As a member of the board of the Pat Barnes Trout Unlimited Chapter for the past three years I’ve urged a lot of people to join the organization and to get involved as a way to give back to the resources we all love so much.

More than once I’ve heard the accusation that PBTU doesn’t do anything other than ask for money a couple of times a year, that they aren’t involved in any hands on stream work. I’m here to tell you that this simply isn’t the case. Obviously there’s work to do on the stream but there is also plenty of work to do legislatively and PBTU is very much involved in both.

When these opportunities do come up for volunteer stream work you might expect an overwhelming response but unfortunately we tend to be underwhelmed more often than not. Just as an example, the River Cleanup day on the Missouri held in the spring consisted of around half a dozen people, most of whom were board members. It may be a case of the projects being underpublicized and we will do everything we can to remedy this but regardless, we urge you to consider joining TU if you are not already a member.

This Saturday PBTU and TU’s Clark Fork River Project are hosting a revegetation project on the recently restored section of Telegraph Creek. Unfortunately there have only been a couple of people who have RSVP’d to the event so it sounds like if we don’t get at least 20 people on board we’re going to have to cancel the project. Details are listed below. Please consider donating a few hours of your time this weekend if at all possible.

Good Morning TU Members, we’ve only had a few people RSVP for this Saturday. This is a great opportunity to do some meaningful service and give back to the resources we love. To RSVP please contact Max Lewis ASAP via phone or email at mlewis@tu.org or 207-701-1683. 
 
The Pat Barnes Chapter of Trout Unlimited and TU’s Clark Fork River Project invite you to join us in our efforts to revegetate the restored section of Telegraph Creek at the Lilly Orphan Boy Mine site. In 2016, TU and Montana DEQ removed 9,000 cubic yards of mine waste from Telegraph Creek and restored 350 feet of stream channel in the headwaters of the Little Blackfoot River.

The day will begin with a tour of the restored stretch of Telegraph Creek. Rob Roberts, TU Project Manager, will explain the techniques TU and partners used to reclaim the mine site and reconstruct Telegraph Creek. Following the tour, we will plant native trees and shrubs in the restored area.

Revegetation of this area will protect the stream bank and hillslope, promote native plant growth, and add shade to Telegraph Creek.  Please meet at 8:00 AM at the Van’s Thriftway parking lot on Saturday, September 30th. From there we will drive an hour to the site. Please bring appropriate clothing, footwear, and work gloves. Lunch will be provided.  We will finish the volunteer event around 2pm.

Thanks,
Your TU Board Members

We are also always looking for more board members so please contact us if you are interested.