January 2022 Chapter Meeting

A NEW BEGINNING: Our Fight for Wild Trout and River Ecology on the Deerfield

Chris Myhrum is a lawyer practicing in Springfield, MA. He is a member of the Pioneer Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. He specializes in Environmental and Land Use compliance and litigation. He became involved in the Bear Swamp Power Company Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license renewal at the request of the Chapter through DRWTU member Atty. Andrew Levchuk. He has provided representation without charge for his services (pro bono publico) on the issues associated with the 401 Water Quality Certification mediation process. He is grateful to have received the 2021 Bob Anderson Conservation Award. 

Kevin Parsons is an attorney in Shelburne Falls, having grown up in Colrain. Kevin is a founding board member of DRWTU, serving in all leadership positions, including President. 

Chris Jackson is a professional fly-fishing guide, writer, and conservationist residing in Charlemont, MA. He is a founding board member of DRWTU and served as Conservation Committee Chair, Vice President, and delegate to the MA Council of TU. He is devoted to improving the Deerfield Watershed and creating a robust wild trout fishery on the upper Deerfield. Kevin and Chris Jackson were designated by the DRWTU board to represent DRWTU in the FERC re-licensing of Brookfield Power operations. 

Our guest speakers are no strangers to our Chapter. Enjoy an informative presentation by a team who has persevered for over eight years to improve the conditions on the Deerfield River in the FERC re-licensing of the Brookfield Power Facilities/Fife Dam & Bear Swamp Pump Storage. There are many stories to be told on the strategy taken, how partnerships evolved, and how this team fought to get better conditions for the river, with the ultimate goal of attaining a robust wild trout fishery on the Upper Deerfield, which is now within our sights. We also expect to hear an exciting announcement at this Chapter meeting regarding the results achieved by our team and partners in this important endeavor.