EJTU Conservation Committee
Committee Overview
Although many of Trout Unlimited's members are avid fly anglers, Trout Unlimited is first and foremost a conservation organization. Trout Unlimited's mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
With the above information in mind the, The East Jersey Conservation Committee was established by the Board of Directors in 1991. The Committee’s purpose is to identify and address conservation issues of importance to the chapter and to report their findings to the Board of Directors and membership. The Conservation Committee meets regularly at a time and place determined by the Committee Chairman and all chapter members are encouraged to attend. The Conservation Chairman is a EJTU board of directors member and shall report to the Board of Directors at its monthly meetings. The Chairman appoints the conservation committee members with the approval of the board. All activities of the conservation committee will be approved by the Board of Directors.
Although many of Trout Unlimited's members are avid fly anglers, Trout Unlimited is first and foremost a conservation organization. Trout Unlimited's mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.
With the above information in mind the, The East Jersey Conservation Committee was established by the Board of Directors in 1991. The Committee’s purpose is to identify and address conservation issues of importance to the chapter and to report their findings to the Board of Directors and membership. The Conservation Committee meets regularly at a time and place determined by the Committee Chairman and all chapter members are encouraged to attend. The Conservation Chairman is a EJTU board of directors member and shall report to the Board of Directors at its monthly meetings. The Chairman appoints the conservation committee members with the approval of the board. All activities of the conservation committee will be approved by the Board of Directors.
Conservation Committee Chairman
Matt Drago
Current and Ongoing Committee Initiatives
Support the state’s trout stocking activities - Starting with the preseason stocking in March and ending with the final release in late May, our members float stock or bucket stock the Ramapo River from West Oakland Avenue to Riverview Drive, a demanding task which requires support from at least a dozen members every week. Thankfully, a core group of regulars are there almost every week but we need many more to get it done. If we have lots of help, we usually get a few extra fish to enhance the angling experience for everyone. In addition, we also assist the state's fall stocking efforts each year, beginning in October.
Environmental education - Our Ramapo River Day is the largest and most demanding single project that we do each year and we need the support of many members to set up the tents and equipment. The program is conducted by our members and staff from Ramapo College.
Monitoring of water quality issues - The committee conducts a water temperature monitoring program at several local waterbodies and our B.A.T.S. program continues to provide meaningful data about the macroinvertebrate populations in our rivers and streams. We would like to expand these programs but to do that more members must step up to assist in these endeavors.
Monofilament recycling program - This too is a program that benefits the environment and could be easily expanded if we had enough members willing to monitor specific locations. Look for those white PVC pipes at your favorite fishing spot.
Cleanups - The battle with trash is unending. Our cleanups, many of which are coordinated with other organizations or municipalities, provide the opportunity to create an immediate, while at times short-lived, benefit to our surroundings. A recent cleanup at Mill Pond in Park Ridge yielded 1,180 pounds of debris. Many locations need attention, but again this work depends entirely on member participation. Remember, every storm sewer eventually dumps into the nearest body of water. If you want your favorite trout stream to be debris free, it is best to keep the trash out of the streets.
Restoration projects - Major restoration projects like the Cresskill Brook restoration and the Ramapo River weir reconstruction often take years to plan, obtain funding and get approvals. The Committee is always looking for new major restoration opportunities in north-eastern New Jersey. Any potential project recommendations or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Support the state’s trout stocking activities - Starting with the preseason stocking in March and ending with the final release in late May, our members float stock or bucket stock the Ramapo River from West Oakland Avenue to Riverview Drive, a demanding task which requires support from at least a dozen members every week. Thankfully, a core group of regulars are there almost every week but we need many more to get it done. If we have lots of help, we usually get a few extra fish to enhance the angling experience for everyone. In addition, we also assist the state's fall stocking efforts each year, beginning in October.
Environmental education - Our Ramapo River Day is the largest and most demanding single project that we do each year and we need the support of many members to set up the tents and equipment. The program is conducted by our members and staff from Ramapo College.
Monitoring of water quality issues - The committee conducts a water temperature monitoring program at several local waterbodies and our B.A.T.S. program continues to provide meaningful data about the macroinvertebrate populations in our rivers and streams. We would like to expand these programs but to do that more members must step up to assist in these endeavors.
Monofilament recycling program - This too is a program that benefits the environment and could be easily expanded if we had enough members willing to monitor specific locations. Look for those white PVC pipes at your favorite fishing spot.
Cleanups - The battle with trash is unending. Our cleanups, many of which are coordinated with other organizations or municipalities, provide the opportunity to create an immediate, while at times short-lived, benefit to our surroundings. A recent cleanup at Mill Pond in Park Ridge yielded 1,180 pounds of debris. Many locations need attention, but again this work depends entirely on member participation. Remember, every storm sewer eventually dumps into the nearest body of water. If you want your favorite trout stream to be debris free, it is best to keep the trash out of the streets.
Restoration projects - Major restoration projects like the Cresskill Brook restoration and the Ramapo River weir reconstruction often take years to plan, obtain funding and get approvals. The Committee is always looking for new major restoration opportunities in north-eastern New Jersey. Any potential project recommendations or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
