After a successful Internet video meeting for the last fly tying – thanks Claude, Evan, Lyall and others in the background – CAA is considering using this technology for meetings given the pressure to reduce social contact (plus Raiders are shut). The next Burley Line (imminent) will have a short article.

The package we used is called Zoom (becoming very popular now), though we have a continuing interest in one called jitsi (Google the term ‘jitsi meet’).

To help novices, I’ve prepared a small how-to Beginner’s Guide to Zoom. This will show you how to prepare your computer and some basic instructions on how to participate. Limited personalised assistance can also be provided. All you need is a camera and microphone on your computer. Never fear, no need to sign up and give away personal information.

NSW NPWS have announced closures of campgrounds, most visitor centres, cafes and ‘high visitation areas’. All the details here.

Your chance to have a say in the Federal Government Native Fish Recovery Strategy. Submissions via survey close 6 April. See website here.

Because of the current Coronavirus situation, and with much regret and disappointment, the NSWCFA has decided to cancel this year’s Interclub Flyfishing Meet at Wallerawang (1-3 May 2020).

NSWCFA President Don Barton and the committee wish you and your families and friends continuing good health during these trying times.

I got a report from a friend who travelled the Alpine Way between Thredbo and Khancoban on Mon 16 Mar. It is open with only a small number of areas under maintenance including a short stretch near Khancoban of one way. (Drivers are cautioned to check Live Traffic NSW.) Good news was that rest areas and camping sites are all open and in the middle of unburnt areas.

There appears to be little change to ongoing closures but I haven’t had any observations from travellers:

• All areas north of the Snowy Valley Highway including Tantangara Road. ie Tantangara Dam and the Murrumbidgee headwaters.
• Cabramurra township and the Khancoban-Cabramurra Road.

The authoritative source is the NPWS website or else contact the NPWS offices.

The NSWCFA Interclub Fly Fishing Meet is again on at Wallerawang (based at Black Gold Motel) from Fri 01 May to Sun 03 May 2020. Our affiliated clubs/associations are urged to get a team together to compete for the Best (fly fishing) Club Trophy.

Stefan is hoping CAA might enter a team.

There are a total of 13 categories spread over five competitions:

· Fly Fishing – six categories for longest fish species: Impoundment Trout, Stream Trout, Bass, Other Native, Redfin and Carp;

· Fly Tying – three categories: Open, Intermediate and Novice;

· Fly Casting – Long distance accuracy;

· Fly Casting – Short distance accuracy and

· Photography – two categories: Open and Novice.

There is no limit to team size but obviously the larger the team the more chance of one member getting a place (1st to 4th) and scoring points (7,6,5,4 pts respectively) which go towards the team total.

Program.

One notable one is Lower Cotter Catchment (think Vanity’s Crossing)

Reported in the Canberra Times.

The ACT Government’s Environment Directorate website would be the authoritative source to stay up to date.

The postponed opportunity to hand back out of date flares has been reprogrammed for March at various places on the South Coast.
Schedule.

The inflatable life jacket maintenance clinic is closer to home in Queanbeyan on 9 Apr. More details here.

Readers would have noted from News blog and Secretary email, the Natives on the Bidgee event has been postponed one week to Sat 21 Mar.

The next change is that the High Country Trout event scheduled for 28-29 Mar has had to be cancelled.

MAS has passed to us news of a press release from the Invasive Species Council giving limited to support to the NSW Govt moves in respect to brumbies post the fires.

There seems to be some movement in the government accepting that numbers need to be reduced. Of concern is that the fires have not impacted on the population numbers and the horses are concentrating in the unburnt areas or moving back to burnt areas as they regenerate but vulnerable to damage.

Read it all here