The Upper Pecos Watershed Association and the Truchas Chapter helped open the Forked Lightning Ranch unit of the Pecos National Historical Park to fishing this autumn. This pilot program will begin on September 4th and runs through November 3rd. This program is somewhat modeled after the one on Valles Caldera. The main difference is that there are only three fishing beats. Each beat is roughly one mile long and up to three anglers are allowed on each beat. One is only available on a first come first served basis. The other two can be reserved by fax or mail. Currently they do not take reservations over the internet. The FAX number is 505-757-7207. Their mailing address is Fishing Program/ Pecos NHP, PO Box 418, Pecos NM 87522.
The Truchas Chapter of Trout Unlimited has started a Rio Grande Cutthroat Restoration Fund last year. The monies in this fund are to assist governmant agencies and non-profits like the Truchas Chapter and New Mexico Trout carry out specific Rio Grande Cutthroat restoration projects. The High Desert Angler is lending support to the Truchas Chapter by carrying some great Truchas Chapter branded merchandise. These ballcaps and shirts look terrific and sport the Truchas logo. All money for merchandise sold goes into the Restoration Fund. Come into the High Desert Angler and have a look at this stuff and help the Truchas Chapter restore our native fish.
The Valles Caldera Trust has opened the East Fork to fishing on the Valles Caldera National Preserve a few weeks ago. To apply, use this link to their website at /www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/fish/EastFork.aspx. Otherwise access the East Fork reservation page from their home page by clicking on Come Visit. Then click on the fishing tab and select East Fork. I've already heard some very positive reports from anglers fishing the East Fork recently.
The New Mexico State Game Commission has enacted a two fly only rule for the quality waters of the San Juan. This rule will go into effect on July 1st. As a result, Game and Fish officers are starting to make their appearance on the San Juan. They are informing fly fishers of the "two fly" rule, but also checking licenses and for barbed flies. They recommend that you completely file the barb down or risk a citation. They check for a barb by running your tippet over the bend of the hook. If the tippet catches on your "pinched" barb you may get cited.
The Department of Game and Fish is seeking individuals interested in serving as advisors for the Habitat Stamp Program. As volunteers, advisors review and prioritize habitat improvement proposals and forward their recommendations to the State Game Commission. Since 1990, all anglers, hunters and trappers who use U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands must purchase a Habitat Stamp. The Habitat Stamp Program then uses the $5 stamp fee for on-the-ground habitat improvements. Citizens have been involved in every aspect of the program, advising which habitats are most in need of improvement. Citizens represent sporting, environmental, or public land permittee interests and meet each spring to prioritize local habitat proposals. Citizens serve 3-year terms. "We have five regional Citizen Advisory Committees to involve citizens early on in the project-planning process," said Dale Hall, Habitat Stamp Program manager. "What separates this program from other typical government programs is its citizen participation. Currently we are looking for volunteers to assist the Department in incorporating New Mexico’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy for New Mexico into project selection and design processes.” Appointed by the State Game Commission, 14 current Citizen Advisory Committee members’ terms expire December 2008. Expiring terms include eight sportsmen and two each of environmentalists and permittees. They meet in April each year and attend field tours in summer months. To volunteer, contact Dale Hall at (505) 222-4725 or at dale.hall@state.nm.us before Oct. 15.
