Tim Smith

During my tenure as Science Director, 19 conservation philosophies were debated, ammended, approved and offered to potential conservation grant applicants as an introduction to the conservation goals of the ISA. I've stepped down as an Executive Officer to focus elsewhere but those philosophies and the granting program still exist. I've posted the Philosophies here... http://brooksmith.blogspot.com/ ...and am in the process of writing rationales to support each point. This thread is begun with the hope that members with a serious interest in conservation will invest some time and thought to reading, digesting, discussing and critiqueing those points. There are weighty issues here. I'd be willing to cover them in as much detail as the forum readers deem necessary. If the leadership of the ISA is still committed to this path, I'm sure the membership would like to know.

The key to this thing is here.... How many times have you seen something happen in a river and wondered if it will have an effect on the stream where you fish. "Are MY fish going to be affected by that fish kill/chemical spill/new habitat/ etc. etc. etc?" That has happened as recently during the "discussion" about where to put the habitat improvements after the 400K settlement for the Saline Branch fish kill. Prairie Rivers wanted the restorations to focus downstream. The government said the law stipulates the restortation had to be done "in the affected site". Without data to show that Saline Branch fish and Salt Fork fish are the same (they may well be), that work could only be done immediately below the plant where the accident occurred. This study won't be able to cover the whole state, but it will start to paint the picture of where your fish are living during different life history stages. Things like underlying geologic formations and sewage treatment plants throw off heavy metals like arsenic which serve as chemical tracers for sites around them...other chemicals are unique to other areas. The researchers just pop off a fish's spine, analyze it along with 10 others and there's a picture of where and when the fish were hanging out based on the chemicals in their bodies. That along with the camera, Trent's study and the others are a pretty good haul. Nice job.

Not sure what prompted that... ...but all in all those are some excellent projects. Especially the fin ray study. Does everyone understand what that study is doing?

Just got my Bronzeback Bulleting for...June. Lots of good conservation grants were funded, which probably would bear some attention and discussion. Water willow planting, Trent's Kaskaskia reclaimation program, an electric seine, an aquaview for sampling clear water streams, more work at Indian Creek... ...and a fin ray study that looked pretty interesting. Who was the grantee for the fin ray study?

Which Sugar River/Creek?

...and a slightly more scenic front office.

This is a basic issue with all citizen stream monitoring programs. Before Mike took over the ISA program and I was working on it, I spoke to Prairie Rivers Network about their citizen monitoring program. They have a large program in place but apparently, has had limited influence on problems in streams. PRN felt their program was worthwhile primarily because it generated education and interest about streams and they felt perhaps it was a slight deterrent to people who might want to try funny business. Getting data from the field to the agencies in a form they can trust and use is key part of any program like this. Businesses are often responsive to photographs because they convey data to all audiences in an unambiguous way. In my personal experience, before and after pictures have gotten more changes accomplished more quickly than anything else.

The Apple River is part of the IEPA Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Network. I'm not sure if the EPA site is above the dairy or not. Mike's running the adopt a stream program now, so he can comment on what the ISA has in mind out there. I know there was interest in the Apple before I stepped down.

Thanks for everything you did on this issue, Mike. If you can bear the 4$ gas, now would be a good time to see the Apple... ...changes are probably on the way.

Large body size promotes fitness and survival for a lot of different reasons. There are breeding programs all over the US that believe big fish are "better" genetically. I accept that idea in a statistical sense, but there are probably specific examples where it doesn't hold true. Large smallmouth bass may have simple differences with other bass. Simple behavioral differences (still driven by genetics) may affect them. They may be cautious enough to live long or aggressive enough to grow fast (or just the right mixture in between) or maybe they delayed reproduction and got big instead of making lots of eggs. As far as fishing off spawning beds...if you want a robust smallmouth fishery, you especially want to conserve aggressive dads on the nest. Aggression and risk-taking are genetic traits in largemouth bass and other species and almost certainly in smallmouth as well. Studies have shown that aggressive smallmouth males make better dads when guarding the nest. They defend their fry more actively, allowing more of them survive. Unfortunately, aggressive fish fare worse in a hook and line fishery. They get caught over and over, pulling them off their nests and increasing the chances that someone will finally take them home or kill them with a hook wound. As usual, I'd take the DNR's side rather than the legislators. It sounds like the Wisconsin legislature either doesn't care about smallmouth or they haven't thought about sustainable harvest.

Interesting thread. I tend to agree that size regulations are somewhat upside down. Slot limits often make more biological sense than minimum limits. Maximum size limits might make better sense still but the fishing public would rebel against the idea altogether. In productive streams like the ones we have in Illinois, I doubt we have to worry much about the resources larger smallmouth are taking. The relative number of big fish compared to small ones tends to be low. Also, once they stop growing, fish consume less food and in general the overall relationship between fish size and egg production is positive. I would be pretty surprised if we had streams with so many old fish that the population suffers. Larger fish are in better condition in the spring, tend to produce a larger, higher quality egg with more fat resources and better fry condition. Larger males attract big females, build bigger nests that contain more eggs and presumably produce more young (although males lose growth from the energy they spend defending their nests so they don't usually live very long or reach trophy size). Bigger is usually better.

I've had some fun thinking about a "bridge survey" along various highways. I'm not sure I would have chosen I-57 as the place to do that. Most of those streams look like dogs to me, but who knows until you check? The Middle Fork of the Vermilion does cross it somewhere. That should have fish, but it might not be a good stretch there at the highway. I don't fish the Kank, but what's at that bridge looks less fishy than most of the other parts I've seen. I agree with Norm that you'll probably have to get off the interstate to find the good spots. Don't forget to ask for land-owner permission if you want to access the river away from the bridge.

Looking forward to seeing you guys there! I probably owe Brenden a beer at least for our fishing trip last year...

Job Description: Graduate Research Assistantship in Wildlife Sciences funded by the USForest Service is available through the Alabama Cooperative Fish andWildlife Research Unit (ALCFWRU) at the School of Forestry and WildlifeSciences at Auburn University. The selected student will conduct fieldresearch on the factors that influence the use of natural ponds in theCopper River Delta, Alaska by waterfowl and other birds. Ponds andother water bodies in the Copper River Delta (CRD) occur across adynamic range of sites from glacial outwash plains to recently formedtidal marshes. This research is part of a multi-university,multi-disciplinary project examining chemical characteristics, nutrientlimitation, aquatic food webs, and their linkages to terrestrial birdsand herbivores. Desired Qualifications: The selected student must be highly motivated and willing to work inadverse weather conditions at remote locations on the CRD as part of aresearch team with multi-disciplinary interests. Ideally the selectedshould have a working knowledge of water birds and their habitatrequirements, the ability to recognize birds by sight and sound, as wellas methods for estimating habitat relationships, distribution, andabundance and field experience. Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology,wildlife sciences, or a related discipline. A Masters degree andrelevant work experience conducting water bird surveys in remote areasare preferred. How to Apply: Candidates will apply for admission into the School of Forestry andWildlife Sciences graduate program at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. Details regarding application to the graduate school are available athttp://www.grad.auburn.edu/. The starting date is summer semester2008 with potential for earlier employment opportunities. Selectionwill be based on letters of recommendation, work experience, andenthusiasm for the work proposed. Send letter of interest, resumé, GREscores, transcripts, and names, phone numbers, and email addresses ofthree references to Dr. James B. Grand at grandjb@auburn.edu. Salary: M.Sc. $15,540, Ph.D. $18,180 for 12 months plus out-of-statetuition waiver. Deadline: Review of applications is ongoing. All application materialsshould be submitted by Mar. 15, 2008

Summer Employment – Stream & Riparian Ecology The Idaho State University Stream Ecology Center is seeking candidates fortwo summer positions to assist in nutrient and food web studies in the RockyMountains. Projects include an experimental study of effects of salmoncarcasses on linked stream-riparian ecosystems, human effects on nutrientprocessing and export in a eutrophic river, and effects of terrestrial andaquatic nonnative species on stream production. Duties: Assist with field sampling and experimental studies of stream andriparian zones. Opportunities include analyses of aquatic and riparian foodwebs including fish, aquatic insects, algae, and riparian predators,conducting nutrient releases to quantify uptake and export, and measurementsof whole ecosystem metabolism. This is an excellent opportunity to learnskills needed to perform graduate-level research in stream ecology and/orfisheries biology. Qualifications: Candidates should be enthusiastic, have a strong workethic, and work well with others. The capability to work long days underpotentially adverse weather conditions and terrain is a must. Fieldexperience in stream ecology, fisheries, or hydrology preferred. Salary: Salary will be commensurate with education and experience($8-11/hr). Travel expenses to accomplish field work will be covered.Employees will work a minimum of 40 hr/wk. Employment dates: Position is from June through August or September (someflexibility on dates). Application: E-mail cover letter and resumé including experience, relevantcoursework, contacts for three references, and dates available to Dr. ColdenBaxter (baxtcold@isu.edu, 208-282-6098), Dept. of Biological Sciences, IdahoState University, Pocatello, ID 83209, webhttp://www.isu.edu/departments/strmecol. Consideration of applicants willbegin immediately; apply as soon as possible for full consideration.Application deadline March 28, 2007.

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There was a bit of deer hair in it, yes. The forward facing rubber stips made a little snapping, collapsing motion when it was twitched forward, similar to a crayfish. I seemed to do best with chartruse and black, but they all caught fish. Just bring what you think will work best. I trust you.

Jonn, could you bring 4 of whatever design you think would work best for pre-spawn monster smallies? That chartruese warrior jig with a football head from last year landed my single biggest smallmouth ever last year. I'm going back for more! I'll be fishing current breaks in clear water around 50 degrees with heavy cobble. Bottom bouncing did the trick before.

The Fox needs definitely needs attention, Pat. We'll have a probe out there for sure and thank you. ...and MANY thanks to all the people who have responded in PM and on this thread. As has already been apparent for many years now, the ISA steps up when it counts and this has been no exception.

Excellent piece, Dale!! This issue is looking more hopeful all the time. Don't let up!

Bumping this again. New links added above.

....add a day of free guiding to the Belize package. One of the area's best fly fishing guides, Arthur Vernon (who will also guide spin tackle if needed), will provide one free trip. When I saw him last he had just come off 2 straight days of grand slams (bonefish, tarpon, permit). Here are some online references that mention Arthur (Junie). http://www.westwindhotel.com/fly-fishing.htm http://www.floridasportsman.com/xtra/southern_belize_0610/ http://www.belizeforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimat...=17;t=000193;p= And here are some links for the resort. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g2...tann_Creek.html http://www.chabilmarvillas.com/ http://www.wheretostay.com/caribbean/beliz...Mar_Villas.html

I'd like to agree with you, Paul. Unfortunately, the vast number and breadth of his policy decisions involving NEW expenditures makes it clear that he thinks there's PLENTY of money to go around...just not for the IDNR. I also agree with Norm that this impending disaster makes the role of groups like ours even more important. I like the idea of helping clean up at parks. I know some of us do that already. Make sure too that IDNR personnel know about the ISA conservation granting program...we can't fill the breach, but we can at least help.