The Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited recently presented Monty Murty of Laughlintown, Westmoreland County the Chapter’s Don Robb Memorial Chapter Service Award for his exemplary service. 

This award recognizes his many years of dedicated service to lead the organization in its mission to preserve coldwater fisheries and to teach stream conservation practices to students.

Monty, a Life Member of Trout Unlimited, currently serves as the Chapter’s Treasurer and Past President.  He also served as the Executive Vice President for the PA Council of Trout Unlimited and as National Leadership Council Representative. 

Monty has led the chapter in teaching coldwater conservation, fly tying and fly casting classes to local middle and high school students.  He has presented dozens of stream-related programs during field days and field trips for local schools. 

For many students, it was their first exposure to collecting and identifying critters in the stream that trout need to survive. 

And he has organized and helped with programs for adults including fly fishing events for ladies’ and disabled military veterans. 

Internally, he has served as a mentor for many of our chapter’s leaders.

Currently, Monty is spending endless hours, much of it behind the scenes, preparing for and developing a Coldwater Conservation Plan for Linn Run. 

The study includes habitat assessment, water quality sampling, collection and identification of macroinvertebrates (trout bugs) and surveying trout populations in the stream and tributaries. 

The final report will identify stressors and where stream remediation might enhance wild brook trout habitat and populations.  

The Chapter also presented Monty with a $100 gift certificate for Ligonier Outfitters. 

This award is named for Don Robb, long-time owner of Don Robb’s Fly Ship in Ligonier, PA., the spiritual home of fly fishing in the Laurel Highlands. Don was also one of the founders of Forbes Trail Chapter. 

Although Don was nationally known as a fly rod builder, he was best known as the fly fishing mentor to generations of school students, many of whom spent their after-school hours sweeping out the shop in exchange for Don’s knowledge of the sport.

For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get involved, visit the Forbes Trail Chapter of Trout Unlimited website.

(Photo: Larry Myers, Chapter President and Monty Murty.)

[Posted: May 6, 2021]

5/10/2021