Adams Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Traverse City, MI
Home     Meetings & Events     Banquet     About Us & What We Do     Newsletter     Join     Local Water     Links & Resources      
Officers and Directors     Chapter's Positions     Grants     Contact Us     Bylaws      
About Us, What We Do & Our Positions
 
For over forty years, Trout Unlimited has been a national organization taking a leading role in protecting one of America's great national treasures: our nation's trout and salmon populations. Combining stream restoration efforts with research and effective lobbying on behalf of cold-water fisheries, Trout Unlimited works to protect our existing resources and continues to challenge new threats to trout and salmon habitat.

The Adams Chapter of Trout Unlimited, based in Traverse City, Michigan began with the meeting of 26 concerned sportsmen in March of 1996. We now number over 300 members. We all fish, but we are not really a "fishing club". We have dedicated ourselves to raising and distributing funds which will educate local youth, support conservation efforts and repair the stream deadening effects of erosion, sedimentation and over use.
Accomplishments:

To date, the Chapter has raised and distributed over $200,000 which has been given out to support local stream improvements, educational projects and partnerships with conservation groups to protect and restore endangered natural areas on local rivers and streams. 

Stream improvement projects have been completed on the rivers YOU fish, by Adams Chapter members and partners.  These include:

Boardman River
Oleson Bridge Overlook project repaired a highbank erosion site off of Keystone Road.  Work on the North Branch of the Boardman repaired a site of streambank erosion off of Guernsey Lake Road.

Kids Creek
Extensive work on the Garfield Township Kids Creek Park behind Kohl's on US-31.  This included streambank restoration, trail construction, the re-routing of a 300 foot portion of the creek around an old drop-culvert and many other improvements to the aquatic habitat.

Mitchell Creek
Completion of an overlook platform adjacent to the TART trail off of 3 Mile Road

Betsie River
In partnership with the Conservation Resource Alliance and the Betsie River Watershed restoration Committee, the Chapter funded a woody debris habitat placement and streambank restoration project.  The location of this work is on the Betsie River mainstem in Weldon Township of Benzie County and Springdale Township of Manistee County.

Upper Manistee River
Funded habitat improvements through the Upper Manistee River Restoration Committee

Au Sable River
Habitat restoration work in cooperation with the Anglers of the Au Sable.
 Current Chapter Projects

Boardman Dams Removal Project

Since 2005, the Chapter has been following the Boardman Dams Project and is actively working with the City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County to make a free-flowing Boardman River, free of dams, a reality.

The Chapter is monitoring the work of the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) the organization chosen to be the project leader as we move forward in the dam removal process. 


Current actions include: completing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), completing final designs and specifications for the removal process as well as developing a comprehensive Bottomlamds Management Plan for sediment, invasive species and other issues relating to dam removal. These are all important and necessary steps to take before the deconstruction process begins.   


Stop the Asian Carp!

The Adams Chapter is actively involved in the discussions of how to keep the Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. This includes participating in town-hall meetings with elected officials, grassroots campaigns as well as frequent communication with the State Chapter of TU who is also leading the charge to keep this invasive species at bay.


Youth Camp

In partnership with the Kalamazoo Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Adams Chapter is again sending several kids to the Michigan Youth Trout Camp at the MacMullen Conference Center on Higgins Lake.  This four day camp introduces kids to fly fishing and teaches important lessons in ecology and conservation.  On stream education is also included. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View current Grants/Partnerships and information on applying for grants by clicking here.


The continuing challenges to our rivers, streams and cold-water resources demand our vigilance and The Adams Chapter needs the support of concerned individuals and corporations in order to meet that challenge. The resources that we strive to protect benefit our entire community. Whether you are a fisherman, skier, hunter, hiker, or just out for a pleasant walk or drive, our natural rivers and wild areas enrich our lives. Please consider joining with us to help maintain the quality outdoor resources that make NW Michigan a special place to live and work.