Top Ten Endangered Rivers Named

American Rivers has released its list of the 10 most endangered rivers in America. The report lists rivers from all sections of the United States including Alaska, California, and right here in the Midwest - the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  See the story on CNN.com including the interactive map. Many of these locations are iconic for fly anglers including the Lower Snake River and the Flathead. Water quality is at the heart of almost every issue that impacts anglers - food quality, biodiversity, agricultural runoff, development and sprawl, ... the list goes on and on. Improving water quality will require push from grass roots groups who keep a constant eye on those in power.  If your an angler - how can you NOT be a water quality activist? 

This seems like a good place to plug some local organizations doing good work in Wisconsin:

River Alliance of Wisconsin

Wisconsin Small Mouth Bass Alliance 

Southern Wisconsin Trout Unlimited (my chapter)

Wisconsin DNR Division of Water

Just a handful worth helping out. 

Trout Buddha

Give Some Thought to That Burger!

The Buddha Talks Food. Again?

Thought I would share with the Zen Trout readers (both of you) a recent story I found while reading this months copy of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine. Anytime I can put food and water quality close together - all the better. During a recent stationary bike workout (yeah 12" of snow will force you indoors) I was able to read how grass fed beef and managed grazing is helping improve trout streams in southwest Wisconsin. Improved pasture practices have a positive impact on erosion, pesticides, and manure run off. Wisconsin DNR Fisheries Biologist Dave Vetrano is quoted in the article saying, "if we could get more farmers into grass-based farming, most if not all of our concerns for waters and trout streams would disappear." Check out the Green Pastures - Green Futures video.

Looking for grass fed beef and other pastured products? Check out Eat Wild.

You can also pick up the December Madison Magazine and find an article about local economic development and how organic farmers are finding local markets for their products. Organic beef producer Bartlet Durand from Black Earth Meats is featured.

Oh well. Shut up and eat your (grass fed) burger! The trout may thank you.

Trout Buddha

Note: Photo compliments of www.publicdomainpictures.net