The Chattooga River Chapter Core Agenda

Conservation Agenda

In addition to supporting Trout Unlimited’s Mission “…to conserve, protect and restore North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds,” CRCTU will pursue the following initiatives on the local level:

-Continue the brook trout restoration and education project with DNR and USFS including new initiative at Jocassee Gorges

-Continue the annual litter clean-up efforts on the Chattooga River and its trails.

-Continue the quarterly Hwy 107 and Burrell’s Ford Rd litter pick-up. (Big Bend Rd to Fish Hatchery Rd)

-Continue the maintenance of the Coon Branch trail along the Whitewater River.

-Respond to requests by Duke Power for other conservation initiatives on their properties

-Remain engaged with Partners for Trout.

-Support miscellaneous TU/DNR/USFS conservation initiatives such as Coldwater Conservation other than Back the Brookie

-Support miscellaneous other conservation oriented programs, such as Casting for Recovery, Outdoor Dreams Foundation, Healing Waters etc.

-Keep members informed regarding legislative and regulatory developments related to our Conservation Agenda and encourage members to make their opinions known.

-Remain involved in the boating issue on the Chattooga River.

-Continue ongoing “Stream Conservation Projects” related to protection and enhancement of trout populations and their habitats in South Carolina trout streams.

-Continue to develop relationship with UpStateForever for improving Upstate fisheries watersheds.

-Work with Duke on Keowee Towaway Relicensing.

Outreach Agenda

CRCTU will reach out to expand its constituency and network of relationships by:

-Contacting new members personally and getting them involved.

-Providing visitors with chapter information packets, including a copy of the latest newsletter and a membership application; and providing new members with chapter information packets including a TU Decal

-Interact with guests and new members to encourage and provide information on opportunities for participation.

-Planning day-trips to foster new member involvement by conducting mentoring and networking activities

-Interacting with other TU chapters (i.e., Nov. Tri-Chapter Meeting) and supporting each other’s initiatives

-Expanding horizons to include other methods of trout fishing with the goal to expand membership and increase interest in our conservation agenda.

-Improving access to membership information and applications by positioning information and forms at local outfitters

-Expand group of CRCTU members participating in projects such as litter pick-up.

-Develop/Foster relationship with Student Sub-chapter of Chattooga River Trout Unlimited at Clemson to support the Trout Unlimited Mission.

-Utilize social networks to expand Trout Unlimited exposure.

Recreation Agenda

CRCTU will provide and continuously improve recreational opportunities for members and guests by:

-Making our Streams of the Season outings special; plan group meals; mentor without fishing, etc

-Continuing the tradition of an annual cookout and Dec. social for members and their spouses

-Networking via email/phone to promote informal, regular fishing outings.

-Providing regular fishing reports and recommendations at meetings, in the newsletter and via email.

Education Agenda

CRCTU will provide opportunities for interested parties to expand their knowledge of its activities and trout fishing by:

-Publicizing at least once a year the activities listed in the Conservation Agenda via well written articles, ready in advance for publication in the local papers.

-Continuing to offer mentoring to its members and other interested parties, such as: Provide Fly Fishing skills workshops and on stream mentoring.

-Participate in learning programs sponsored by DNR, USFS and others (i.e., Clemson Life-time Learning Fishing Session, USFS Fishing Rodeo, DNR Hunting and Fishing Day, Scouting for Trout)

-Publicizing these events before and after in the LLR or even in the local papers.

-Apply for and secure outside funding beyond initial contributions.