The 2016 Yough River Symposium was a success! The symposium was sponsored by Chestnut Ridge Trout Unlimited with co-sponsors MWA and the Fayette County Conservation District. There were twenty presentations with a broad range of topics. Those in attendance left knowing how they can be involved in local projects. Further, the presenters were in a unique position where they could collaborate with each other which led to a lot of great discussion. Time became an issue as there were many questions from the audience— it was a great problem to have.
The day started with Secretary Cyndi Adams Dunn of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. She set the stage, with great passion about the region, and how important it is to manage what we have in Southwest Pennsylvania. Speakers from various organizations included: the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, US Army Corps of Engineers, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, St. Vincent College, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Wilderness Voyageurs, Ohiopyle State Park, Chestnut Ridge Trout Unlimited, Mountain Watershed Association, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Deep Creek Lake State Park, Fayette County Conservation District, and California University of Pennsylvania.
After these speakers, the day was tied together with a call to action, and left the crowd with the feeling that they know how to be involved. The fun was not over as the group moved to happy hour which we sponsored. Happy hour featured good beer and more interesting talks from local fishing guides. Their talks highlighted how amazing the Yough River is a fishery— “truly world class.”
The symposium was an outstanding event. Being in a room with the local authorities on conservation, ecosystem management, tourism, and more; proved to be an unforgettable experience. Thanks to everyone who took part in the day’s events!