Steelheaders garner national award
From our weekly issue dated April 30, 2008
A Southwestern Oregon volunteer group, Middle Rogue Steelhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited, received the 2006 National Rise to the Future Award.
The award, given late last year, is for its outstanding efforts in recreational fisheries resources work involving restoration, education, and project monitoring on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.
This prestigious U.S. Forest Service award was presented by USFS Chief Gail Kimbell during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. Each year USFS and six fisheries organizations review nominees for the Rise to the Future Award, determining which individual or groups demonstrate true dedication to aquatic fisheries resources on National Forest System land.
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“This group contributed extensive hours of work, but it’s their community education that provides immeasurable benefit to coming generations, and resource management, said Linda Goodman, Pacific Northwest regional forester.
“With this group’s accomplishments they have truly risen to the challenge to ensure a bright future for the fisheries of the Rogue River basin,” she said. “Although their education programs will benefit the public for years to come, these local volunteers also relish breaking a sweat to enhance our fisheries,” said Goodman.
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Noted Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Supervisor Scott Conroy:
“The award decision is based on their outstanding Recreational Fishery Resources accomplishments. The Middle Rogue Steelhead Chapter of Trout Unlimited is a pioneering group that provides a tremendous amount of fish habitat improvements on the ground.”
The group is “hands-on,” working directly to rebuild coldwater fisheries, organizing family fishing days, providing funding and volunteers for habitat restoration projects, assisting with fishery monitoring, and improving boating access.
A sample of the projects the group has worked on with the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest include: Babyfoot Lake fish stocking, Fish Lake restoration, Broken Kettle and Grayback Creeks in-stream fish habitat enhancement, and the Lake Selmac Family Fishing Day.
USFS added that the group also ensures that fisheries education and care extends beyond their immediate participation. The group has donated thousands to Oregon State University graduate fisheries programs, fisheries conservation and hatcheries, and two high-powered night-recording-capable video cams to the Oregon State Police for use in fish and wildlife video surveillance.
The chapter’s broad range of focus and numerous projects makes Middle Rogue Steelheaders one of the most active chapters of Trout Unlimited in Oregon.
“We are very passionate about the volunteer work we do and about our accomplishments and are proud to receive this national award,” said Mike Cooley, president of the Middle Rogue Steelheaders Association.
“We do a lot for our forest environment and for our local communities while having fun at the same time,” Cooley said.
