Member Matters – August 2020

Steve Willhite Blackfoot Rainbow

Results of Future FCO Events Survey

Thanks to the 36 members who completed the survey sent out by Ross Beatty last month. The two main questions addressed members comfort with attending FCO Meetings as we continue to endure the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

A resounding 71.4% of respondents said they would not attend a meeting at the University Club at this time. Similarly, 62.9% would not attend a BYO get together at the Westmoreland Casting Ponds. Thus we will move forward with plans for remote meetings. Thankfully, our Program Chair, Mike Radakovich, is putting together a great line up so remember to read your emails from the FCO for dates, topics and instructions to register!

The survey also asked respondents to rate their interest in 5 specified topics for speakers. All five topics rated favorably with DIY (self-guided) fishing opportunities rating highest at this time followed closely by fishing tactics and destinations; and conservation and guided/lodge-based fishing. When members wrote in their preferred topics, the breakdown looked like this: FCO Survey Slide.

Good news – The member outing to Timothy Lake on September 19th is on! It’s easy to physical distance on a big beautiful lake. Mark your calendar and bring your float tube! Register here.

 

williamson

Williamson River, photo by Tom and Pat Leeson.

A Nice Letter from our 2020 Conservation Grant Recipient

Western Rivers Conservancy President, Sue Doroff, submitted a letter to our Flyfisher Foundation President, John Pyrch, outlining how the Foundation’s $5,000 helped them with their conservation goals on the Williamson River. The WRC Letter Outcomes from Grant Funds 7.16.2020 shares the exciting news that 2,200 acres, including 3 miles on the Williamson River, has been conveyed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for inclusion in the adjacent Klamath March National Wildlife Refuge. Critically, 1,500 acres of “very senior water rights” from the property will help improve water quality for the Williamson and Upper Klamath ecosystem. We are sorry we were not able to hold our highly successful Keith Hansen Memorial Paddle Raise this year for the WRC project, yet we are thankful that our Flyfisher Foundation and your support have contributed to improving the habitat on the unique Klamath system.

Did You See Last Month’s Literary Angler?

If not, it’s worth a read and a look at the amazing photos from Drs. Metzdorff and Sheley’s great adventure to Leslie Gulch!