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
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