seanbritt

Good to see some enforcement, lets hope this trend of enforcement continues and the instances of destroying stream beds declines! http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Calgar...3437/story.html

I spoke with the Executive Director of the Parks Foundation, which is the lead organization on the project, about a month ago as I needed the most up to date information for the Lower Bow River Waterproof Mapbok. According to her, the passage is complete but has to undergo hydro testing and an eduction program before it is open to the public. The date of expected opening is 2012.

Has TU (at least the local chapters-Calgary and Banff) issued any statements or calls to action? I know non-profit organizations are limited in their ability to do advocacy work, but there is a certain % of time and resources that can be allocated to this type of work and this event seems to warrant it. Just went on the website and didn't see anything. If anything, this is something to speak out against and organize action around. Also, anyone know if TransAlta is a sponsor of TU? That may have an impact on things.

I've crossed multiple times and used the US military's old policy of "don't ask don't tell"

I carry one for work all the time and always have it loaded ready to go and have never had a problem. What I run into more are defective bangers. Always test one when you have a chance and carry back up (e.g. bearspray) if you can.

I actually have no problem with courteous jet boats. Its the ocean-going monster that was on the river Sunday that was an issue, and makes a bad example for others who do play nice. Seriously, he was more than sea worthy and you could probably live on it 365 days a year. Funny thing is we got it on go-pro. Should try to make a funny clip of it....

Just out of curiosity, has anyone campaigned or inquired in the past about additional enforcement for the lower section of the Bow that is, obviously, the most heavily used (and therefore poached) section of the river? While I know there are other streams in need of oversight, it seems that many folks livelihoods depend on this fishery and having more enforcement presence may help deter folks. Perhaps if enough businesses and individuals campaigned and illustrated the amount of revenue this particular stretch of river generates for the local economy and province, perhaps that will be the business case the government needs to support more enforcement.

Hey Everyone, Many thanks for the positive feedback, I'm so happy to hear folks find the resource useful and quality to boot! I'm really proud of the final product and there are many people on the team to thank, especially those FFC sponsors who are supporting me, a local small business, by carrying the book for the community. Just a note, we are in production of mapbooks for other rivers and sections of the Bow, and would greatly appreciate any thoughts/suggestions/etc. as there is a wealth of knowledge and experience on this board, not just regarding fishing but other realms as well. The best way to provide any feedback is to PM or email me at info@tightlinesproductions.com. In the meantime, hears crossing fingers for clear water and tight lines! Sean

Hey Sean, For what its worth, they'll be a fishing map of the Lower Bow River coming out this Friday that may help give you an idea of some places to hit up. In addition to fishing spots, it also has parking locations, launch locations, walking paths, major roads, hatch charts, river flow rates, suggested flies, etc. Its actually a 4" x 6" waterproof mapbook, and not a fold out map. I donated a few copies to the Streamwatch Auction and some of the local fly shops (also sponsors of the board) will be carrying it. If you can't make it into one of the shops, feel free to shoot me a PM and I can help you out. Sean p.s. For all those on the board, don't worry, I didn't give away any "secret locations", except for Frenchman's Creek that is:)

I've called enforcement on motorized vehicles within the city before and its the fire department you need to call. When I called, they came but the motorized boat had just come off the water, hence they didn't catch them "in action."

Congrats Nigel!

Just got back from a really fun week of bonefishing in Cuba. Interesting observation I made down there. In order for "guides" to be "guides" in Cuba, they need to take both a boating and a guiding course. From the guides I spoke with, they are not allowed to be a "guide" until they have passed both. I know there has been much debate here about regulations for the Bow, but is it just me or does it seem a bit funny that Cuba is more concerned about their guiding regulations than Alberta? From an economic and safety perspective it makes sense-courses would provide some degree of quality control and ensure folks have the appropriate safety training in the event of any mishaps.

Jeffro, Good question. There is one main difference between the two examples you state. That is, archaeology is a destructive science. As soon as you remove the object from its context, you also loose all data along with it. That is why there are so many regulations in place and why only qualified experts are permitted to run archaeological projects. While I think the idea of being a steward is a great one, it is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it helps the government protect our resources, on the other, people can unknowingly cause major disruption to the knowledge of a valuable resource. While I can't speak for why the government enacted the law, I would imagine this would be have played a huge factor in their creation of the act and subsequent revisions. So, just to clarify again (like you said Jeffro, for those folks following), it is illegal to collect historical resources, and states as much with the associated $50k and/or jail time, in the Historical Resources Act. The ammonite example you mention is likely allowed as it was established by a different act. Sean p.s. Thanks for the PM, been meaning to get back to you but its been a crazy day! Will pm later....

Jeffro and Company, Per your question collecting artifacts from the surface, I've re-read the act a few times now, and it states that all resources belong to the Crown. Therefore, it is illegal to collect these resources from public land. If you find something on the surface on your private land, it is still property of the Crown, but you can elect to take care of it (including any necessary curation, etc.) on behalf of the Crown. Alternatively, if you don't wish to take care of it on behalf of the Crown, you can send it to Alberta Culture and Community Spirit in Edmonton. Hope this helps clarify things! Sean

Trailhead/Jeffro, Technically, according to provincial law, collection of any cultural resources on public or private land (that is not your land) is illegal. However, clearly you did not have any ill-intention and if you sent it to Alberta Culture and Community Spirit they would be able to curate it for you. Now, there may be some additional wording in the Historical Resources Act that pertains to "material at risk" e.g. erosion, etc.. I will re-read the act on this aspect and get back to you. I will be giving a presentation tomorrow at 1:00 at Fish Tales. I'll be going over basics of archaeology, what types of sites are found in AB, along the Bow, what different sites look like, what different artifacts look like and what to do if you find something. I'll have coffee on, LOTS of goodies for show and tell, and even some swag to give away (non-fishing related). Jeffro, if you bring in your artifact I could take a look at it and show you how to fill out a form to properly record it. Then you're on your way to being an archaeologist! Don't worry, the police won't be waiting for you, I promise . Cheers, Sean

This was passed along by a friend. Thought folks would enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2n3rMmlCrA

I ran into a seasoned angler once who had good advice: runoff will come when it comes and the river will get as high as it wants to. If you want to fish go out and fish. If you don't, don't. Not scientific, but sums it up for me!

No beer, but I'll make coffee!

No worries. I wasn't trying to single anyone out and realize, after talking with many folks in the angling community, that individuals often come across artifacts when fishing. And to be honest, before I knew the importance of keeping things in their place, I would have collected cool stuff too! I hope to speak not only about what to look for, but what to do (e.g. Location info., what to describe, who to call). I will try to bring some handouts so folks can identify stuff on their own and will also be bringing show and tell items. If I get permission, I'll bring some stuff from the internment camp too.

Hi Folks, I want to give a bit of information regarding archaeology and archaeological sites before individuals head off to collect artifacts. Please note, reading this may save you $50,000 and/or imprisonment! I am a professional archaeologist who is sanctioned and holds permits to conduct archaeology in the province of Alberta, so no, this information isn't coming from an amateur collector. In fact, I discovered a new internment camp during a project last year and conducted fieldwork as late as last Friday. Anyhow, in the event you were not aware, it is against the law to dig for and/or collect historical resources. This term essentially means anything that is over 50 years old, which would be bottles from an old cabin or arrowheads from pre-historic sites. If discovered breaking this law, you could be fined up to $50,000 and/or imprisoned. Specifically, Section 52 of the Historical Resources Act states: Offence and penalty (1) A person who contravenes this Act or the regulations, the conditions of a permit, or a direction of the Minister under this Act is guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of not more than $50 000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than one year or to both fine and imprisonment. (http://www.qp.alberta.ca/574.cfm?page=h09.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779726837) Lawfulness aside, taking archaeological resources essentially erases any data we (the archaeological community) can collect about that site. For folks who have any interest in archaeology, you know that context is EVERYTHING. Spatial data (horizontal and vertical) is key, and once you move something, you take that information away. The law is a bit different in the event you encounter a resource on your private property. In the event you come across an artifact while walking your land or digging in your garden, you can become a steward of that artifact for the people and province of Alberta. However, you cannot dig specifically to recover artifacts. Only sanctioned and permit holding archaeologists can conduct archaeological investigations. Having said all this, I think we as an angling community have an amazing opportunity to add to the culture and history of our province and country. Rivers were the highways of the past. That being said, many archaeology sites are located along rivers. I will be giving a talk at Fish Tales in early April to talk about archaeology, what to look for, what to do in the event of finding something, etc. I hope all those who have an interest in preserving our past will be able to make it! Cheers, Sean p.s. please feel free to P.M. me if you have any specific questions regarding the process and I can either answer directly or point you to the appropriate government regulator.

I had a case of sciatica 2 years ago when working up north. LOTS of stretching, combined with massage, accupuncture and yoga (more stretching), worked for me. Also, began managing the type of work I do so as to not aggrevate it. Other friends who have had it had different treatments (surgery, etc.), and in the end its whatever one thing or combo of things that work best. Anything is worth a shot to help the pain go away.

A question for any stamp and coin collectors. How much (on average) do stamps and coins increase in value over the years? This question stems from many unfounded remarks from friends/family that tell me I should keep my collections rather than sell. However, they can never tell me exactly what the rate of return is on keeping the collection. The only rate of returns I have come up with are by taking (1) initial value (2) today's value. For example, a coin from 1911 worth $1 that is today worth $20 has an average rate of return of .20/year. So, 50 years would yield $10 (if the demand is there). Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Does Chara have a reputation for being a dirty player or was this the first kind of incident for him? Just curious, as in my opinion to have been a malicious act you would have to consider the history of the player as well. For example, if the hit was done by someone who has made such plays in the past then, yeah, it would be more than likely that it was intentional and malicious. However, if the hit wad done by someone who doesn't have a "bad boy" reputation then you need to take that into consideration as well. Either way, why do the politicians have to be getting into it? Don't they have bigger issues to worry about?

I agree with some of the folks here that it comes down to knowing how to fight the fish and using the appropriate tippet. There is nothing more annoying than watching anglers on the river play a fish for an extended period of time simply because they either don't know how to apply pressure or are afraid of loosing the fish. I once helped out a fellow random angler land a fish. He was all the way into his backing and the fish was in the middle of the river. Thinking he had a decent size fish on, I waded out to help him (and lost my $250 camera in the process-the payment for helping out!), only to net a 12" brown! When I asked, he was using a 6wt rod and 3x tippet. After further conversing, it turned out he was new to the sport. I spent some time talking about different ways to apply pressure, etc. and how he has the tools to bring the fish in a lot quicker. I've also been out with a close fishing buddy who landed a 27" brown on a 4 wt in about 1/2 the time of the previous story. Myself, only time I've taken considerable time landing a fish is when I've foul hooked a fish and can't apply the same techniques. In the end it boils down to your skills at that point in time of your evolution as an angler and what tools you need to complement your skills to land that fish healthy and quickly. For some its a 3wt for others its a 7wt.

Like all things fly fishing, I think it boils down to context and personal preference. If you were just starting out, you may choose a 6 over a 5. If you've been at it awhile and only nymph, you may choose a 5. If you only hunt snouts, you may choose a 4wt. If you like to throw your fly to the other side of the river because you don't feel like crossing a bridge to get to the other side, you may want a spey. My personal set up is 4wt for dry, 5wt for nymph, 6wt for streamers. Anything heavier would simply be for preference to your casting style, as no fish in the Bow would require anything heavier than a 4wt to land.