Constructed in 2011. this fish ladder is dedicated in memory of Lawson M. Cary, Jr., for his relentless efforts to protect the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed and restore its native fisheries and wildlife. His leadership, volunteerism and desire to preserve our rivers and their native brook trout made possible habitat restoration projects such as this, to protect the “Brookies” and their surrounding environment. It was his unyielding passion that has forever made him A TRUE RIVER HERO.

With sincere thanks from the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, Trout Unlimited and the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management - Division of Fish & Wildlife.

(Following is the presentation by Ron Marafioti, President of Trout Unlimited Chapter 225, of the Lifetime Achievement Award To Al Ball at the Chapter’s Annual Banquet)

The Board and members of the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU225) are privileged to award this Lifetime Achievement Award to Albert Ball for his many years of contribution and service to this Chapter in support of its Mission and Vision.

Mr. Ball has provided an outstanding role model for members of the Chapter over the past 35 years. During this period, Mr. Ball has served this Chapter as a Board Member for over 30 years, as Vice President, as Treasurer, and, for 12 years, as President. Mr. Ball has also served as the Chapter’s Conservation Chair for the past 22 years; during that time, he has initiated and led activities involved in roadside cleanup, stream restoration, bank refurbishment, tree trimming and plantings, path clearing, and trout stockings.

Mr. Ball, along with deceased-member Tom Lyons, was instrumental in the establishment of the Catch and Release area on the Falls River; this area remains the only freshwater catch and release fishing area in Rhode Island. Prior to 2013, when our chapter suspended stocking according to TU National initiatives, Mr. Ball provided the necessary guidance and collaboration with RIDEM to organize and conduct stockings when and where it was most advantageous to sustain the vibrant fisheries in the Arcadia Management Area of Rhode Island.

To further his leadership role in stewardship of Rhode Island fisheries, Mr. Ball voluntarily leads the water sampling activities in the Central Rhode Island area to support the University of RI’s Watershed Watch Program; This year, he will be starting his twenty-fourth consecutive year in this role as conservationist and citizen scientist. During his work with the Watershed Watch, his efforts resulted in abatement of several sources of pollution in the Wood/Pawcatuck watershed. Based upon his work and accomplishments in this area, Mr. Ball was presented with the Chapter’s Lawson Cary Jr. Conservationist of the Year Award for 2013. Mr. Ball is also a founding member of the Chapter’s Habitat Assessment Group in which he continues to serve.

Mr. Ball acts as welcoming host for anglers, novice and experienced alike, who are new to Rhode Island freshwater fisheries; he greets these newcomers, explains what is available, and routinely hosts these anglers on their first fishing forays into the local streams, rivers, and ponds. I was one of them 3 years ago. One of recipients of Mr. Ball’s outreach actions stated, “Many years ago, while I was still a youngster, Mr. Ball approached myself and some friends with open arms. He showed us the best areas to fish, introduced us to new rivers, and took us along on fishing outings…all this at a time when fly fishing seemed to be an elitist sport. I owe a lot to Al for my personal and professional progress because of his inviting and open manner of welcoming newcomers to this great sport.” In this respect, Mr. Ball is the Narragansett Chapter’s ‘Friendly Greeter’ with a welcoming manner, valuable advice, a sturdy fly fishing rod in hand, and a handful of tried and true flies that he offers to help these newcomers catch their first fishes in Rhode Island.

The value of Mr. Ball’s expertise in conservation, education, hosting, and fly fishing activities on behalf of the Narragansett Chapter were aptly captured in this recent statement by one of the Narragansett Chapter’s past treasurers – “No one currently in the R.I. TU organization puts in as much time and effort for the cause as Al does. Al is a true ambassador of the sport and a tremendous asset to Trout Unlimited”.

Mr. Ball was also awarded the Trout Unlimited Distinguished Service Award in 2011, being one of 6 role models out of 150,000 nationwide honored for exemplary volunteer service in support of Trout Unlimited’ mission. Mr. Ball’s abilities and successes in accomplishing a myriad of projects, activities, and tasks is due in large part to his willingness to lead and be a member of groups, teams, and partnerships.

During his short 35 years as a member, leader, ambassador, coordinator, tutor and sponsor in TU225, Mr. Ball has been a significant factor in bringing together and serving in numerous capacities in many local related organizations, including founding member and President, in the Wood River Fly Fishing Club, a repeat and routinely requested fly tying instructor for the United Fly Tyers of Rhode Island, a reliable supporter of the Northern Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association, the University of Rhode Island Watershed Watch, and with various divisions of the RI Department of Environmental Management.

Concerning the Chapter’s Annual Banquet, Mr. Ball has also served in a variety of roles, including Chairman, Committee member, work party host and participant, coordinator, donor, and historian. In addition to getting members involved, Mr. Ball recruited his bride Sandy, and his sister-in-law Rhonda as donors, greeters, and as welcome members of the Banquet’s ticket sales staff. Based on his hard work and achievements in this area, and the contributions of Mr. Ball and his Family, this Chapter’s Annual Banquet continues to be a success.

Mr. Ball’s visionary leadership, sterling judgement, and resolute commitment to sharing his ideas and selflessly giving his time to help others have truly made a difference in the world we live in and have been an inspiration to us all. Mr. Ball’s distinctive accomplishments, both singularly and collectively, reflect great credit upon himself, his family, and the members and friends of the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Congratulations Al!!

(Following is the presentation by Glenn Place, President of Rhode Island TU, of the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Chapter’s Annual Fundraising Banquet on April 6, 2024 with 100+ attendees at the Quonset “O” Club)

The Rhode Island TU Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual for their outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment and to our Chapter in its Mission, Goals and Milestones.

Some of the criteria for the award are as follows:

Promoting an atmosphere of professionalism and leadership for Rhode Island TU

Helping Rhode Island TU pursue its brand throughout the conservation and fishing community.

Providing a lifetime of knowledge to members and like-minded organizations based on their education, training, and/or experience that enhances the accomplishment of established programs, projects, and activities.

Participating in a wide variety of the Chapter’s education, conservation, and clean-up programs, projects, and activities.

Participation as a key leader or role model in the accomplishment of Rhode Island TU’s Mission-based initiatives.

Assist on promoting interest in Chapter activities, projects, and meetings to other like-minded organizations.

Respected for effectively balancing the conservation needs of the Chapter with the recreational needs of all members, partners, and friends.

I asked a few of his close friends to send me some background info about Ed. You would be here for an hour to read through the entire list, below is a summary:

He leaves no stone unturned when it comes to finding what is underneath for all to see.

His easy going demeaner and generosity are just a cover. He is fully dedicated to any cause or initiative that he is involved in or promotes.

He can be found, any time of the year, fishing at a location everyone here knows. But only HE knows when and where the fish are and what fly that HE tied will work.

In fact, his Adams Dry Fly received the “Stamp” of approval by RIDEM.

In the twenty-plus years before the turn of the century ‘til now, he has taught, mentored, presented to, and instructed thousands of children, women, and men in the art of fly fishing, fly tying, entomology, and conservation. I can proudly say that I am one of them.

He is either a member or an honorary member of more fishing, fly tying, sportsmen’s clubs, and associations than I have time to list.

Since his retirement a few years ago, he has continued to enjoy the camaraderie of new and old friends even more.

This year’s recipient truly embodies Rhode Island TU’s new tag lines of Conservation, Community, Fishing.

The Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to present the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award to Ed Lombardo.

Thank you for a lifetime of exceptional Volunteerism!!

(Following is the presentation of the award by Glenn Place, President of RhodeIslandTU, at the 2024 Annual Fundraiser Banquet on April 6, 2024 at the Quonset “O” Club with 100+ attendees)

The Lawson Cary, Jr. Conservation Award is presented to an individual for their contributions of time, energies and knowledge that have greatly aided the Chapter in achieving it’s mission, goals, and milestones.

Some of the criteria for the award are as follows:

Focus on achieving Rhode Island TU’s Vision and executing its Mission.

Respected as an example and role model for Rhode Island TU members and its communities in the areas of completing Mission-based goals.

Promoting an atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie among members and partnerships among like organizations.

Providing experience that enhances the accomplishment of established programs, projects, and activities.

Leading and/or participating in a wide variety of the Chapter’s and associated partner’s education, conservation, and clean-up programs, projects, and activities.

Respected for effectively balancing the conservation needs of the Chapter with the recreational needs of all members, partners, and friends.

Some things about this year’s recipient:

I first met him when he had just been hired and was trying to become familiar with all the “Alphabet” organizations he would be working with.

He has adopted an “If first you don’t succeed…” type of approach that produces usable deliverables for watershed initiatives.

His boundless energy and knowledge have been a driving force for Rhode Island TU’s conservation projects.

His command of computer models would surely be the envy of any strategic mind inside the corporate world.

His easy going demeaner is just a cover. He is fully dedicated to any cause or initiative that he is involved in or promotes.

He has a “Fire In His Heart” that manifests itself by hopping around the country saving countless acres of forest.

He can be found, any time of the year, on his tricked-out kayak at any one of his secret locations.

He has brought words and phrases like stream morphology, revetment, woody debris, GIS, and HOBO loggers to the members of this chapter who now know what they mean.

During his current tenure, he has mentored many young interns in the art of conservation and habitat assessment.

Although he is in this room today, you might not recognize him without his baseball cap on. His flowing locks of hair, the newer generation would say “flowing locks of lettuce”, would definitely put him in the ranks of “Fabio” in those old “I can’t believe it is not butter” commercials.

The Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to present Corey Pelletier with the 2023 Lawson Cary, Jr. Conservation Award.

(Following is the presentation, by Glenn Place, President of Rhode Island TU, of the 2023 Partnership Award to Kathleen Crawley, Acting General Manager, RI Water Resources Board, and Meredith Brady, Associate Director, Department of Administration, Division of Statewide Planning. The presentation was made at the 2024 Annual Fundraising Banquet at the Quonset “O” Club with 100+ guests present)

The Rhode Island Trout Unlimited Partnership Award is presented to an individual or organization who have had a significant role in enabling and otherwise supporting Rhode Island TU in achieving its mission, conservation goals and milestones.

Some criteria for the award are the following:

Participation as a key leader or role model in the accomplishment of key Mission-based programs, projects, and/or activities.

Provide products, resources, and services necessary to enhance and enable Rhode Island TU to pursue and complete mission-related activities and projects.

Providing resources including time, energy, knowledge and products that greatly aid the Chapter in achieving its mission-related goals and initiatives.

Promoting interest in Chapter activities, projects, and meetings throughout both the Chapter’s and the partner’s communities.

Helping Rhode Island Trout Unlimited pursue its brand throughout the conservation and fishing community by collaborating with other like-minded organizations, non-profits, GMO’s and NGO’s

Some background about this year’s recipient:

However ambitious our goals and priorities are, we cannot achieve them without partnerships, with the most Important partnership is that of one with landowners. And you would be hard pressed to find a land owner that is the steward of 8300 acres in the middle of Rhode Island, The Big River Management Area, which is set aside in perpetuity as a future drinking water reservoir for the state of RI.

After meeting with this year’s recipient, we found that we had many mutual goals including water quality and healthy conservation of the habitats within the Big River Management Area. For RITU, the natural gravel geology and shallow groundwater makes it a potential stronghold for wild Brook Trout. We came to the conclusion that although we had never worked before, what is good for water quality is good for wild Brook Trout.

This year’s recipient and RITU have partnered on projects totaling over half a million dollars ($500,000). This has included the Big River Natural Resource report and Implementation plan which identified previously unknown wild Brook Trout populations, and prioritized dams and culverts for removal and replacement. Then we partnered together again on the Feasibility and Preliminary Designs for the Capwell Mill Pond Dam removal and most recently were awarded another grant for the removal of the Sweet Pond dam in Big River which we will be removing in 2025.

Kathy and Meredith, you have been unwavering partners to RITU as we strive to protect, restore, and reconnect wild trout habitats in the State. Your willingness, to listen and partner on these projects has allowed RITU to achieve several of our great success over the last 5 years, and we look forward to future partnerships and opportunities. The residents of Rhode Island need clean water, and so do the trout.

Without further ado, I would like to invite Kathleen Crawley, Acting General Manager, RI Water Resources Board, and Meredith Brady, Associate Director, Department of Administration, Division of Statewide Planning up to accept the 2023 Rhode Island TU Partnership Award.

(Presentation by Glenn Place, President at the 2023 Annual Banquet)

The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual for their outstanding vision, dedication, and commitment and to our chapter in its mission goals and milestones.

Some of the criteria for the award are as follows:

Promoting an atmosphere of professionalism

and leadership to TU225

Helping TU225 pursue its brand throughout the conservation and fishing community.

Providing a lifetime of knowledge to members and like-minder organizations based on their education, training, and/or experience that enhances the accomplishment of established programs, projects, and activities.

Offering both short term/tactical and long term/strategic views for the planning and execution of potential activities and projects.

Leading and/or participating in a wide variety of the Chapter’s and associated partner’s education, conservation, and clean-up programs, projects, and activities.

Participation as a key leader or role model in the accomplishment of TU225’s Mission-based initiatives, programs, projects, and/or activities.

Assist on promoting interest in the Chapter’s activities, projects, and meetings throughout both the Chapter’s and the partner’s communities.

Respected for effectively balancing the conservation needs of the Chapter with the recreational needs of all members, partners, and friends.

Some things about this year’s nominee:

I first met him at a TU banquet many years ago after and introduction by Carter Vellletri.

He welcomed me, as President, to a Board of Directors meeting at the Warwick Library, even though I had no business being there.

His keen observations in the Wood River Watershed led to many pictures and descriptions of various infractions emailed to RIDEM F&W.

His groundbreaking work with the Habitat Assessment Group led to one of the first overall assessments/habitat picture of the Upper Wood River Watershed that was instrumental in our receiving our first Embrace-a-Stream Grant

His multi-year work with the URI Watershed Watch sampling program, and his dedication to “healthy angling in the water” garnered respect with his peers

As a tribute to his military career, his dedication to “Process” and “Procedure” has allowed our chapter to continue to grow in a responsible manner.

His desire to coach new anglers, welcome new members, impart his knowledge of the watershed, and to volunteer at virtually every class sponsored by TU225 and others makes him a well sought-after addition to anyone’s program.

The Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to present the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award to Past President and longtime TU225 Board Member and supporter Ron Marafioti

Thank you for a lifetime of exceptional Volunteerism!!

(Below is the presentation of the 2022 Lawson Cary, Jr Conservation Award by Glenn Place at the 2023 Annual Banquet)

The Lawson Cary Conservation Jr. Conservation Award is presented to an individual for their contributions of time, energies and prose that have greatly aided the Chapter in achieving mission goals and milestones.

Some of the criteria for the award are as follows:

1) Personal focus on achieving TU225’s Vision and executing its Mission.

2) Respected as an example and role model for TU225 members and its communities in the areas of completing Mission-based goals.

3) Promoting an atmosphere of cooperation and camaraderie among members and partnerships among like organizations.

4) Providing experience that enhances the accomplishment of established programs, projects, and activities.

5) Leading and/or participating in a wide variety of the Chapter’s and associated partner’s education, conservation, and clean-up programs, projects, and activities.

6) Respected for effectively balancing the conservation needs of the Chapter with the recreational needs of all members, partners, and friends.

Some things about this year’s nominee:

I first met him at World Fish Day at Whalers Brewery, where I gave him a big hug.

His easy going demeaner is just a cover. He is fully dedicated to any cause or initiative that he is involved in or promotes

He can be found, any time of the year, on his tricked-out kayak at any one of his secret locations.

His well thought out prose, dedication to conservation causes, and his love of the greatest band that ever was is clearly evident every week in his award-winning columns.

In his own words, he is a lifelong fisherman and occasional hunter who writes about other people’s outdoor adventures while seeing words as puzzle pieces that occasionally all fit together perfectly.

The Rhode Island Chapter of Trout unlimited would like to present Todd Corayer, The Fishwrap Writer, with this years Lawson Cary Jr Conservation Award.

(Below is the presentation of the 2016 Lawson Cary, Jr. Conservation Award by Ron Marafioti at the Chapter’s 2017 Annual Banquet)

Richard Benson is a role model for members of the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU 225) through his hard work conserving, protecting, restoring and sustaining the coldwater fisheries and their watersheds in Rhode Island over the past 35 years.

Since joining this Chapter in November 1981, Mr. Benson served on a variety of Committees, including the Projects and Conservation Committees, and is a Charter Member of the Chapter’s Habitat Assessment Group (HAG). Mr. Benson has also served as a Chapter Board member for over 6 years. Mr. Benson’s dedication and success in supporting and sustaining this Chapter’s conservation projects have led to improved water flow and retention of acceptable water temperature in the Upper Wood River, both of which help sustain trout populations. For the past three years, Mr. Benson has been an active participat in planning and completing numerous important and beneficial habitat and improvement projects, and the role model he set forth helped inspire and energize the membershp to participate in activities that promote the conservation and education missions of this Chapter. He is also an active member of the Wood River Fly Fishing Club.

As a member of this Chapter, Mr Benson provided a reliable source of energy and assistance in completing numerous projects including roadside and streamside cleanups, stream and bank restoration projects, culvert assessments, and tree trimming and path clearing activities.

Mr. Benson is an avid fly angler and fly tier, and is known for his warm welcome to all newcomers who chase trout on the river. It is not uncommon to see him testing his skills on the river against a wily trout in the Wood, Falls or Flat Rivers … often with an enviable level of success.

The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Richard Benson reflect great credit upon himself and the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU 225).

(Presentation at 2019 Annual Banquet)

First, a few facts perhaps unknown to most of us about this year’s recipient:

This person is one of 9 children, 3 sisters and 5 brothers, who didn’t have electricity until she was a teenager and didn’t have indoor plumbing until she was married

She’s a talented baker, baking wedding, communion, and birthday cakes

She makes a mean lasagna, succulent Swedish Meatballs, and according to a guy named Rich, a delicious chicken soup….. but her true specialty is Texas Brownies

Gloria Cary is this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Supporter Award

The members of the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to thank you for your generous and thoughtful support and volunteer work on behalf of the Chapter over the past 30 years.

You provided not only for your family, but also, for all of us. You are an exemplary role-model of balancing work, parenting, and marriage, all while being a key supporter to this group of conservationists and fly anglers.

But wait…there’s more!!

You took on the duties of Chapter Treasurer for two years (1998-1999)

In addition to those demanding duties, you ensured a happy and well-fed Board by providing treats and desserts to Board members at their meetings.

(Something we are now continuing not only to feed those attending, but to entice new volunteers!!)

You also participated in the planning and organizing process for most of the Annual Banquets throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s.

But wait…There’s more!!

You’ve helped with the cooking duties of the previous Spaghetti and Meatball Dinners sponsored by the Chapter, (See a theme here?? something that we need to explore again!!) as some of the Chapter veterans still fondly mention the meatballs and desserts that you and your husband Lawson donated to many of those Dinners.

But wait…there’s more!!

You continue to support the Chapter even now by attending the Banquets, by donating items, and by providing warm homemade soups and baked goodies for the Chapter’s current events, activities, and projects.

Your generous donation of your time and energy has been a welcome benefit to all of us over the past 30 years, and has helped the Chapter members to conduct operations, support conservation and habitat improvement projects, and allow our partners with whom we conduct mutually beneficial activities to assess or improve our fisheries.

In essence, we all have benefited and enjoyed the fruits of your labor.We wish you the very best, Gloria, for the remainder of 2019.

Again, thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful generosity to TU225 and our efforts to achieve our Mission and follow our Vision.Description goes here

(Presentation at the 2018 Annual Banquet)

The members of the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited would like to thank you for your generous and thoughtful volunteer work on behalf of the Chapter over the past 20 years.

Your contributions in helping to plan our Banquets have been instrumental in assuring their success.

Your donations to our raffles and auctions have added a welcome hominess and craftsmanship to our Chapter’s otherwise fly fishing and conservation culture.

In addition, you provided over 5 years of volunteer work as a citizen scientist in the University of Rhode Island’s Watershed Watch Program in support of the Chapter’s water condition monitoring and sampling of our assigned sites throughout the Arcadia Management Area;

This activity supported your husband Al in continuing his work in that Program, which has proven to be so vital to ensuring a safe and productive fishery for our membership and so many other fly anglers who enjoy fishing in the Falls, Flat, and Wood Rivers.

Your generous donation of your time and energy has been a welcome benefit to all of us over the past 20 years, and has helped the Chapter members to conduct operations, support conservation and habitat improvement projects, and support our partners with whom we conduct mutually beneficial activities to assess or improve our fisheries.

We wish you the very best, Sandy, for the remainder of 2018.

Again, thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful generosity to TU225 and its Mission and VisionDescription goes here

Christopher J. Fox has been the Executive Director of the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association (WPWA) since 2008. His diverse studies in soils, geology, forestry, and wildlife biology earned him a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Development from the University of Rhode Island (URI). While at URI, Chris worked on international projects that focused on the fragile interactions between fresh and salt water.

Some of Chris’ accomplishments include being project manager of the historic Pawcatuck River Fish Passage projects. The resulting dam removals and fish ladders are making it possible for fish to travel upstream to Worden Pond for the first time in over 200 years. The results of this project return the Pawcatuck to the natural balance this watershed had once thrived under.

Chris has also headed a study that included the Rhode Island Resource Conservation and Development Council, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U. S. Geological Survey, and the Rhode Island Water Resources Board to produce the Pawcatuck Watershed Water Use Optimization Study. This Study is the culmination of over a decade of stakeholder involvement and advocacy along with years of intensive data gathering and analysis. A key component of the Study was the development of a “Conjunctive Use Optimization Model”, which provides a tool that can be used to determine how combined water uses are impacting the watershed’s water supply and to optimize those uses to avoid future water quantity issues. These studies and actions keeps WPWA’s future view toward.

Soon after taking the reigns at the WPWA, Chris’ brought the Pawcatuck Watershed Water Use Optimization Study to its conclusion and delivered the resulting computer model to the RIDEM/RI Water Resources Board, which uses that model to educate and inform residents, visitors, members and friends, and public officials about the watershed’s pristine lands and water resources, and how combined water uses are impacting the watershed’s water supply. Chris then took on the tasks of overseeing a $720,000 federal grant to produce the Pawcatuck River Flood Resiliency and Management Plan (http://www.wpwa.org/flood_resiliency.html). This Plan was adopted by both Rhode Island and Connecticut as the guiding plan for improving flood resiliency, habitat, and water quality within the watershed.  This project brought together all the towns as well as federal and state agencies to inventory every stream crossing (culvert, bridge and dam) in the watershed, assess them for passage of flood waters and aquatic species, and prioritize them for repair or removal.  This Plan serves as a preliminary feasibility study for the state and towns to use to apply for federal funds to implement dam removals, bridge and culvert replacements, and projects that reduce storm water runoff.

Since 2008, Chris has made public river access improvement, including handicapped accessibility, a high priority.  In that time he has improved 2 access areas on the Wood River, rehabilitated 4 on the Pawcatuck, and served as an advisor for 5 others. That’s 11 improvement projects in 11 years, bringing nearly all into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and including accessible fishing piers at 2 locations.  Chris is planning on doubling the number of access projects starting in 2020.

The distinctive accomplishments and leadership of Chris Fox reflects great credit upon himself, the Wood Pawcatuck Watershed Association, and the Narragansett Chapter of Trout Unlimited.Description goes here

(Presentation at 2024 Annual Banquet)

Trout Unlimited Lifetime Supporter Award

The Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU225), formerly the Narragansett Chapter, is honored to present The Trout Unlimited  Lifetime Supporter Award to Eugene (Gene) F. Bates.  Unfortunately, Gene passed away on 12 March 2023.  In addition to being a member and Board member of TU225, Gene was also a member of the Wood River Fly Fishing Club and the United Fly Tyers of Rhode Island.

In his many years of searching for Trout, Stripers, and Bluefish in the majority of New England States, Gene compiled a vast memory bank focused on preparing for many successful fishing forays in both fresh and saltwater, and refining the techniques necessary to catch fresh and saltwater species throughout the Northeast U.S. of A.  He thanked each fish he caught and eventually brought to his net, and was an avid disciple of ‘catch and release’ of all species of Trout.  Gene volunteered to coach new anglers, and pass on his acquired knowledge to both new and experienced fly anglers as appropriate.  Gene was a casting and fly tying instructor in virtually every class sponsored by TU225.  In addition, Gene was not worried about getting dirty when necessary; following that philosophy, Gene was a willing and reliable volunteer for nearly all path clearing and cleanup activities sponsored by TU225 in the rivers passing through the Arcadia Management Area.

Gene will be missed as a friend, fellow angler, and source of fishing knowledge based on his extensive fly-fishing experience, but his legacy lives on in the memories of all members of TU225…and the WRFFC and UFTRI.  TU225 is honored to present this Lifetime Supporter Award to Eugene F. Bates, in addition to our sincere deepest regards and sympathies to the surviving members of the Bates Family for their loss.

We would like to invite Gene’s Grandson Martin to accept Gene’s Lifetime Supporter Award.