President's Letter 2025
As I sit at my desk, I am amazed that 2024 has gone by so quickly. I have decided that the primary reason for this rapid passing of time is that there is never a dull moment at Clackamas River TU. We have been busy! We believe that our work makes a difference, and your contribution is a major reason why our efforts are successful. Thank you for your continuing support.
​
As we look forward to 2025, it helps us to reflect on the work we do. Clackamas River TU activities focus on conservation, education, fly fishing, partnerships, and creating opportunities for people to join in activities designed to improve the environment for our northwest cold water fish populations.
​The Chapter led the removal of a dam on the North Fork of Eagle Creek. The removal of this small dam on private property opened 8 miles of spawning and rearing habitat on a critical tributary on the Lower Clackamas.​​
​​The Cub Creek Restoration Project is our biggest and most complex undertaking. This Stage 0 restoration at the confluence of Cub Creek and the Upper Clackamas is the first of its kind in Mt. Hood National Forest. The reconnected flood plain now exceeds 20 acres and provides excellent spawning and rearing habitat in a critical reach of the upper basin. The project wrapped up in November with the help of 18 TU volunteers and our USFS partner to plant 600 trees in the riparian slope of the project.
​
A highlight each year is our annual 4-day Youth Fly-Fishing and Conservation Camp. Participation in this unique camp offers youth the opportunity to join with a cadre of adult volunteers in a remote location to gain new knowledge, learn new skills, and gain an appreciation for the environment that supports our fisheries. As you can imagine, the costs of conducting camp increase each year. The cost to provide a remote camp is our biggest expense. We keep fees low to ensure that all campers have an opportunity to attend, and sponsorships are available to those who can’t afford our full fee of $250. The balance of the expense is covered from our general fund. In just a few days, we create a primitive, sustainable camp environment that brings kids and adults together in ways that build understanding of their diverse skills and abilities. And all of us benefit from the distractions of our normal lives!
In addition to these special activities, our Chapter meetings occur ten times a year at Hopworks on Powell as a group for our general meetings where we provide speakers, discussions, and an opportunity for networking. Please consider joining us.
We are proud that as an all-volunteer organization, we can accomplish the work we do. The gift of time from our volunteers and your generous financial support makes this possible, we are grateful for your support. Please bookmark our website, follow us on Facebook, and join us in person at Hopworks on SE Powell Ave. in Portland or virtually on Zoom on the second Tuesday of each month for our general membership meeting.
​
Thank you for supporting us in our ongoing work.
​
Ruth Ann Tsukuda, President
Clackamas River Chapter, Trout Unlimited
