By Topf Wells

That would be Justin Haglund, the Maestro of Melancthon. He just released his assessment of the Otter Creek watershed in Iowa County.

This is a set of trout streams that many of us overlook. It might be because Otter, the flagship, is a Class 2 stream for which stocking is essential. It has lots of public water and some of the tribs and nearby streams are Class 1 and a couple are superb.

Justin found more variety, it seemed to me, in some of the tribs and headwaters. Some are in great shape and a few will be declassified as trout water. One stream might be declassified because of persistent and major non-point issues, which seems unacceptable to me – not Justin’s possible decision but the apparent refusal of regulators to address the problem.

Justin’s thinks the greatest need the watershed has is for more easements for access and the possibility of restorations. Whenever the master plan for these streams and properties is up for revision, we TUers should support Justin’s recommendations strongly.

Finally, he notes the desire and preliminary plans to conduct a major restoration on a section of Pompey Pillar. I’ve fished that stretch a couple of times and believe TU should support that restoration.

Thanks to Justin and Happy New Year.