Yellowstone Country Guardians Field Journal

Testimony From River Guardian Student...

Before I went to Yellowstone Country River Guardians Fly Fishing school 2010, I really didn't like fishing because I thought it was boring and a waste of time, and I didn't know hardly anything at all about the watersheds of MT or the fish and bugs that inhabit it and are so very important to its livelihood. I also wasn't very motivated to keep the fish populations and the waters healthy or unpolluted. I just really didn't care. But after spending a week with one of the most influential, passionate, inspiring, most special and outstanding people I have ever met, Coach Mike, I now feel an unbreakable bond between myself and nature.

I now am motivated completely to do my part and teach others about how to keep the watersheds of MT and the world and their populations of organisms healthy so that the generations of people that come after us can also do their part and hopefully the cycle will continue. I also had the great opportunity of experiencing a whitewater raft trip down the Yellowstone, I learned how I could enjoy a new hobby (fly fishing), I got to meet tons of fantastic people that I was  beginning to thought didn't exist any more, I got to spend an entire day floating and fishing the Yellowstone river with an awesome professional guide, Mr. Burke Holmes, and I got to have some genuine fun.

When we arrived at Gardiner school on Monday morning and Coach started talking to us, at first my brain felt so flooded that I was afraid either I couldn't remember everything or that my brain couldn't hold that much. But after a while, and with some practice, everything Coach told us started to make sense and I found I could remember most of it. And when that happened, all I wanted to do was learn more; absorb more. I am so very thankful to God that He has blessed me with all the things in my life and that He blessed me with the opportunity to become a Yellowstone Country Guardian/Yellowstone Country River Guardian and for our super Coach.

Thanks Coach!

Kelley, Livingston

With Nothin' But Love: Wrapping Up The 2010 River Guardian Fly Fishing School

 

2010 River Guardian Crew!

We are still buzzing with excitement after our highly successful first annual River Guardian Fly Fishing School which was a big hit for 16 high school aged students from Park and Gallatin Counties.  This diverse collection of spirited young people came together as individuals and left as an inspired team of River Guardians.   

Throughout the course of the five day program students learned about the water and watersheds that are the lifeblood of Yellowstone Country.  Students discovered a new and mysterious water world through lessons in watershed ecology, riparian habitat, trout behavior, the trout environment, aquatic invasive nuisance species, and much more that will give each participant the ability and understanding to become a guardian of the Yellowstone watershed. 

Students were introduced to the art of fly fishing and after getting on the water each day to pursue trout, they were rewarded with a full-day float with eight of the best guides the region has to offer.  As part of our service project we removed all of the Spotted knapweed from the Joe Brown Fishing Access Site.

YCG wants to thank the 16 students who joined us each and every day with energy and a desire to learn and grow as leaders and stewards of our watersheds.  To read more about each day of the River Guardian School scan below on our Field Journal Blog at:  http://ycg.typepad.com/yellowstone_country_guard/

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers who made this all possible and impactful for each participant:

Sponsors:

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Fund, John Dolinsek and Kathy Kent Fund, Simms Fishing Products, Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop, Ross Worldwide, Matson Rogers and Angler’s West Fly Shop, Timber Trails, Big Sky and Youth Empowerment Project.

Mr. David A. Seidel Memorial Fund:

David had a deep love for Yellowstone Country and for fly-fishing its sacred waters. 

We are honored that the friends and employees of David (Janet Blankenbiller, Todd Bowers, Tom Fusco, Jeff Kline, Charlie Smith, Walt Bowers, Joe Bauer, Brett Bowers, and Vic Tucci) thought to memorialize him through a contribution to Yellowstone Country Guardians and our River Guardian Fly Fishing School.

His legacy will be carried on my the next generation of river guardians and fly-fishermen and women.

Supporters and Volunteers:

Parks’ Fly Shop and staff Walter Wiese, Ben Jewell and Doug Korn; Yellowstone Raft Co.; Matt Wilhelm of Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species; Gardiner School; Fly Fishing Federation; and Kate Olsen of YNP Fisheries.

And to our tireless volunteers: Randy “Doons” Ingersoll, Heather Laubach, Mitchell Cloghessy, Sam Cloghessy, Nina Houston, Tyrene Riedl, and Burke Holmes.

Much love to our dedicated professional guide staff for volunteering a full day on the river: Matson Rogers, Bill Buchbauer, Dan Grabowski, Burke Holmes, JB Kylap of Dome Mountain Ranch, Paul Williamson and Ben Jewell. 

Lastly, none of this would have been possible without the time, dedication and efforts of my tireless wife Crystal.  And we couldn't have done this without my giving father Steve who took the entire week off to work with the River Guardian Crew!

 

I also want to thank the YCG Board for believing in our vision and helping to make these transformative experiences for the youth we work with a reality. 

Michael Leach, Director and Founder

SPONSORS:

 
   

Day Five Simply Magic: River Guardian Fly Fishing School

There are no words to sum up the magic that unfolded on the final day of our River Guardian Fly Fishing School today.  The day began early as our volunteer drivers shuttled students from Livingston and Gardiner to meet the guides at the McConnell Fishing Access Site for our full day float. 

There was an electric charge in the air that had nothing to do with the massive thunder bursts that greeted us in the afternoon but instead was created by the uplifting energy that each student shared in anticipation of the day ahead.  We could not have been more fortunate with the top-notch fly fishing guides that we were able to recruit to donate a day in the middle of the guide season for today's festivities. 

Including my boat we had eight boats and guides total leaving two students per guide.  In my six years of guiding in the Yellowstone Ecosystem I really believe the collection of guides we were able to put together represented some of the best in the business and thus our students were being mentored by experienced and passionate guardians of the Yellowstone River.  I want to thank Matson Rogers of Anglers West Fly Shop, Bill Buchbauer, Dan Grabowski, Burke Holmes, Paul Williamson, JB Kylap of Dome Mountain Ranch and Ben Jewell of Parks Fly Shop for donating their time for this very special day.

With our flotilla moving down the upper Yellowstone River we all had an amazing time and great success in getting to know the enigmatic finned members of our Yellowstone community.  It was so amazing to see the kids put together all of the knowledge and skills that they had accumulated over the course of the week.  My heart swelled with pride watching each student gracefully cast from the boat in pursuit of trout. 

It goes without saying that today's culmination was the icing on the cake to an already amazing and memorable week.  After arriving at the Joe Brown Fishing Access Site where we had conducted our service project two days before, we all got together one last time for one more powerful river sermon and a group activity. 

What unfolded over the next hour and a half as each student spoke at length, many with tears falling from their cheeks, about their experience with the River Guardian program, was something that none of us will forget.  We will be working to post some of the students stories and testimony in the coming weeks.

I want to thank everyone who helped make this program such a tremendous success. I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and the excitement for this program.  And it goes without saying, that I want to thank the remarkable young people who truly represent the backbone of this program and of YCG.  You all inspire me beyond measure and are the fuel that keeps the YCG fire burning...

With Nothin' But Love,

Michael Leach, Director and Founder

Meet the guides: (Left to right) Ben Jewell, JB Kylap, Paul Williamson, Dan Grabowski, Burke Holmes, Michael Leach, Matson Rogers, Bill Buchbauer.

Merlin started the day off right in our boat by landing a hefty Senior on a stonefly nymph whose life cycle he can tell you all about.

Kyle is grinning ear to ear after landing another nice Cutty caught on the surface.

Raindrops and thunder didn't stop Merlin from landing this beautiful Yellowstone cutthroat.

A big part of the 2010 River Guardian Crew after our unforgettable day on the Yellowstone River.

Closing thoughts on a tremendous week.  The end of our 2010 River Guardian Program but just the beginning of a beautiful and spirited journey for 16 audacious teenagers. 

Day Four Feathered Creations and Whitewater Adventure: River Guardian Fly Fishing School

Warm temperatures and blue skies greeted us on day for of our River Guardian Fly Fishing School.  After starting the day with an hour of casting skill development under the shadows of Electric Peak we ventured into the classroom for a lesson in fly-tying.  We had the pleasure of being joined by two professional fly tiers and guides from Parks' Fly Shop. 

Head guide from Parks' Fly Shop and expert fly tying professional Walter Wiese took the students through a progression in fly-tying by demonstrating four different patterns and how each bug represents a natural.  After an in-depth lesson in fly tying it was time for the students to tie their own feathered creation with the aid of Wally and Doug Korn--another skilled professional fly tier. 

We then hit the river and continued our journey as soul-fishermen, not competing, but enjoying the experience of connecting with the natural world, immersed in the magic waters of the Yellowstone in pursuit of trout. 

The day ended with a whitewater adventure with our friends from the Yellowstone Raft Co. which got our students all jacked-up about yet another facet of river exploration.

I imagine there are going to be many sleepless nights as everyone has been anticipating the final day spent floating the river with guides on a float fly-fishing journey that surely will never be forgotten. 

Michael Leach, Director and Founder

Walter Wiese, professional fly tier and head guide at Parks' Fly Shop puts on a fly tying demonstration for the River Guardian students.

Professional fly tier Doug Korn shows a River Guardian student how to handle a bobbin.

Two beautiful creations.

River Guardian Crew giving thanks to our sponsors.

Hauling rafts to our destination at the confluence of the Gardner and Yellowstone Rivers.

310 to Yuma all jacked-up after busting through some whitewater.

Day Three Giving Back: River Guardian Fly Fishing School

After another morning of casting on the Gardiner School's football field we took a journey through the Yellowstone watershed and the Paradise Valley where students learned about our regions most precious resource, water, and how the rivers and streams represent the lifeblood of biodiversity and ranching in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

This inspired a spirited dialogue between students regarding the balance that we must strike in the arid west that includes having enough water for healthy fisheries while supporting the ranching lifestyle that is a vital part of our region's culture and essential to maintaining open space for wildlife.

Learning more about the importance of water and riparian habitat had the students ready to give back to the Yellowstone River.  Today's theme was: Giving Back.  We met up with Matt Wilhelm, Education Director for the Center of Aquatic Nuisance Species who gave the kids a very engaging presentation about invasive species and their harmful impact on the entire watershed.  This inspired each student to go out and do their part as we worked together to pull all of the spotted knapweed (one of the most prolific invasive species in Montana) at the Joe Brown Fishing Access Site. 

After doing our part to enhance the health of the Yellowstone watershed we hit the river for an afternoon filled with excitement as many students caught and landed their first fish on a fly rod.  The energy and spirits of each student ran high all afternoon and we all went home feeling fulfilled and proud of our work.

Michael Leach, Director and Founder

On A Mission...

Matt Wilhelm of the Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species speaks to students about a healthy Yellowstone watershed.

A proud team of River Guardians after ridding the Joe Brown Fishing Access Site of spotted knapweed.

Chris and Kiersten even cleaned up an old rusted out piece of car body.

Brittany lands her very first trout!

Ryan displays a beautiful rainbow trout caught on a hopper.

Merlin proudly and gently handles his first Senior Blanco on a fly-rod.

Parker and volunteer guide Burke Holmes with a beautiful native Mountain whitefish.

Matt shares a little love with a beautiful cuttbow that he worked his tail off to meet. 

Day Two Spirits High: River Guardian Fly Fishing School

Day two of the River Guardian Fly Fishing School brought more excitement and high spirits.  We once again began the day mastering the art of fly fishing and then journeyed to the classroom where students explored the anatomy of a trout stream which was followed by a energetic presentation from Yellowstone National Park Fisheries Specialist Kate Olsen. 

After deepening their knowledge of trout behavior, aquatic insects and the important role that keystone species such as the Yellowstone cutthroat play in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, we ventured to the upper Yellowstone River for day two of pursuing trout. 

I want to thank all of our tremendous sponsors and supporters to have made this program possible.  The students are all jacked up about their river experience...

~Michael Leach, Director and Founder

 

A happy Mr. T all charged up after landing a nice 15 inch rainbow on a hopper.

Guest speaker Kate Olsen of Yellowstone National Park's fisheries program.

Kyle and Eddie 3000 REPRESENTING the G!

A river sermon along the banks of the Yellowstone.

Day One A Big Hit: River Guardian Fly Fishing School 2010...

After many months of planning, fundraising, program development and locating sponsors, I am excited to share that the first day of our five-day River Guardian Fly Fishing School was big hit.  Today's curriculum which included watershed ecology, hydrology, riparian habitat, trout behavior, aquatic insects and the all around importance and spirit of wild rivers engaged 16 teenagers from across Park and Gallatin Counties. 

After a morning in the classroom learning about the wild spirit and soul of the water that nurtures Yellowstone Country we hit the football field at Gardiner High and each of the 16 students began their fly casting odyssey.  Day one culminated with each student wetting a fly-line for the first time in the sacred waters of the Yellowstone River. 

The energy, spirit, and positive mojo of each of the 16 students participating in our first annual River Guardian Fly Fishing School should make this a week to remember...

~Michael Leach, Director and Founder

 

The River Guardian Crew!

Students learning about watershed ecology and riparian habitat. Gardiner School.

Students learn about trout behavior and trout identification while uncovering the mysterious underworld of aquatic insects.

Students get all geared-up with equipment from Simms, Dan Bailey's, Anglers West, Timber Trails and Ross Worldwide. 

Christmas in August as students open their fly-fishing outfits.

16 students begin their fly-casting odyssey on the succulent grasses of the Gardiner High football field with wild country as our backdrop.

Mimi Matsuda Art Show...

Stop by the Sola Cafe in Bozeman, Montana this Saturday, August 7th to "Meet The Neighbors" and contribute to YCG.  We are really excited and honored to be one of the beneficiaries of the spirited and talented Yellowstone Country artist and dear friend of YCG Mimi Matsuda at her big art show which will run for the next seven weeks. 

Mimi is the co-creator of the YCG logo and a longtime friend of YCG director Michael Leach.  The two go way back to their days working together as ranger naturalists in Yellowstone National Park and we can give you a money back guarantee that you will be inspired and moved by her amazing new art.

We hope to see you there...