Chapter Member counts rocks....

60% Chance I fall

1, 2, 3

Dam removal on the Monocacy Creek has been an issue the chapter has been pursuing for some time, and although at times it seems like not much is happening, the wheels are often turning behind the scenes.  If you happened by the dam at Bridle Path Road at the end of June though, you would have seen some actual work being done!  The dam still stands, but the through the efforts of a team from the PFBC, American Rivers, Wildlands Conservancy and Monocacy TU, we now have the required information to apply for the removal permits.  Without going into great detail, measurements of the structure were taken, along with a upstream and downstream profile, and the super exciting task of measuring 200 random pebbles.  The Monocacy Chapter would like to extend a special thanks those that traveled a long way and took time out of their schedules to help us with this project. (All pictures taken by American Rivers and are the property of American Rivers)

200 pebbles?  Really?

Can't we just use a sledge hammer?

 

Bethlehem Bump into Nature 7/19/2014

Mr. Ripple Goes to Washington

TU member Jeff Ripple recently went to Washington to meet with officials about the potential changes to the Clean Water Act.

You can read about it HERE

You can also contact your elected representative by clicking HERE

Please let them know these issues are important to you.

Summer Volunteer Opportunities

Members: I hope your summer is going well. Below are some summer volunteer opportunities for some great causes. Contact info for each project is included, please direct any questions to those people. Thanks, hope to see you at some of these events.

1. Fish Habitat Construction of Fry's Run County Park: July 21, 22, 23 WEATHER DEPENDENT. Contact: Jim Wilson james-wilson@northamptoncd.org 

2. JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge Ethics and Sportsmanship) Youth Field day is being held at Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club, New Tripoli, on August 2, 2014.
Contact: Dale Steventon adms@ptd.net

3. Minsi Trails Council BSA "Cub Scout Fishing Derby" on Saturday,July 26th.at Camp Minsi in Mt.Pocono Need help with following stations:
1) Stream Critter's(macro's)- John Mauser
2) Smart angler - Fritz Hamlin n Brian Wagner
 3)Casting - Phil Hublitz
 4) Fishing Knots - Steve Grover
5) Lures - Greg Schierer & Will Kline
6) ID parts on Fish - Brian Dungan
7) Fly Tying- Dave Abraham, Dale Steventon, Jack Fakula
Contact: Dave Abraham Nymphingguy@gmail.com

LL Learn to Fly Fish event

Here is a quick video about a Learn to Fly Fish Kids event held by the Little Lehigh Chapter and supported by Monocacy and Hokendaqua Chapter members. Another great example of Chapters working together to further the TU mission.

Bethlehem Township to improve stormwater system

In a piece of good news for our stream, it looks as though Bethlehem Township will be making some major improvements to the stormwater system that empties into the Monocacy Creek.  After reading THIS article though, some Monocacy TU members were concerned about the project.  As it turns out some of the information in the article was not complete, and overall this will be a positive for the stream.  The plans call for a new BMP (storm water pond) to be constructed and a new channel to be constructed that would empty into the creek.  This pond and channel will hopefully reduce the velocity of the storm water as it enters the stream, and also reduce the sediment load of the water.  The design firm estimates it could reduce the sediment load by thousands of pounds per year.

Newsletter Vol. 2

Vol. 2 of our Newsletter is now available HERE.  It will also be posted on our Publications page.  Enjoy your summer, we hope to see you this fall.

Meeting reminder 5/27..TONIGHT!

Please joins us for the last "meeting" before we break for the summer.  We will be meeting at the Illick's Mill parking lot, Tuesday May 27th for a fishing outing, starting at about 6pm.  There are reports of sulphers hatching, so the fishing could be quite good.  If you are interested in learning more about fishing this hatch, or just want to enjoy our great stream, please consider stopping by.   We will meet rain or shine.  Thanks and if we don't see you, enjoy the summer!

Save the Farm ! moved to rain date, May 17th.

The Save the Farm! event, ( see flyer below) has been moved to the rain date May 17th.

Save the Farm!

On May 10th, the Friends of Johnston will be holding the "Save the Farm" event.  This is a free, family event which hopes to raise awareness, and funds, to help save the historic Leconby Farm.  This is an important piece of land that boarders the Monocacy Creek, and saving it will not only be beneficial to the stream but will benefit the community too.  Please consider attending.