There is no doubt about it. Winter is nearly here and trout fishing in our little corner of the world is on hold. Winter is a time to look back on past seasons and to look forward to the next. Winter is a time for planing, dreaming and getting ready. Many of us will spend the winter hours tying flies, oiling reels, and tinkering with all the little toys we like to think are essential to a well equiped fly fisherman.

As we anticipate the next season, let us not forget the most essential part of our pastime -- our rivers and streams. It is sad to say, but we can not assume our rivers and streams will always have strong fisheries. Polution, run off, habitat, land use, stocking and many other issues determine the quality of our fishing. It becomes a mater of stewardship. If we will give our grandchildren the gift of fishing we must acept the chalenges of stewardship.

The SWVT Chapter is blessed with three rivers of significance. The Hoosic, the Battenkill, and the Mettowee. Each unique in its character, fishing opporotunities and stewardship challenges. Add to these rivers, countless miles of minor streams, brooks and headwaters. The secret waters of the speckled trout. The local fisherman is blessed with an embarassment of riches.

If we are to preserve these riches for ourselves and our grandchildren we need to join together so that we can affect our fishing future. Individually we can only complain, together we can affect change.

The annual meeting of the SWVT Chapter will take place on Jan. 13th. An excellent slate of nominees has volunteered to take over the reigns of leadership, but we still need support and input from every local TU member. Not every member may have the time to serve in elected office but every member can bring a unique perspective and an invaluable palete of talents. This is your opporotunity to put that perspective and talents to work to preserve a rare treasure. Join us on the 13th and be part of shaping our fishing future.