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Friday, December 21, 2012

Happy Holiday's

The Monocacy Chapter of TU would like to wish all of it's members and their families a happy Holiday Season.

The Chapter would also like to share some of our accomplishments and some upcoming events to watch for.[...]

Friday, December 14, 2012

Monocacy Chapter Applies for Grant and other news...

In a last minute attempt to help the City of Bethlehem with it's Johnson Park Dam removal, Vicky Bastidas has been working overtime to get a grant proposal done.  The idea was posed early this week and the grant in due today, Dec. 14th.  The grant we are seeking is for $10,000, which will go towards construction costs.  The money is awarded through  The Coldwater Heritage Partnership (CHP)  which is a collaborative effort between the PA Fish & Boat Commission, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds and Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. In other news.....(click read more below)

Reports Page Updated

Added to reports page:

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Survey page added

In an ongoing effort to improve the quality of our monthly meetings and further engage our membership, the Monocacy TU Board of Directors is asking that all members participate in a brief survey. The survey is available online by clicking HERE, or on the "SURVEY" tab above. All information will be used for the sole purpose of improving Chapter events and communication. The survey will also be distributed via e-mail shortly and a hard copy form included in our annual mailing in January. Thank you in advance for taking the time to fill it out.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Holiday Family Craft event

This event is part of an effort to coordinate the many environmental groups of the Valley. The idea is to have an event monthly, and allow groups to market themselves and network with other groups and the public. This is the first event.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Chapter Meeting 11/27

Our next chapter meeting will be @ 7pm on 11/27.  Topics of discussion will include election of President, Chapter mailings for 2013, planned programs for next year and ways to improve the overall membership experience.  If you have ideas and input on how the Monocacy TU Chapter is operating, now is your chance to speak up and help out.  Meeting location is the DAR Log cabin in the Bethlehem Rosegarden Park, along 8th Ave.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

New Maps Page

Check out the new Maps page with a link to trail maps provided by the Monocacy Creek Watershed Association, and an interactive Google map which shows several popular access points.  If you click on the blue place marks, you will also see some info about fishing in that location.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Monocacy TU in crisis

A note from Chapter Vice President Erik Broesicke.

To all Monocacy TU Members:

      Our Chapter has come to a crossroads, and the direction that will be taken lies squarely in the hands of our own membership.  At last nights election meeting we had an attendance of nine (9) out of 180 registered members, and due to the make up of those that made it, we had a pool of nominees which numbered 5.  The Chapter is happy to announce that Dr. Hart was unanimously elected as Treasurer.  Unfortunately the position of President was not filled and our Chapter cannot continue without filling this position.

     This difficult situation begs the question:  Why is it important to have a local TU Chapter?  The short answer is that if the people who are closest to the stream (physically and emotionally) don't take an interest in its well being, no one will.  Our City/ Township/ State governments wont, national organizations wont, and neither will "someone else".  The true power of a grassroots organization like TU lies in the passion of those who are most connected with the cause.  WE have the most to gain and more importantly, the most to lose. As a membership we are blessed to live so close to an amazing resource like Monocacy Creek, which is one of only 56 limestone streams in PA, has an abundant wild trout population, and plenty of access through parks and gracious landowners.  Unfortunately this resource wont maintain itself and will continue to face threats from development, natural forces and other outside influences.   I believe it is the responsibility of those that use the resource to make an effort to give something back by making sure it is protected for future generations. If you value the Monocacy Creek and want to ensure its survival, please consider giving back by taking an active role in the Chapter.
   
   Between now and our next meeting on Nov. 27th, Dr Hart and I will keep the Chapter running, but  after that the lack of a President will most likely result in our Chapter dissolving.   If you have ANY interest in the Chapter, please attend the next meeting or contact me via the web e-mail: monocacytu491@gmail.com.

In closing I would like to personally thank Steve Vanya, Darryl Deihl and Dr. Ted Burger for keeping the Chapter running for the past 20+ years.  We have all benefited from their dedication to the stream and the Trout Unlimited mission.


Erik Broesicke
VP   

*****(This post will be opened for comments)********






Saturday, October 20, 2012

October Chapter Meeting: Marcellus Shale 101 and E-board elections

The Monocacy Chapter of Trout Unlimited will meet this Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 7pm in the DAR House, 8th Ave., Bethlehem. Program: Mitchell R. Blake, Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Field Organizer for Trout Unlimited will make a 30 minute presentation on Marcellus Shale Development and TU's Coldwater Conservation Corps Program. This presentation will be followed by a general membership meeting which will include the Election of Officers and Board Members. All members and the Board are encouraged to attend this important meeting.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Marcellus Shale 101 presentation

At our October 23rd member meeting, Monocacy TU will be including a 30 min "Marcellus Shale 101" presentation by Mitch Blake.  Mitch is the Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Field Organizer for Trout Unlimited.  Please join us for this informative presentation.  We will also be holding our annual e-board elections after the presentation.  As always meetings are free and open to the public.  Meeting stats @ 7pm, in Daughters of the American Revolution House at Rose Garden Park, Bethlehem.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Archibald Johnston Conservation Area Cleanup etc..

Archibald Johnston Conservation Area

TOGETHERGREEN
FALL VOLUNTEER DAY CELEBRATION

TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2012
8:30- 2:00pm

Monday, September 24, 2012

9/25 Chapter Meeting/ Note from Chapter Pres.

The Monocacy Chapter of Trout Unlimited will resume monthly meetings this Tues. Sept., 25th at 7pm in the DAR House, 8th Ave., Bethlehem. This will be an organizational meeting to discuss general chapter business, current issues/stream status and programming for the upcoming year. This meeting is open to all members as well as the public.

A note from Chapter President Steve Vanya:

Members:
As I recently announced to our Board of Directors in writing, I will be resigning as Chapter President effective Oct. 23. Daryl Diehl, our chapter Treasurer, will also be resigning effective that date as well. Election of Officers and Board Members will be held on Oct. 23 and we want to give you some lead time to consider a position above your current role in the chapter. Both Daryl and myself will remain available to assist in the transition phase.
I personally would like to thank you for your years of dedication, participation, contribution and friendship. I encourage you to support the leadership of Erik Broesicke, our current Vice Pres., as the chapter transitions and advances towards a new era. The Monocacy Creek and its watershed is under assault more than ever and needs you now more than ever, to help protect, restore and enhance its natural uniqueness for future generations. 
Steve Vanya
President, Monocacy Chapter TU

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

New Bridle Path Rd Developement..now with pictures

 If you drive down Bridle Path Rd in Hanover Township, you may have noticed some construction near the Sisters Of St. Francis.  TU and the MCWA have confirmed that the cornfield to the West of the Sisters will be developed in to 204 single family homes.

Phase I ( Bridle Path Rd is along the bottom)

Monday, September 10, 2012

Monday, September 3, 2012

Monocacy Creek Watershed Association Newsletter

The first installment of the MCWA newletter: (click the link below)

MCWA Newsletter

Friday, August 17, 2012

Let's Roll.....

Just in time for Salmon/Steelhead season, a nice video from the International Federation of Fly Fishers on the roll cast. The roll cast is useful in all fly fishing situations, and is the basis for spey casting too. Enjoy!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Surf and Inshore Fly fishing video

It's not trout fishing, but this is one AWESOME video focused on fly fishing for Striped Bass.

Friday, May 25, 2012

5/22 "Meeting" recap

Ephemerella invaria (rotunda)
Each year for our last meeting, we meet on- stream and fish the "Sulpher" hatch.  Interestingly enough, this is often the least attended meeting of the year.  Go figure.  Last year was.....(click read more below for the rest of the recap)

Monday, May 21, 2012

Fly Fishing Monocacy Creek 5/22

As we bring our 2011-2012 meeting/presentation schedule to a close, we invite you to fish with your fellow TU members.  This is a super time to fish the sulpher hatch on the Monocacy, and while this is not a "formal" meeting, it is a chance to see how other people approach this hatch and fishing in general.  Meeting place is the Illicks' Mill parking lot, along the stream on Illick's Mill Rd.  We will meet @ 6pm and fish until the fish stop biting.  See you there!

Friday, May 4, 2012

Bethlehem gets state grant money to improve Monocacy Creek




Bethlehem has received a $119,789 state grant for stream bank stabilization on the Monocacy Creek north of Illick’s Mill Road.

Bethlehem will have to come up with a 15 percent match to accept the state Department of Environmental Protection grant, said Ralph Carp, Bethlehem’s director of parks and public property.

The additional $17,968 will give Bethlehem about $137,757 for the project. That money can be used to pay for some stream bank stabilization and riparian buffer installation on the creek north of Illick’s Mill Road, Carp said.

The city hopes to conduct the work this year if it gets the state grant money before the start of trout spawning season in October, Carp said. Monocacy Creek is a class A wild trout stream.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Stream Clean up a success.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to clean up the Monocacy on Saturday morning. The weather was perfect, and the enthusiasm of of those involved was great. Although we had a few less participants than in years past, lots of trash was collected and the improvement to the stream and surrounding areas could be seen right away. Many of those involved were thanked by the fisherman on the stream that morning, which goes to show how much projects like this are appreciated. Thanks again to those who helped out, and if you couldn't make it this year please consider putting this event on your calender for next year.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

April 24th Meeting Moved to May 1st

The April 24th Chapter meeting has been postponed until May 1st due to elections.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Annual Stream Clean 4/21

Our annual stream clean up will be on Saturday April 21st,  8:30 am.  We will meet at the Illick's Mill parking lot.  Free coffee and doughnuts!  Please join us and help keep our home water clean.
View Larger Map

Sunday, April 15, 2012

April Chapter Meeting 4/24 7PM

 April - Group Discussion and Fly Tying - Spring Fishing Patterns for Monocacy Creek. Members will share situational experiences and fly pattern selection. All welcome to tie fly patterns with members. Bring vises and tools, members will share materials for this program.  Programs are free and open to the public.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Opening Day Poll

Check out our Opening Day poll to the right of this post.  Did you fish on opening day?  What type of fishing do you do on opening day?  May of us have some very specific traditions surrounding this event, but one thing we all have in common is that many of us got out and enjoyed this wonderful resource/pastime.  Hope you enjoyed your opening day no matter how you spent it.



(KEVIN MINGORA, MORNING CALL FILE PHOTO)

Thursday, March 22, 2012

10th annual Spring Event March 24th!

The Lehigh Valley Chapters of Trout Unlimited (Forks of Delaware, Hokendauqua and Monocacy) proudly present our 10th Annual Spring Event this Saturday, March 24 at Stockertown Rod and Gun Club. Doors open at 9am. Program starts at 10am. This years presenter is Loren Williams with his program Nymph Tricks...taking it beyond the dead drift. Loren runs Fly Guy's Guide Service in Syracuse , NY. He guides for trout, salmon and steelhead and is a Fly Fishing Team USA member.
Admission is still free even after 10 years and open to the public as always. Continental breakfast and of course, one huge, awesome raffle! Come on out and support TU in the Valley.
 LINK to the official flier.

View Larger Map




Tuesday, March 13, 2012

March 27th Chapter Meeting

Join us as chapter member Erik Broesicke presents:

Saltwater Fly Rod Tactics - Fishing the Sandy Hook , NJ Area, Fly or Otherwise.  Erik will discuss the Sandy Hook, NJ area, access spots, techniques, gear, seasons and general info.

As always chapter programs are free and open to the public.  Meeting starts at 7pm at the DAR Log cabin in the Bethlehem Rose Garden Park.  A map of the location can be found on the right sidebar of the main page.  


Monday, February 13, 2012

February 28th Chapter meeting

Please join us as we welcome chapter member Bob Signorello as he presents:


Great Lakes Fishery - Bob will discuss his vast experiences on the rivers and orient the members to the different seasons (salmon in early fall, steelhead in Winter & Spring).

As always chapter programs are free and open to the public.  Meeting starts at 7pm at the DAR Log cabin in the Bethlehem Rose Garden Park.  A map of the location can be found on the right sidebar of the main page. 

Saturday, February 11, 2012

New Reports page

Check out the new "Reports" page to find links to studies done on our home water.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Bethlehem Township Board of Commissioners Meeting

The BTBC will meet Monday, February 6th  @ 7pm in the township building to discuss a 400+ unit apartment complex that is proposed along Christian Springs Rd.  This project will require a change to the current zoning ordinance for that property.  The Monocacy creek flows along the northern part of the property.  This is one of the most important parts of the creek, as a majority of the spring fed water enters the stream in this area.  At one time 70+ springs were counted by chapter members in that location.  Any high density development in that area could have major negative impacts.  Please consider attending the meeting if possible.  The meeting is held @ 4225 Easton Avenue, Bethlehem, PA. 18020.





Friday, January 27, 2012

Water Quality Data

Check out the "Projects" page for a link to water quality data that has been collected by some local institutions.  A big thank you to new chapter member Vio Dragan for collecting and compiling the data.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

January 24th Meeting and Presentation

Join the Monocacy Chapter of TU on January 24th as we welcome Don Baylor.  Don will be presenting:  The Poconos: The Cradle of American Fly Fishing.  Don will discuss some of the destinations and influential fly fishers who helped mold the American fly fishing tradition in the Poconos in the late 1800's and first half of the 1900's.  Meeting time is 7pm at the DAR Log Cabin, located in Rosegarden Park, Bethlehem, PA.  Admission is free and open to the public.


View Larger Map

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

PA Fly Fishing Heritage

On January 30th, 2012, the PFBC will be hosting a day dedicated to the storied history of fly fishing in PA.  Registration is required but free, and can be done on the PFBC website.  The official flyer is located after the break....