A couple of decades ago the Chapter was facing an uncomfortable challenge; with the completion of the WI 35 bypass around River Falls, the new four-lane highway promised Wisconsin commuters easier access to jobs in the Twin Cities. Almost immediately developers started lining up to purchase development rights on hundreds of acres surrounding River Falls and the city was expected to almost double in size.
Recognizing what might happen to the Kinnickinnic, a number of initiatives were started to combat the threat. When the farm at the Swinging Gate came on the market, the Kinnickinnic River Land Trust (KRLT) organized enough donors to be able to outbid a prominent developer at the public auction. Kiap-TU-Wish initiated a temperature study on the Kinni to demonstrate the effect that River Falls had on the lower river. The Chapter also funded and produced a beautiful instructional video to illustrate what development would do to the river. And our Education Committee, recognizing that the Chapter had few natural allies in River Falls, decided to acquire some and the first Fly Fishing for Trout clinic was born.
It’s inarguable that progress has been made over the ensuing decades. The Swinging Gate is safely in the hands of the WDNR, the KRLT continues to acquire and protect parcels throughout the watershed, the city of River Falls has decided to remove the dams on the lower Kinni…and the Fly Fishing for Trout clinic is still rolling along, making friends and allies for the Kinnickinnic River.
This year’s clinic will be held on June 1 (free fishing weekend) in Glen Park. The clinic will run from 1:00 to 9:00 PM and will include instruction in casting, entomology, fishing strategies and wading safety. Plus, the Chapter provides supper and guided fishing in the evening. The cost is a mere $20 and registration is as easy as contacting River Falls Parks and Recreation.
We have eight or nine volunteers so far. These folks will walk around and help people with casting, show them the contents of their fly boxes, help them tie a knot and mentor them during the evening’s fishing. It’s a good time, and if you’d like to join us, contact: mikealwin@gmail.com or brian@lundsflyshop.com.
June 1 (free fishing weekend)
Glen Park, River Falls, WI
1 PM -9 PM
Supper provided
Guided fishing in the evening
$20/Register with River Falls
Parks and Recreation
To volunteer:
mikealwin@gmail.com or
brian@lundsflyshop.com
