As you’ve come to expect, our expos are dedicated to presenting clear information about environmental issues and conservation. Representatives of conservation and advocacy groups will be with us in Minneapollis and they are eager to explain their missions. We are honoring the work of the West Wisconsin Land Trust throughout the weekend (more on that later).
Examples of the need for conservation and protection are everywhere — the 2007 flooding and devastation of the Driftless portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa; the drought across the northern reaches of the Upper Midwest; the low-water levels of the Great Lakes; invasive species; continuing air and water pollution; irresponsible development and agriculture.
There will be featured presentations on invasive species and efforts to control or eradicate them. We’ve asked Dr. Michael Osterholm, well-known epidemiologist and conservationist to share the evolution his Prairie Song Farm in north east Iowa, approximately 200 acres of farm and wood land that he has turned into a conservation model to restore one major trout stream and re-channel another that once was a brook trout stream. Look for updates as well from the DNR caretakers of the trout streams in the southeast and from Jeff Hastings of Trout Unlimited’s Driftless restoration project.
We invite you to be part of the adventure. The Great Waters Expos are really for you, and we’re proud that they are rooted in the Midwest fly fishing experience, created by Midwesterners for Midwesterners.
WOMEN IN FLY FISHING
We continue our commitment to introducing women to the sport of fly fishing at a reception for women anglers at 1:30 p.m., March 15. Hayward, Wis., guide Wendy Williamson will lead this workshop. The Women Anglers of Minnesota is the host club.
WRITERS WORKSHOP. This is an unparalleled opportunity to pick the writing brains of several published writers and poets. Organized by Maine writer Kathy Scott and featuring poet Larry Gavin, reporter Baird Helgeson and others.
FLY TYING: Expert fly tiers from Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, the Dakotas, Alaska, the West and Canada will be featured on Fly Tiers’ Row. Expo guests can mingle with fly tiers, learn new tying techniques and ask questions.
LIVING RIVER BUG EXHIBIT. Entomologist and award-winning photographer Dean Hansen will be featured with an expanded setting. His live bug show and living stream is worth the price of admission —don’t miss it.
OUR EXHIBITORS
The latest fly fishing rods, reels, fly lines, flies, outdoor wear and watercraft at vendor booths staffed by knowledgeable and helpful industry professionals. Fly fishing lodges from the Midwest, the West, Alaska and Canada. Wildlife and sporting art and a wide assortment of fly tying materials. In addition, spokespersons for local, national and international conservation and fly fishing clubs — Trout Unlimited and the Federation of Fly Fishers among them.
What we’re leading up is memorable weekends of celebration and learning, and with that in mind we’re featuring the bluegrass band Chasin Steel. The band will present a special free concert for all Expo-goers at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 15.
Be sure to sign up for our Great Waters eNewsletters for announcements of performance times. Don’t miss the 2008 Great Waters Fly Fishing Expos. They’re Fly Fishing’s Best.
—Tom Helgeson
Editor, Midwest Fly Fishing magazine
The Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo
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