Membership Drive

[PeterSL]

Along with other Chapters across Canada, Northern Lights is conducting a membership drive during May. 100% of membership fees from  renewals and new memberships during May will be directed to the local Chapter to which the member is affiliated.  A Newsletter has been sent to all current and lapsed members explaining the reason for the drive and the increased level of concern for Canada's freshwater and the species that depend on it.  If you haven't received this Newsletter, the text is below. TUC needs your support now more than ever.

A REQUEST from NORTHERN LIGHTS FLY FISHERS, your local Chapter of TROUT UNLIMITED CANADA (TUC)

TUC endeavours to be “the voice for Canada’s water” but it’s becoming increasingly apparent that our freshwater, especially in Alberta, is facing a biodiversity crisis and needs an even louder voice. More and more species are being listed as threatened or  endangered each year - a sign we are losing habitat, water quality and ecosystem health. In Alberta, Bull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Rocky Mountain Sculpin and Athabasca Rainbow Trout have been added in the last few years. There are numerous contributing factors:

• There is lessening environmental legislation in many parts of the country, including Alberta - reductions in oversight during a pandemic combined with a focus on the economy  is allowing development projects to move forward at a concerning rate, threatening water quality, native species and downstream community water sources
• A record number of people on the landscape has led to increased impact on rivers, streams, lakes, trails and their surrounding areas
• Invasive species are spreading further north and into new waters, putting native and naturalized populations at risk
• Droughts are more frequent and impactful, creating a need for restoration to naturally retain water on the landscape, in riparian zones and in groundwater aquifers
• Resource extraction projects are intensifying  and risking our most sensitive habitats in headwater reaches – for coal on the East Slopes, for gravel near the North Raven aquifers, along the Athabasca River, and more
• Climate change impacts are worsening as evidenced by severe drought/flood cycles and increasing water temperatures
• Deforestation, effluent pollution, dams, hanging culverts and so much more are negatively affecting our streams and rivers and the species that live in them
• Necessary health restrictions have largely halted TUC and Chapter fundraising events that finance many of our conservation and education projects

Canada’s water quality regulations and management are even being questioned by the U.S.!

 TUC cannot eliminate these problems but has a long track record of mitigating their effects. Members of Northern Lights Fly Fishers Chapter have been very active in that work for many years. Although members are slightly fewer we will continue to volunteer our time and expertise and be a strong voice for freshwater, for fish, and for the benefits of recreational angling.

PLEASE HELP support our volunteer work on riparian protection, Arctic Grayling conservation, angling and conservation education projects, kids’ fishing and flytying events, and ongoing advocacy with provincial and federal authorities for fish and freshwater protection and improved management,

BY:

·        making sure your membership in TUC is up to date (many memberships expired on March 31^st )

·        encouraging others to join TUC (it comes with a number of benefits including 10% off at the Fishin’ Hole)

·        and perhaps, if possible, donating to Northern Lights/TUC to help offset the impact that the pandemic has had on our ability to fundraise in support of our projects during last year and this. All donations, including membership fees, will receive a tax recept.

 Together with TUC’s proven track record in hands-on rehabilitation, its experts in aquatic protections and restoration, financial support and proven ability to work with governments to develop new protections through legislation and policy, we can all make a difference.

Thanks for your support. Those joining, renewing or donating to NLFF/TUC during the month of May will be entered into a random draw for a copy of “My Bow River” or Phil Rowley’s new book “The Orvis Guide to Stillwater Trout Fishing”.

 

Barry White

Membership Director

 

Ken Monk

President

 

Membership – New or Renewal (Please identify NLFF as your local Chapter)

Donation – (Please add note ‘Donation to NLFF’)