Happy
 BirthdayTU

By: Tom Deschaine

In 1950, two men, Mr. George Mason, president of American Motors and Mr. George Griffith, a textile salesman and conservationist, had a chance meeting on the banks of the Au Sable River.  The two men discussed the need for an organization, similar to Ducks Unlimited, that would help to preserve trout fishing for many generations to come.   Discussion groups made up of prominent Michigan sportsmen continued for several years, slowly working out the details of what would become the nations leading river and fisheries conservation organization.

On July 18, 1959 on a stretch of the Au Sable River known as the ‘Holy Waters’, George Griffith and fifteen other sportsmen met to finalize the formation of Trout Unlimited.  The meeting was held at George Griffith’s cabin known as the ‘Barbless Hook’.  Among those present were personalities such as Lon Adams, Fred Bear, Art Neumann and Casey Westell, Jr.

This event led to the first organizational meeting held on September 5th, 1959 in Grayling where Trout Unlimited was incorporated, with over 250 people in attendance.  At that time in history TU was guided by the simple philosophy that, “if we take care of the fish, then the fishing will take care of itself.”

It seems only fitting that on July 18th , fifty years later, on the banks of the Au Sable River, that a birthday celebration should be held.  The Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited decided to do just that. 

The party was held on the Department of Natural Resources, Rayburn property just a few miles east of the city of Grayling.  The event was completely free to all river users including tubers, kayakers, canoeists, and fishermen.  The gala event kicked off in full strength about 9:00 A.M.  The impending overcast and rain may have dampened the grounds, but not the spirits of the attendees.  Michigan trout fisherman showed up in mass, as well as a contingency of out-of-state people.

The day’s activities were well planned. MCTU went out of their way to make sure that the events were informative, fun and interactive.  It was truly a very special event.  Michigan conservation groups and local TU Chapters were well represented.  The events of the day included bucket raffles, static displays, games, contests, auctions, art displays, several local venders, food and beverages.  For the kids there was face painting and fly tying.  During late afternoon and early evening live entertainment was provided.

The highlight of the afternoon was the award presented to State Representative Rebecca Warren of Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Representative Warren was presented the ‘Hexagenia Award’ by the Michigan Council of Trout Unlimited for her dedication and work on the large volume water withdrawal legislation that was passed last year, along with the Water Compact.  She has pledged future support to TU and its causes.

For those of you who volunteered to help at the event, a heartfelt thank you.  It is the dedication of the TU members and their supporters that make events like this a great success!

Today, Trout Unlimited boast of over 140,000 members and 400 chapters.  Their mission today is simply to conserve, protect and restore coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.  It is strictly a volunteer organization spending  countless hours on stream improvement projects, organizing banquettes, writing newsletters, holding meetings and hosting fundraising projects.  It is the tireless efforts of the local chapters that has made TU the organization that it is today.

The National TU Convention (the official 50th Birthday Celebration) will be held from Aug. 17-23 at the Grand Traverse Resort, in Traverse City, Michigan.  If you missed the ‘local’ party in Grayling, here’s your chance to really celebrate!

See you on the water…..

Copyright 2009©Deschaine