This has been an exciting spring this year. Our Chapter started off with the Carmans River Clean Up and Tree planting, followed by helping the DEC with the PIT Tagging of Trout Alewives and Eels, electro shocking of the resident Trout, attending the Belmont Fishing Festival, partaking in the Trout in the Classroom with the successful releasing of fifty plus Brook Trout in the Peconic River and finally setting the plans for stream restoration on the Carmans River.

   I am happy to report that our tree planted Red Maples and Black Pussy Willows have sprouted leaves and are prospering. The insect life on the Carmans is robust this year with the return of heavy hatches of Hendricksons, Quill Gordons, small olives, caddis and midges. The Drake hatch was on the light side this year, but that is nature’s way. The Sulpher are just starting, and the evenings are filled with returning spinner falls.

   The Geese, Swans and Mallards have also had a prosperous spring with many offspring following the adult around on the river. Fortunately the missing April rains were eventually present in May relieving the chance of drought this summer.

   The best news to report is that I have been seeing many of our members on the Carmans this year enjoying its treasures.

We should be proud of our efforts and accomplishments, and they should only continue into the future.

   This being my last issue of the President’s Line, I wish to thank all that has helped to make all of this possible. The Art Flick Board has held together and revitalized the Chapter with new strength and an optimistic philosophy that I hope will continue with the new administration.

   Our Chapter is blessed with many fine talented and knowledgeable conservationists and fisherman and it is through these members that I am truly grateful to be part of this organization. I wish everyone an enjoyable and healthy summer, and I look forward to seeing more of you on the river.