Posted in Youth Education

Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp

Rivers Conservation Camp Logo

The 2025 Rivers Conservation Camp is now accepting applications for the 2025 camp.

The early acceptance period is open now through December 31, 2024.

The camp runs from June 15-25, 2025 at Messiah College in Grantham, PA (near Yellow Breeches Creek).

FTTU is interested in sponsoring at least one student (ages 14-17)  from our area to attend the camp.

For more information visit
 http://riverscamp.com

If you know of an area youth interested in attending the camp, contact FTTU at info@forbestrailtu.org

Posted in Fund Raising

Congratulations Raffle Winners!

Here are the winning numbers drawn Thursday evening November 21 for our Autumn Special fundraiser

5624
4420
2378
5576
2406
3355
5940
3495
5868

It came down to the wire but we beat our old record of 843 raffle tickets sold by one with 844 tickets sold for our annual autumn fundraiser.

The deal was for us to draw a winning number for each 100 tickets sold but we decided to round up and draw nine winners and donate $600 to the Westmoreland Food Bank.

The winning numbers are listed to the left. The winners have all been contacted. If you have a voicemail from Forbes Trail Trout Unlimited, call back right away, you may be a winner!

Thank you for making this another successful fund raising event.

Posted in Chapter Business

Officers and Directors Elected for 2024-2025

A new slate of Officers and Directors was elected at FTTU’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

FTTU’s officers for 2024-2025 looks a lot like last year’s. Larry Myers is back by popular demand as President, Rick Yaksic returns as Vice President, Ron Rodgers retains the duties of Treasurer and Scott Minster is back as Secretary.

Returning Directors include Rod Cross, Bill Somgyi and Milt Claney. The newly elected Directors are Barb Hauger, Dan Ferguson and Brian Zimmerman.

Barb, Dan and Brian replace outgoing Directors Angie Schultheis, Hank Balles and Doug Yocabet.

Many thanks to Angie, Hank and Doug for their service to the chapter.

In other news, Michelle Dunlevy has agreed to take over as chair of the Diversity Committee now that Angela Schultheis has taken the responsibility of Education Committee chair.

Welcome Michelle!

Officers 2024
Officers (L-R) Monty Murty, Past President; Larry Myers, President; Ron Rodgers, Treasurer; Scott Minster, Secretary; Rick Yaksic, Vice President
Directors 2024
Board of Directors (L-R) Dan Ferguson, Brian Zimmerman, Rod Cross and Bill Somogyi. Not Pictured, Barb Hauger and Milt Claney.
Posted in Fishing Veterans

Some More Photos From the Vets and First Responders Fishing Outing 10.5.24

Posted in Fund Raising

Yough Defense Party

Help support the Mountain Watershed Association and the Yough River by attending the “Yough Defense Party” on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the Falls City Pub in Ohiopyle, PA.

The Yough is one of the premier trout fisheries in western Pennsylvania and the MWA is working hard to protect the watershed from the effects of mining and other threats.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance from the link below.

See you there!

https://mtwatershed.com/event/yough-defense-party-2/

Posted in Chapter Business

Outstanding Volunteers Honored at FTTU November Meeting

2024 Award Winners
(L-R) Dan Ferguson, Ed Bordas Aeward; Tom Keller, Russ Mowry Silver Trout; Brian Zimmerman, Drew Banas Education Award; Ron Rodgers, Russ Mowry Silver Trout
Each year, Forbes Trail Chapter of TU makes an effort to recognize members who have shown exemplary performance in promoting our mission to our communities and schools.  Our chapter has been blessed with lots of hard working, talented and generous volunteers.  And with a growing number of activities, there are more opportunities for volunteers to demonstrate their leaderships skills and special talents.
At their monthly meeting on November 6, Forbes Trail TU took the opportunity to recognize members who have selflessly volunteered their time and talents and demonstrated leadership skills while performing critical administrative duties as well as working with schools, Scouts, and local community groups. 
Dan Ferguson was presented the “Ed Bordas Memorial Award” in recognition of Outstanding Service by a Business or Professional.  The “Russ Mowry Silver Trout Award” in recognition of Outstanding Volunteer Service was awarded to Tom Keller and Ron Rodgers.  And the “Drew Banas Education Award”, in recognition of Outstanding Service in the Field of Education, was presented to Brian Zimmerman.
Forbes Trail Chapter congratulates our award recipients and thanks them for their dedicated service.
Posted in Citizen Science Rock Run

Rock Run Water Tests 11.2.24

Results of water tests done on Rock Run on Saturday November 2, 2024

Air Temperature – 41°
Water Temperature – 49°
pH – 7.1
Alkalinity – 11.2
Linn Run Gauge – 1.43 ft
Lin Run Discharge – .62 ft³/sec

Linn Run
Low water on Linn Run 11-2-24
Posted in Events Fishing Veterans

Military Veterans and First Responders Enjoy Day of Trout Fishing

 

Saturday, October 5th turned out to be a perfect fall day on the lake…and this time the fish cooperated!  The morning air was cool, which was perfect for fishing.  With the leaves just starting to show some fall color, and the smell of a campfire in the background, everyone was in the mood to welcome in the new season.

This was the Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) sixth annual fishing event for military veterans and first responders.  The event took place at Kingston Veterans Sportsmen Club east of Latrobe.  Many of the veterans attending had participated in every event since TU began the program in 2018.  Forty-seven registered veterans and first responders spread out around the lake and started catching fish immediately.  Kingston had stocked trout just days before.  The lake holds trout, catfish, bass and panfish which provided action for the anglers until early afternoon.  

Everyone we spoke to expressed their appreciation for the event and how they enjoy, not just the fishing, but the camaraderie of spending a day in the mountains with friends and fellow service providers.  Some took their angling very seriously working multiple rods.  Others used the opportunity to learn how to use a fly rod for the first time with the help of a TU mentor.  And a few simply enjoyed some R & R in lawn chairs along the lake soaking up the sights and sounds.

National TU introduced the program of fly fishing to veterans many years ago to bring the therapeutic healing of fly fishing to our nation’s heroes.  First responders were added a few years back and the program is now called the TU Service Partnership honoring those who have served their country and communities.  Many of TU’s 400 local chapters nationwide, have started programs like this.  TU is very grateful that Kingston Sportsmen agreed to partner with them again this year.  Their manicured club grounds provide ADA access to their lake, pavilion and restroom facilities.  The perfect setting!

The other partner in this annual event is the Scouts of Troops 465 and 305.  They start the event posting colors then invite veterans to participate in retiring worn American flags.  The U. S. flag code requires “The Flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”  The Scouts and veterans join in a solemn and dignified ceremony complete with patriotic music in the background.

The other service the Scouts provide is lunch for over 100 veterans, first responders and volunteers.  “They have made this a simple turnkey operation” noted Larry Myers, president of Forbes Trail TU.  “We tell the Scouts how many will be in attendance, they buy and prepare the food, then hand us the bill making our job so much simpler”.  “More importantly, the veterans appreciate the Scouts being involved.  This is another opportunity for the Scouts to serve their community and to honor those who have served their country.”

“For the past several years the Boy Scouts of Troop 465 have been honored to team up with the folks from Trout Unlimited and Kingston to spend a day recognizing our veterans and first responders” said Scout Leader Mark Menanno. “One of the talents of our troop is cooking. We enjoy the challenges of cooking for a large group and the Scouts enjoy all their interactions with the veterans and first responders.”

We thank our event sponsors… Fish USA, Home Depot, four local Giant Eagle Supermarkets, Westmoreland Case Management and Bubba’s Kitchen and Bar. 


Larry,
I would like to thank you, as well as all involved with you for a great day.
The fishing was fun. The fact that you had some bait available was a plus.
The food was good and plentiful. If anyone left hungry, it was their fault. The addition of the homemade items was very thoughtful. The baked beans, the sauerkraut, the fried onions all added to the day and proved your commitment to Veterans and First Responders.
The door prizes were such a nice touch. I couldn’t believe how many you offered. The extra drawing for the Scouts was an added bonus and proof of your thoughtfulness.
I can’t think of anything you overlooked. Everyone was friendly and walked around speaking to everyone, ensuring a good day was being had and nothing was needed.
Please thank everyone sincerely for me. The time and planning you all put in to make the day so successful did not go unnoticed.
It will be my pleasure to spread the word for next year!!

Deb Krall, AF Veteran


 

Posted in Citizen Science Rock Run

Rock Run Water Tests for September 28, 2024

Rock Run
There is flowing water in Rock Run despite "dried-up" look of this photo from September 28, 2024

Results of water tests done at the mouth of Rock Run on September 28, 2024 at 3:00 pm:

Air Temperature – 73° F
Water Temperature – 64.5° F
pH – 6.9
Alkalinity – 12.8
Linn Run Gauge – 1.43′
Linn Run Discharge – .62 ft³/sec

Despite some spotty rain. water levels are at all time lows since we started testing in 2018.

Posted in Citizen Science Rock Run

Rock Run Water Tests September 2024

Linn Run
Low flow on Linn Run 9.4.24

Here are the results of monthly water tests from September 4, 2024.

Air Temperature – 68° F
Water Temperature – 59.5° F
pH – 6.8
Alkalinity – 11.2
Linn Run Gauge – 1.45′
Linn Run Discharge – .88 ft³/sec

Some much needed rain came through, but Linn Run gauge and discharge were the same as last month.