River Gauges May be Shut Down

The blame is being put on budget constraints, but whatever the reason, some 50 New York State United States Geologic Survey stream flow gauges are planned to be closed down. Some of these gauges could be closed in as little as three months from now, others by September 2010.

The Upper Delaware River System has three gauges that are planned to be closed in September 2010. The Cooks Falls gauge on the Beaverkill, in operation for 96 years; the Calicoon gauge on the Delaware River, in operation for 34 years and the Port Jervis gauge, operating for 105 years are scheduled to be history. Other imortant tributary gauges, such as the Oquaga Creek gauge are also on the hit list of closures with a scheduled closing date of September 30, 2009 . A complete list can be found at waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/rt

The USGS is looking for new funding partners for these gauges. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provides funding for many of the gauges in the region and their decision to cut back is one of the triggers in the closings.

These gauges are important for managing recreational interests, but more importantly they help forecast floods and help manage disasters.

The effected gauges have the following notice on their websites: “Data collection at the following stream gages may be discontinued due to funding reductions from partner agencies. Although historic data will remain accessible, no new data will be collected unless one or more new funding partners are found. Users who can contribute funding for the non-Federal share of costs to continue operation of these stream gages should contact Rafael Rodriguez, Director of the USGS New York Water Science Center at 518/285-5658, rrodrigu@usgs.gov.”

Shimano Acquires PowerPro

NEWS RELEASE – for immediate distribution

SHIMANO AMERICAN ACQUIRES INNOVATIVE TEXTILES –
MAKER OF POWER PRO FISHING LINE

IRVINE, Calif. – December 31, 2008 – Shimano American Corporation, Irvine, Calif., has completed its agreement to acquire Innovative Textiles, Inc., the company best known as the makers of PowerPro braided fishing line, announces Dave Pfeiffer, Shimano American president.

While maintaining manufacturing operations and staff at its facility in Grand Junction, Colo., Pfeiffer notes the Innovative Textiles sales and marketing efforts will be transitioned to Shimano American’s operations in time for the ICAST show this coming July in Orlando.
“The extensive background that Konrad Krauland and his team at Innovative Textiles have in braiding and textile engineering is one of the key assets of our acquisition,” said Pfeiffer. “Krauland will join our management team as a vice president, focusing on production, coordinating manufacturing and new product development with Shimano offices worldwide.”
Pfeiffer further notes that Shimano will aggressively market the PowerPro branded products to the international sportfishing market. “While Konrad and Innovative Textiles have become a leader in braided fishing lines here in the U.S., the connection now with Shimano will allow us to grow the business throughout Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and Latin America.
Established in 1992, Innovative Textiles introduced PowerPro braided fishing line to the market in 1997. The company first started making Spectra fiber braid for kite flying, plus Krauland and his engineering staff were involved with other companies who needed their braiding expertise for some of the first braided fishing lines.
“To be able to make that next big leap, from a strong brand in the U.S. fishing market to one that will have solid global presence, we couldn’t be happier now being part of Shimano American Corporation,” said Krauland. “As we integrate our Grand Junction operations into Shimano’s operation in Irvine and sales offices around the globe, we look forward to working on the next innovations in fishing line technology and other new products over the next years.”
Shimano American Corporation is the U.S.-based subsidiary of Shimano, Inc. a multi-national manufacturer of bicycle components and fishing tackle. It now has operations in Irvine, Calif., Grand Junction, Colo., Woodland, Wash., Louisville, Colo., Peterborough, Ontario, and Kirchzarten, Germany.
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Atlantic Salmon Fishing

I am really excited about sending this invitation to join me Atlantic salmon fishing on Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula this Sept 10th to 16th (six days fishing). This is one of those other great fishing destinations!

We will be fishing the Grand Cascapedia, Bonaventure and Petite Cascapedia Rivers in a combination of private water and limited access public water. These legendary salmon rivers are known for their clear water and sight casting opportunities for large sea run wild Atlantic salmon. I've been fortunate to fish these rivers in the past and look forward to again casting to the King of Game Fish.

These rivers are some of the special places still left in this world that have provided me with some outstanding memories. The Bonaventure was one of the first rivers I salmon fished on and continues to be one of my favorites. The merging of the Quebec Maritime and the rugged north country provides a stunning backdrop to this world class fishery. The Bonaventure is reputed to be the most pristine river east of the Canadian Rockies.

The Grand Cascapedia is one of the worlds most famous salmon rivers due in part to the particularly large and robust fish that return to this river each year. This majestic river consistently produces the largest Atlantic salmon in the province of Quebec, or all of Canada for that matter, as it cascades down the Chic-Choc mountain range through alder and spruce forest on its way to the sea. The history and traditions of salmon fishing run deep in the waters of the Cascapedia.

The Petite Cascapedia runs cold and clear throughout the season and like the Bonaventure, provides some outstanding sight fishing opportunities. It's the smallest of the three rivers providing an intimate setting to do battle with Salmo Salar. The Petite Cascapedia and the Bonaventure also enjoy a run of sea run brook trout.

One of the great features of this trip (in addition the great fishing) is that our host operates two of the finest fishing lodges in the world. Here are what some others have to say:

The Atlantic Salmon Journal: "a haven for gung-ho anglers."
Wild Steel Head & Salmon Magazine: "...class all the way ! The river was loaded with salmon.

The Angling Report: "...five star rating, and if there were six stars we would award them" "...the “Gold Standard” in Atlantic Salmon lodges!"

ESPN 2 Outdoors: "...the best Atlantic Salmon fishing to be had anywhere, everything was fantastic"

Included are lodging, meals, guides, and local ground transportation.

If you're interested in making this trip please call or email me for more details. This is not a high volume trip, so availability is limited.

Sporting Classics Award of Excellence

Orvis Honored With

Sporting Classics

Award of Excellence

Contact: Matt Coffey

matt@sportingclassics.net

(800) 849-1004 ext. 219

Orvis Endorsed Lodges Program has been named Sporting Classics’ Travel award winner as part of their ninth annual Awards of Excellence.

For more than 21 years the Orvis Endorsed Lodge, Outfitters, Expeditions, Guide Service and Guide Program has made planning a world-class wingshooting and fly-fishing experience easier for its customers. The program locates and researches the best sporting destinations in North America and passes that information along to potential clients. All operations are continually reviewed by Orvis staff and evaluated by visiting guests in critiques sent directly to Orvis. Each operation has its own character, but all share the same high standards including superb service, great location and personable, knowledgeable and professional guides.

The Endorsement program encompasses the following facets of sporting services: 51 fishing lodges, 26 wingshooting lodges, 39 outfitters, 14 expedition services, 16 guide services, 75 individual guides, 14 dog breeders and 6 dog trainers. The Orvis Company proudly recognizes the Endorsed Operations as the best destinations in North America for providing exceptional sporting experiences and world-class customer service synonymous with the Orvis Tradition.

For more information about the program, visit www.orvis.com. For more information about Sporting Classics, visit www.sportingclassics.net or call (800) 849-1004.