Missouri Trout Hunter

Blog for sharing thoughts, beliefs and opinions on issues affecting the world of trout fishing in the Ozarks.

Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Hickory Creek Clean-up Scheduled

As most of you know, the Ozarks ice storms in January did a massive amount of damage. The Southwest portion of the state got hit the hardest, and many of our little creeks in that part of the state are clogged with downed trees and limbs felled due to more than an inch of ice. Well, the Branson chapter of Trout Unlimited and stepped up to the plate to do something about it, and they're calling on you for help.

This movement started here on Trout Hunter in late January when Britt Graber (Neosho) sent us a fishing report for Hickory Creek. In that report he described how bad the creek looked and asked a fateful question: "I was wondering if any of you here would like to get together this spring get some of this out of there?" That prompted Leonard Keeney of Taneycomo Nights Guide Service to take the reins and make this happen with the help of Branson TU. He's also been in contact with Missouri Dept of Conservation, so efforts can be coordinated. Isn't it beautiful when a plan comes together? If course, it never would've happened without Britt and Leonard, so we all owe them our gratitude.

So, if you're interested in getting together for a little macho, chest-pounding hard work, meeting some new fishing buddies, and helping our state's newest managed trout stream recover, here's what you need to do:

(1) If you have any of the following items, gather them up: Branch Clippers, Chain Saws, Logging Chains, Ropes, Trash Bags (construction grade would be a plus), Waders, Work Gloves, Trucks & Trailers. If you have a sturdy canoe, that might come in handy, too. There will be a cook-out for lunch, so feel free to bring grillable food, coals, chips, pop, etc. It would also be nice if someone took a digital camera. If you burn wood for heat, this is also a fantastic opportunity for you to stock up for next winter by simply coming to haul off the debris.

(2) Show up at Hickory Creek on March 24th. The staging area will be Morris Park, and the gang will start gathering at 8:00am. The park is pretty big and spread out, so you may have to drive around a bit to find the action.

(3) Call Leonard Keeney at (417)-779-8061 if you have any questions. Leonard has been keeping me informed of changes, so I'll update you here, if needed.

My thanks to all of you who have pledged to get involved. Be sure to send me some pictures!


Walt