Downeast TU is a chapter of Trout Unlimited, a national non-profit organization dedicated to protect and conserve North American cold-water fish species and habitat. Membership is open to all, go to www.tu.org/join305Downeast and use chapter code 305 Downeast TU.
Monthly meetings are the Fourth Wednesday of the month from October to May at the Moore Center, 125 State Street, Ellsworth, ME
gmail.com (joeyrizzoart[at]gmail[dot]com). Rizzo’s art can be seen at https://fineartamerica.com/#ChanceSculpture #JoeyRizzoArt #BangorPublicLibrary #Downeast TU #Trout Unlimited #DowntownBangor #ArtoberBangor
https://downtownbangor.com/
Verify your email address for a chance to win a Rod and Reel! To encourage members to update their contact information TU has created a website - www.tu.org/reconnect - where you can login using your member ID. Only about 75% of TU members have provided an email address, and many of those are invalid- either the address has a typo or it is an old email address that is no longer used. That means we can’t connect with you, we can’t send you our newsletter and we can’t notify you when we have a great local event like a volunteer day!
Every member who updates their information before April 15 will be entered in a drawing to win a Scott Centric Rod & Cheeky Launch 350 Reel!
DETU Annual Meeting with Officers and Directors Election April 23 5:30pm Followed by Steve Heinz Flyfishing Adventures Moore Center Ellsworth and Zoom. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/
If you are interested in becoming an officer or a board member contact President Rob Packie rbpackiegmail.com (rbpackie[at]gmail[dot]com). Cur
President
Vice President Al West
Secretary Karen Svenson
Treasurer Arthur Benson
New Board Members
David Klausmeyer
Vince Messer
Casey Shannon
Returning Board Members
Robert Packie
Tammy Packie
Dana Hunter
George Leinbaugh
George Marnik
Mark Whiting
Winners Choice Raffle Drawing April 23 There is still time to enter, tickets $10 each. 2 Prizes-Shad Fishing on MAY 17TH or 12 Lobsters! The first winner has their choice of prize. Experience a day of fly-tying and fly-fishing on the Narraguagus River with Al West, Registered Maine Guide and DMR record holder for the largest American Shad caught on a fly rod. DETU members Mike Elkavitch and Bob Bechtold will offer fly tying guidance and supply the flies needed for a successful day of Shad fishing. Gear will be provided if needed. The lobsters, donated by Inland Seafood, Milbridge, (Thanks Bill Phinney!) will need to be picked up. Contact Al West for information at aldime04658gmail.com (aldime04658[at]gmail[dot]com).
3 Maine Restoration Projects: Bald Eagles, the American Chestnut, and the Penobscot River with Ray “Bucky” Owen April 19 1:30 pm Wendell Gilley Museum 4 Herrick Rd. Southwest Harbor
Ray “Bucky” Owen, former Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW), conservationist, and teacher, will intertwine details of three endangered species-Bald Eagle, American Chestnut and Atlantic Salmon- and share insights on efforts to restore them in a program co-sponsored by Downeast Trout Unlimited. Free, in person and online. Registration is required at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org
Bucky’s career spans 31 years as a faculty member at the University of Maine in Wildlife Ecology. In 1993 he was appointed Commissioner of MDIFW and served four years overseeing the Quality Fishing Initiative, a program that made sweeping changes to how Maine's wild native brook trout were managed. He is a former Chair of the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission, The Maine Nature Conservancy, and Orono Land Trust. An Ambassador for the Penobscot River Restoration Project he worked closely with the Penobscot Nation.to remove dams and restore eleven species of migratory fish to the Penobscot River.
Trout Camp Needs Flies Send a half dozen flies of the same pattern to camp by mailing them to Robb Cotiaux at 91 Tufts Rd. New Gloucester, ME 04260 or bring them to April’s meeting as Rob Packie is mailing a box from DETU. Thank you Dan & Penny Legere, of the Maine Guide Fly Shop, for their donation of 15 dozen flies! Trout Camp Volunteers Needed: If you are able to help contact Camp Coordinator Robb Cotiaux rcotiauxgmail.com (rcotiaux[at]gmail[dot]com)
MDIBL Science Café: Examining Potential PFAS Contamination of Well Water on MDI: April 14 5pm Discussion on this critical issue and the next steps for ensuring safer water. Research from MDI Biological Laboratory scientists Dr. Jane Disney and Dr. Richard Hilliard suggests rural schools may be leaching dangerous "forever chemicals" into wastewater, ultimately contaminating groundwater that supply private wells on nearby properties. Zoom only..
Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District Brook Trout Sale: Order by April 15 for private pond stocking. Each buyer must have a stocking and transporting permit-$10. permit application to stock waters in Maine.
hcswcdinfohancockcountyswcd.org (hcswcdinfo@hancockcountyswcd.
Maine's State Wildlife Action Plan 2025 Revision The MDIFW plan is the blueprint for conservation in Maine. Created in 2005, the plan is updated every 10 years to evaluate the health of wildlife populations and identify conservation opportunities. The state is now actively working on a 2025 update and is looking for public input. Conservation partners and the public are critical to updating the plan and putting its recommendations into practice.
If you are interested in learning more and providing feedback, please review the materials on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife webpage and complete the survey here > before Sunday, April 20, 2025 Additional details here: https://www.maine.gov/
MIFW Species of Greatest Conservation Need List We are currently seeking public feedback on the draft Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list and priority ranking for the species. Forms should be completed by Sunday, April 20, 2025. To participate:
Step One: View current Species of Greatest Conservation Need draft list
Step Two: View information on the criteria for SGCN for listing and ranking.
Step Three: Share your feedback using the online form.
DETU Annual Meeting with Officer Elections, followed by Steve Heinz Flyfishing Adventures April 23 5:30pm Moore Community Center Ellsworth and Zoom. Register at https://us02web.zoom.us/
CARD BROOK CLEAN UP April 26 9-Noon Help us in this annual stream clean up event sponsored by the City of Ellsworth. Meet in the parking lot on the right side of Hannaford’s in Ellsworth. Wear sturdy footwear or waders that can get wet and muddy. Trash bags, gloves, hand sanitizer, snacks, and water will be provided. Please register in advance, https://www.ellsworthmaine.ellsworthmaine.gov (bmerrill[at]ellsworthmaine[dot]gov)
Penobscot River Trip October 18: Tickets are selling fast! Hosted by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company this 9.5 hour trip will combine fun, photography and environmental education and will include stops at 10 lighthouses. Join members from the founding organizations of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust including the Penobscot Nation, American Rivers, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Maine Audubon, Natural Resources Council of Maine, The Nature Conservancy, and Trout Unlimited and learn about their past and current conservation efforts on Maine’s largest river.
Naturalist Zack Klyver and Bob Trapani Jr., President of the American Lighthouse Foundation, will host the tour and photographer Michael Leonard will be onboard to help you “get your best shot.” B& H Photo Store will have camera lenses for you to try out and to discuss your photography equipment needs. Cost is $229, but if you are an active TU member or member of one of the organizations representing the Penobscot River Restoration Trust, you can receive a 25% discount. Likewise, if you choose to become a TU member you can then receive a $57.25 discount Contact Rob Packie rbpackiegmail.com (rbpackie[at]gmail[dot]com) or Tammy Packie tpackiegmail.com (tpackie[at]gmail[dot]com) to confirm your membership status and receive the discount code. (The BHWW site says "temporarily closed"- go to Oct. 18 on their calendar and you can purchase tickets).
Speak up for Maine's Rivers: LD 430, would impose a moratorium on dam removal, making it even harder to restore rivers like the Kennebec. Please take a moment to contact your state legislators and urge them to oppose LD 430. You can find their contact info here
Union River Survey of Recreation in the Union River Watershed Please share information on how you use the river and lakes: https://www.
TU National: Check out the Eastern Rendezvous Agenda on April 25-27 Shepherdstown, WV This event focuses on conservation strategies, leadership development, and hands-on learning activities. Connect with TU members, staff, and fishing enthusiasts, while advancing your passion for conservation. Click to book your tickets now Price includes lodging and meals. The National Conservation Training Center on the Potomac provides ample opportunities to fish on-site.
TU uses federal funding to restore trout and salmon habitat while creating clean water and jobs that strengthen our economy. We partner with federal agencies to inject millions into local communities, support small businesses, boost tourism, and ensure people thrive alongside healthy rivers and streams. Federal funds are slowly being released for work that has already been done but future projects are on hold. Collaboration between conservation and community organizations is now more important than ever. TU’ President Chris Wood notes this is a time when our partners who administer public lands need our support.
TU is asking our supporters to contact their congressional delegations to urge federal agencies to swiftly complete their review of popular conservation programs and restore critical federal funding for restoration projects that support rural communities. We encourage you to share the action alerts below via social media and use the sample letters to send comments to your representatives.
https://www.tu.org/
https://www.tu.org/powering-
TU NLC Native Trout Workgroup Bull Trout poster is the next in the "Get to Know Your Native Trout" series of educational posters. Joe Tomelleri, the "world renowned" photo-realistic scientific illustrator and ichthyologist, and Jeremy Carlson will create the poster artwork and design. Aimee Taylor from the mid-Columbia Fisheries did the text. Bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. They can be found in Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. See this September 2021 TU article for information: https://www.tu.
The NTWG has completed 9 Trout posters with generous support from TU councils and native trout enthusiasts: Apache Trout, Bonneville Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout (which some of you may have seen on DETU member Joe Rizzo’s sculpture Chance), Coastal Cutthroat, Gila Trout, Greenback Cutthroat, Redband Trout, Rio Grande Cutthroat, and Yellowstone Cutthroat. Plans have begun for the Colorado River Cutthroat and the California Golden Trout once the Bull Trout poster is in the net.
TU Councils across the country have found many educational uses for the Native Trout posters, exhibiting them at fishing shows, trailheads, and environmental education events and using them as part of the Trout in the Classroom program. Councils have donated posters to state and federal agencies for public exhibits in visitor centers and outdoor recreation events. Posters may also be used in Council and Chapter fundraisers.
New TU Online Store shop.tu.org 10% off in April with Code TROUT10 at checkout.
Maine Maritime Corning School of Ocean Studies Series. Mondays at 3pm in the Delano Auditorium and online. Recent talks have focused on the Bagaduce Watershed and can be accessed online Maine Maritime Academy > Corning School of Ocean Studies > Seminar Schedule
Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition: Trout Unlimited is a member of EPC, an alliance of 39 conservation, climate action, and public health organizations. Each year we collectively identify policy priorities to protect land, water, and wildlife; and cultivate healthy Maine communities, act on climate change and further environmental justice. For a list of legislation, fact sheets and more go to https://www.protectmaine.
NOAA Coastal Wetlands Wetlands are a pivotal part of our ecosystem, providing tremendous benefits for coastal ecosystems and communities. They provide clean water, flood protection, and support fisheries. Learn more about the value of coastal wetlands and marshes
Upcoming Activities
April 11-13 Old Town Canoe Scratch & Dent sale
April 19 DETU & the Wendell Gilley Museum host Bucky Owen 3 Maine Restoration Projects: Bald Eagles, the American Chestnut, and the Penobscot River.
April 23 Annual meeting, Officer Election, Steve Heinz Flyfishing Adventure, location TBA
April 26 Late for Lunch Canoe/kayak race. For info PRFGA River Race
April 26 DSF Smelt Fry 11-3pm 8 Point St. Columbia Falls
April 29 Fly Fishing Course begins contact Al West aldime04658gmail.com (aldime04658[at]gmail[dot]com).
May 28 Colby Bruchs- Atlantic Salmon Smolts & Returns on the Narraguagus River at Helen’s in Machias.*In person only*
June 7 Eastern Maine Fly Casting Competition- stay tuned!
Downeast Trout Unlimited (DETU) is dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring Maine's cold water fisheries and their watersheds. New memberships are half price. For NEW memberships only go to www.tu.org/
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DETU Officers and Directors Election will be held at our Annual Meeting at the Moore Center in Ellsworth at 5:30pm, April 23, 2025. Current slate of candidates:
President vacant
Vice President Al West
Secretary Karen Svenson
Treasurer Arthur Benson
New Board Members
David Klausmeyer
Vince Messer
Casey Shannon
Returning Board Members
Robert Packie
Tammy Packie
Dana Hunter
George Leinbaugh
George Marnik
Mark Whiting
Penobscot River Trip October 18: Hosted by the Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company this 9.5 hour trip will combine fun, photography and environmental education and will include stops at 10 lighthouses. Join members from the founding organizations of the Penobscot River Restoration Trust including the Penobscot Nation, American Rivers, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Maine Audubon, Natural Resources Council of Maine, The Nature Conservancy, and Trout Unlimited and learn about their past and current conservation efforts on Maine’s largest river.
Naturalist Zack Klyver and Bob Trapani Jr., President of the American Lighthouse Foundation, will host the tour and photographer Michael Leonard will be onboard to help you “get your best shot.” B&H Photo Store will have camera lenses for you to try out and to discuss your photography equipment needs. Cost is $229, but if you are an active TU member or member of one of the organizations representing the Penobscot River Restoration Trust, you can receive a 25% discount. Likewise, if you choose to become a TU member you can then receive a $57.25 discount Contact Rob Packie rbpackiegmail.com (rbpackie[at]gmail[dot]com) or Tammy Packie tpackiegmail.com (tpackie[at]gmail[dot]com) to confirm your membership status and receive the discount code. (The BHWW site says "temporarily closed"- go to Oct. 18 on their calendar and you can purchase tickets).
TU National: CEO Chris Wood discussed the loss of federal funding and the effects it will have on restoration projects with TU leaders on March 4. Federal funds should be released for work that has already been done, but all other funding has been frozen so all future field work is on hold. Collaboration between conservation and community organizations will be even more important in the future. Wood noted that this is a time when our Agency partners who administer Public Lands, NOAA, National Forest Service, BLM, USFWS, need our support. The concern is the dismembering of these agencies could lead to the sale of our public lands. He concluded by saying “As long as lands remain in the public domain, TU will play a role.”
TU uses federal funding to restore trout and salmon habitat while creating clean water and jobs that strengthen the US economy. By partnering with federal agencies TU injects millions into local economies, supports small businesses, boosts tourism, and ensures communities thrive alongside healthy rivers and streams.
TU is asking our supporters to contact their congressional delegations to urge federal agencies to swiftly complete their review of popular conservation programs and restore critical federal funding for restoration projects that support rural communities. We encourage you to share the action alerts below via social media. There are sample letters you can use to send comments to your representatives.
https://www.tu.org/
https://www.tu.org/powering-
Maine’s Congressional Delegation: Senator Susan Collins 413 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-2523 Augusta: (207) 622-8414 Bangor: (207) 945-0417 Biddeford: (207) 283- 1101 Caribou: (207) 493-7873 Lewiston: (207) 784- 6969 Portland: (207) 780-3575
Senator Angus King 133 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 (202) 224-5344 Augusta: (207) 622- 8292 Bangor: (207) 945-8000 Presque Isle: (207) 764- 5124 Scarborough: (207) 883-1588
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree 2162 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-6116 Portland: (207) 774-5019 Waterville: (207) 873- 5713
Congressman Jared Golden 223 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-6306 Bangor office: (207) 249-7400 Caribou office: (207) 492-6009 Lewiston office: (207) 241-6767
Tips on Communicating with Your Legislator: Give a little background about yourself. Explain, in your own words, why the issue/bill is important to you and how it will affect you and your community. If possible, give a brief example from personal experience that conveys how the bill will correct (or create) problems for you and other Maine people. BE CONCISE. Legislators receive information all the time, so they will appreciate - and remember - those who get to the point quickly. State your reason for reaching out up front. Give the name of the bill or the issue it addresses. Give your contact information so you can be reached if there are any questions.
Union River Survey of Recreation in the Union River Watershed https://www.surveymonkey.
Lakes of Maine Webinar Series: https://www.lakes.me/winter-
2025 Spawning Smelt Survey Training Help collect information on where, when, and how many smelt are spawning in streams, brooks, and rivers along our coastline. Zone 3 session for volunteers east of Penobscot Bay on April 7. Contact Danielle Frechette via danielle.frechettemaine.gov (subject: Spawning%20Smelt%20Survey%20Inquiry) (email) with any questions. REGISTER FOR THE APRIL 7 TRAINING
Final EIS on the Kennebec Dams: According to the Kennebec Coalition, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Penobscot Nation, and the Conservation Law Foundation an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) issued on Feb. 28 for four dams on the Kennebec River ignores science and could lead endangered Atlantic salmon to extinction because the dams block access to prime Atlantic salmon spawning habitat on the Sandy River. In 2024, many TU members were among more than 2,000 anglers, local businesses, scientists, and others who spoke at public hearings and submitted comments calling for a plan that would restore millions of sea-run fish, including alewives, blueback herring, American shad, eel, protect critically endangered Atlantic salmon, and promotes recreational and economic development along the river.
Speak up for Maine's Rivers: LD 430, would impose a moratorium on dam removal, making it even harder to restore rivers like the Kennebec. Please take a moment to contact your state legislators and urge them to oppose LD 430. You can find their contact info here.
Maine Environmental Priorities Coalition: Trout Unlimited is a member of EPC, an alliance of 39 conservation, climate action, and public health organizations. Each year we collectively identify policy priorities to protect land, water, and wildlife; and cultivate healthy Maine communities, act on climate change and further environmental justice. For a list of legislation, fact sheets and more go to https://www.protectmaine.org/
Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District Brook Trout Sale: Order by April 15 for private pond stocking. Each buyer must have a stocking and transporting permit-$10. permit application to stock waters in Maine.
Brook Trout $3.50 each
Oxygen Bags $7/bag (up to 20 fish per bag)
Fish Food $22 per 10lb bag
Minimum order is $50.00
Trout delivered June 2 to 474 Bucksport Road, Ellsworth hcswcdinfohancockcountyswcd.org (hcswcdinfo@hancockcountyswcd.
Maine Audubon & Fish Lead Free: Lead sinkers and jigs weighing 1 oz.or less or 2.5 inches or less in length cannot be used in inland waters. Beginning in September 2026 painted jigs of the same size will become illegal to use. Audubon will collect tackle at all the Maine Sportsman’s shows and will give you lead free samples.Eastern Maine Show Mar 14-16 Orono.
Upcoming Talks & Activities
April 5-Fly Tying at the Wendell Gilley Museum
April 19 DETU & the Wendell Gilley Museum host Bucky Owen for a talk on three Maine Restoration Projects: Bald Eagles, the American Chestnut, and the Penobscot River.
April 23 Rory Saunders- Downeast Salmon Restoration presentation
April 26 DSF Smelt Fry
April 29 Fly Fishing Course begins
May 28 Colby Bruchs- Atlantic Salmon Smolts & Returns on the Narraguagus River at Helen’s in Machias.*In person only*
Downeast Trout Unlimited (DETU) is dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring Maine's cold water fisheries and their watersheds. New memberships are half price. For NEW memberships only go to www.tu.org/join305Downeast. Use the link and DETU will receive $15. Call 800-834-2419 to renew. Donations may be mailed to Downeast Trout Unlimited, c/o Dana Hunter, Treasurer; 9 Lobster Pool Road Little Deer Isle ME 04650. For more information visit https://www.downeasttu.org/ or Downeast TU on Facebook
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Downeast Trout Unlimited (DETU) is dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring Maine's cold water fisheries and their watersheds. Call 800-834-2419 to renew or go to tu.org/intro to join and use chapter code 305 for Downeast Trout Unlimited. Donations may be mailed to Downeast Trout Unlimited, c/o Dana Hunter, Treasurer; 9 Lobster Pool Road Little Deer Isle, ME 04650. For more information contact Tammy Packie, tpackie
288-5442 or visit https://www.downeasttu.org/ or our Facebook page Downeast TU:https://www.facebook.com/
pages/category/Nonprofit- Organization/Downeast-TU/
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Donations can be sent to:
305 – Downeast Chapter Trout Unlimited
9 Lobster Pool Road, Little Deer Isle, ME 04650
The Coastal Stream Survey Project is a collaborative effort that began in 2014, and seeks to recruit volunteer anglers to gather data on wild brook trout in Maine’s coastal rivers and streams. Wild brook trout may move considerable distances during the course of their lives. Some wild brook trout that live in coastal streams may spend part of their lives in both saltwater and freshwater, a life history strategy called "diadromy.” Diadromous brook trout may leave their freshwater environment for periods ranging from a few months to over a year. Typically, they migrate from fresh to salt water at an early age, probably to take advantage of the more abundant food resources in salt water estuaries and perhaps also to seek thermal refuge during certain times of the year. Learn more about the Coastal Stream Survey.
Volunteer Anglers Needed
We need your help! Thanks to the overwhelming response from anglers and the conservation community, we are pleased to announce the launch of the seventh consecutive year of the Remote Pond Survey Project. There are lots of exciting places to explore this year, and we are seeking new and returning volunteers to assist with this effort. You too can be part of this exciting conservation effort and backcountry adventure!
The success of this project is entirely dependent on the data collected by volunteer anglers, so please consider helping with the Remote Pond Survey Project. This is your chance to make a significant contribution to the conservation of native brook trout in Maine. If you love to fish for brook trout and are looking for an adventure, we need you!
