Wild steelhead diversity is key to long-term survival

By Eric Crawford If only it was as simple as an adipose fin.   The presence of an adipose fin is universally recognized as the mark. An individual with an adipose fin is, with a few exceptions, considered a wild steelhead. On the other hand, those marked, clipped, or ad-intact fish, they are the hatchery ones. Although it is…

Trout and Trees: restoring Michigan’s streambanks

By Matthias Bonzo Last year TU began to implement a project we’re calling “Trout and Trees.” Funded by a grant from the USDA State and Private Forestry – Landscape Scale Restoration Initiative, the project seeks to improve near stream (riparian) habitats coupled with instream habitat work to provide as complete restoration to a degraded site…

Midges and anchors to the rescue

Anchor could be connoted as negative, as something heavy weighing you down, but if you look at some of its synonyms, things start looking up. Cornerstone, lynchpin or foundation; these more aptly describe what rivers mean to me, especially lately. Rivers feed my soul, rejuvenate my spirit and bring solace during life’s challenges, and boy has life shown me challenges.   After my…

The Whitewater

It’s that time of year again… the annual Fly Fishing Film Tour is likely coming to a theater near you, and the films’ trailers are out and about for general consumption. Here’s one, as an angler and a conservationist, that ought to capture your attention. From Off the Grid Studios, “The Whitewater” captures the passion…

Bill to fund abandoned mine cleanup moving forward

A Pennsylvania creek runs orange with mine pollution.

Much-needed legislation to continue funding abandoned mine cleanup is moving forward in Congress. The House Natural Resources Committee this week approved H.R. 4248 by a voice vote following testimony from lead sponsor Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA).  “H.R. 4248 would ensure that states and tribes can continue addressing challenges presented by historic mining operations,” Chris Wood, President…