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Apache Trout Recovery Workday
On
Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests

The OPTU Sponsored Apache Trout Recovery Workdays have been scheduled and are as follows:

April 17, 2010 Ash Creek Cleanup

    clean up along the creek - More Information
June 11-13, 2010 Partnership with AZ Elk Society

    Annual Burro Creek/26 Bar Adopt-a-Ranch Project - More Information
June 26, 2010

OPTU's Stream Clean-Up Days

     - More Information

Please mark your calendars. Updates will be posted here regarding the upcoming workday dates.

View Photos of past workdays.

Additional Information & Registration for OPTU WorkDays.
April 17, 2010
Ash Creek cleanup - clean up along the creek
OPTU logo

We will be staying in a AZGFd bunkhouse that has 12 bunk. We can add cots as well. This time of year will also be good for sleeping under the stars.

the plan is to head out to Cluff ranch on Friday 4/16 and set up at the bunkhouse. On Saturday at 8am we'll start a clean up along the creek. Bring your rods to catch some wild bred hybrid Rainbow/Apache Trout. These fish will come out permanantly later in the year to make room for Native gila Trout so keep what you catch. Wild fish taste better than stockers.

Get a map and Directions -
http://www.azgfd.gov/h_f/waters_cluff_pond.shtml
http://www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/wildlife_area_cluff.shtml

To get there from Tucson,
Head east on I-10 to the north 191 (Safford) exit
Take 191 to Safford and head west on 70
Drive through Safford and Thatcher and into Pima
Turn left on Main Street (You’ll see the Historical Museum on Right)
Follow Main south and it will turn west, look for big green sign “Cluff Ranch Wildlife Area”.
Follow signs to bunkhouses.

See who has signed up:
Jeff Collins
Rod McLeod
Zak Harrison
Mike Mehrer
Gilbert Castillo
John Singley
Tony Vincent
Robin Marsett
Roseann Marsett
Mickey Fletcher

June 11-13, 2010
Partnership with AZ Elk Society - Annual Burro Creek/26 Bar Adopt-a-Ranch Project
OPTU logo Annual Burro Creek/26 Bar Adopt-a-Ranch Project, Big Lake area. come join us together with the AZ Elk Society. Last year several of us OPTU members made the trip and joined about 100 AZ Elk Society members on this project. They were very gracious hosts and served up some fantastic meals on all the days. Camping is around a knoll north of Crescent lake on the road from Eager. I'll post more precise directions in the next month. I recently found out that the AZ Elk Society invested $315,000 into the Burro Creek Allotment. I'll be talking with them and AZGFD on a joint venture to improve Burro Creek as well this year.
Please Note:The OPTU workday with the AZ Elk Society is this weekend. Because of the death of our Board member John Singley and his memorial scheduled for Saturday, many of our board members who would ordinarily attend this event will not be there. Please refer to the AZ Elk Society website for details and directions for the outing this weekend. If you have any questions please contact Clay Hernandez Cell 248-6954 Ofc 882-8823
See who has signed up:
Jeff Collins
John Singley
Mickey Fletcher

April 17th and June 26, 2010
OPTU's Stream Clean-Up Days.
OPTU logo

Join OPTU volunteers in our second annual stream clean-up days on Saturday, April 17 and Saturday, June 26. Volunteers around the country will join together on their local rivers and streams, planting trees, removing trash and working together to continue their dedication to protecting and conserving coldwater fisheries.
Prizes will be given to the chapter that brings out the most volunteers and gathers the most trash. TU created a guide for chapters and councils to help you create your own successful clean-up event. The guide includes tips about selecting a location, getting the word out, materials and services needed, how to thank volunteers, and just how to win a national prize.
On April 17 I'm looking to partner with the tucson branch of AZGFD to work on a Pinalenos stream. I think most of us have never ventured into this world of trout streams which is in the heart of our work to restore the Native Gila Trout. Should be an interesting trip.
As for the June 26 workday, I'm looking into working with the tribe on the North Fork of the White River; Ditch Camp area. Last time I was there I picked up a garbage bag full of trash just walking and fishing along the stream. This is the sight of an ESPN Documentary on Apache Trout some years ago. More info will be provided in the coming month, check the website.

See who has signed up:
Mike Mehrer
John Singley
Mickey Fletcher

I am also organizing some workdays in the White mountains with AZGFD. They will be sending me a schedule shortly. I'd like to do at least one week long workday trip similar to last year where people can stay the week or come and go as they please. Keep an eye on the website.

Clay Hernandez will be Co-Conservation Officer this year with me so hopefully we can bring a full schedule of workday events. I'd like to track many hours this year and spend our Grant on Gila trout. Hopefully AZGFD will have more ideas for an Apache Trout Grant for next year.

Invest in your future, bring a kid on an OPTU Conservation Workday,
Jeff Collins
Tucson, AZ

Thanks for all your help with the Apache Trout Recovery efforts in 2008 and looking forward to your participation in 2009.