Articles

Smoky Mountain fisheries remain healthy following historic wildfire

The East's famed park is coming back, and the fishing never slowed down
Photo: Matthew Reilly

On November 28, 2016, a wildfire of unprecedented proportions raged across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and the surrounding community, engulfing 17,904 acres, including 55 miles of the Park’s premier trout streams. Today, spring has sprung, and the Park remains largely ecologically intact.

The fire began atop Chimney Tops, one of GSMNP’s most popular landmarks and trails, and was fueled by severe drought conditions and winds in excess of 87 mph. In the nearby tourism town of Gatlinburg, it claimed 14 lives and numerous structures.

Pruitt sells out sportsmen

EPA head throws anglers under the bus with climate denial
Photo: Gage Skidmore

I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
I went to the crossroad, fell down on my knees
Asked the Lord above "have mercy now, save poor Bob if you please"

Back in 1936, Robert Johnson recorded Cross Road Blues, one of the all-time blues classics. Johnson’s lyrics speak to regret and despair; he shares the story of a man who sold his soul to the devil and learned the hard way that he has to pay the ultimate price.

With a side of adventure

Side channels are to be explored, not ignored
Chris Hunt hooked up to a big brown trout on a side channel of the Collon Cura River (photo: Chad Shmukler).

Side channels rock.

I was 11 years old when Messrs. Page, Plant, Jones and Bonham - Led Zeppelin, for those of you who don’t know - released one of the great rock & roll anthems of all time. Stairway to Heaven was an instant classic, and it still blasts from car speakers and home stereos all over the world. I was actually listening to the song the other day when the lyrics, which I’ve probably heard a thousand times over the last 40 odd years, jumped the tracks and made a new connection in my brain.

Patagonia continues fight to protect Bears Ears with interactive film series

Patagonia continues its leadership on public lands
Photo: Mark Toso/Patagonia

Patagonia has been one of the leaders not only in decrying the draconian stance Utah's leadership continues to hold towards public lands, but in taking action to put pressure on the state to put an end to their continuing efforts to privatize and undermine access to public lands and to reverse the designation of the newly-minted Bears Ears National Monument.

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