He has a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Virginia Tech and a master's degree in Fisheries Management from the University of Tennessee.

Durniak was promoted to Region Supervisor in 1995 and oversees a 16-county area, which includes two state trout hatcheries (Burton and Buford), many major reservoirs and much of the trout waters in Georgia.

During his career with WRD, Durniak has achieved an impressive list of accomplishments including: Initiating and coordinating an annual Outdoor Adventure Day that provides over 1,000 participants an opportunity to begin or improve hunting, fishing and other outdoor activity skills, working with the U.S. Forest Service on a management plan to assure good watershed restoration and protection, implementing the first "delayed harvest" program for the State, through which portions of certain streams are managed as "catch and release" through part of the year in order to ensure high catch rates, and his tireless efforts of encouraging those he comes in contact with, whether they be conservation organizations like TU or just individuals, to introduce someone new to fishing.

Visit, http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/index.shtml

Editor’s notes: Congratulations, Jeff ! Jeff was the Charter Director of Rabun TU in charge of arranging meeting programs.

Coleman Awarded AW Steward of the Year Award

Charlene Coleman Recognized for River Access, Conservation, and/or Safety Contributions

Annual Gauley Festival in SUMMERSVILLE, WV (9/27/06) [The following are excerpts from the American Whitewater (AW) website] American Whitewater and Wave Sport presented the AW Steward of the Year Award to Charlene Coleman of Columbia, South Carolina, at the annual American Whitewater Gauley Festival in Summersville, WV this past weekend. Coleman is the first recipient of the annual river stewardship achievement award, which recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to river access, conservation, and/or safety on behalf of American Whitewater. Along with the recognition Coleman was awarded the Wave Sport boat of her choice. When speaking about her work, Charlene states “The Chattooga River raises such soul wrenching emotion in so many people, it makes it hard for many to understand what we are doing is pointing out a wrong, that if not corrected could effect all natural resource users in the future. It’s not just about boating, it’s about the law.”

To see the complete article, visit http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Article/view/articleid/10191/display/full/

Editor’s notes: Congratulations, Charlene ! Charlene is an active and valued member of Saluda (SC) Chapter of TU and a SE Regional Coordinator for American Whitewater (AW). She has been an integral part of the AW "Chattooga Defense Team”, along with AW Vice President Don Kinser (a member of Rabun TU – see Don’s Letter to the Editor elsewhere in this newsletter). Charlene was a signer of the April 2004 Appeal Document that AW submitted to the USFS for opening the North Fork of the Upper Chattooga to unrestricted year-around private boating.

Ticket price is $10 and proceeds will go to the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited to help fund the annual Georgia Trout Camp and the Back the Brookie campaign which helps brook trout restoration and educational projects.

Contact Prez Terry Rivers for your raffle tickets: Ph 706 782 7419 E-mail tlr1121@alltel.net

"The best fishermen I know try not to make the same mistakes over and over again;

instead they strive to make new and interesting mistakes and to remember what they learned from them."

From "Fly Fishing the High Country" by John Gierach

On Nov. 7^th Vote “YES” on Constitutional Amendment 2 - The Right to Fish and Hunt

The future of Fishing & Hunting in Georgia is up for a vote. A Constitutional Amendment to protect our Outdoor Traditions will be on our ballot in November.

While most folks in Rabun County would probably assume that our right to pass along our heritage would be an easy choice, there is reason to be concerned.

There are now about 4 million people in the greater Atlanta area. Many have little or no roots in the rural South where hunting and fishing are mainstays of our lifestyle.

Passage of Amendment 2 in November will provide the highest legal protection for the preservation of these outdoor traditions. It will ensure our grandchildren can enjoy the real outdoors and not have to experience it on some hand held computer toy.

Many people know that hunters and fishers have provided the overwhelming majority of funding for forest and stream habitat conservation for generations. License sales and special taxes on fishing and hunting related gear have provided hundreds of millions of dollars for conservation projects. We need to support the continuance of this funding for our wildlife by voting for Amendment 2.

Remember, there are millions of people in Georgia who do not fish or hunt. They are likely to be badgered by radicals who would oppose protecting our outdoor traditions under the guise of animal rights. Their misdirected advertising won't mention how members of the hunting and fishing community are the true conservationists.

Please plan to vote for the "Right to Fish and Hunt" by voting for Amendment 2 in November.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, talk with your friends who do not fish or hunt, and make sure they understand how important this issue is. Help them understand that it is those who fish and hunt that are the true defenders of wildlife, and they can provide their support by voting "Yes" on Amendment 2.

For more information, go to the Georgians for Outdoor Traditions" web site at http://GaOutdoorTraditions.org.

Article submitted by Larry Walker (a Rabunite) – Lakemont, GA

This publication was funded (in part) by your purchases of fishing tackle and motorboat fuels. Excise taxes are collected and distributed to state agencies through the Federal Aid in Sport Fishing Restoration Programs. Visit www.fish.state.pa.us

Visitor Use Capacity Analysis, Upper Chattooga River

For the Appeal Response and Data Collection Process details, visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/chattimpplan.shtml

The current division of the river into boating and non-boating activities is a perfect example of the wisdom of earlier planners, something for everyone, but not everything for everyone on the same acres.

POINT> and <COUNTERPOINT The First of a Series:

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Chattooga Headwaters

Editor’s note: A boater recently posted a link on the Sumter National Forest Bulletin Board to “ Frequently Asked Questions.”

To read the all 17 boater questions and answers, visit http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/aw:chattooga_faq We believe readers also should have the “counterpoint” answers provided by the “foot travel only” stakeholders. Here are the first 2.

Do kayaks, canoes and rafts belong in Wilderness areas?
Boater’s Point: Yes. The Wilderness Act explicitly states that non-motorized boats are wilderness compliant uses. The Wilderness Act is clear that Wilderness areas are to be managed to allow and encourage backcountry recreation on foot, in boats, and on horseback. As Aldo Leopold wrote in “Wilderness” from A Sand County Almanac in 1949, “Wilderness Areas are first of all a series of sanctuaries for the primitive arts of wilderness travel, especially canoeing and packing.” The right to paddle down Wilderness rivers is at the very core of the Wilderness Act and the concept of Wilderness.

Counterpoint: We agree that the Wilderness Act of 1964 recognizes that non-motorized boating is a wilderness compliant use. However, each Wilderness area is managed differently to protect its unique wilderness character. There is nothing in the Wilderness Act that says all compliant uses must be permitted in all Wilderness areas. To allow otherwise would set a precedent that would open all Wilderness lands to all activities and thus destroy everything embedded in the concept of Wilderness and the Act that led to its establishment. The Wilderness Act speaks to administration for "future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness ", "unimpaired for future use as wilderness", "preservation of wilderness character", and "solitude", - it does NOT say “unlimited use” for recreation.

The Ellicott Rock Area provides an example of the importance of balancing competing uses. In 1975, Ellicott Rock Scenic Area was re-designated as the Ellicott Rock Wilderness (ERW). Like a magnet, the new Wilderness label soon made ERW the most visited Wilderness in the entire Forest Service system (measured as visitors/acre/year). However, only 13% of those visitors were anglers (from page 29, “Ellicott Rock Wilderness Management Plan”, prepared 1982). The Management Emphasis for ERW: “The emphasis is to allow ecological and biological processes to progress naturally with little to no human influence or intervention, except the minimum impacts made by those who seek the wilderness as a special place that offers opportunities to experience solitude.” (Quote from page 3-1 of the Sumter NF RL&RMP) Obviously, LWD (large woody debris) in the river should not be manipulated, especially to facilitate visitor recreation. And trout have never been stocked in the ERW. The management must not in any way degrade the wilderness character of the ERW, including its biophysical or social / experiential values.

The ERW management plan does not allow recreational gold panning, horses, or floating (all are Wilderness compliant uses). With the ERW already experiencing impaired wildness and solitude, the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) must be established before there is any consideration for adding another user group. For more on LAC, http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/steps.shtml

To review the Wilderness Act, visit: http://www.wilderness.net/index.cfm?fuse=NWPS&sec=legisAct&error=404

Is the boating ban illegal?
Boater’s Point: Yes, the US Forest Service is breaking the law. The office of the Chief of the USFS determined that the ban was totally unjustified and thus violated the Wilderness Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. We agree. The Chief’s office then decided to allow the illegal ban to be continued for 2-5 years. This decision to allow an admittedly illegal action to continue is what paddlers are challenging in court because it is arbitrary and capricious. The greater legal issues remain: primarily that the USFS has been breaking the law for thirty years by banning a use they are mandated to protect and enhance under both the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act and the Wilderness Act.

Counterpoint: No, the USFS is not breaking the law. Rather the USFS is complying with the decision of the Reviewing Officer of the Office of the Chief of the USFS. Although the Reviewing Officer reversed the Regional Forester’s decision to continue the no-boating zone above Highway 28, the appeal decision confirmed that the zoning should remain in place while additional studies are performed, which, in the end, could continue to support the present zoning. AW has raised this issue with the Chief of the USFS and he responded to AW, consistent with the decision of the Reviewing Office, in a letter dated 5/12/06, “Associate Deputy Chief Manning provided interim management direction instructing the Regional Forester to manage boating above Highway 28 by applying the management direction from the 1985 Forest Plan, which includes direction maintaining the boating closure that had been established previously. In your letter, you state your belief that it is wrong for the Regional Forester to “interpret and implement [the appeal] Decision in a way that maintains the pre-Decision status quo”. However, the Regional Forester is required to follow the interim management direction provided in the appeal decision until such time as a new decision can be reached. The interim management direction is fully consistent with the National Forest Management Act and the regulations governing appeals of land and resource management plans.” Six days later the boaters filed a lawsuit in federal court demanding immediate and unrestricted access to the foot travel only zone. After hearing arguments from both sides, the Judge threw out their lawsuit.

Further, the Chief’s position is supported fully by the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (W&SRA), which directs the Agency (in this case the USFS) to protect and enhance the Outstandingly Remarkable Values (ORVs) that caused the river to be included in the W&SRA in the first place. For the Chattooga, the ORVs include geology, biology, scenery, recreation, and history. "The recreational values of the river and corridor are outstanding along its 57-mile course. The river offers a wide variety of activities in a high-quality setting. Activities range from swimming to hiking and horseback riding with spectacular scenery, to excellent trout fishing and nationally recognized white-water rafting opportunities. Other activities include backpacking, photography, and nature study. Most of these activities take place in largely unmodified natural surroundings, with many opportunities for remoteness and solitude." (Quote from page 3-52 of the Sumter NF RL&RMP.) Protecting the aesthetic, scenic, historic, archaeologic, and scientific features is to be done in the context of administering the ORVs. [Definition: aesthetic - Features or qualities that are pleasurable (as contrasted with the utilitarian features of a resource) such as opportunities for remoteness and solitude.] There is absolutely nothing in the Wilderness Act and/or the W&SRA that says all compliant uses must be permitted in all sections of the river.

To review the Wild & Scenic River Act, visit http://www.nps.gov/rivers/wsract.html

Zoning of conflicting uses is good stewardship, not discrimination. Stewardship encompasses far more than picking up litter; it includes the protection of the aesthetic values of natural resources such as remoteness and wildness, the proper regard for the rights of others to solitude, and the responsibility of preserving those values intact for future generations.

Lessons Learned in the Lower Chattooga

The Forest Service should heed the lessons learned in the Lower Chattooga where the growth of whitewater boating activities has impacted all visitors, has displaced most non-boaters, has resulted in recreational conflicts (anglers vs. boaters, private boaters vs. commercial boaters, and boaters vs. horseback riders) in addition to decreased opportunities for remoteness and solitude.

For the benefit of present and future generations (and to avoid more recreational conflicts) the North Fork of the Upper Chattooga must continue to be managed with lower degrees of intensity to protect and enhance the ORVs of backcountry solitude, wildness, and remoteness.

Excerpts from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

SECTION 1. (b) “…shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.”

SECTION 10. (a) “...Management plans for any such component may establish varying degrees of intensity for its protection and development, based on the special attributes of the area.”

SECTION 10. (a) “…administered in such manner as to protect and enhance the values which caused it to be included in said system…”

“Good fences make good neighbors”- Robert Frost The Highway 28 Bridge has been a good fence.

What’s New in the Chattooga Zoning Issue?

Oct 5 (Thur) USFS posted on their website the names of the Expert Panel Members and information about how they were selected. Visit, http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/expertpanels.shtml

Oct 5 (Thur) USFS posted on their website the Public Comments received from July 20 through October 5.

Visit, http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/CommentsJuly_Oct.pdf

Oct 6 (Fri) Court dismisses the boater’s lawsuit. Senior U.S. District Judge William C. O’Kelley issued a 20-page opinion to throw out the lawsuit that sought to immediately open the North Fork of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River (above the Highway 28 Bridge) to unregulated boating access.

In part, the decision said, "The court can think of no greater waste of time and effort than to proceed to consider the merits of this action, - -" "Simply having to litigate this action diverts personnel away from the study, and the court’s opening the Headwaters to unanticipated users would certainly substantially interfere with the agency’s ability to conduct its visitor use capacity analysis."

The Judge concluded, “Judicial resources should not be wasted on such fleeting relief, especially where, as here, the court has found that judicial intervention would inappropriately interfere with ongoing agency efforts, that the court would benefit from further factual development, and that plaintiffs would suffer little, if any, hardship from the delay.

Frankly, no party, including those not before the court, would be served by a “temporary” decision from this court. A floater should be able to easily determine whether he can float on a given part of the Chattooga River without worry of fine. Likewise, a fisherman should know whether he will have to cast around floaters while enjoying the quiet solitude of the Headwaters. The possibility that this court could reach a decision opening the Headwaters, thereby overriding thirty years of agency policy, only to have that decision superseded by a valid amended revised management plan less than a year later counsels in favor of judicial restraint. The law ought not be seen as so whimsical, and although there are circumstances where justice demands that a court intervene despite the real possibility of its decision being immediately overridden, those circumstances are not present here."

The boaters react to the dismissal: The AW website stated the plaintiffs (boaters) “will promptly appeal this decision.”

Editor’s notes: To do so will be a further waste of taxpayer’s money. And the Judge agrees as he stated, “The court thus agrees with defendants (USFS) that judicial intervention at this time would inappropriately interfere with ongoing agency efforts to amend its revised management plan, causing the agency, but ultimately United States taxpayers, substantial harm.”

If you want an E-copy of Judge O’Kelley’s complete decision to dismiss the boater’s lawsuit, E-mail edadams1@alltel.net

Oct 12 (Fri) USFS posted on their website the Implementation Plan with the Protocols for the Data Collection Process.

Visit, http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/chattimpplan.shtml

Obviously, however this issue is resolved it will be precedent setting with far reaching consequences into the future and across all federal agencies that manage and zone recreational waters. You need to share your views NOW.

Have you experience user conflict or interference from whitewater boating on a mountain trout stream? Is it worse now than it was 20 years ago? What’s it going to be like in another 20 years? Do we need more stream sections zoned like the North Fork of the Upper Chattooga, for “foot travel only”? If you have an opinion, please take a few minutes and tell the Forest Service.

Send your comments to: Project Coordinator - John Cleeves, E-mail jcleeves@fs.fed.us ;

US Forest Service, 4931 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212.

For more info on the User Analysis, click on: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/chatt.shtml

Happy 20^th Anniversary to the Rabun TU Chapter!

On September 30^th we concluded our 20^th Complete Fiscal Year. We were chartered in July 1986 with 28 members.

At that time, Rabun was the only TU Chapter North of Metro Atlanta and East of Dalton.

Now Rabun TU has 150 members and there are 5 additional TU Chapters in NE Georgia.

“I’LL MEET YOU IN MONTANA”

by Donna Claridad (a Rabunite) - Clayton, GA

Most vacations are anticipated with excitement and pleasure. The trip to Montana had that, along with the potential for failure and embarrassment. I was to hook up with a couple of world savvy anglers; men who had experience on rivers from Scotland to South America and places in between.

I’ve been enchanted (but not devoted) with the fly rod for about 10 years, which included two seminars, a few private casting lessons, about six days with various professional river guides on some pretty good water, plus approximately twenty fishing days of low intensity. The fact that I recently married a great fly fisherman has not particularly improved my abilities. It did escalate my stress factor, as it was his dearest friend we met in Montana. The latent agenda in my mind was to show whether he had or had not married a woman worthy of world-class water.

The plan was three days reserved private spring creek and one day on the Yellowstone. Sure enough, my waders leaked. I slipped in the mud, stepped in cow pies, forgot my sunscreen and failed to pack drinking water. Awkward rod management the first day resulted in the premature loss of a nice trout and the resolve to pay proper attention. The nonchalant quasi-accidental capture of a Yellowstone white fish served to focus on the real deal, i.e. a rainbow, to be caught in the proper manner and on my terms. The next day would be different.

Thus, reading the local hatch report was a good idea. Careful analysis of local flies, flies brought from Georgia, determination and pure heart resulted in my own “Zen” on the water.

Montana spring creeks have stretches that are crystal clear. In August, tall slippery waterweeds grow abundantly, hiding holes in the creek bed and providing cover for elusive trout. Having succeeded in gaining a good standing place mid-stream and up from a clear pocket containing a targeted rainbow of exceptional size, I presented a #22 last-chance crippled yellow PMD. The target stayed low, foregoing three perfect drifts. I moved away, attached a #18 serendipity to a 7x dropper and provided my lazy guy a feast directed dead-on the nose. (Inexperience yields unconventional combinations.) AHA! Luck combines with skill! I set the strike and he’s a’ running. Two beautiful jumps! The splashes of my devoted spouse and his hulking buddy place me as the center of a whirlpool of fly-fishing splendor.

My darling takes notice, “Oh! It’s a big one. Where’s the camera?” Naturally, it’s in the dry pocket inside my vest. This fish is strong and there is plenty of time between runs to fumble for a killer Kodak moment featuring one disappointed trout and the usual goofy smiles.

Having entered the realm of people-who-actually-land-trout was good; but, I wanted more. Now, there remained the joy of the sport in solitude. I would land trout, release without harm and without group participation.

Some folks make great fun of anglers who insist on taking only with a dry even when nymphs and woolly buggers are going like gangbusters. I like to watch a dry fly, if it’s mine. I would give the sublime elitist method a go on the spring creek.

Ankle-sucking four-inch deep mucky mud and a slip-slide total emersion baptismal necessitated a temporary retreat to the bushes. I discreetly stripped and dumped a gallon of water from the leg of my wader, which did not leak while making a mental note to get a better wader belt. I gladly found my duds really were quick dry and the trail mix had survived. Soon revived, I sallied forth again.

The lure de jour appeared to be something yellow. A nice #20 white-dot parachute PMD was visually easy to track. I stationed myself at another hopeful spot, casting above any sign of ring or roll. Neither does, fawns, pintail ducks, swallows nor any other living thing noticed the next trout slurp the fly. How good it felt to sing out, “I’m good. Stay your place!”

Standing where all fly-fishers long to be, I lifted the rod high, brought the rainbow close, slipped left hand gently underneath its belly and released my totem back to home water. Even better, as I watched the fish move away I glanced up to read Rick’s eyes, “My wife can fish!”

Oh, why did I ever doubt myself?

Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Subject: Fishing Report

Getting limbered up for the Chattooga DH season, Ray Kearns and I went up to the Nantahala DH yesterday, the 10th. Beautiful fall day up there and the water was clear, not too low and full of trout. We only fished about 2 1/2 hours, from 11 AM to 1:45 PM. No hatches to speak of....just an occasional small May fly.

I started with a Yellow Stimulator as an indicator with a weighted Mohair Leech beneath. I immediately started picking up strikes on the ML, bringing most to net, but also uncapping quite a few. My largest was an 18" Rainbow. Lots of Brookies....and every single one on the leech. The trout finally tore the fly up so that I changed to a fresh one, this time with no indicator and an added split shot. The action continued and I picked up another nice Rainbow about 16".

I would make a quarter cast upstream, let it drift and swing at the end of the drift, then in short strips, bring it back. Most strikes came on the strip backs and on the swing.. Watching the fly in that clear water, it definitely takes on a minnow like look. Great fly and I will be tying more.

From: Rabunite Tom Landreth – Rabun Gap, GA

Editor’s notes: Bill Kelly reports that he and Gene Roberts were up there fishing on that same day. Bill told me he caught , measured, and released a 22-inch brook trout, “one of the biggest brookies I’ve ever caught.” BUT AS ALWAYS;

“By Golly, you don’t have to believe it - - if you don’t want to.”

Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Subject: Re: TIGHT LINES October 2006 Newsletter

Excellent work on Yellowstone.

From: Joe Gatins (a Rabunite) – Clayton, GA

Editor’s notes: Thanks.

Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Subject: Helicopter stocking

If you guys get in a tight and need some monetary help with the helicopter stocking of the Chattooga, let me know. I will be happy to run it by the Board of the AFFC and see what happens. Appreciate the newsletter.

From: Mike Williams – Atlanta, GA

Editor’s notes: We would be more than pleased to be partners with the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club.

Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Subject: Stekoa Creek fecal coliform

I saw a brief write up about cleaning up Stekoa Creek in the Oct 06 Tight Lines newsletter. I applaud your individual and joint efforts toward this goal. You may note that an interim recommendation to the fecal coliform issue was included in the Sumter National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan. It recommended that outfitters and information bulletins warn boaters about swimming in the Chattooga below Stekoa Creek, especially after storms or when the water is turbid. These recommendations are based on the attached report (see Editor’s note below) and the past and ongoing trends for fecal contamination from storm water, sewage system leaks and other sources. If nothing else, water contact users of Stekoa Creek and the lower Chattooga River should be informed so they can make their own decisions about their activities and precautions. As you know, Stekoa Creek has been the scourge of the lower Chattooga for many years due to fecal and sediment loading. The severity of this fecal contamination problem is not obvious to the casual user or visitor to the river. Some have said "the solution for pollution is dilution". However, the concentrations of fecal coliform from Stekoa Creek, even though diluted by the Chattooga River, periodically far exceed the water quality standards that have been set for swimming and associated water contact sports.

From: William F. Hansen - Forest Hydrologist, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest, Columbia, SC

Editor’s notes: If you would like an E-copy of the report, E-mail your request to edadams1@alltel.net

Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Continue to enjoy "tite" lines. Don't feel guilty getting the news since I "joined." You are doing a great job! Still looking back and thinking about how much we enjoyed the time in North Georgia. Haven't been doing much fishing since Maine. We really enjoyed Bar Harbor and hope to make frequent trips back to that area and with a boat. The lakes in Acadia Nat'l Park contain Brookies, Browns and Lake Trout. Appears to be no major fishing pressure. Is there a chance any of the Rabun Co. TU members know anything about fishing this area? While in Maine had one short but very enjoyable day on a stream in Baxter State Park. Beautiful Brooks up to 10 - 11".
Currently we are in Kilgore, TX - on our way to Utah. Will be home some time in November. Take care and keep um tite.

From: “CC” Barrett (a Rabunite) – Rockport, TX

Editor’s notes: Thanks for the fishing report.

Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006

Subject: Creeking!

Here’s an expanded and broader usage of that word, gleaned from a Radio interview of a youthful "celebrity" of some influence.......when asked for a favorite thing to do: "Creeking!", she replied with enthusiasm.........paraphrasing her: " we like to take our 4- wheelers (jeeps, ATV’s, jacked up P.U,’s) into the woods and run the creeks and shallow rivers!" She was even proud of the getting-away with the practice with doing such, and recognized the illegality of the "sport!" It seems to me that the stated vehicle access, by AW to put-in-take-out’s, necessary for paddlers......is only an opportunity away from such events happening on some headwater stream, if given access, by vehicles! Not to paint a picture of accusation to this following generation, as irresponsible youth (so called adults are guilty also}, but their access and use of our forests, by the numerous ATV’s has been damagingly evident, and impossible to control, when allowed! Thanks for your level headed and fair minded reporting of this controversy,

Regards, Rocketroy Lowe (Long time board member and supporter of Foothills TU, and the Soque River Watershed Assn.} Why, this Trouter’s involvement even goes WAAAAAY back to the Izaak Walton League of GA......Atlanta chapter, Ca.1950!

From: Roy Lowe – Clarkesville, GA

Editor’s notes: Thanks for kind comments and for sharing your thoughts.

Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006

Subject: Tightlines Letter to the Editor

Across the country, AW and TU collaborate to protect and restore headwater streams. We share interests, funding, public comments, podiums, courtroom benches, and a deep love of rivers. Our missions truly complement one another. Yet, on the Chattooga we are polarized in strident opposition to each other. This is truly regrettable.

You advocate positions counter to our collective interests as river lovers and conservationists. You advocate management actions that will adversely impact anglers as much as boaters.

You advocate banning a wilderness use with no basis: a violation of the Wilderness Act and Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. If they can do this to paddlers, they can do it to anglers.

You state we cannot coexist on the same streams at the same times. How can we not both lose if this belief is accepted by the USFS? Which rivers will you give up, which months on the headwaters?

You have misrepresented our interests, actions, and proposals here in Tightlines and in other related advocacy efforts. Tightlines’ policy prevents us from responding fully to all the misinformation so we urge your reader to see the entire text of our letter at: http://www.americanwhitewater.org/wiki/_media/aw:tightlines_letter.pdf?id=aw%3Achattooga_groups&cache=cache

AW asks only for responsible, legal, and nationally consistent river management. This is good for anglers, paddlers, and all river lovers. When anglers and boaters collaborate the river wins, when we conflict the river loses. This is certainly the case on the Chattooga. Sincerely,

From: Donald E. Kinser - Marietta, GA - Vice President American Whitewater & Member Rabun County TU Chapter

Editor’s notes: TU and AW will often agree and sometimes disagree about objectives on different streams. In Connecticut, for example, TU opposed AW on the Housatonic River. In that FERC relicensing, TU prevailed when CT DEP made a water quality decision that restored "natural flows", essential to the health of the Housatonic River and its entire ecosystem (including the trout fishery) instead of the higher flows AW wanted for boating and for rafting company revenues.

But you are right Don. There are many examples where AW and TU can join forces. Stekoa Creek could be one of them.

Don asked,” Which rivers will you give up, which months on the headwaters?” We have already given up on the Lower Chattooga and 4 miles of the West Fork due to user conflicts. We advocate maintaining a foot travel only zoning for the North Fork of the Upper Chattooga. We also urge everyone to read Potential Conflicts Between Different Forms of Recreation, visit , http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/sustain/draft/socio6/socio6-09.htm

Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006

Subject: Re: TIGHT LINES October 2006 Newsletter

As you know, Travis and my son, Edward is in the JAG Corps and he served ten months in Iraq last year, leaving his pregnant wife and two-year-old behind at Fort Stewart. Those were difficult months for them. And his wife and I co-wrote a book.

I have a request. My two children’s' books for military families and their friends are coming out in three weeks! I wonder if you could send a notice about them to Trout Unlimited members. So many people are affected by the war and I am trying to get news of these books out to as many people as possible. Networking is a good way.

You can go to my website: www.barnesgood-byebooks.com to see more about them.

I really appreciate you doing this and perhaps sending this information to people on your personal e-mail lists also.

Looking forward to the Rendez Vous.

From: Kathy Barnes (a Rabunite) – Clayton, GA

Editor’s notes: Glad to help those providing service to our country.

Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006

Subject: Love it!

I just read Rabunite Ramble in the Georgia Outdoor News, and loved it. I would love to include this or something like it in Rabun's Laurel on a regular basis. I am not sure who The Ole Rabunite is but would love to talk to him. Rabun's Laurel would be a great place to encourage membership in Trout Unlimited. Thank you so much for all you do!
From: Tracy McCoy - Publisher - Rabun's Laurel Magazine, Clayton, GA

Editor’s notes: Tracy, I’m sure The Ole Rabunite will be in touch with you.

Sent: Friday, September 29, 2006

Subject: New email address for Jeremy Strauss

Thank you for the note to update my email. We moved a few months ago and things have been chaotic since. I haven’t even been down to the Chattooga or the Chauga since last fall. Since I am still a newbie to the area, what are some other rivers in that area that you recommend to a novice??? I have an 8-year-old son who was there with me last fall and loves fishing. I want to try other places with him too. And by the way, the email address is (XXXX@XXX.XXX). Thank you,

From: Jeremy Strauss (a Rabunite) – Chattanooga, TN

Editor’s notes: Try the Tallulah River. It is a beautiful stream, readily accessible, and open year around. Visit, http://www.gon.com/page.php?id=94&cid=124 Thanks for the new E-mail address.

Sent: Monday, October 02, 2006

Subject: Handcrafted Winston Rod

Hope everyone in the chapter will forgive me when on campouts and fishing trips, I slip up and say, "That's my rod...the Winston!" I am very excited about winning and can hardly wait to try it out this fall!

PS: Terry, don't get too accustomed to it. When can I pick it up? Whoooohaaa!

From: Tom Landreth (a lucky Rabunite) – Rabun Gap, GA

Editor’s notes: A most deserving winner. I wonder if he will give June his old Orvis rod or this new Winston rod?

Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2006

Subject: "The Rod"

To say "the rod" is beautiful is an understatement!! Do you have Mack's E-mail address... I would just like to thank him for the donation to the Chapter and tell him how excited and pleased that I was the lucky winner. It is truly a work of art....but, it ain't gonna just hang on the wall! Tight Lines

From: Tom Landreth (a lucky Rabunite) – Rabun Gap, GA

Editor’s notes: Tom is certainly qualified to recognize “a work of art.” We sent him Mack’s E-mail address.

Visit, http://www.mackmartin.com/CustomRods.htm

If you have a comment or an opinion to share with the readers of TIGHT LINES, please submit it in 250 words or less to edadams1@alltel.net

Trout Stream Habitat Enhancements on Dukes Creek

The Smithgall Woods Foundation recently funded the development of a dozen trout stream habitat enhancements on Dukes Creek. Under the guidance of the Conservation Area's resource manager, a WRD fisheries biologist, the contractor (a fisheries biologist himself), they used a rubber tire backhoe to rearrange the stream cobbles and create deflectors and channel constrictors. By carefully pinching in some of the wide, shallow reaches of lower Dukes Creek, they created deeper runs and pools that are more suitable habitat for adult trout, especially during low flow conditions. Vegetation of those structures is planned for this winter.
If you have a chance to return to Smithgall Woods Conservation Area soon, give angling sections #2 and #3 a second chance and go scout some "new" water. For a quick look at some of the structures, stand on the Martin's Mine footbridge and gaze upstream and downstream.

Photos by Monte Seehorn

Where do I go when I fish Dukes? Anywhere another angler isn't! Space yourselves out, do more "scouting and hunting" rather than casting, and you'll increase your chances of success. Fishing reservations and Foundation info:706-878-3087.

Article submitted by Jeff Durniak (a Rabunite) – Cleveland, GA

Stop I-3 Coalition Update

Are you a motorcyclist? Do you know a motorcyclist? This RUN is for you!
The Stop I-3 Coalition is sponsoring a motorcycle rally on Saturday (10/28) to bring attention to the beauty of this area and the destructive effect the construction of Interstate 3 would have, in particular to the Tail of the Dragon. “The Dragon” is an eleven-mile stretch of road with 318 turns - it's quite a ride! It begins on Highway 129 from Deals Gap at the NC/TN state line.

Visit, www.stopi3.org, for more information.

“BACKCASTING”

Sept 27-Oct 1 (Wed-Sun) Camping and Fishing About 17 folks participated in this fun event. Some were there the whole time and some for only a few hours. Good food, good fishing, good campfires, good music, good stories, with good friends. We made good memories.

Sept. 30 (Sat) Gold Rush TU Fundraiser Charlie Breithaupt (the luckiest Rabunite, second only to Lea Richmond) sent this report: “Kathy and I journeyed to Camp Glisson just outside of Dahlonega to join The Gold Rush Chapter for their second annual fundraiser. A crowd of about fifty folks, including members, spouses and children, gathered to enjoy barbecue with all the appropriate side dishes as prepared by the members. After eating all we could hold, Chapter President Sam Johnson called out bucket raffle winners as kids delivered prizes to the winners. Then came the real action...the live auction!! Many good-natured battles were fought over fishing gear, baskets of beauty aids and, the big money items...artwork, including a Tom Landreth beauty donated by the Rabunites. When the dust settled over $3000 had been raised and a lot of people had a real good time. The food, camaraderie and a chance to help TU all make this a special event. Congratulations to the Gold Rush Chapter on a job well done.”

Oct 17 (Tues) Chapter Meeting, Attendance - 21 Anthony Rabern (GA WRD Lake Fisheries Biologist) presented an excellent PowerPoint program about the brown trout in Lake Burton. He told us why they are there, how fast they are growing (2 pounds per year), and the “how & where” for catching them in each season of the year. Afterwards, Tom Landreth said he was going shopping for a boat! The Meeting Raffle had 8 buckets. Bill Kelly and Ray Gentry were both double winners. Yep, Lea Richmond won the flies, - - again. We raised $125 to be used toward the cost of mailing newsletters to members without E-mail and for the meeting hospitality expenses. A BIG “thank you” goes to all the Rabunites who donated the items and to those who purchased raffle tickets.

Oct 24 (Tues) Board of Directors meeting, Attendance – 9. The items discussed included: Long Bottom Chapter campout 11/8 to 11/12; Nov, Jan & Feb meeting programs; Annual Chapter Christmas Family Dinner - $20/ person; Mailing lists for Rendezvous donation solicitations; Letter for local solicitations; Make assignments for local solicitations at Nov meeting; Dream trip raffle ticket sales; Rod building instructions “homework” for the 6 to 8 participants; Financial report – Checking $6150; Atlanta Fly Fishing Club contribution towards helicopter stocking; The move of checking & CD to Community Bank & Trust is complete; Volunteer hours annual report is due now; Stekoa Creek project donation; County Zoning Meeting; Vote (YES) on Nov 7^th for Amendment #2 “The Right to Hunt & Fish”; and 2007 Rabun Rendezvous Entrance fee is raised to $30/ adult and $25/ child (preschoolers are free).

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

A Big Rabunite welcome to 2 new member this month: Ray Hannah (transfer), 95 Valleybrook Drive, Fairburn, GA 30213 and Broughton Cochran (transfer), 631 Park Street Place, Gainesville, GA 30501 .

Thanks for re-upping: Johnny Cannon, Warren Stiles, Jeff Durniak, Jack Bates, Jim Nixon, Tommy James, Jim Kidd, Pat Hopton, and Jeremy Strauss

It is time to renew your membership: Terry Seehorn, Anthony Welch, Lonnie English, Tony Wheeler, Eugene Nolte, Daniel Rabern, and Patrick Gorman.

TroutTackler Lands a Beauty! Species: Soul mate Length: 66 inches Weight: I don't believe I said!

Lure: #4 lightning bug (about 2 carats) Technique: Charm, charisma, patience, and love

Rabun TU Officers & Directors for F/Y2007

President - Terry Rivers, PO Box 371, Clayton, GA 30525 Ph 706 782 7419 E-mail tlr1121@alltel.net

Vice President - Jimmy Whiten Ph 706 886 6546 E-mail jimmywhiten@nctv.com Treasurer (w/Newsletter & Meeting Raffles) - Doug Adams Ph 706 746 2158 E-mail edadams1@alltel.net

Secretary (w/Publicity & Letters) - Tom Landreth Ph 706 746 2295 E-mail landreth@alltel.net

Past President (w/Membership & Hospitality) - Ray Kearns Ph 706 782 9913 E-mail raykearns@alltel.net

Director (w/Programs) - Bill Kelly Ph 706 746 2104 E-mail bkjk1@alltel.net

Director (w/Website) - Kathy Breithaupt Ph 706 782 6954 E-mail knc615@hughes.net

Director (w/Campouts & USFS Work-outings) - Charlie Breithaupt Ph 706 782 6954 E-mail knc615@hughes.net

Director – Larry Walker Ph 706 244 4345 E-mail amosndixie@alltel.net

Director – Lea Richmond Ph 706 782 6898 E-mail learichmond@alltel.net

Director – Ray Gentry Ph 770 455 6375 E-mail regentry@alltel.net

News from the President...... Terry Rivers

Hi Folks,

Well, things up here "In Them Thar Hills” have seen a change for the better as far as the fishing goes. Rain and lower temperatures have brought us some relief and there are good reports coming from the D.H. rivers that have already opened in NC. I have experienced some of them myself and the fishing (and catching) has been super.

For those that have not heard, Rabun Chapter has a new meeting place. We now meet at the Community Bank and Trust; located on the corner of Highway 441 and Warwoman Road next to the Ingles parking lot. The community room entrance is located on the south side of the bank. Please, come and join us; we would love to see and meet you. I want to thank Mark Smith and Melody Henderson, employees with the bank, who have welcomed us with open arms. It was such a joy to meet them both.

I want to personally thank Anthony Rabern for a informative program he presented at our October meeting. For those that could not attend, you missed a great presentation on how and where to fish Lake Burton for those BIG brown trout.

For those that would love to learn some of the Rabunites’ secret places to fish, you have a good chance by joining us for camping, fishing, bluegrass and socializing. This will be coming up Nov.8^th- 12^th at Long Bottom. If you are planning to attend, call me 706-782-7419 or e-mail me at tlr1121@alltel.net . I’m buying the groceries; so if your name is not in the pot, you just might go hungry. I will also give directions if you have no clue to where Long Bottom is located. For those that are not Rabun TU members and are interested in our goals (or want some help in fly-fishing) we would love for you to join us. I will have some membership forms at the campout for those that are interested in joining the Chapter. I don’t think you will be disappointed.

We have some good meeting programs lined up for the next several months. So if you’re interested in protecting our coldwater resources and learning a few catching tips, join us for the monthly Chapter meetings.

I want to thank everybody for the support you have given me; you’re a great bunch of people.

Hope you catch a lot of fish! Terry

For more pictures, info, and back issues of TIGHT LINES, visit the Rabun TU website: http://www.rabuntu.com/

Georgia TU Council website: http://georgiatu.org/ & National TU Website: http://www.tu.org/index.asp

We would love getting your “Letters to the Editor”, suggestions, stories, articles, and questions for our panel of experts in the Q & A section, or your comments about our Website and Newsletter.

Send them to: edadams1@alltel.net Or to: Rabun TU, PO Box 65, Rabun Gap, GA 30568

Please tell us if you have E-mail, it will save the chapter $1.23 per newsletter mailed:

E-Mail edadams1@alltel.net

RABUN CHAPTER of TROUT UNLIMITED PO BOX 371 CLAYTON, GA 30525

“FORWARD CASTING” Important Dates - See you there!

Nov 14 (Tues) Rod Building Workshop at Terry River’s shop. 6:30 PM

Dec 12 (Tues) Annual Rabun Chapter Christmas Dinner Social starts 6 pm and Dinner served 7 pm in the Rock House at the Dillard House. Entire family invited, $20 / person, BYOB.

Rabun Rendezvous: Saturday - January 20, 2007

Program Presenter – Jeff Durniak

The TU National Conservation Professional of the Year

ZEBRA MIDGE

The Chattooga Conservancy is working to clean-up Stekoa Creek

The Gainesville Times, GAINESVILLE, GA (9/29/06) The premier trout conservation group in the nation, Trout Unlimited, recently bestowed Jeff Durniak with the "Conservation Professional" national award.

On Nov. 7^th Vote “YES” on Constitutional Amendment 2 - The Right to Fish and Hunt

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Chattooga Headwaters

Lessons Learned in the Lower Chattooga

Excerpts from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

Director – Ray Gentry Ph 770 455 6375 E-mail regentry@alltel.net

“FORWARD CASTING” Important Dates - See you there!

Nov 14 (Tues) Rod Building Workshop at Terry River’s shop. 6:30 PM

Dec 12 (Tues) Annual Rabun Chapter Christmas Dinner Social starts 6 pm and Dinner served 7 pm in the Rock House at the Dillard House. Entire family invited, $20 / person, BYOB.

Rabun Rendezvous: Saturday - January 20, 2007

Program Presenter – Jeff Durniak

The TU National Conservation Professional of the Year

ZEBRA MIDGE

The Chattooga Conservancy is working to clean-up Stekoa Creek

The Gainesville Times, GAINESVILLE, GA (9/29/06) The premier trout conservation group in the nation, Trout Unlimited, recently bestowed Jeff Durniak with the "Conservation Professional" national award.

On Nov. 7th Vote “YES” on Constitutional Amendment 2 - The Right to Fish and Hunt

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Chattooga Headwaters

Lessons Learned in the Lower Chattooga

Excerpts from the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act

Director – Ray Gentry Ph 770 455 6375 E-mail regentry@alltel.net

On Nov. 7^th Vote “YES” on Constitutional Amendment 2 - The Right to Fish and Hunt