Research group receives donation

The High Lakes Aquatic Alliance Research Foundation (HLAAF) received a $5,000 award last weekend from the president of Kokanee Powers of Oregon, Debbie Jahn.

This money will be used in the Suttle Lake aquatic biological research that HLAAF will be conducting on the growth and development of kokanee trout and young sockeye salmon.

The presentation was made on the lawn of Shelter Cove Resort at Odell Lake on Saturday, August 16, following the Kokanee Derby Tournament that took place during the early morning hours. There was a large crowd of people on hand on a beautiful day to enjoy the event.

The weighing ceremony started at 1 p.m. with the weighing and measuring of fish caught. All measurements were recorded on a laptop computer.

Representatives of the group consisted of HLAAF were John MacTavish, consultant to HLAAF; Conrad Weiler, HLAAF photographer; and Frank P. Conte, president of HLAAF. As part of the program, Jahn asked MacTavish and Conte to tell the audience about HLAAF's limnological research plans for Suttle Lake.

MacTavish described his new lightweight buoy system, which he invented and constructed for measuring photoperiod UV-light and wind flow on the lake surface, and chemical parameters of the lake waters.

Conte described the collection nets and microscopic tools needed for catching and identifying the planktonic animals that fish would be eating.

Jahn and the Kokanee board then presented the ceremonial check for the award.

Members of HLAAF want to thank Mike Mansker, owner and broker of Coldwell Banker-Reed Bros. Realty Co. in Sisters, for launching the project. Mansker had been a board member of Kokanee Powers of Oregon and member of the Metolius Limnogical Club.