Volume 7
Issue 2

VISIT US ON THE WEB AT www.xtn.net/~chasekr

When: February 14, 2002
Where: Piccadilly Cafeteria, Johnson City Mall, on N. Roan Street
Program: Dave Lane / David Teague, 2002 Hatcheries Report
Program: 6pm-7pm Board Meeting (members and guests welcome) 7pm program

NEW OFFICERS AND BOARD-OVERMOUNTAIN CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED
President & Chairman of Board-- Jim Davis --423-378-3880
Secretary-Charles Gibson --423-239-9655
Treasurer-James Chandler --423-239-5065
Immediate Past President-Charles Martin-423-245-4966

Board Committees
Oct. 1999-Sept. 2002 term Tom Hensley Membership - Don Kreh
Elaine Walker
Bill Beazell
Foster Levy
Communications - James Chandler
Bill Beazell

Oct. 2000-Sept. 2003 term James Chandler Program - Bob Sherrill

Oct.2001-Sept. 2004 term Bob Sherrill Resources - Bill Beazell
Charles Martin
Public Relations - Danny Sells
Oct. 2001-Sept. 2002 term Danny Sells
Bob Viers

Web Master - Ken Chase

Honorary Member-Marcia Carter

Financial - Charles Martin
Development

RIVER AND STREAM WATCH TEAM LEADERS

S. And N. Indian Creeks - Elaine Walker and Foster Leavy
Watauga tail water - Margie Stratton and John McKee
South Holston tail water - Bob Viers
Doe River - Bob Bierbaum
Hampton Creek - Bob Bierbaum
Doe Creek - To be filled
Patrick Henry tail waters - To be filled
Beaverdam Creek - To be filled

OVERMOUNTAIN CHAPTER SCHEDULE 2002

February 8 Deadline for home delivery of Feb. Newscaster.
14 Monthly chapter meeting (Honor chapter's life members)
22 Deadline for submitting materials for March newscaster

March 8 Deadline for home delivery of March Newscaster
14 Monthly chapter meeting
22 Deadline for submitting materials for April Newscaster
*Mystery fishing outing

April 5 Deadline for home delivery of April Newscaster
11 Monthly chapter meeting
19 Deadline for submitting materials for May Newscaster

May 3 Deadline for home delivery of May Newscaster
9 Board of directors meeting (members and guests welcome)
*Watauga River cleanup
* Annual chapter rendezvous at Wonderland Hotel (Great Smokey Mountains)
24 Deadline for submitting materials for June Newscaster

June 7 Home delivery of June Newscaster
13 Monthly chapter meeting with outdoor program
21 Deadline for submitting materials for July Newscaster

July 5 Deadline for home delivery of July Newscaster
11 Monthly chapter meeting with outdoor program
19 Deadline for submitting materials for August Newscaster

August 2 Deadline for home delivery of August Newscaster
8 Monthly chapter meeting with outdoor program
14-18 TU National Convention Portland, Maine
23 Deadline for submitting materials for September Newscaster
*TU National Convention

September 6 Deadline for home delivery of September Newscaster
12 Annual meeting for election of new officers

*Date to be announced later

If you have items, which need discussion by the Board of directors, call the chapter's secretary, Charles Gibson (423-239-9655, a Kingsport number) and request your item be added to the agenda for the meeting.

Public Relations - News Stories

Danny Sells, our public relations chairman, requests all you to give him any information of interest to the chapter (stories, fishing results, human interest items, etc.) and information for TV, radio and newspapers of interest to the general public. Phone 423-477-3689.

The Chapter's Board of Directors meet from 6-7pm and the program portion of our monthly meeting is from 7-8pm. You are welcome to attend both portions of our monthly meeting or feel free to attend the program only if you prefer. You could arrive at Piccadilly Cafeteria around 6:30 pm and bring your meal into the meeting room where you can finish your meal before the program starts.

THE HELP STOP POACHING TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 1-800-831-1174. Call between 7am and midnight, 7 days a week.

Easy Money

Please renew your National TU membership through the Overmountain Chapter. The chapter receives $5.00 for each renewal and $ 10.00 for each new membership. We send it to National TU. Make your checks payable to TROUT UNLIMITED and either give to James Chandler, our treasurer, or mail to him at:
James Chandler
304 Countryshire Court
Kingsport, Tn. 37663
If you sign up a new member, instead of mailing their check to National TU, give it to James Chandler. Also, we can use this easy money.

CHAPTER MEETING ATTENDANCE

Our ability to reserve a meeting room depends on our attendance. The Piccadilly Manager discussed this with us at the December meeting. Our room seats 30, which is our attendance goal. Attendance for January was 32 members who came to hear a presentation on new fly-fishing equipment by Eddie Wyatt a pro's pro in fly-fishing

IF YOU DON'T GO, YOU DON'T KNOW

If you don't attend meetings you will not hear about special events. Did you ever wonder where the best entries to Rocky Fork or North Indian Creek were located? On Saturday January 12, Danny Sells led us to Rocky Fork and Elaine Walker and Foster Levy to North Indian Creek. In addition to our guides, Jerry Allen, Charles Murray, Gary Scheve, James Chandler, Charles Gibson, Don Kreh, Jim Davis and Bill Beazell gathered for breakfast at Hardees in Erwin and finished for lunch at Clarence's Drive-Inn in Unicoi. Attend meetings and don't miss the next invitation to one of these special outings.

GUIDE TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND REGULATION

In the December 2001 issue of the NEWSCASTER we read about the process by which Congress passed the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency converted this act into regulations. In the January 2002 issue we looked at the next step in the process; how each state classifies their water sources and sets Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for each pollutant. In this issue we will explore how the TMDL is used to issue a permit to discharge pollution.

Once the TMDL is established for a pollutant, the state's environmental control agency divides the TMDL up among the source discharging the pollutant. This allocation of the privilege to discharge a pollutant is regulated under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES. Under the NPDES the state agency issues permits to point sources such as wastewater discharges from cities, industry, mining operations, animal feedlots and storm water run- off, to name a few.

NPDES permits usually contain two basic types of requirements: discharge limits and monitoring obligations. Discharge limits regulate the concentration or amount of pollutants and are set by one of two methods.

The first method is to base the discharge limits on the water quality standards. To calculate a discharge limit, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) considers water quality standards, which combine designated uses with TMDL (we reviewed both terms in last months NEWSCASTER). This process is known as " water quality - based " permitting.

The second method is known as "technology based" permitting. For specific pollutants from specific sources, EPA has set minimum standards that every facility must meet, regardless of the implications for water quality standards. In general, technology based permitting covers very toxic pollutants such as dioxins.

The NPDES permit process provides two opportunities for the public to get involved in controlling water pollution. The first occurs when a new point source applies for a permit. The second, and most frequently used, opportunity occurs when previous permitted point sources apply to renew their permits (this is officially termed a "reissue"). A reissue is scheduled for every five years.

But why should TROUT UNLIMITED members be concerned about NPDES permits and how do we express our concern? That is the topic of next months article.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

We had great success at the January meeting as treasurer James Chandler received checks for four new members and four renewals. This represents our first dues collected at the chapter level. Please recall that dues collected in this manner will net a larger rebate back to our chapter than if individuals mail their moneys directly to National TU. Please remember to get your check to James as your renewal date approaches. We will use these additional moneys to help strengthen chapter programs. Some expenses expected this year include paying for:
Newsletter printing costs
E-mail / U.S. mail costs
Speaker appreciation gifts
Purchasing trout eggs for introduction into Doe Creek.
Annual picnic
Developing materials and new programs for BSA fly fishing merit badge.

CHARTER MEMBERS

During the January meeting the following members attended and were recognized as charter members of the Overmountain chapter.
Bill Taylor Bill Beazell
Sam Benedict Joe Bender
John McKee Jim Davis
Gordon Malone

OVERMOUNTAIN CHAPTER FISHING TRIP

If we can get enough interest we'll try to schedule a trip to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park during May, June, or July. Spend 2 nights/3 days at the Wonderland Hotel on the edge of the park. Fish nearby streams and/or visit nearby attractions. Hiking, shopping etc. Approximate costs is $78/nite lodging. Contact Bob Sherill at a chapter meeting or phone 276-623-0863. Guests are encouraged.

MEETING SCHEDULE
March - Mike Adams fishing Watauga trophy section.
April - Tim Landis fishing boundary waters.

CUSTOM ROD GIVEWAY

Over the years the Overmountain Chapter has offered a number of truly fine quality fly rods as a part of chapter fund raising efforts. Mike Adams, a master rod maker, will complete a 2 piece, 9 foot, 5 weight, fast tip action rod using the same blank used to manufacture the Orvis Trident line of fly rods. The rod will have titanium line guides, a fiddle back maple reel seat with nickel hardware and a flora cork handle.

The rod will be offered based on a drawing. One hundred entries will be allowed. Each entry costs $10 and provides three chances in the drawing. The rod will be given away at the March meeting. You do not have to be present at the drawing to win. You can enter as many times as you like. To enter the drawing please fill out all three of the chances below and pass the completed chances and $10 cash or check payable to "Overmountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited to Charles Martin or mail the completed chances along with a check to
Charles Martin
512 Fleetwood court Unit F
Kingsport, TN. 37660

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SOUTH HOLSTON INSECT LIFE

In the past there has been much discussion concerning changes in types, quantity and location of insect life in the South Holston tail water following the installation of the Weir Dam.

At the December chapter meeting, Charles Saylor of TVA presented a talk concerning their findings resulting from sampling before and after completion if the Weir.

Sampling sites chosen were just below the Weir at Hickory tree Bridge and the Webb Bridge. Sampling was necessarily at low flow, and was done with dip nets.

In comparing diversity and concentration of invertebrates in the tail water and streams, Mr. Saylor made the following points:
Less diversity in the tail water
Less diversity near the dam
More food source in streams
Changes in temperature affect insect hatches
Insect concentration is 3 to 5 times higher in the tail water

Diversity has rapidly increased since the installation if the Weir dam in 1992. Except for 1995 when bridge construction made silt a factor, quantity increased until the last few years when it has leveled off to pre-Weir dam years. Midges and black flies are in far greater numbers than mayflies, caddis and stoneflies.

SPECIAL EVENTS NOTICES

We have composed the following list of people who have shown by their presence at Embrace- A Stream, cleanups, and other work outings that they wish to be notified of opportunities. If we have missed anyone, and if others are interested, please call Bill Beazell at 239-6991.

Mike Adams Bill Beazell Bob Bierbaum Bruce Bennard
James Chandler Ken Chase Bob Cheers Jim Davis
Charles Gibson George Grant Jere Howser Eddie Hutchison
Don Kreh Jon Krutak Foster Levy Charles Martin
John McKee Judy Murray Danny Sells Bob Sherrill
Lynn Smith Marjorie Stratton Bill Taylor Bob Viers
Elaine Walker Bruce Wankel

MINUTES OF TU MEETING ON JANUARY 10, 2002

1. JIM DAVIS ANNOUNCED THAT BOB VIERS HAD AGREED TO BE TEAM LEADER OF THE RIVER WATCH TEAM FOR THE SOUTH HOLSTON RIVER. JIM ALSO DISCUSSED THE APPOINTMENT OF BOB TO SERVE A ONE-YEAR TERM ON THE CHAPTER BOARD AND WITH CONCURRANCE OF THOSE PRESENT APPOINTED HIM TO SERVE UNTIL OFFICER ELECTIONS IN 2002.

2. DON KREH DISCUSSED IMPORTANT FOCUS AREAS TO IMPROVE MEMBERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION IN TU ACTIVITIES. HE ALSO SOLICITED IMPUT ON KEY RESULTS ACHIEVED DURING THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS BY THE CHAPTER AND OBTAINED A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO BE USED IN PROMOTING MEMBERSHIP. BILL BEAZELL DISCUSSED RECENT MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL RESULTS AND EMPHASIZED THE NEED TO FUNNEL RENEWAL AND NEW APPLICATIONS AND CHECKS THRU THE CHAPTER IN ORDER TO INCREASE REBATES TO THE CHAPTER FROM NATIONAL TU.

3. BILL BEAZELL DISCUSSED SEVERAL RESOURCE COMMITTEE ITEMS INCLUDING THE ACQUISITION OF AN ACRE OF LAND BY TWRA ON WHICH TO DEVELOP A LAUNCH/TAKE OUT RAMP ON THE WATAUGA RIVER JUST ABOVE PERSINGER BRIDGE, THE STOCKING OF 2000 TROUT FRY IN DOE CREEK, AND THAT LAUREL FORK DOES NOT NEED LIMING AS HAD BEEN SUGGESTED.

4.BILL BEAZELL DISCUSSED CONTINUED WORK ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE "NEWSCASTER" AND PROBLEMS WITH OBTAINING AND MAINTAINING CORRECT E-MAIL ADDRESSES. CURRENT MAILINGS INCLUDE 90 ON E-MAIL AND 14 VIA U.S. MAIL.

5. JIM DAVIS DISCUSSED THE "SAVE OUR CUMBERLAND MOUNTAIN" PETITION THAT OUR CHAPTER HAD BEEN ASKED TO ENDORSE. NO OBJECTION WAS EXPRESSED TO THE RECOMMENDED SUPPORT AND JIM WILL CONVEY CHAPTER SUPPORT FOR THIS PETITION.

6.JIM DAVIS DISCUSSED THE JAN 26TH PLANNING MEETING OF TWRA, TVA AND US FOREST SERVICE IN KNOXVILLE TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE TU COUNCIL MEETING AND ENCOURAGED ANYONE INTERESTED TO ATTEND. CONTACT BILL BEAZELL AT 423-239-6991 IF INTERESTED IN ATTENDING AND CARPOOLING.

7. JIM DAVIS DISCUSSED THE OUTSTANDING JOB THAT JOHN MCKEE AND MARJORIE STRATTON HAD DONE IN PREPARING IN A VERY SHORT TIME A PROPOSED "EMBRACE A STREAM" GRANT FOR $7000 TO REDUCE CATTLE ACCESS TO APPROX 1/2 MILE OF BUFFALOE CREEK. THE GRANT REQUEST HAS BEEN SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL.

8.JIM DAVIS INFORMED CHAPTER MEMBERS THAT A "PRESENTATION" PACKAGE CONSISTING OF A VCR, A TV AND A VIDEO TAPE ON THE OVERMOUNTAIN CHAPTER OF TU WAS AVAILABLE TO BE USED WITH CIVIC CLUBS, SCHOOLS, ETC. IF INTERESTED IN USING CONTACT BOB SHERRILL AT 540-623-0863.

9. JIM DAVIS ANNOUNCED THAT TOM HENSLEY AND BOB CHEERS WERE GOING TO DEVELOP A PLAN TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO BOY SCOUT LEADERS IN THE CHAPTER AREA TO IMPLEMENT THE FLY FISHING MERIT BADGE PROGRAM. THEY WILLBE NEEDING ASSISTANCE AND ANYONE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING SHOULD CONTACT TOM OR BOB.

10.JIM DAVIS ANNOUNCED A TOUR OF THE ROCKY FORK AND NORTH INDIAN STREAMS FOR SATURDAY JANUARY 10. INTERESTED PERSONS SHOULD MEET AT HARDEES IN ERWIN AT 9 AM.

11. KEN CHASE WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE AS THE CHAPTERS WEBMASTER.

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