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| All photos: Copyright Bow River Shuttles 2012 |
The gate at 22X/Fish Creek Park boat launch was open today.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Today along the Bow River - March 2012
The gate at 22X/Fish Creek Park boat launch was open today.
A Tanker Ban: Good or Bad for Canada?
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| Click directly on map for larger image |
An important part of the debate over the Northern Gateway Pipeline revolves around the tanker traffic that would be required along our West Cost to move the oil to off shore markets.
Speaking to one side of the argument is the MacDonald-Laurier Institute, which produced a three essay report on March 16, 2012, titled “Making oil and water mix: Oil tanker traffic on Canada’s West Coast”.
They wrote an op-ed piece that appeared last week in the Calgary Herald. “Crowley, Clemens: A ban on tanker traffic would be bad for Canada”.
On the other side of the debate is the Dogwood Institute. They responded to that report in a blog post, saying in part: “All in all, John’s essay serves up little more than platitudes that do nothing for our marine environments or the communities and jobs that depend on them.”
Still with the Dogwood Institute: About a year ago, they produced a video “From Tar Sands to Tankers”, which is inserted below.
Yesterday, a related article appeared in the Victoria Times Colonist “May calls for tanker ban on oil-spill anniversary”.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Play again
PLAY AGAIN is a new documentary about the consequences of a childhood removed from nature.
Via: CPAWS
Friday, March 23, 2012
Connect: What do you know. A video with a message
Back in mid-January 2012, Bow River Shuttles sponsored the Canadian Premiere of CONNECT.
Here is a review of the movie from Angler’s Tonic .
Connect: What do you know. A video with a message.
Are you getting what you need with your ad dollars in video? In Connect you do.
Posted on February 8, 2012 by Greg Thomas
There are a lot of dollars being sprinkled around fly fishing today, mostly to support video projects that may or may not give a company some air time at one or more of the film tours that roll across the country each year. Their presence on the tour, of course, depends on whether they are even good enough to make the cut. And many of them aren’t.
This support of video isn’t bad news because the potential for that market—and more importantly the potential to reach outside our core people and draw newcomers into the sport—is huge. I’m just waiting for some consistently good material to rise to the top, if it hasn’t already. What I’m getting at is this: fish porn is ok—and some people don’t need anything more than that—but just showing a guy or gal catching fish doesn’t make the cut with me, unless your showing it around a group of guys, fueled by some hard stuff, with music pumping out of high-decibal speakers. Don’t get me wrong. I’m down with that crowd and I’ve attended enough of these things to know that watching jumping fish vids can be fun. I’m just asking, what are you going to do the rest of the time? Rest on the couch by yourself or invite a new girlfriend to sit down and watch? Can you say death sentence. Going to whip up some popcorn for the kids and let them listen to a procession of f-bombs and watch a bevy of scenes where anglers are throwing back the whiskey shots after landing an 11 inch trout, celebrating as if it’s the birth of their first child?
I’m a print media guy and I believe in it to the core. I’m not really enjoying this paring down of ad support for magazines that have carried this industry for decades and continues to do so today. Old, tired? I buy that argument, but myself and others are trying to fuel our pages with content that hasn’t been seen before. And we’re still the best vehicle for manufacturers and service-oriented operations to reach fly fishing’s buying crowd—how else are you going to reach 80,000 really hard-core anglers on a regular basis? With articulate words and sweet imagery? You want to sell product? Go to the trade and consumer shows and peddle your wares and buy advertising in print magazines. And don’t base your decision on whether you are or are not included in the actual text. If that’s a prerequisite and a magazine acquiesces (can you say Fly Fish America) you just flushed your credibility, and any merit of that text for the reader, right down the toilet.
Stonefly Focus & Fly Fishing Photography Part 2
Sun Mar 25 (1:00 pm): Stonefly Focus – Nymphs and Dries
Join Jeff for this session focused on the order of Plecoptera in the insect world; the common stonefly.
Jeff writes: ”since they’re a major food source for our fishy friends across most western streams and rivers they deserve some special attention. We will go over there life cycle as a whole, different species and their habitats. And then most importantly after we understand them, how to imitate them. Hope you can join me!”
Sat Mar 24 (10 am): Fly fishing Photography Part 2 with Lynda McLennan **Special Presentation**
Lynda concludes this two part series by presenting on how to make your fishing photos better with the use of digital alteration.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
World Water Day 2012 - The World Is Thirsty Because We Are Hungry
World Water Day 2012 official video, focusing on the theme of the campaign "Water and Food Security".
World Water Day 2012 - March 22
There are 7 billion people to feed on the planet today and another 2 billion are expected to join by 2050.
Statistics say that each of us drinks from 2 to 4 litres of water every day, however most of the water we ‘drink’ is embedded in the food we eat: producing 1 kilo of beef for example consumes 15,000 litres of water while 1 kilo of wheat ’drinks up’ 1,500 litres.
When a billion people in the world already live in chronic hunger and water resources are under pressure we cannot pretend the problem is ‘elsewhere’.
Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011
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| Photo: Copyright Bow River Shuttles |
Our dogs joined us for a late afternoon shuttle. They are Bichon Shih Tzu, brother and sister from the same litter.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
World Water Day 2012 - Calgary
Tomorrow is UN-Water World Water Day.
Participate by:
- attending Free Lunch or Dinner presentation on local and global water issues;
- check out CAWST - the Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology Youth Action Projects at Bankers Hall;
- or simply reflect on water in your life and how we can all protect this most precious natural resource.
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| Click on poster for larger image |
Bob Dylan's debut album turns 50
50 Years Ago Today: Bob Dylan Released His Debut Album
Album was recorded in six hours for $402
By Andy Greene
Rolling Stone
March 19, 2012
When Bob Dylan's self-titled debut LP hit shelves on March 19th, 1962, it didn't sound anything like the popular music of the time.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
TUC Responds Regarding Leaked DFO Document
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| Photo: Copyright Bow River Shuttles 2012 Lesley Petersen (Biologist) & Jeff Surtees (CEO) Trout Unlimited Canada |
TUC Responds Regarding Leaked DFO Document
In response to concerns of Trout Unlimited Canada members and supporters across Canada regarding potential changes to the fish habitat provisions of the federal Fisheries Act, CEO Jeff Surtees wrote to The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
A press release by a former Department of Fisheries and Oceans biologist, Otto Langer has been widely reported in the media. That press release stated that Mr. Langer had been provided with a leaked government document which says that Cabinet is planning to water down the habitat protection provisions of the Canada Fisheries Act by deleting the habitat protection provisions of section 35 of the Act and replacing it with a new section which does not mention or protect habitat.
The story, as reported by CBC News, can be seen here
TUC’s letter of concern to Minister Ashfield can be viewed here
TUC CEO Talks to Lets Go Outdoors
Trout Unlimited Canada CEO Jeff Surtees talks to Lets Go Outdoors radio regarding potential changes to the fish habitat provisions on the federal Fisheries Act.
Please visit the Lets Go Outdoors website to listen to this interesting interview.
VIA: TUC Newsroom
New Facebook TIMELINE for Bow River Shuttles
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| Click directly on images for larger version |
We’ve just switched all of our Facebook accounts over to TIMELINE. Go have a look and let us know what you think.
While you’re there, please ‘LIKE’ our pages!
And sign up for our newsletter ‘The Stimulator’.
Note: To see more of the "Profile", you need to be registered as a Facebook user. However, this is not required for you to view the other three pages below.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Canada Water Week - March 19-25, 2012
This year's Canada Water Week theme is Discover Your Water Footprint!
Watch this is video to find out more, and visit the website at Canada Water Week
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Roderick Haig-Brown House
Trevor Herriot describes himself as “a prairie naturalist who writes books, essays, and radio documentaries about the intersection of culture and nature on the northern Great Plains.”
Since mid-November 2011 he has been the Writer-in-Residence at the Roderick Haig-Brown House on the northwest edge of Vancouver Island's Campbell River. This continues for a few more weeks, until mid-April 2012.
This video is a short piece on the Writer-in-Residence program and his time there this winter. Some shots of the property and the river, and he gets to talk a bit about the Haig-Brown legacy--which will also be the topic of a lecture he will be presenting for Earth Hour on March 31 (here is some information on that event.)
You can also follow Trevor’s experience at the Roderick Haig-Brown House on his blog, “Trevor Harriot’s Grass Notes”, beginning with his post of Nov 15, 2011.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland
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| Photo, courtesy The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland |
Planning your next fly fishing getaway? On this St Patrick’s Day, check out The Great Fishing Houses of Ireland!
Calgary 2012 TUC National Conservation Dinner - Sold Out
Join Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) and Dinner Chair, Gord Ritchie, Vice Chairman RBC Capital Markets for our 28th Annual National Conservation Dinner & Auction in support of TUC's programs and projects.
Thursday March 22, 2012
Hyatt Regency Hotel
As with previous conservation dinner and auctions, we will have an outstanding array of trips, artwork, fishing gear, wine and much more in our Live and Silent auctions and our raffles.
This year, our live auction features one of the most unique items we have ever had the pleasure of offering, a 1966 Chevelle Super Sport 396.
More information about the Chevelle here
Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011
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| Michelle with shuttle clients. Photo: Copyright Bow River Shuttles 2012 |
Friday, March 16, 2012
Fly Fishing Photography and Still Water Angling
Sat Mar 17 (10 am): Fly fishing Photography Part 1 with Jim McLennan **Special Presentation**
Jim McLennan beings this first instalment of a two part seminar on photography by discussing fly fishing and photography.
Most of you have seen some of the amazing photography from Jim and Lynda McLennan.
Drop by the shop to not only see some great shots but learn from the pros how to take spectacular shots while fishing.
Next week (March 24) is part 2, with Lynda McLennan, presenting on how to make your fishing photos better with the use of digital alteration.
Sun Mar 18 (1:00 pm): Lake Seminar with Wayne P and Ken H
Combination seminar from two lake fishing enthusiasts – Wayne Posyluzny and Ken Hutchinson. Ken’s presentation will be a discussion on what he carries in his boat bag and tips for pram setup.
Wayne’s discussion will focus on fly fishing Alberta’s northern lakes.
This session will be full of good information for the stillwater angler.
Tories 'looking at' Fisheries Act changes
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Federal Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield says policies now in place "inhibit activities of Canadian landowners." Photograph by: Chris Wattie, Reuters , Calgary Herald |
NOTE: This Calgary Herald article (below) did not include several sentences attributed to Elizabeth May from the original Canada.com article. She mentions hunters and anglers may have some ‘sway’ with the Harper government, so we think her words are worth repeating here:
May said most Canadians are unaware of the importance of the Fisheries Act's habitat section.
"It is the strongest piece of legislation we have, full stop," she said.
"It's an old law but it's the cornerstone of environmental law and policy in this country, and federal engagement in a wide range of projects and proposals which otherwise would be considered exclusively provincial.
"This is why this is a death blow. I mean, this is absolutely disastrous."
Ashfield, according to internal documents obtained by Postmedia News through the Access to Information Act, was advised last year that the habitat section is a significant "irritant" for industry groups in Canada.
There has been an aggressive lobbying campaign in Ottawa, with major corporations and industry groups facing off against environmentalist lobbyers.
May said reports that the change may be included in omnibus legislation following the March 29 budget mean there's only a brief window to stop the move.
She said Harper will only listen to Conservative-oriented Canadians such as hunters and anglers, and has shown he won't drop legislation once it's been tabled in the House of Commons.
"Stopping it before it goes into the House is pretty critical and that will take people who have sway with Stephen Harper," she said.
"I'm not one of those people and neither are environmental groups, but if enough Canadians realize this is the cornerstone for protecting the environment perhaps we can get it changed."
Tories 'looking at' Fisheries Act changes
By Peter O'Neil,
Calgary Herald
March 15, 2012
Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield indicated Wednesday that changes are coming to the federal Fisheries Act.
The federal government was blasted by British Columbia New Democrat and Liberal MPs, who accused the Conservatives of trying to "gut" what Green party Leader Elizabeth May calls the "cornerstone" of federal environment policy.
MPs said it's part of a broader plan by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to pave the way for Enbridge Inc.'s proposed Northern Gateway oilsands pipeline to the B.C. coast, since that pipeline would cross hundreds of rivers and streams.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Music by Barry Luft and Jim and Lynda McLennan – Mar 16
Next Concert Friday
March 16th, 2012
Double Bill:
Barry Luft and Jim and Lynda McLennan
Called "Canada's Pete Seeger," Barry Luft's singing has woven rich, colourful threads into the fabric of folk-style music in Alberta for more than 50 years.
Cardel Theatre, Calgary
180 Quarry Park Blvd SE, Calgary
(eastbound on Glenmore Trail, south on 18 St SE to Quarry Park Blvd)
Tickets $15 at the door
Doors open at 7:00 pm; music starts at 7:30
Conservatives, opposition clash over plans to 'modernize' environmental reviews
Conservatives, opposition clash over plans to 'modernize' environmental reviews
May accuses government of gutting the act
“…What they really want is to kill the environmental assessment act, but they dare not say it out loud. This is death by 1,000 cuts." - Elizabeth May
By Mike De Souza,
Postmedia News
Calgary Herald
March 13, 2012
OTTAWA — Conservative and opposition MPs crossed swords Tuesday over recommendations to "modernize" environmental assessments in Canada that could speed up approvals of projects, while weakening reviews of potential impacts.
The controversial recommendations were introduced Tuesday in the House of Commons by a committee that is reviewing the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, originally adopted by the government of former Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney.
Michelle Rempel, a Calgary-based Conservative MP, explained that the 20 recommendations in the report could help the country avoid losing economic opportunities to lengthy reviews that need to be more "efficient" and "effective."
But she was unable to say exactly how proposed changes would have impacted a recent case in which a federal review rejected a proposal to turn a fishing lake into a dumping ground for a new mine after the project was approved by the provincial government in British Columbia.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
International Day of Action For Rivers
March 14 is the International Day of Action For Rivers and Against Dams. Every year, thousands of people around the world lift their voices to celebrate the world's rivers and those who struggle to protect them.
The International Day of Action For Rivers is a day to celebrate victories such as dam removal and river restoration. It is a day to take to the streets, demonstrate and demand improvements in the policies and practices of decision makers. It is a day to educate one another about the threats facing our rivers, and learn about better water and energy solutions.
Above all, it is a day to unite – by acting together, we demonstrate that these issues are not merely local, but global in scope.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Following 'Cod' in Belize, chasing Permit
Hopkins Day 9 from chroniclesofcod on Vimeo.
We've enjoyed following Aaron on his journey to find Permit in Belize. He's managed not only a daily blog post, but also a daily video clip.
Yesterday's clip had a great sound track, plus Aaron at the wheel, blasting through the salty flats!
Canada poised to roll back fish protection laws, biologist claims
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A Grizzly Bear catches a salmon in the Great Bear Rainforest. The Harper government is planning to gut the powers in federal legislation intended to protect fish habitat, making it easier for projects like Calgary-based Enbridge Inc.'s Northern Gateway pipeline to B.C. to clear federal hurdles, according to a retired fisheries biologist who obtained the information from a government source. Photograph by: Handout, Larry Travi |
Canada poised to roll back fish protection laws, biologist claims
Move would make it easier for projects like Calgary-based Enbridge Inc.'s Northern Gateway pipeline to B.C. to clear federal hurdles
By PETER O'NEIL,
Vancouver Sun
March 13, 2012
OTTAWA - The Harper government did not challenge Tuesday opposition allegations that it is poised to “gut” legislation that has been a key tool for decades in forcing industrial and natural resource projects to go through environmental reviews.
“There has been absolutely no decision made with regard to this issue,” Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield told the House of Commons when confronted with the allegations of a former federal fisheries biologist.
Ashfield’s office later released a statement reiterating that no decision has been made but that changes are needed. “Federal fisheries policies designed to protect fish are outdated and unfocused in terms of balancing environmental and economic realities.”
Former bureaucrat Otto Langer made public Monday proposed wording changes in the federal Fisheries Act that he said would make it easier for projects like Calgary-based Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway pipeline to B.C. to clear federal hurdles.
Langer, who worked for the federal government for 32 years, said he was told the change would be included in upcoming federal omnibus legislation following the March 29 budget.
The changes would prohibit activity that would cause an “adverse effect” on “fish of economic, cultural or ecological value.”
The law currently bans activity that results in the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat.
Here is Otto Langer’s press release. The retired biologist says he received some leaked information that the Tories are planning to remove the term “habitat” from the Fisheries Act, undoing decades of habitat protection work.
Source: Paul Harps (On Facebook), Chinook Waters Fly Fishing Club
Monday, March 12, 2012
Run-of-river power projects kill fish
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Outflow at the Mamquam River generating station owned by the Atlantic Power Corporation in Squamish, B.C. Photograph by: Nick Procaylo, PNG |
NOTE: We recently posted a story about the Kokish River. That river is mentioned in this article.
Run-of-river power projects kill fish
Freedom-of-information documents detail death of salmon, steelhead due to water fluctuations
By Larry Pynn,
Vancouver Sun
March 11, 2012
The Mamquam River pours cold and fresh off the Coast Mountains, forming pools and canyons and chutes of white water on its way to the Squamish River and Howe Sound.
It was a natural place for federal fisheries biologists to assemble on an August 2010 weekend for swift-water safety training. Like the river itself, however, their exercise took an expected turn.
Rather than watch the Mamquam flow predictably to the sea, the biologists were dismayed to witness the water levels fluctuate wildly — and with dire consequences.
Young steelhead were dying, stranded without water.
The culprit? The Capital Power run-of-river hydro plant, located just upstream.
Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011
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| Photo: Copyright Bow River Shuttles 2012 |
Wildlife along the Bow River!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Fly Life Magazine - March 2012
Check out one of the feature articles “Dave Redington: The Man Who Changed an Industry” in this issue of Fly Life Magazine.
It’s an interesting mini history lesson on the 'life and times' of the founder of Redington Fly Rods in Stuart, Florida.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Today along the Bow River - Mar 10, 2012
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| All photos: Copyright Bow River Shuttles 2012 |
Off to slay the trout!
On the water again!
Fly Fusion Magazine - Spring 2012
Be sure you check out the tying article “The Golden Stonefly”, with words and photos from Brent Piche, in the current issue of Fly Fusion Magazine.
Brent hangs his hat at Country Pleasures Fly Shop in Calgary.
Friday, March 9, 2012
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