Downeast TU is a chapter of Trout Unlimited, a national non-profit organization dedicated to protect and conserve North American cold-water fish species and habitat. Membership is open to all, go to www.tu.org/join305Downeast and use chapter code 305 Downeast TU.
Monthly meetings are the Fourth Wednesday of the month from October to May at the Moore Center, 125 State Street, Ellsworth, ME
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Happy New Year!
As we begin 2026 we want to thank you for your continued support of our goal to grow our community of conservationists and anglers and bring more people together to conserve, protect, and restore Maine's cold water fisheries and their watersheds.
January 28 Chapter meeting: DETU will host an online talk by Ed Halfyard, cofounder of CarbonRun: Using lime to improve water chemistry, restore salmon and brook trout habitat, and mitigate climate change. Wed. Jan. 28 5:30pm. In person and online: Moore Community Center 125 State St. Ellsworth and via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/
After decades of acid rain the water quality in eastern Maine is often poor. Acid rain, caused by pollutants such as nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide infiltrate in precipitation, was largely mitigated by the passage of the U.S. Clean Air Act in 1990, and by the U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement in 1991 but the effects still remain in Downeast and Nova Scotia rivers. Scientists began adding limestone to the West River in Nova Scotia in 2005 to reduce acidity and restore salmon habitat. In 2016, the Nova Scotia Salmon Federation started using helicopters to spread limestone over the forest to increase soil alkalinity. Adding alkaline material such as lime to rivers makes them less acidic, which in turn increases their ability to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
CarbonRun is a Canadian company founded in 2022 by environmental scientists seeking to combat climate change by using innovative river restoration techniques to improve water quality by decreasing acidification by adding lime to rivers with industrial dosers to increase alkalinity and capture carbon and store it in the ocean. The first project launched on the West River in Nova Scotia in 2024 with an industrial sized doser which ran 24 hours a day, constantly adding ground limestone as needed. Sensors controlled the administration based on water flow; all of which was controlled remotely. Dosers are placed at hydroelectric sites to take advantage of consistent water flows and existing infrastructure.
Come with questions as to how this innovative technique might be used in Downeast Maine. The presentation will begin after a brief business meeting. Feel free to bring your own food and drink. The public is welcome to attend.
Flies & Lies February 8 Cancelled Bob Bechtold hosts a gathering of individuals interested in sharing the art of fly tying and the sport of fly fishing. Meet at the Machias Savings Bank 96 Cottage St. Bar Harbor on the first and third Sundays of the month at 5-8pm through April. Meetings on February 22, March 8 & 22 and April 5 & 19 2026. Contact Bob at rtbechtoldgmail.com (rtbechtold[at]gmail[dot]com) or 207-288-4957.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing PHWFF is dedicated to the physical and emotional health of disabled active and veteran military personnel. Rehabilitation is through fly fishing activities, education, and outings. Enjoy camaraderie with fellow veterans at two locations in Downeast Maine; meet at the DSF Hatchery in East Machias on the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-8pm, and at a new location at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6-8pm. To learn more visit https://projecthealingwaters.org (mike.manning@
DETU Raffle Three Prizes: West Branch Pond Camps Cabin for Two June 12-14 2026. One of the oldest camps in Maine, this is a great place to fish, bird, or relax in peace and solitude in the woods. We thank Eric Stirling for his donation.
$100 LL Bean Gift Card, or ½ half dozen Maine lobsters donated by Inland Seafood in Milbridge. Lobsters will need to be picked up. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. Proceeds to benefit our youth education programs and coldwater habitat conservation projects. Contact Al West for information at aldime04658gmail.com (aldime04658[at]gmail[dot]com).
State and National TU- Maine TU Trout Camp June 14-18. We are seeking 2 people ages 13-17 from our area who would like to attend this excellent learning experience in Solon Maine. Please refer anyone interested to Youth Education Coordinator Mike Elkavitch melkavitchgmail.com (melkavitch[at]gmail[dot]com). Applications are available on the Maine TU State Council website. https://www.tumaine.org/index.
Advocacy & Conservation: On January 8 the Maine Board of Environmental protection denied the appeal from Trout Unlimited Maine Audubon, Natural Resources Council of Maine, and Appalachian Mountain Club re the Maine NECEC transmission corridor but amended Order # L-027625-003 to state: Within 12 months NECEC must purchase an additional 10,000 acres of forest land in the region of Segment 1 to be permanently managed as mature forest by BPL or a qualified conservation organization and fund stewardship endowments to ensure management. They must provide a revised definition of "mature forest" applicable to the entire Easement Area. The definition shall be based on ecological characteristics of late-successional forests. NECEC shall also submit a comprehensive forest management plan that adheres to the revised definition, establishes timelines and measurable performance criteria, and prohibits harvest activities.
Tim Shaw of GRTU wrote a summary of their work on the Ducktrap River that was published in the Maine Natural History Observer. Here is the link to the story
https://drive.google.com/file/
TU Northeast Regional Rendezvous April 10-12 2026 A Regional Rendezvous is one of the best ways to connect with like-minded fishermen and conservationists. Attend a weekend packed with idea sharing alongside fellow community-based volunteers, scientists, and anglers who are the most passionate champions for cold, clean rivers and streams
Maine DIFW Programs- Intro to Ice Fishing Friday, January 30 from 9:to 1PM
Echo Lake, Mount Desert Island, ME. Maine Outdoor Programs invites folks of all ages and skill levels to experience the beauty and adventure of winter in Maine. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors and create lasting memories on the ice! Contact: Chelsea Lathrop - . Chelsea.Lathropmaine.gov (Chelsea[dot]Lathrop[at]maine[dot]gov) or 207-446-8692
Winter Outdoor Skills Day in Brewer Sunday, February 22 from 8:30 - 2pm
Penobscot County Conservation Association, Brewer, ME Opportunities to learn/try Ice Fishing, Rifle Shooting, Snowshoe Hiking, and Bowhunting
All ages are welcome, though children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact: Jaime Berard - (207) 287-5220 or jaime.berardmaine.gov (jaime[dot]berard[at]maine[dot]gov)
January Salmon Meetings: Several DETU members and supporters as well as staff from partnering organizations attended these meetings which created many opportunities for future collaboration and volunteer opportunities. Here are two from the Maine Department of Marine Resources (MDMR):
2026 Salmon Egg Planting- Join Maine DMR crew in the field for planting Atlantic salmon eggs in the Sheepscot and Sandy Rivers this season. The link below will bring you to a form with two spreadsheets (one for each river), listing trip date and the number of volunteers needed. Please fill in your name, phone number and e-mail for trip specific details. Trips run into afternoon and are subject to change based on the weather, flows, and egg development. Trip sign-up sheet
Sheepscot River trips: Crews will meet at the parking lot across from Hussey’s in Windsor or Tobey’s parking lot in Palermo at 8:30am. Trips scheduled for 1/28, 1/29 and 2/19.
Sandy River trips: Crews will meet at the park and ride next to Walgreen’s in Farmington at 8:30am. Trips will begin in February.
Contact Jennifer Noll 207-592-2402 or at Jennifer.B.Nollmaine.gov (Jennifer[dot]B[dot]Noll[at]maine[dot]gov) . Bring chest waders, snowshoes, polarized glasses, many layers, a change of clothes, a lunch and plenty of water.
Fry Stocking Maine DMR has asked our chapter for volunteers to help them release Atlantic Salmon fry this spring in the Downeast SHRU. The fry stocking occurs in May and stocking dates will be sent out at that time. Stocking days are subject to change on short notice due to weather, hence the need for a large a pool of volunteers to ensure people are available to help. The stocking is done by hand with 5 gallon buckets. Volunteers will need to have waders or hip boots and be able to carry their bucket into the river and wade upstream, pouring out fry at suitable locations. The distances normally are not long and fry are released in shallow water. DMR is planning a class on safety and fry stocking in April. For more information or to volunteer please contact Rob Packie at (207) 610-0976 or at rbpackiegmail.com (rbpackie[at]gmail[dot]com).
Maine Riverscape Restoration Network 2026 Lunch & Learn A series of webinars covering river restoration science on Thursdays at noon in February and March. The series begins on Feb. 5 with a presentation by Sean Smith, Ph.D. University of Maine, School of Earth and Climate Sciences and Sen. George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions via Zoom. Meeting ID: 993 3452 2304; Passcode: 903230. Email maine.river.restoration.networkgmail.com (maine.river.restoration.
Maine’s 2026 Free Fishing Days February 14-15 Anyone, resident or non-resident, can fish in inland waters without a license. All other fishing regulations, such as bag limits and gear restrictions, remain in effect. Check the statewide list here: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/
DSF Family Ice Fishing Day Six Mile Lake in Marshfield from Feb. 14 10 AM–2 PM A fun, family-friendly day on the ice! Gear & bait provided, free food & drinks. Kids raffle for a lifetime license. Enjoy a Maine winter tradition.Info: www.mainesalmonrivers.org
Penobscot Fly Fishers Cabin Fever Reliever February 28 is the scheduled date of the 2026 Cabin Fever Reliever. There will be speakers and exhibitors representing outdoor groups and hands-on activities.
Maine Sea Grant Internship A paid opportunity to participate in Sea-Run Fish Research. Contact Asia Alosa at Asia.Alosamaine.edu (Asia[dot]Alosa[at]maine[dot]edu) for more information.
SP 859 LD 2141: An Act to Direct a Portion of Unclaimed Beverage Container Deposits to the Lake Water Quality Restoration and Protection Fund, the Maine Working Farmland Access and Protection Program and Public Defender Office Staffing
This bill directs a portion of unclaimed beverage container deposits toward investment in the Lake Water Quality Restoration and Protection Fund and the Maine Working Farmland Access and Protection Program beginning October 1, 2026.It was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES on January 7th.
Dennysville- Starting on December 30, 2025, the Maine DOT will be conducting a large culvert replacement on the Benjamin Lincoln Bridge over Wilson's Stream on Route 1 in Dennysville. The end date for this project is Fall 2026. The contractor for this project is CPM Constructors of Freeport, and the construction contract amount is $5,900,000.
Upper Machias Bay Master Plan public meeting February 23 The Upper Machias Bay Master Plan Leadership Committee was created after major damage from two storms in January 2024 to discuss strategies to prevent future flooding. Contact the Machias Select Board for info.
Future Speakers & Activities
Jan. 28 Ed Halfyard and Carbon Run-Using lime dosers to improve water chemistry, restore salmon and brook trout habitat, and mitigate climate change
Feb. 25 Eric Frohmberg, Entomology for Fly Fishing
March 25 Emily Zimmermann, Maine DEP Triennial Review & Salmon Habitat Program
April 22 Annual Meeting, Spring Raffle Drawing Rising Trout Award. Dan McCaw Penobscot Nation, Restoration on the Penobscot River
May 27 Jacob Scoville Maine IFW **In person only at Helen’s in Machias.
June 13 & 14 Casting Competition at the Pleasant River Fish and Game Conservation Association
TBD-Narraguagus River Clean Up
TU Volunteer Hours from April 1 2025 to March 31 2026 We must file an Annual Activity Report in order to receive member rebates from TU National. Logging your hours helps DETU with fundraising. Remember, your volunteer time begins the minute you step out of your home or office to travel to a meeting or event. Categories:
Communications & Engagement: Attending chapter meetings, writing newsletters, emails, maintaining website and social media, hosting non-conservation events that build community - such as fishing trips, chapter gatherings, fly tying or fishing classes, etc.
Advocacy / Lobbying: submitting testimony to the legislature, writing letters to the editor, supporting national advocacy campaigns, attending public hearings etc.
Conservation & Science: restoration or reconnection projects, water quality studies, insect sampling, temperature monitoring, etc.
Fundraising: planning and hosting in-person and online fundraising activities.
Veterans Services: Project Healing Waters, planning and participating in activities for the military and first responder communities.
Youth Education: Trout Camp, kids fishing days, school and non-school based youth programs and activities such as Trout or Salmon in a Classroom.
Contact Tammy Packie at tpackiegmail.com (tpackie[at]gmail[dot]com) for a sample worksheet. Submit hours to Art Benson at ajbrxyahoo.com (ajbrx[at]yahoo[dot]com) .
Downeast Trout Unlimited Gear: Hats $25, Brook Trout pins $20, Brook Trout Earrings $16.
Downeast Trout Unlimited (DETU) is dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring Maine's cold water fisheries and their watersheds. For membership renewal call 800-834-2419. For NEW memberships go to www.tu.org/join305Downeast.
Mail donations to Downeast Trout Unlimited c/o Arthur Benson Treasurer, 32 Cottage Way Hampden ME 04444. If you have more equipment than you need please consider donating it to help DETU raise money for our conservation and education programs. Please Like & Follow Downeast TU on Facebook or visit https://www.downeasttu.org
