Chairman's Letter - Summer 2010 - Friends of Connetquot River State Park Preserve

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FOC Newsletter, Chairman’s Letter, Summer 2010

The wheels of progress turn slowly, if at all, in resolving the Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis (IPN) issue that prompted the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to shut down the hatchery almost two years ago. At a June DEC meeting the Friends learned only that the design that has been proposed is for a hatchery that would produce approximately the same number of fish as the old hatchery. But the DEC stands by its recommendation to reduce the stocking rate to one-tenth of the historic numbers. The DEC maintains that a hatchery one-half that size would more than adequately handle all stocking needs of the Preserve and NY State. Meanwhile, tests on silversides collected earlier this year in the tidal portions of the river proved negative for IPN. More testing is planned this summer by the DEC and Penn State, but it has not begun so far. They will collect Brook Trout along with darters and amphipods for genetic and IPN analysis. Our patience is certainly being tested as well, as we see the Preserve continue to lose significant revenue from the great number of trout anglers that no longer fish at Connetquot.

Incidentally, below the hatchery, the river has been stocked several times in the last two months with almost a thousand brook and rainbow trout. Additionally, the Friends are sponsoring a special stocking for the Fishing Outing event in November 5. So, anglers, take note.

Work on the Mill continues. However, much more powder beetle damage is revealed almost every day. Saving some of the original timbers may have to give way to replacement for safety reasons. The board of directors is working diligently to secure grants to fund the restoration project. You can help us by sending in your gifts during the Midyear Appeal. Together we can eventually create a working eighteenth century grist mill.

The Wilvert family has released over six hundred six-week old quail within the Preserve over the last few weeks. There have been some sightings of coveys from previous releases during the last two years. Let’s hope that they are becoming established and will breed and multiply on their own.

On Saturday, June 19, the second program of the Friends’ Lecture Series was held. Harry Havemeyer gave an outstanding presentation on the “Cultural History of the South Side Sportsmen’s Club.” The next and last lecture for this year will be held on Saturday, September 25. Other coming programs are Birding and Breakfast with the Friends and Great South Bay Audubon on September 18, and the new Nature Photography Workshop for Amateurs on October 16. Mark your calendar and we hope to see you then.

Additionally, plans are underway for our thirteenth annual Gala, to be held on Sunday, October 3. We are again seeking volunteers to help with the event and donations of items for the Gala auctions. If you have an item, please contact us through our website or drop it off at the Preserve.

Enjoy the summer and visit the Preserve often.

Sincerely,
Bob Labuski