While continuing the projects and activities of the last 30 years, there is a realization that SWTU has reached a crossroads where we need to find interests and projects that attract new members.
The Gordon Project first phase is complete and awaits only next fishing season. This was our first solo project, our biggest grant ever, completed on time and on budget in 6 months start to finish. The next phase involves work either directly above or below where we ended in 2008. We are currently raising funds for this second phase.
We have received a major DNR grant to monitor and maintain the part of the Gordon project just completed. The grant also provides for more substantial floodplain restoration of the 2008 project.
We have partnered with the Dane County Land Conservation District to protect the headwaters of Gordon Creek in western Dane County. Roughly $300,000 of public money and many volunteer hours have been spent improving and protecting the German Valley Branch of Gordon, to provide clean, cold water downstream as well as spawning habitat for the Gordon Creek system. We have also raised funds to buy easements on the upper part of Gordon as well as on other watersheds in Dane County.
Consistent with national Trout Unlimited objectives, we have partnered with Shabazz High School in a major conservation/education outreach program to young people. . See details at Green Teen Program. This program allows ours members, together with other conservationists in the region, to directly educate high school students about the history, goals and techniques of trout fishing. Almost 20% of our budget plus countless volunteer hours have been spent in the last three years in this effort and it is an investment that will reap large dividends in the future.
Over the past year we have also become active partners with local DNR and are helping to implement their first overall stream maintenance plan. Look for fishing and habitat improvements on Black Earth and Mt. Vernon creeks. Also, East Branch of Blue Mounds creek is targeted for a major restoration effort and our chapter will be active partners with the DNR on that.
In a more mundane, but still important, way, we have tried to make our meeting place and speakers more relevant. Interesting speakers at every meeting is a must and diversity of membership and leadership is top prioriy. As befits a conservation organization, we now meet and have our major fundraisers in clean, smoke free environments.
Much new is happening and, as always,we encourage a strong voice from our members.
