What's Wrong?
2007-01-31
It's virtually impossible to really fix what you don't know is wrong. I mean, how many things are so easy to fix that the answer is skin deep? Yah - so... many folks will offer up their opinion of the "magic bullet fix" by briefly looking at the problem - all the while they're just waiting slap you around with their amazing "foresight"...Another way to say it is: To a hammer, all problems look like nails...Don't let anyone help you with your problems unless they've listened and tried to understand what the problems really are...
This brings us to the second step of the river restoration process - assessment! There are many factors that influence trout habitat in rivers: depth of water, cover (trees on the bank), water temperature, speed of water, water quality, bug life....to name a few. To even begin to address these issues - they have to be measured - observed - seperately and in relation to each other. These pieces fit together in a puzzle that reveals the health of the river at the time of observation (this is important because just like our own personal problems - they change as seasons and circumstances change!). Only then, can one responsibly put together a plan for enhancing the river for trout!
We have to press past the cursory question of "What's wrong?" and move towards intent listening, patient understanding, and detailed observation... hard to do in relationships - easier with nature!
Later!
The Main Thing
2007-01-30
Have you ever been talking to someone about all the things going on in your life and the more you talk, the heavier all your burdens get, and the more confused you become?
The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing. 
Business is the same. When we do our first assessment of a river for a client, we start by helping them determine their main thing for their river. We call this the "vision". Yah, I know it's yucky business jargon - but you have to call it something! We also determine the "Critical Sucess Factors". These are the things that HAVE to happen or the project will be an absolute failure - it may be related to budget (what can you do for a buck?), schedule (it better be done by the time my family reunion begins), or quality (it can't fall apart tomorrow).
YES! If you're still reading, I haven't quite made your eyeballs roll back into your head! I'm going to take you through a typical fishery enhancement project - our steps - and more importantly why we do it. Try not to worry - I'm going to do my best to make it understandable and relate it to life and relationships. Let me know if you have questions or would like to talk about something more...hang with me - it will be fun! At least check back for the pics!
A jouney of a thousand miles begins with one step!
Later 
Icy Morning 3
2007-01-29
Icy Morning 2
2007-01-29
Icy Morning
2007-01-29
The chill of the dawn shot through me like multiple small needles. The river beckoned.
Daybreak
Thousands of tiny intricate ice crystals - each individual - each complex...and yet so simple...
Simplistic beauty
Ice - fighting to stop time
Water - fighting to remain in motion
Life!
Beliefs
2007-01-28
I'll tell you what... It seems that any good thing - anything of substance - starts and ends with a solid core of beliefs. Sit back and take a ride...
In the midnight Arctic Seas,Stained tropical rivers at dawn,the Gulf Stream at noon,where the thin shafts of lightchisel down into blue back;a small creek in the evening shadebeneath the willow and sycamores;In northern riverswhere salmon liein deep viridian hollows.It is always the dark waterwhich promises the most. - Russel ChathamPASSION
We believe that Russell Chatham's poem, Dark Waters, encapsulates the essence of why we are in business. And, over the years, Dark Waters has provided us with meaning and inspiration for many endeavors we have undertaken. It suggests that the things wanted are not always visible. Taking a chance on the unknown leads to most uncommon and valuable rewards.
COLLABORATION
We believe that a river is a reflection of the surrounding watershed. Its health depends on the water; the surrounding forests, meadows, and wetlands; the bugs, birds, fish, and other wildlife. Therefore, it is irresponsible to think of a river as an independent element to be "enhanced" or "restored". FlyWater collaborates with other respected scientists, ranchers, and anglers to better understand the intricate elements of the river's ecosystem and surrounding land use. It is this "spherical approach" that brings understanding and enables FlyWater to realize the full potential of the fishery.
GUIDANCE
We believe that angling should be fun. One of the key elements of our enjoyment is the waters we fish! FlyWater understands river systems not only from the perception of a scientist, but also the anglers'. The mystery of what lies around the next bend. The excitement of a long drift dancing on a seam above a lurking trout. We bring this fervor to our clients and projects. We care about the experience of angling as well as the wellbeing of the fish.
BALANCE
We believe that rivers should look, function, and fish like rivers. There are very few streams in the Western US, let alone the world, that have not been impacted by human activities. Our philosophy is to realize that it may be impractical to fully "restore" a river, however, it is very possible to take the given variables and create a fishery that will work with the forces of nature in healing the impacts. Whenever possible, we utilize our Templates of Nature© process to design thriving, healthy fisheries that have the opportunity to sustain themselves. Using Mother Nature to fix Mother Nature - now there is an idea!
What the heck are you up to?
2007-01-24
This is an outlet to give people an understanding of what goes on in the background of river restoration projects. Our projects are typically for private individuals looking to increase trout habitat and increase the value of their land. Through this journey, I will put some educational things, process things, opinions and some good fun about consulting, construction, assessment, fishing, relationships, theory, and philosophy.
For now let's start out with introductions: I'm Drift! I got interested in rivers when I was young. I like the idea of learning how to predict how water will behave and then using that to produce better fish habitat. I have two other partners that work together to get our projects completed. These individuals are top quality and I'm proud to be associated with them. We all have the belief that our job is to do top quality work at a fair price (hey - it is not a crime to make a buck!).
OK - Well, there will be more about me, my partners, our clients, our business associates, and our projects as time goes on! Later!
Organization
2007-01-23
I submitted the permit for our next "Feature Stream" about a week ago. Spent most of the day coordinating the various agencies to get the permits on the fast track. It is nice to be able to submit permits to agencies when the goal of the entire project is to enhance trout habitat! Yes there are going to be plenty of smiling fish when we get done...
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