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Greetings from the National Trout Center In 2009, the City of Preston, the Preston Economic Development Authority, and the Fillmore County Commissioners resolved to establish a National Trout Learning Center for people of all ages and abilities and to showcase Preston as the “Trout Capital of Minnesota.” The close of 2014 signaled the half-‐decade milestone in development of this new environmental learning center. This report summarizes the progress to the end of 2014, acknowledges the broad base of contributors and explores the potential of the National Trout Center to become a focus for “All Things Trout.” The trout fishery of southeastern Minnesota and the larger Driftless Area contributes $1.1 billion annually to the regional economy and it is a reasonable objective to entrain as much of this spending as possible into destinations in the upper Root River valley. Locating the National Trout Learning Center in Preston offers the benefit of providing area residents, the community of fishers participating in the trout fishery, and tourists, activities and information about the conservation, maintenance, and management of a truly outstanding regional natural resource. As author Nina Revoyr said in reflecting upon a childhood in Wisconsin, “I'd already learned that catching fish was mostly an excuse for being out in quiet, beautiful places.” Two important changes in the region provide new opportunities to broaden the trout center's clientele. Families visiting the new Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery at Preston will require local accommodations, services, and activities; the new economic development initiative in Rochester, Minnesota, “Destination Medical Center,” will bring another transitory population within reach of the bluff country attractions in the Driftless Area. Questions to ask are, does the National Trout Center's current temporary home in Preston offer sufficient space and interest so people make return visits and extend their stays, and what can the National Trout Center undertake to draw in additional visitors. As you read the following report, please consider what the NTC accomplished in its first five years and what mission-‐focused pursuits the NTC could implement to reach a broader audience in the near future. Over the last five years of operation, the National Trout Center received generous support from individuals, businesses, philanthropic organizations, government agencies, and especially from the City of Preston. The NTC is very proud of its achievements through the efforts of a dedicated corps of volunteers and part-‐time workers, and looks forward to the day when the National Trout Center will occupy a permanent home in the Root River valley at Preston.
George R. Spangler, Chairman
National Trout Center
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Physical and Economic Background The unglaciated region of the Upper Midwest, known as the Driftless Area for its lack of glacial till, or Paleozoic Plateau for the origin of its bedrock, occupies 16,200 square miles of southeastern Minnesota, southwestern Wisconsin, northwestern Illinois, and northeastern Iowa. This geological region, known as karst, borne of ancient seabeds, overlain by wind-‐borne sediments, and carved for millennia by the outwash from the great northern ice fields, provides a dynamic landscape responsive to human activities within a single human lifetime. The Driftless Area, drained by more than 4,000 stream miles issuing from over 600 limestone spring creeks, supports a cold, well-‐oxygenated stream and river environment for three species of trout. This, in turn, creates a world-‐class fishery drawing tens of thousands of fishers to the region each year. The annual Driftless Area trout fishery accounts for direct expenditures of over $600 million and overall economic activity in excess of $1.1 billion. This greatly exceeds the annual revenues of all five Chicago professional sports teams, the White Sox, Cubs, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears, and is equivalent to about one-‐third of the cash receipts from Minnesota's corn and dairy products, and one-‐tenth of the total tourism industry of Minnesota. The fishery and the diverse landscape of bluff lands, river valleys, and pastoral small towns, nestled among the woodlands and croplands within a two-‐hour drive of major population centers, makes the Driftless Area one of the most valuable economic assets of the mid-‐western United States.
The Beginnings In 2009 the Preston Economic Development Authority and the City of Preston resolved to establish a National Trout Learning Center (NTLC). Goals included educating people of all ages and abilities about trout, cold-‐water streams, trout fishing, the Driftless Area, and the natural and cultural history of Preston and southeastern Minnesota; opening a temporary learning center and working toward building a permanent home; bringing the natural assets of the region to a level of national recognition; showcasing Preston as the "Trout Capital" of Minnesota and the four-‐state Driftless Area; and producing new opportunities for tourism and economic activity. A mission statement was adopted and a business plan developed to encapsulate the intent and purpose of the new environmental learning center. The business plan was modeled after that of the National Eagle Center at Wabasha, Minnesota, and a business plan feasibility
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study was commissioned to study the potential for establishing a sustainable environmental learning center. Focusing on trout, cold-‐water streams, and the natural and historical features of the Driftless Area, the learning center would offer experiential learning opportunities to an audience with an intrinsic interest in recreational fishing, cold-‐water ecosystems, and trout.
Grand Opening and Dedication Ceremony In the spring of 2010 the National Trout Learning Center opened its doors to the public in a handicapped-‐accessible temporary home in downtown Preston. Staffed by three interns, the NTLC began program development using partnering organizations and individual volunteers who contributed their time for instruction and exhibit preparation. June 19, 2010, marked the Grand Opening and ribbon-‐cutting ceremony for the National Trout Learning Center. Preston residents and government officials assembled in front of the temporary home of the NTLC opposite the courthouse square in downtown Preston. Steering Committee members introduced Preston Mayor, Kurt Reicks; EDA members; and Minnesota State House 28B Representative, Greg Davids. Initial exhibits at the NTLC were borrowed from a variety of sources, including Winona State University, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and numerous area residents. A cold-‐water aquarium was set up, a karst geology model provided an exhibit, and the walls were adorned with posters, artwork, taxidermy examples and regional maps. A literature display provided information related to regional fishing and tourism, book shelves housed published works on fishing literature, fishing arts and crafts, ecology, and trout biology; a fly-‐tying table with equipment and materials was available for demonstrations.
A National Trout Learning Center Wall of Fame Award was established in recognition of individuals with a distinguished record of conservation and stewardship of trout and cold-‐water stream resources. The NTLC was honored to bestow the first award to Melford Haugstad, a long-‐time Preston resident. Mr. Haugstad's work in stream restoration and advocacy for wild trout was largely responsible for the re-‐establishment of the native brook trout in southeastern Minnesota spring creeks. Jeff Broberg, professional geologist, and Steve Klotz, Lanesboro Area Fisheries Manager for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), spoke about Mr. Haugstad’s many accomplishments in the success of southeastern
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Minnesota trout resources over the past forty years. Mr. Haugstad's enthusiasm for conservation and for trout fishing set a lasting example among fisheries managers and researchers in the state. In 2011, the National Trout Center presented its second Wall of Fame Award to Professor Thomas F. Waters of Shoreview, Minnesota. Dr. Waters authored five books on stream and
river ecology, and one anthology of stories collected over a lifetime of fishing and hunting the streams and uplands of the Upper Midwest. His research into stream productivity and aquatic ecology produced a wealth of knowledge and dozens of students imbued with the same tenacity and scientific rigor that characterized Dr. Waters’ dedication to his work and his avocation as an outdoorsman.
Institutional Development The following table summarizes the time-‐line for development of the National Trout Center.
During 2011, the National Trout Learning Center, subsequently renamed “National Trout Center” (NTC), was incorporated as a non-‐profit organization in the State of Minnesota. The NTC Steering Committee drafted by-‐laws, developed programs and operational policies, established a web site, and applied for recognition by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-‐exempt non-‐profit organization. The tax-‐exempt status was granted in 2012 and governance of the NTC was turned over to a Board of Directors.
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Board of Directors as of March, 2015
Directors of the National Trout Center are elected for three-‐year terms of service. The Board is limited to no more than fifteen members, two of which are appointed by the City of Preston. Officers, elected at the annual meeting, serve one-‐year terms for Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Directors are not paid for their service, but may request reimbursement for documented expenses incurred in their duties as a Director. NTC staffing includes one seasonal part-‐time program coordinator, interns when available, and unpaid volunteers. The National Trout Center is open to the public three days per week during the traditional trout-‐fishing season and open throughout the year for scheduled programs.
Program Development The National Trout Center developed educational objectives based on experiential learning for people of all ages and abilities. Courses are designed to engage participants in life-‐long learning about trout and their cold-‐water habitats, and to instill appreciation of the intrinsic beauty, cultural value, and economic benefits of these natural resources. Two distinct types of courses stimulate strong motivation among participants for conservation and responsible stewardship of the cold-‐water resources of southeastern Minnesota. Instructional classes introduce participants to new skills that can be further developed by the student as interest persists and time allows. Basic stream fishing, spin fishing, fly fishing, nature photography, orienteering, wild foods foraging, and insect identification are examples of subjects that serve to bring people into the outdoors to experience an environment that is different from their work-‐a-‐day world. Courses and classes are based on curricula developed and supported by a combination of NTC instructors' experiences, internet resources, and scientific and technical literature. The South Branch of the Root River, flowing through Preston, is an attractive natural asset. In 2012, the National Trout Center and the Minnesota Trout Association developed a 9-‐hole fishing course along the river as a means of introducing stream fishing to the public. The course features nine different types of flowing water, from rapids to
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deep pools, that challenge the angler to learn where feeding fish lie and how to approach the river with sufficient stealth to reach fish without alarming them. A "score card" provided by the NTC helps participants keep a record of fishing success. The 9-‐hole course is an outdoor classroom for NTC courses in fishing and streamside safety.
Another type of learning offered by NTC courses is driven by pride of accomplishment in learning a skill, or by creating an object of beauty and utility. These are the "arts and crafts" pursuits, lure making, rod building, and fly-‐tying, but also include arts connections to painting, poetry, the culinary arts, and outdoor writing. All of these subjects are approached through introductory talks, lectures, demonstrations, and hands-‐on learning. Enjoyment of the activity is heightened by physical participation in the outdoors as weather allows. In addition to coursework, NTC operations include marketing the NTC itself. The NTC is "branded" as a place to go to find out about trout, cold-‐water stream environments, ecological relationships, and where to fish. The NTC tag-‐line "All Things Trout" conveys the idea that the trout center provides trustworthy information for anyone interested in trout. Examples of marketing activity include booths at trade shows, fishing and tourism exhibitions, and local and regional community events.
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The chart summarizes the proportion of effort spent in instruction, talks and marketing activities. Some activities clearly support more than one function, but the criterion for an activity defined as "instructional" requires that NTC representatives impart specialized knowledge to participants. Visitors to the Trout Center seek authoritative information about trout, trout fishing, and tourism services in the region. The NTC provides oral, printed, and digital data on-‐site and through the NTC web site and popular social media. For example, rapid access to local and regional information is available and updated throughout the fishing season. "Hatch charts" help fishermen select appropriate flies for the season and water conditions, and maps and hydrographic charts are accessible that describe conditions in local and regional streams. The NTC is currently building a mapping kiosk that allows users to extract and print high-‐resolution maps from a state-‐wide database using GPS coordinates to locate public easements along trout streams and creeks.
Partners in Outreach and Information Exchange The diverse programs of the National Trout Center require a broad spectrum of specialized skills and knowledge. The NTC reaches out to a wide variety of agencies and organizations to create partnerships that assist in delivering high-‐quality and up-‐to-‐date information and programs. Partners come to help conduct classes, workshops and clinics at no cost to the NTC, and NTC staff reciprocate in kind. Many agencies and organizations participated in workshops, training, and information delivery with the National Trout Center since the NTC opening in 2010. National Trout Center contributing partners and volunteers are listed in Appendix A. Programs and activities, 2010-‐2014, are listed by year below: 2010 March-‐-‐Dave Carlson from "Outdoor Adventures" filmed segment on "heritage brook trout" April-‐-‐Earth Day Celebration at Sylvan Park in Lanesboro, MN May-‐-‐Trout Days coordination with Preston Trout Days Committee; “soft opening” of NTLC June-‐-‐Grand Opening and presentation of Wall of Fame award to Mel Haugstad July-‐-‐Fly tying demonstration at Harmony Health Care, Harmony, MN July-‐-‐Spoke to Lions Club, Preston, MN July-‐-‐Fly casting by Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF) at Trailhead Park July-‐-‐Spoke to Kiwanis Club, Spring Valley, MN August-‐-‐Church group for demonstrations of Gyotaku, electrofishing and streamside learning August—Dave Carlson's "Outdoor Adventures" broadcast segment on NTC September—Final selection of logo design October—Talk presented to Hiawatha Chapter, Trout Unlimited November—Migrations talk at National Eagle Center, Wabasha, MN
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2011 January––St. Paul Sportsman's Show, River Center, St. Paul, MN March––Talk to Summit Club, Preston, MN April—Fly Fishing Expo, Blaine, MN April––Hosted home school class at NTC April—Meet and Greet at NTC with Minnesota Trout Association April—Earth Day at Sylvan Park, Lanesboro, with Eagle Bluff ELC May-‐–Root River streamside cleanup June—Preston Progressive Feast June— Federation of Fly Fishers fly casting clinic at Trailhead Park June—John Eggers' spin-‐fishing clinic July-‐-‐Furling leaders with Roger Skov July—Fly casting clinic with instructors from the Lew Jewett Chapter, FFF July—Coon Creek Trout Fest, Coon Valley, Wisconsin August—Presentation of Wall of Fame award to Tom Waters August––Judging Minnesota trout stamp contest, St. Paul, MN Community weekly event-‐-‐runners/bikers/skiers weekly exercise group September—Whitewater Rendezvous; partner with TU, FFF, Women Fly Fishers of MN September—Preston Trail Walk along Root River in celebration of 25th trail Anniversary December—Chatfield presentation to Senate Capital Investment Committee 2012 March—Midwest Fly Fishing Expo, Warren, MI March—Presentation to Senate Capital Investment Committee, St. Paul March—Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo, Blaine, MN April—Adopt-‐a-‐River Cleanup on the South Branch of the Root River April— “Learn to Trout Fish” Root River Trail Family Program Series May—Streamside Culinary Adventure: Wild Edible Plants and Trout Cookout May—MTA Trout Fishing Course Kickoff on Trout Days weekend May—Gyotaku Trout T-‐Shirt Printing with Preston Area Arts Council May—Adult Fishing Contest May—Earth Day celebration at Sylvan Park, Lanesboro May—Spin Fishing for Trout with John Eggers, a.k.a. the “Spin Doctor” June—Trout Fest at Coon Valley, WI June—Fly Casting, Fly Tying, and June Fishing Instruction with the Federation of Fly Fishers July—“Laughing Trout” Fly Tying Workshop August—2nd Annual Veterans Family Picnic and Fly Fishing Extravaganza with Win-‐Cres TU August—Outdoor Photography Program with Wayne Bartz September––Aquatic insects for kids, Trailhead Park, Preston, MN September—Seniors' bus tour from Maple Grove, MN September—Lecture at University of Minnesota, Rochester
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2013 January—Winter fishing program at Whitewater State Park March––House Capital Investment Committee hearing on bonding bill April—Creek Bugs and Fly Fishing April—KSMQ TV filming NTC segment for the "Off-‐90" TV series April—Opening Day celebration and sculpture unveiling April—Winona Earth Day, Winona, MN April—Earth Day Festival at Sylvan Park, Lanesboro May—Fillmore Central kindergarten at NTC May—Win-‐Cres TU Family Day at Winona, MN May—Family bike ride to Maust Meadows May—Trout Days Fishing Contest June—Family Fun Night (Thursdays, monthly in summer) at Preston June—Spin Fishing with Jeff Broberg June—Federation of Fly Fishers fly casting July—Spin fishing with John Eggers July—Watermelon sales with Ronald McDonald riders August—Veterans' family picnic and fly fishing extravaganza August—Spin fishing with John Eggers September—Trout Fishing Rendezvous/hog roast with Hiawatha Chapter, TU October—House Capital Investment Committee bus tour at Preston December—Senate Capital Investment Committee at RCTC, Rochester, MN 2014 January—Open House and celebration of winter fishery January—Talk presented to Twin Cities Trout Unlimited February—Water sample testing and radon testing in a "citizen science" water quality workshop March—Glacier Stops Here: recreation in the Driftless Area; Talk on "4th Trout" April—Open House and traditional trout fishing opener April—Whitewater Park Wrede family fishing event April––Preston Pride cleanup day May—Trout Days celebration, fishing contest, Gyotaku printing with Preston Area Arts Council May—Cub Scouts bug identification and fly-‐tying demonstrated May—Cub Scouts fishing at the Trailhead Park June––Strategic planning session July—Aquatic Entomology class for Women Fly Fishers of MN July––Judging in Minnesota trout stamp contest August––Win-‐Cres TU Veterans family day, Sylvan Park, Lanesboro November—Geology Bus Tour, guided by geologist Jeff Broberg
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Trout Center Visitors and Program Participants Visitors to the National Trout Center are asked to sign the visitor register and join the NTC e-‐mail list to receive newsletter and program announcements. Program participants also sign a
register to complete a record of attendance and/or payment for course offerings. The chart shows the aggregate of visitors and program participants from 2010-‐2014. Visitors to the NTC’s temporary home in Preston increased irregularly since 2010. The peak number of visitors in 2013 corresponds
with having the NTC open to the public five days a week in the first three months of the fishing season, rather than only three days/week as in other years. The NTC served about a thousand visitors per year in the last three years and the overall trend is increasing. An important characteristic of NTC visitors is that most of them are from outside Fillmore County and also come from other states. This is consistent with earlier economic studies claiming that the Driftless Area is a major destination for trout fishers in the four state area of the Upper Midwest. Visitation to the NTC occurs in two ways: in person, as described above, and via the internet. These visits to a "virtual National Trout Center" are an important part of engaging with a geographically dispersed population of trout enthusiasts. The NTC established a web site (http://www.nationaltroutcenter.org), in its first year, and has subsequently developed a presence on Facebook and Twitter, two prominent social media internet sites.
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In 2013, the NTC website attracted about a thousand visitors per month, indicating that the site is a noteworthy destination for internet traffic. In the coming months, a website update will provide additional services to the public. Information on the site will include links to area businesses, local weather and stream conditions, and informative articles about the Driftless Area. The website will also offer on-‐line shopping for NTC-‐branded merchandise, registration forms for NTC programs, an events calendar, and links to other social media sites.
Community Impact The presence of the National Trout Center in downtown Preston attracts additional fishing and tourism-‐related businesses to the area. An example is the recent establishment of the Driftless Fly Fishing Company, owned by Mr. Melvin Hayner. This new business retails fishing equipment and offers guide services endorsed by The Orvis Company, Inc. of Manchester, Vermont. The Orvis name and brand evoke instant national and international recognition among outdoor enthusiasts, and, especially, trout fishers. In 2012, the NTC initiated a grant request to restore 0.8 miles of trout habitat in the South Branch of the Root River in Preston. Although the grant application was not successful, the stream restoration was included in another grant application in 2013 by Minnesota Trout Unlimited (TU). TU's application included the river reach identified earlier (from, approximately, the County Highway 17 bridge downriver to the confluence of the Root River with Camp Creek) and was approved by the 2015 Minnesota legislature at an estimated cost of $400,000. The restoration is expected to begin in the summer of 2015. The National Trout Center was appointed in 2014 to coordinate the annual river cleanup as the active Adopt-‐A-‐River steward for the South Branch of the Root River flowing through Preston. This activity is coordinated with the "Preston Pride" spring cleanup activity under the sponsorship of the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, Lions International, and the City of Preston. The NTC has become a popular destination for kindergarten and home school students, 4-‐H, church, senior citizen, and scout groups, all participating in NTC programs in the past five years. Preston's Community Fun Night during June-‐August, the Preston Trout Days adult fishing contest, and Japanese Gyotaku fish (trout) printing with the Preston Area Arts Council are but a few of the local events in which the NTC played a role.
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Non-‐cash Assets Non-‐cash donations were essential to operating the NTC during its first five years. Individuals, businesses, organizations, and municipal and government agencies donated over a thousand items, including furnishings, exhibit materials, and items for use in NTC programs. A complete donor listing of non-‐cash items appears in Appendix B. In 2012, the NTC adopted a Collections Management Policy that guides the acceptance, use, and housing of non-‐cash assets. Items donated to the NTC were evaluated and organized into three collections: Library and Archives, Art, and Education. The following acquisition highlights represent a sampling of the impressive array of objects given to the Trout Center.
The Library and Archives Collection includes four hundred eighty-‐three books, magazines, and pamphlets; four journals; one scrapbook; and two binders. This collection contains a vast assortment of books about fishing arts and crafts, fishing literature, trout fishing destinations in North America, the biology of trout, the ecology of cold-‐water streams, and the landmark book series, Rivers of America. Rivers of America, published from 1937-‐1974, blends the talents of both writers and artists to present a tribute to the rivers that played such a vital role in the development of America. Elizabeth Waters, Minneapolis, MN, on behalf of the estate of Dr. Thomas F. Waters, donated sixty-‐three of the sixty-‐five volumes published in this series. Ms. Waters also donated Dr. Waters' scrapbook containing his notes and printed materials collected while writing his book, The Streams and Rivers of Minnesota, published in 1977. Mr. Mel Haugstad, Preston, MN, donated the two binders that include personal and conservation management program documents, legislative commission records from 1960-‐1980, and newspaper articles from 1955-‐1999 pertaining to trout, fishing, and streams in southeast Minnesota. Ray Ricketts, Hiawatha Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Rochester, MN, for the estate of Dr. William Douglas, Rochester, MN, donated four journals handwritten and illustrated by Dr. Douglas. The journals contain stream logs, illustrations, and accounts of Dr. Douglas' trout fishing trips from 1980-‐1991.
The Art Collection includes twenty-‐nine paintings, prints, drawings, and sculptures. Two framed and signed watercolor prints of fishermen fishing in a stream were created and donated by artist Jim Hollander, Woodman, MN. Two signed Minnesota Trout and Salmon Stamp prints, 2000 and 2005 were created and donated by artist Micah Hanson, Dakota, MN. Minnesota Trout and Salmon Stamp print, 2012, art print on foam board, was signed and donated by artist Nicholas Markell, Hugo, MN. "Tailing," framed ink on paper image of a fish sculpture, was created and donated by artist John G. Nehnevaj, New Albin, IA. Two sculptures, one a large steel leaping trout, and the second a small steel and horseshoe nails rendering of a fisherman casting a line, were created and donated by sculptor, John Carlin, Lanesboro, MN. A large hand carved and painted wood sculpture, portraying swimming rainbow, brown, and
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brook trout among driftwood and rocks, was created by sculptor, Paul Lambrecht of Lanesboro, MN. The artist received a Minnesota Lessard-‐Sams Legacy grant to create a work of art for a public space, and Mr. Lambrecht created "Driftless Trout" for the National Trout Center. NTC board member, Jeff Broberg, St. Charles, MN, donated eight walking staffs to sell at the National Trout Center. The staffs are beautifully hand painted and decorated with trout body patterns.
The Education Collection includes items used for hands-‐on instruction as well as for display and exhibit purposes. This collection contains fishing rods, reels, rod cases, and fishing line; fly-‐tying tools, vises, and fly boxes. In addition, Jerome Benson, Minneapolis, MN, donated a treasure trove of fly-‐tying materials, including fish hooks; boxes of dyed deer hair and feathers; bags of dyed squirrel tail, kip, and bucktails; forty large capes, saddles, and necks; whole bird feathered skins; and dubbing. Other items in the collection include antique and collectible trout fishing lures, rods, creels, metal bait buckets, and leather fly cases. A wood Lazy Ike fishing lure in the original box made by the Lazy Daze Bait Co., Preston, MN, is especially noteworthy. Many of these older items were donated by Phillip and Marsha Broullet, Preston, MN, and were used years ago by Marsha's father while fishing for trout in the streams around Preston. A mounted trout of note is a large brown trout caught near Preston, MN, donated by Sharon and Scott Kingsley, Rochester, MN. Dr. James Cooper, Lewistown, MT, donated lab and field equipment, including five microscopes, four boxes of specimen collecting vials, a range finder with vinyl case, two field weighing scales, a box of survey flagging tape, a Forester compass in leather case, a small box of max-‐min thermometers, a large spool of poly chain, a microfiche reader, a fish scale roller press, and four carrying cases for field instruments. This equipment is an invaluable asset for the Trout Center's instructional classes in stream ecology, water quality, and the popular "bugs" course. Kevin and Holly Zuck, Preston, MN, donated a fifty-‐five gallon aquarium with accessories. Nick Brandvold, Austin, MN, constructed and donated an aquatic invertebrates aquarium over a mirrored viewing stand.
Fiscal Information and Funding Retail sales The Trout Center includes a gift shop and a few items of "consumable" fishing tackle that are useful to anglers who visit the area. A retail policy was adopted in 2012 to clarify potential
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competition issues between the NTC and local merchants. Items in stock include books, fly boxes, trout flies, and NTC branded items such as T-‐shirts, hats, water bottles, and drawstring packs. Some retail items include "value-‐added" information in the sense that they are offered at the Trout Center because they are targeted for local or regional fishing conditions. The choices of spinners and fly patterns in the retail fishing tackle reflect those patterns and styles known to be effective for taking trout in the region. Sales of retail goods are directly proportional to the visitor traffic at the Trout Center. No sales were made in the first two years of operation, but an inventory of NTC-‐branded items was added in 2012.
Funding The National Trout Center was funded from a wide variety of sources including retail sales, course fees, philanthropic giving, grants, and sponsorships. The majority of this funding came directly from the City of Preston, the Preston Economic Development Authority, and Preston Public Utilities. The City of Preston received revenue and processed expenses for the National Trout Center until mid-‐season, 2013, when the NTC began handling its own accounting. The following table shows the revenues and expenses handled by the City of Preston accounting system from 2010 through *2013. Additional **2013 transactions were conducted through an NTC bank account at F & M Community Bank, and in 2014, the NTC assumed all accounting responsibilities.
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The table below shows the financial standing of the National Trout Center at the close of 2014, the fifth year of operation. Also shown are the key expenses and revenues while operating from the NTC temporary home.
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Donations and Gifts In addition to non-‐monetary gifts, the NTC received direct monetary funding and services from businesses, charitable institutions, government agencies, and individuals. Of particular note is the continuous financial support from the City of Preston and the Preston Economic Development Authority. Memorial gift contributions were also accepted in memory of Mr. Mel Haugstad and Mr. Scott Hatfield of Preston, MN. A complete listing of the financial donors and contributors appears in Appendix C.
A Permanent Home for the National Trout Center The business plan for the NTC anticipates a permanent home for the exhibits, classes, collections, gift shop and offices. Some of the expected revenue for operating the NTC will be derived from admissions to the site and from fees collected from participants in program clinics and workshops. In the fall of 2011, NTC staff presented a state bonding bill proposal to the Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee to build a permanent home for the NTC at Preston. In March 2012, March 2013, October 2013, and December 2013, additional presentations were made to both the House and Senate Capital Investment Committees. Positive feedback from these legislative committees encourages the National Trout Center to believe, that with continued work and development, bonding money for the permanent home may be possible in the future. A grant from the Regional Sustainable Development Partnership SE, University of Minnesota Extension, Rochester, MN, commissioned the Center for Rural Design at the University to prepare a concept master pre-‐design plan for the building. The final report, delivered in July 2012, describes a 10,000 square foot, two-‐story building that will house the NTC and provide spaces for lectures, presentations, a teaching laboratory, and video/film screening. One floor of the building is dedicated to a "Living Stream" exhibit that depicts the changes in stream characteristics and trout habitat from emergence of the stream in a headwater spring, through mid-‐course reaches, and finally, to its confluence with the Mississippi River. The exhibit highlights changes in the plant and animal life in the river throughout its flowage. The building will also serve for community functions accommodating modest numbers of attendees. One proposed site, near the County Highway 17 bridge in the City of Preston, will showcase both the South Branch of the Root River and the karst geology that are prominent features of the city.
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Also featured in the building plan is a monumental thirty-‐foot tall outdoor metal “Fintastical Trout Sculpture,” a leaping trout. The NTC’s future capital funding plans include a campaign to raise money for construction of the permanent home.
Conclusion In five years of operation the National Trout Center clearly demonstrated there is strong interest in having an environmental learning center devoted to trout and trout habitat in southeastern Minnesota. Active partnerships with local, regional, and statewide organizations resulted in a diverse array of courses, workshops, and demonstrations that showcase the extraordinary cold-‐water stream resources of the Driftless Area. The partnership with Trout Unlimited in securing stream restoration funding for the South Branch of the Root River in Preston is a prime example of enduring investment in the future of trout and trout habitat, and their roles in the economics and environmental integrity of southeastern Minnesota. During 2015, the NTC plans to continue offering courses and workshops about fishing, aquatic insects, lure and tackle making, fly casting, spin fishing, water quality and free or low-‐fee classes and tours, such as the area geology bus tour. A new fine arts series “Art in the Driftless,” is under development and the first course in the series, “Art in Nature: Brook Trout Skin,” a painting workshop, is scheduled for August. Other new ventures are a mapping kiosk to produce printouts of DNR stream easement reaches in southeastern Minnesota and a re-‐designed web site to market NTC information to a broader internet market. The NTC continues to work on increasing donations and sponsorships, recruiting volunteers, and planning for the permanent home in Preston. The National Trout Center is on course to becoming an especially valuable addition to other points of interest in the region that attract trout fishers and tourists to the Root River valley.
Acknowledgements The National Trout Center proudly acknowledges the dedicated work of part-‐time employees, Kathy Dahl, Nick Brandvold, Karin Grimlund, Heath Sershen, and Rich Enochs, who gave more time and effort than required or expected in order to start and sustain the National Trout Center. To NTC energetic and enthusiastic interns, Carolyn (Lynn) Fidler, Nick Brandvold, Mike Oliver, David Haugerud, Drew Bahl, and Danielle Christian, the NTC extends its appreciation of and thanks for the high quality work these individuals performed on behalf of the organization. Former Steering Committee and Board Members Special thanks go to colleagues who served on the original Steering Committee or Board of Directors: Nick Brandvold, Tom Byrne, Jeff Cooper, Kathy Dahl, Cathy Enerson, Chris Gastner, John Goutcher, David Harrison, Mel Haugstad, Kelly Herold, Joe Hoffman, Jon Holger, Joe Magee, Scott Moeller, Mike Odenbrett, Fran Sauer, Jason Sethre, George Spangler, Kay
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Spangler, Scott Springer, Joe Tenley, Mike Tomashek, John Carlin, Marlene Huston, Al Barton, David Williams, and the late Dr. Phil Cochran. No acknowledgement is complete without explicit recognition of the tireless and expert assistance by City of Preston personnel who so frequently put shoulder to task in both field and office in support of the NTC: municipal and utilities personnel MariLyn Bakke, City/Utilities Secretary; Sheila Marzolf, Deputy City Clerk; Deborah Ebner, Utility Office Manager; Cathy Enerson, EDA Director; Kathy Dahl, Tourism Director (2010-‐2014); Sarah Wangen, Tourism Director; Joe Hoffman, City Administrator/Utility General Manager; and, Jim Bakken, Public Works Director. These individuals not only provided expert services when needed, but moral support, good cheer and encouragement. A final expression of gratitude goes to all the visitors and program participants over the past five years. Their interest, curiosity and enthusiasm sustain the NTC’s dedicated effort to present a comprehensive vision of the meaning, "All Things Trout."
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Appendix A, Partner Listing
The NTC gratefully acknowledges the following organizations, institutions and outdoor recreation groups for their sustained and generous support in developing and offering the programs of the NTC: Center for Rural Design, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN; Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Lanesboro, MN; Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District, Preston, MN; Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota, Edina, MN; Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park, Preston, MN; Great Waters Fly Fishing Expo, Blaine, MN; Houston Nature Center, Houston, MN; International Federation of Fly Fishers, Lew Jewett Chapter, Twin Cities, MN; Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce, Lanesboro, MN; Midwest Fly Fishing Expo, Warren, MI; Minnesota DNR Lanesboro Area Office, Lanesboro, MN; Minnesota Trout Association (MTA), Preston, MN; Minnesota Trout Unlimited, (statewide, and Twin Cities Chapter); National Eagle Center, Wabasha, MN; Preston Area Arts Council, Preston, MN; Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, Preston, MN; Regional Sustainable Development Partnership SE, Univ. Minnesota Extension, Rochester, MN; St. Mary's College, Winona, MN; Root River Valley Trail Towns Committee; Trout Unlimited, Hiawatha Chapter, Rochester, MN; Trout Unlimited, Win-‐Cres Chapter, Winona/La Crescent, MN; University of Minnesota, Rochester, MN; Whitewater State Park, St. Charles, MN; Winona State University, Winona, MN. Appendix B, Listing of Non-‐cash Donors to the National Trout Center
Numerous items were donated to the National Trout Center for use and for display. Without these gifts, the NTC could not offer the diversity of experiences and information sought by the visiting public. The National Trout Center extends sincere thanks and appreciation to the following donors and contributors of non-‐cash gifts in support of the National Trout Center and its work: Phillip and Marsha Broullet, Preston, MN; Nan Douglas, Ray Rickets and Hiawatha Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Rochester, MN for the estate of Dr. William Douglas; Kay Spangler, Preston, MN; Kevin and Holly Zuck, Preston, MN; John Carlin, Lanesboro, MN; Paul B Jaeger, Jr. Grand Rapids, MI; Micah Hanson, Dakota, MN; Travis Volkart, Spring Valley, MN; Jon Haugan, Preston, MN; Kari Odenbrett, Preston, MN; Nick Brandvold, Austin, MN; Mel Haugstad, Preston, MN; Paula Denman, Rochester, MN; James Kern, Wykoff, MN; Sharon and Scott Kingsley, Rochester, MN; Dan Michener, Fountain, MN; Jim Hollander, Woodman, MN; George and Kay Spangler, Preston, MN; Mike Odenbrett, Preston, MN; Cathy Enerson, Byron, MN; City of Preston, Preston, MN; Buying Tyme Custom Framing, Preston, MN; Mike Tomashek, Rochester, MN; Mara Snyder, Preston, MN; Phillip Pankow, Rochester, MN; Dr. Ira Adelman, St. Paul, MN; Father Joe Fogal, Austin, MN; Dan Michener, Fountain, MN; John Bethke, Viroqua, WI; John Eggers, Rochester, MN; Mariella Terbeest Schladweiler, Preston, MN; Elizabeth Waters, Minneapolis, MN, for the estate of Dr. Thomas F. Waters; Dr. Charles C. Krueger, Great Lakes Fishery Commission, Ann Arbor, MI; City of Preston, Preston, MN; Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; James Chapel, Yorba Linda, CA; Erik R. Meade, Minneapolis, MN; Arnold Benson, Preston, MN; Jim Secord, Rochester, MN; Nick Markell, Hugo, MN; Scott Hatfield,
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Preston, MN; Sandy Rolstad, Minneapolis, MN; Lyle Besse, Rochester, MN; Dr. James Cooper, Lewistown, MT; Kathy Dahl, Rushford, MN; Wayne Bartz, Rochester, MN; Paul Lambrecht, Lanesboro, MN; Vonnie Haugstad for estate of Mel Haugstad, Preston, MN; Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District; "Doc" Suzy, St. Louis, MO; Al Barton, Excelsior, MN; Jerome Benson, Minneapolis, MN; John G. Nehnevaj, New Albin, IA; Jeff Broberg, St. Charles, MN. Appendix C, Financial Donors and Contributors
The following financial donors and contributors are listed under several categories denoting the National Trout Center’s connections to businesses, services, memorial dedications, government agencies and institutions, individuals and families. The NTC gratefully acknowledges the spirit and generosity implicit in these financial gifts and services that make the National Trout Center possible. Business F & M Community Bank, Sethre Media Group, Preston Foods, Black & Decker, Julia Claire Repeat Boutique, Washburn University-‐John Burns, Carlson Archery Supplies, Casey's General Store, POET Biorefining, Pamela Ristau, CPA, Root River Hardwoods, Fillmore County Physical Therapy, S & A Petroleum, Inc., and John and Doris Palmer-‐Maple Springs Campground Business Services Sweet Stop & Sandwich Shoppe, Major & Co., Bluff Country Woodworks, Fillmore County Journal, Ed Eslow, F & M Community Bank, and WSB & Associates, Inc. (formerly McGhie & Betts Environmental Services, Inc.) Institutional and Government City of Preston, Preston Public Utilities, Preston Economic Development Authority, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Christianson Family Fund, Preston Area Community Foundation, Preston Area Arts Council, Minnesota Trout Association, Hiawatha Trout Unlimited, Veterans of Foreign Wars VIALL (Preston), Fly Fishing Women of Minnesota-‐Mary Tilly, Sertoma of Rochester, Preston Area Chamber of Commerce, AgStar Financial, University of Minnesota Extension Southeast Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, 4-‐H Olmsted County Shooting Sports, Fillmore County Treasurer SHIP Intervention, Maple Grove Parks and Recreation, Pope and Young Club, Chatfield, MN Individual and Family Tom Sauter, Marilyn Duxbury, Fr. Francis Galles, Jodie Erickson, Loris Holmberg, Christina Rotz, Joe Hoffman, Carol Busacker, Gary Stromley, John Carlin, Sally Dunn, Jean Andreasen, Jerome and Sharyol O'Connor, Nick Brandvold, Koch, Linda Siffert, Melford and LaVonne Haugstad, Dwight and Amy Luhmann, Kathy Dahl, Mike Tomashek, Jeffrey and Erica Broberg, George and Kay Spangler, Evelyn Christianson, Dan and Tamara Christianson, Duane and Angel Bakke, Phil
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and Shelly Pankow, Lawrence Downing, Mike and Sandy Schmidt, Charlie and Ann Sparks, David Harrison; Bruce Nelson, Cathy Enerson, Scott and Mary J. Hatfield, David Lang, Neil Brenseth, Sandra Haagenson, Dave Schultz, Randi Nelson, Jon and Christine DeVries, Geraldine Daley, Joel S. and Barbara Mielke, Andrew Bahl and Karen Haugerud Bahl, Kurt and Brenda Reicks; Linda Griggs, Sarah and Nicholas Wangen, Guy T. Soland, Rich and Nancy Enochs, Renee Anderson, Brad Miller, Amanda and Ehab Michael, E. Wrede, A. M. Nighswander, C. Peterson Wlosinski, Theresa Casey, Lawrence Wackett and Deborah Allen, and James Secord Donations in Memory of Melford Haugstad and Scott Hatfield Jill A. Eerdmans, S&P Hanson LLC, B & B Olympic Bowl, Colleen E. Mulvihill, C Mulvihill Rev Trust, Harlan and Sandra Perry, Shawna Poppe, Scott R. and Mary J. Hatfield, Richard Wildgrube, Garaine Wildgrube, Robin J. Goldsworthy, Lynn E. Eich, Mary G. Eich, Jonathan and Stacie Stutz, John W. Weiss, Minnesota Trout Association, George and Kay Spangler, Bradley N. Haugstad, Wendy S. Crowe-‐Haugstad, Jeffrey S. and Erica K. Broberg, Matthew and Karen Quanrud, Marilyn A. Bunge, Carole R. Bond, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Bremseth, Weaver Lake Elementary School, Erlan H. and Sandra L. Marzolf, Mary Bunge Docken-‐Don Lucas, Lynn E. Eich and Mary G. Eich, Evelyn C. Christianson, Rita A. Wilson, Patricia A. and Paul N. Morse, Dale C. Dahly, Nancy E. Dahly, Dan and Tamara Christianson, and Bruce and Anne Roelofs
Written by George R. Spangler Edited by Kay Spangler and Christine Clark Text created in Microsoft Word, tables and graphs by Microsoft Excel Copyright © 2015 National Trout Center