former chapter president.  The picnic was well attended and everyone seemed to have a good time.  Between the rod raffle and the picnic, the chapter made approximately $1300.00.

12. Youth Fishing Day – All in all, the event was a great success.  Interest and attendance was high (around 140).  Everyone seemed to have a good time.  DEC participation (fish identification and handling, and fishing regulations and ethics) was a great addition, and was well received.  On the short end, more TU volunteers were needed to act as stream guides; things got “jammed up” on the water pretty quickly.

13. Friends of Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery – John Dobricki issued Marty Ivery a check for $200 to be offered to this organization as our chapter’s contribution ($200).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

NEW BUSINESS  

1.      Trout in the Classroom – Frank Dober says that despite implications otherwise, money from TU National is not readily available for an upstate version of this endeavor.  Apparently, our downstate cousins, by virtue of their head start and grantsmanship, have a strong hold on the national funds available to New York State for Trout in the Classroom.  We’ll get established eventually.  See Gary’s comments under TU State Council.

2.      County Stream Monitoring – Larry circulated the schedule to board members and mentioned that Les Monostory suggested that our chapter consider establishing a monitoring team for Butternut and Limestone Creeks.  At the moment, Larry Mezza and John Dobricki are the only interested candidates.  Bob Alexander’s back ailment prevents his continued participation in this endeavor.

3.      Officer Ascension and Board Membership – The board discussed ascension and the current role of vice-president (VP).  During Gary’s tenure, John Warakomski, the immediate past president, served as VP.  To augment officer ascension, the board has decided to add another VP position (creating then, first and second vice-presidents).  These positions would be available to active board members who wish to ascend to higher office.  The board tentatively nominated Tony Lubrino as first VP (who would then ascend to the presidency after Gary Morison) and John Dobricki as second VP (John would follow Tony).  The board also discussed board member participation/activity.   Inactive board members will be asked to recommit to chapter governance and board meeting attendance and/or consider moving into/chairing committees that are specifically directed to their interests, i.e., stocking/conservation.

4.      2006 Regular Meeting Speakers and Subjects – The board discussed potential speakers and subjects, and divided responsibility for contacting likely participants.  Work toward securing a full and interesting set of meeting topics will begin immediately.   The board will meet in late August or early September (7^th) to assess progress.  Additionally, the board noted that because of the omnipresent clamor over river flow issues in the Delaware River Valley (DVR), many locals perceive that our chapter’s interests are not focused on your home waters. This is a clear misconception.  While the chapter has a natural interest in the issues of the DRV, our driving concerns are for the coldwater fisheries of central NY and, whenever possible, we will make a concerted effort to emphasize this.   

Adjourned: 9:30 PM

Minutes by LEM 6/08