Bow River Shuttles

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

TUC Tackle Swap & BRS Used Drift Boat Sale - April 21

TUC Tackle Swap & BRS Used Drift Boat Sale

TUC - Bow River Chapter

2012 Tackle Swap

19th Annual Used Equipment Sale

Saturday April 21.

10 am - 12 noon

South Calgary Community Association

3130 16 St SW

***Garage Sale Format***

Call now to reserve your table

$25 each. Limited numbers available

Table set up: 9 am - 10 am

Sale: 10 am - 12 pm

Cleanup: 12 pm - 1 pm

Sell your own used fishing gear

$25 table charge, some restrictions apply

You sell, you get the best deal possible

To book your table, or for sale info, contact:

Craig Robillard 403-251-4803 (h)

403-968-8788 ©

craiglr@gmail.com

Bow River Shuttles - 8th Annual - Used Drift Boat Sale

In conjunction with, and in support of,

the TUC - Bow River Chapter Tackle Swap 2012

Same Date. Same Time. Same Location.

drift boats, jon boats, pontoon boats, etc.

Fee: $25 per boat

Cheques payable to: "Trout Unlimited Canada-Bow River Chapter"

Limited boat stalls available.

To book a boat stall, contact:

Michelle Magotiaux

Bow River Shuttles

403-278-9165

michelle@bowrivershuttles.com

Beattie Outdoor Productions - 2011 ICE OUT Shoot Out

RA Beattie of Beattie Outdoor Productions winning submission at the 2011 Shoot Out film competition sponsored by The Drake Magazine.

Environment issues largely missing from election campaign

Alberta’s oilsands and their environmental legacy — perhaps the single issue that most defines the province’s economy and relationship with the world — has been largely absent from political debate since the provincial election was called, observers say.

Photograph by: Chris Schwarz, Edmonton Journal

Alberta election 2012: Environment issues largely missing from election campaign

By Trish Audette,

edmontonjournal.com

April 14, 2012

EDMONTON - Alberta’s oilsands and their environmental legacy — perhaps the single issue that most defines the province’s economy and relationship with the world — has been largely absent from political debate since the provincial election was called, observers say.

Over the last three weeks, the race for control of the legislature, seen by many as a battle between Alison Redford’s Progressive Conservatives and Danielle Smith’s Wildrose, has been occupied by public-versus-private health care questions, talk of how to balance budgets and spend surplus energy revenues, and discussion of “conscience rights” and MLA accountability. That mash-up of debates has pushed the cleanup of oilsands tailings ponds or greenhouse gas emissions off the agenda, apart from campaign promises made by NDP leader Brian Mason and Alberta Liberal leader Raj Sherman, both of whom are polling low among decided voters.

Chris Severson-Baker, managing director of the Alberta-based environmental think-tank Pembina Institute, notes the future of the province depends not just on the oilsands themselves, but the world’s perception of the oilsands.

“(The environment) hasn’t been discussed at great length, which is surprising of course because the development of the oilsands resource and (related) environmental concerns ... especially those expressed by our markets, the international community where Alberta wants to sell the oil, is a huge issue,” says Severson-Baker. “It’s such a big issue that the previous government was dealing with right up to when the election was called.”

If Severson-Baker could offer a wish-list of environmental issues for leaders to discuss before Albertans cast ballots on April 23, he said he would like to see conversations about credible strategies to combat climate change, strengthening tailings ponds cleanup laws, and enhancing the bio-diversity of the oilsands region as mining areas are reclaimed.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

SIMMS Spring trip to DePuy Spring Creek, MT

SIMMS Spring trip to DePuy Spring Creek, MT from Detonation Studios on Vimeo.

Ian Majszak (who is, at the time of this writing, competing in the Simms Shoot Out) joined joined a group of about 30 on the water for the day to shoot this video.

Alberta water the elephant in the room during provincial election campaign

Alberta water is particularly vulnerable because of oil, agriculture and a water market in the province

Provincial government has not been a

prudent steward of Alberta water

Photo: Beacon News

Jo Ann Lawrence

April 12, 2012

Troy Media – by Doreen Barrie

If I were a candidate in the Alberta election, I would be a single-issue candidate.

The issue is one that transcends ideology, gender, ethnicity, religion, class or anything else that divides the population. The issue is water – a substance so precious that humans and other life forms cannot survive without it. Yet, this Cinderella of resources, is taken for granted and used recklessly without a thought for our future or that of generations to come.

Not many people know that:

• The amount of water we have on this planet is finite and can only be increased if an ice comet lands on Earth

• Less than one per cent of all water is fresh

• Approximately 1.5 billion people depend on ground water for drinking

• Consumption is doubling every 20 years

• Half the wetlands in the world, which act as filters and flood buffers, have been lost.

• Water injected into formations for enhanced oil recovery and fracking are lost to the environment

Water in Alberta is particularly vulnerable due to its use in the oil industry, the amount of irrigation in the province and because the Water Act has created a water market in the province.

Two pillars of the Alberta economy – oil and agriculture – are heavy users of water. There is extensive water use in the production of oil from the oilsands, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and enhanced oil recovery. However, irrigation for agriculture is the largest user of water in the province.

Have a look at the feature article Brown Trout Country: West Central Alberta by Nick Sliwkanich.

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011

Monday, April 16, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

Shooting It Out In Montana

Photo courtesy, Simms

2 Filmmakers. 1 Guide. 60 Hours. 6 Minute Film. Go!

In the next 10 days, you are going to hear some more about ICE OUT. In short, ICE OUT is Simms’ biggest event of the year – an event where we invite our Pro Guide community to our hometown of Bozeman, Montana. Here they meet the Simms Team, tour our facility, engage in Seminars provided by industry leaders, test their skills in the Guide Olympics…and that is just a sampling. It is the fly fishing industry’s largest professional guide event. And it is seriously fun.

For the second year, the ICE OUT will also feature an event that we think is poised to become an industry leader itself – the ICE OUT Shoot Out Film Competition. Sponsored by our good buds over at Costa and The Drake Magazine, the Shoot Out is a highly unique event. It goes something like this: teams of 2 filmmakers are paired with a Simms Guide Ambassador (the cream of the crop) to shoot and produce up to a 6 minute film in 2-and-a-half days.

Seems easy, right? Happens on a lot of weekends across the country, you say. However, this event pits filmmaker with a guide they don’t know. They meet at the event’s kickoff meeting hours before the shooting starts. They have to shoot in Montana…and they have to include the “secret prop” to assure they shot the footage this week. The chaos leads to inventive shooting and concepts fueled by tons of coffee and funyuns.

The end result of all of this madness is the Shoot Out competition held Thursday, April 19 in Bozeman, Montana. The guides who are part of ICE OUT vote for their favorite via text and the winner walks away with some great prizes (and cash!).

This year, we will bring the Shoot Out to the masses with a People’s Choice Award to be selected by the public at large (that means you). That will commence after ICE OUT, so stay tuned. For now, here is the winner of last year’s Shoot Out. We have a few new players in the 2012 Shoot Out, check them out here.

Click on this link to access links within the above text

Alberta Election 2012 - Watershed Issues (part 3)

Danielle Smith is the leader of the Wildrose party. A key aspect to the
Wildrose energy platform is to "encourage understanding and support
(for the energy sector) while resisting efforts by other governments and
authorities to hinder growth through regulation," which
columnist Deborah Yedlin calls "poppycock."
Photograph by: Ed Kaiser, Edmonton Journal

Yesterday, we posted two video presentations by Brad Stelfox on the subject of regional development plans. Today, we give you columnist Deborah Yedlin's take on the subject.

Wildrose push for property rights changes would serve little purpose

By Deborah Yedlin,

Calgary Herald

April 11, 2012

It's time to talk about what has made Alberta what it is today - a wealthy province with an educated population in an enviable position of being the place where the world wants to do business.

Some of this is the result of the dumb luck of its natural resource endowment, but it also relates to the fact the natural resources are owned by the province, not the federal government, that land rights are owned by the Crown, not the individual - as is the case in south of the border - and the royalty structure encourages exploration and development.

To be sure, there was a big hiccup under former premier Ed Stelmach on the royalty structure, but one is hard pressed to hear quibbling about royalties today. The real concerns in the oilpatch these days have to do with issues such as the development of new export markets, low natural gas prices, the regulatory burden, industry's social licence to operate and access to resources.

This last point includes property rights. In the current Alberta election campaign, the Wildrose party has made the point that without protection and preservation of property rights, the economy would cease to function.

True.

But given the strength of the Alberta economy, one would be hard-pressed to suggest the existing legislation governing property rights has had a negative impact on economic growth.

As an example: Is Bill 36 perfect?

No.

But having regional development plans is absolutely critical for certainty of land access; where things arguably might need to be tweaked is the split between regulation and policy - and what better achieves the desired ends.

The point, really, is that changing existing legislation to address one perceived problem does nothing but create uncertainty; no one knows what is coming, how long it will take and what the changes might be.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

Sunday April 15, 2012. 10:00 am. -3.0 °C. Light Snow.
Photo: Copyright Bow River Shuttles All Rights Reserved

Alberta Election 2012 - Watershed Issues (part 2)

Regional Planning For Alberta - The Need for a Land Use Framework

Alberta is busier than ever. The past 100 years have seen incredible exponential growth and it's only going to get busier. The economy is strong and healthy, opportunities abound, and the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well.

But with this growth comes the challenge of managing the building of our future with a sustainable and well planned vision that will ensure the continued prosperity of our province, not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren.

This presentation (from Brad Stelfox) opens an important conversation about economic, social, and ecological integrity of the province we call home - Alberta.

Watch Video Here

Alberta Election 2012 - Watershed Issues

Brad Stelfox Comments on Alberta Land Use and the Need for Regional Planning

Brad's casual on-camera discussion about the big picture regarding regional land use planning for Alberta.

Brad Stelfox comments on planning future land use in Alberta, and asks Albertans to ask their candidates in the next provincial election about where they stand on this important issue.

Watch Video Here

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

Victory is Mine!

Day 46 Texas from chroniclesofcod on Vimeo.

Aaron Caldwell (Fish Tales Fly Shop guide) finally gets his first Texas redfish!

You can read about it here on his blog post “Victory is Mine”!

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011

Friday, April 13, 2012

McKinnon Flats Ice Out – Good, Bad & Ugly

The Good: Over the past 48 hours, the ice has diminished to the point where there is now open river bed, from the parking lot to the edge of the water. Assuming the river bottom can support the weight of your vehicle, you could back a trailer to the water..

The Bad: The switchback road down to the parking lot is extremely muddy and slippery after yesterday’s snow and rain. We got stuck coming back up.

The Ugly: AMA will not pay for a tow truck to this location. They deem anything beyond the McKinnon gate to be ‘not a public road’ (i.e. private property). Therefore, the tow truck they send is on your own dime. A lot of dimes, actually.

Good work

Joshua Reichert, Washington, D.C. Joshua Reichert
is managing director of the Pew Environment Group.

A few days ago, we posted two articles related to the recent Federal Budget and its impact on NGOs, environmental NGOs in particular.

One of the was "NGOs should reveal funding sources” by Deborah Yedlin.

In response, the following letter to the editor appeared today.

Good work

By Joshua Reichert,

Calgary Herald

April 13, 2012

Re: "NGOs should reveal funding sources," Deborah Yedlin, Opinion, April 7.

Deborah Yedlin calls the Pew Environment Group's work in Canada "obstructive." Our track record - including our work with partners across Canada - tells a very different story.

Pew focuses on globally significant environmental issues, including conservation of the North American boreal, the world's largest remaining intact forest, and protection of the fragile Arctic Ocean ecosystem. In Canada, we work closely with local citizens, businesses and governments, and do so with a commitment to transparency and utmost respect for the rule of law.

Americans and Canadians have collaborated for more than a century to safe-guard our shared natural re-sources. Together, we have invested billions of dollars and countless hours to re-store the Great Lakes and Pacific salmon, conserve wetlands and forests for waterfowl and songbirds, and stop acid rain. Most recently, Pew has partnered with the Canadian timber industry to protect caribou and market Canada's boreal forest products in the United States.

We are proud of our work in Canada. We believe the public is best served by a thoughtful, constructive dialogue on how both countries can, working together, best manage the continent we all share.

Joshua Reichert, Washington, D.C. Joshua Reichert is managing director of the Pew Environment Group.

Readers may be interested in this interview with Joshua Reichert from Sport Fishing Magazine on May 14, 2009.

Pew's Reichert Talks to Anglers

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

There wasn't much call for our shuttle service today.

So, for the second photo, we'll roll the clock back a couple of days. :-)

National Wildlife Week, Pike, Sage Demo Day & Fitness for Anglers

Click directly on poster for larger image

Sat Apr 14 (10:00 am – 4:00 pm): National Wildlife Week

Join Bow Habitat Station April 14th, 2012 as we celebrate National Wildlife Week! This event aims to inspire families to celebrate and learn more about wildlife in Alberta.

In addition to the free outdoor Walk for Wildlife, visitors can also explore the Discovery Centre and Fish Hatchery at a special event price of $5 per person (children 4 and under – free)!

More details & RSVP here

Sat Apr 14 (10:30 am - noon): Fly Fishing for Pike

Covering topics including:

equipment setups
flies
reading bathymetric maps
tools of the trade
care and handling of big pike
casting and retrieving

Bring some pics and your stories.

Southbow Fly & Tackle

Sat Apr 14 (10 am): Sage "Demo" Day and FREE casting tune-ups

Join Ruben Breitkreutz, Sage regional representative, and CP staff on the river to try out new rods, single, two handed and switch.

Also, we will be holding the Rio Gold Distance Challenge. Test your skills and win Rio prizes!

To get your rod arm warmed up for the upcoming season CP staff will be giving casting tune-up lessons FREE of charge.

Everyone is welcome but please RSVP if you're interested in attending.

Country Pleasures Fly Shop - Seminars

Sun April 15 (1:00 pm): Fitness for Anglers

Ever feel sore after day of rowing, challenging wading, or heavy nymph session? Shoulders and back a little tight from all the tying you’ve been doing?

Join us for this session presented by Nicole, a certified yoga instructor and friend of Fish Tales. She’ll give you some stretching techniques to alleviate some of that discomfort.

Fish Tales Fly Shop - Seminars

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 201

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

A weather forecast of 14 °C was all it took to get out on the river today!

The Patagonia Journal – Spring 2012

Check out the feature article about “Fly Fishing the most beautiful river in Patagonia, the Rivadavia”.

The Patagonia Journal – Spring 2012

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

Environmental NGOs – Funding Issues

Sun News Network pundit Ezra Levant (left) and Tides Canada director Ross McMillan (right)

The recent Federal budget included provisions that targeted Environmental NGOs. Here are a couple articles that explore that topic.

NGOs should reveal funding sources

By Deborah Yedlin,

Calgary Herald

April 9, 2012

Despite cries of an impending witch hunt, last week's move by the federal government to push for more transparency in the funding of not-for-profit environmental organizations is a move in the right direction.

The budget outlined that not-for-profits will have to provide more information in the context of their political involvement as well as disclose how much of their dollars come from foreign sources.

It's about time.

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011

Monday, April 9, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

Reeling in the magic of a little nation

Calgary Herald Playwright AJ Demers, inside of Hanson’s Fishing Outfitters on Thursday March 29 2012 in Calgary, whose new play The Whimsy State of Outer Baldonia tells the story of how three fishing buddies created their own country, off the Nova Scotia coast, around 1948, and opens at the Luncbox April 2.

Photograph by: Dean Bicknell, Calgary Herald

Reeling in the magic of a little nation

By Stephen Hunt

Calgary Herald

April 4, 2012

The Whimsy State takes the form of a bar story

Playwrights find stories the way some people find spare change in the pocket of old pants.

In Calgary playwright AJ Demers’ case, it was a story about three fishing buddies who decided to create a new country out of their favourite fishing hole, a small island off the Nova Scotia coast.

“Years ago, a friend handed me a magazine article on micronations,” says Demers, “and (said), this might be something great to write. “I looked at it,” he adds, “and went, absolutely! And Baldonia (the name of the country in question) absolutely jumped off the page.”

Read more here

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

Palometa Pursuit

Kevin from Red Deer chasing permit during the last week in March.

Looking back along the Bow River - Season 2011

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

Trout Unlimited Canada Conservation Dinner and Auction hooks great support

Jim Peplinski attends the Trout Unlimited Canada Conservation Dinner.

Photograph by: Bill Brooks , for the Calgary Herald

Trout Unlimited Canada Conservation Dinner and Auction hooks great support

By Bill Brooks,

Calgary Herald

April 6, 2012

Calgary is on a spending roll with records being smashed left and right. The recent tarp auction saw more than $4 million being spent. And fundraisers are raking in the dough like never before. There is perhaps no better example of this than the Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) Conservation Dinner and Auction held recently at the Hyatt.

The dinner raised — wait for it — $1,025,000, bringing the net total raised to almost $10.5 million since its inception in 1986. Funds raised support myriad programs including stream restoration, scientific research and providing education through its Yellow Fish Road program.

And in a stunning show of support, Gordon Ritchie, dinner chairman and vice-chairman, RBC Capital Markets, presented a cheque for $150,000 on behalf of Blue Water Project. This will enable TUC to increase riparian health, and improve water quality in the Drywood Creek Watershed system in southwest Alberta. Working in collaboration with Drywood-Yarrow Conservation Partnership and Southwest Alberta Conservation Partnership, agricultural producers will be engaged to protect sensitive riparian areas from cattle grazing by installing protective fencing and off-stream livestock watering systems.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Today along the Bow River - April 2012

Decisions, decisions.
Photo: Copyright Bow River Shuttles All Rights Resercved