Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Officers and Directors Report

The officers and directors met on May 21, 2019 to discuss chapter activities and projects.  Updates were given to the many projects we had in May and final numbers were given for the annual fundraiser (see below).  Also the chapter wants to thank everyone who helped is some way in making this years event a great one.

The big topic is the transition of new officers.  Joe Buterbaugh announced at the banquet that this would be his final year serving as treasurer/ sectary.  George Kutskel volunteered to take Joe’s place, which would leave the position of president open.  We have been in talks with a potential replacement for president and things should be seamless.  Still if anyone would like to become more active in chapter activities or in guiding the chapter, please contact George Kutskel or any director to attend a meeting to see if becoming a director is something you would enjoy.

We have been fortunate to have many members and friends volunteer to help with our fishing events this year.  That said we could certainly have more.  Our special needs fishing event had over 18 students and we had 5 people trying to remove fish and bait hooks.  Please consider getting your clearances and joining in the fun.  

Arrangements are being finalized for the Summer chapter picnic with Jim Zwald Chapter and the Iron Furnace Chapter to be held on Sunday July 28, 2019 at Bendigo State Park near Johnsonburg. This picnic will start at 1pm. The chapters will provide the food and drink, so all you need bring are a friend and a chair if you wish. Also there may be a euro-nymphing demonstration by our local experts. There is no cost, but please RSVP by July 19 to George Kutskel at 814-371-9290 or maksak@comcast.net so we can be sure to have enough food.  Those who attended last year can give BIG thumbs up!  We have pavilion #1 and the event will be rain or shine. 

Banquet News

Thank for another great AMCTU Banquet! We had over 158 attendees and, due to your generosity, AMCTU netted over $7,000 that will be used for future chapter projects to conserve and restore our local coldwater resources. Congratulations to our raffle winners:
1st Place – Orvis Graphite Fly Rod was Bob Pascuzzo of Punxsutawney
2nd Place – $200.00 Sheetz Gift Card was Jennifer Roberts of Punxsutawney
3rd Place – $100.00 Sheetz Gift Card was Mike Straub of St. Mary’s
4th Place – $ 50.00 Sheetz Gift Card was Robert R.Reitz of Punxsutawney
And a big congratulations to the 2019 Al Gretz Golden Reel Award Honoree Steve Molesky!

Mark your calendar for the 54th Annual AMCTU Banquet which will be held on April 4, 2020.

Programs and Events Completed
May 1st DuBois Middle School fly fishing club outing at the Tannery Dam
May 8th Public Meeting for Coldwater Heritage Partnership grant for Big Run Creek
May 10th DuBois Middle School special needs student fishing outing
May 11th DuBois Area Girl Scouts family fishing
May 15th Annual Chapter joint picnic with Iron Furnace in Brookville.
May 17th DuBois Middle School Environmental Day
May 23rd Smart angler and trout release with New Story School
June 1st Clearfield County Youth Field Day
June 8th Jefferson County Youth Field Day

Projects Update

Montgomery Run Riparian Planting
We have to arrange another work day as we had some grant money left and we decided to plant some larger trees.  

Clarion River riparian planting
Brockway student Joe Trunzo did a senior project with the chapter planting willow and dogwood cuttings along the Clarion River at the mouth of Clear Creek on April 20th.   This is a site where the Western PA Conservancy is hoping to address in the future. We provided oversite and Joe found all the volunteers and did the cuttings needed to plant.  We hope to continue this great relationship with the Ag program at Brockway. 

Sandy Lick
We should see work starting this summer.  The chapter met with the City of DuBois and the Conservancy in April.  The bids were awarded for the work to start this summer during low flow.  This should improve the fish holding areas in the section from Showers Field to the Boulevard.

Upcoming Programs and Events

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming programs and events.

• July 28, 2019 – Summer Chapter Picnic, Bendigo Park
• August 22, 2019 – AMCTU Board Meeting, DuBois Nursing Home
• September 7, 2019 – Conservation Celebration Fishing Station at Curwensville Lake with the Clearfield County Conservation District
• September 17, 2019 – Membership program – TBD
• October 15, 2019 – Membership program and annual election of officers/board members

If you have interest in helping out ant any of these events or need more information, please contact George Kutskel at 814-371-9290 or maksak@comcast.net.

Check the website amctu.org or AMCTU facebook page for latest details on programs and events.