Welcome to the Mason-Griffith Founders Chapter, Trout Unlimited
From the President
Written by President Mark Hendricks
In the past few weeks we’ve lost two absolute titans of the conservation world, Cal “Rusty” Gates and Dr. Joe Kutkuhn, inarguably two of the most powerful and influential riverkeepers and resource advocates in Michigan.
Rusty, well-known as the owner and proprietor along with his wife, Julie, of Michigan’s oldest fly shop, Gates Au Sable Lodge, was also the founder and president of the Anglers of the Au Sable from it’s inception in 1987, a group that prevailed against tremendous odds in several landmark and precedent setting coldwater conservation legal cases. From the Savoy Energy proposed drilling situation in the Mason Tract to the Kolke Creek/Hayes 22 site problem to the annual river cleanup in September and much, much more, Rusty was always at the forefront. He was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the coveted 1995 Fly Rod & Reel Magazine “Angler of the Year” for his many conservation efforts. Remarkable as these achievements were, to me the thing that is most memorable about Rusty, and unknown to a many people, is that he truly was the proverbial Good Samaritan. I am personally aware of a number of times where he just picked up the ball and helped out someone in need, whether it be making phone calls to help someone find a job, getting somebody’s broken vehicle repaired when the owner couldn’t afford it, paying to have a load of firewood delivered to a someone in need, or any number of other similar actions, Rusty just did it and never mentioned a single word about it to anyone. If you weren’t around to see it when it happened you’d never know about it. Not only that, often the beneficiary of Rusty’s actions never even knew who did it. Quiet, unassuming and very well respected, that’s just the way Rusty was.
Everything that Rusty was to the Au Sable River system, Joe Kutkuhn was to the Upper Manistee. Joe had a Masters Degree in Fishery’s Management and was well known and respected around the entire United States. He retired after 34 years with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, including twice receiving the U.S. Interior Department’s Meritorious and Distinguished Service awards. Since moving to Grayling in 1987, Joe was the Chairman of the Upper Manistee River Restoration Committee for 20 years, Past-President of the Upper Manistee River Association, Fisheries Coordinator of Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited, Founder and first Chairman of the Head Waters Land Conservancy, Board member of Huron Pines RC & D, Chairman of the Griffith Foundation, Board member of the Mason-Griffith Founders Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Citizen Advisor for the Natural Rivers designation for the Upper Manistee River. I’ve known Joe since 1997 and was honored to be able to say he was my friend.
Our condolences go out to both the Gates and Kutkuhn families. Both of these remarkable men touched so many people’s lives in so many ways, both personally and through the work they’ve done. They leave a legacy that will last for generations. We all owe it to them to continue to fight the battles in which they so prominently figured over the years as well as those that arise in the future. There are indeed some very, very big waders to fill in northern Michigan.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 06 January 2010 07:32
2010 Board of Directors Elections
Written by Administrator
This year, there are four board positions up for election. Three of the candidates are current board members and one candidate is new - Thomas Buhr, President of the Au Sable Big Water Preservation Association. He is running to replace the position vacated by Bruce Patrick, a long-time board member. Bruce has opted not to run for the board but has agreed to stay on in an advisory capacity. He’s been an active and influential resource advocate and we’re glad to be able to keep him available.
Board of Directors Elections - February 6, 2010 at the Grayling Ramada Inn
Vote for not more than four candidates
Bob Andrus Tom Buhr Paul Mesack Jim Wilkinson Write-In
For PROXY votes please indicate your selections in an e-mail to Mark Hendricks @
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Midwest Fly Fishing Expo
WE NEED YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
I’m asking once again that all Mason Griffith Founders Chapter Members PLEASE SEND US YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION ESPECIALLY EMAIL ADDRESSES. We are trying to get a current and accurate data base with which we may more easily contact chapter members and keep them apprised of our projects and activities, as well as news and items of interest pertaining to conservation issues. We will not disseminate this information to anyone outside the Chapter Board of Directors.
Please send your information to:
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