Limestone Blog

Firepits at LTC

Limestone has purchased and received a donated firepit that are now available for use by members and guests.  One firepit is located on the lawn in front of the cottage at Cedar.  The other firepit is located near at Birch pond near the road.

While the Birch pond pit is available on a first come first served basis, the Cedar pond pit is available primarily for guests staying at the cottage. If no one is currently using the Cedar cottage, the firepit may be used on a first come, first served basis.

Follow safety rules when using the firepits as YOU are responsible.  Please check the current State of Connecticut “Forest Fire Danger” website for the risk level.  High Danger levels along with windy conditions(>10mph) can lead to an out of control situation in a hurry. Use common sense.

Generally:

  • Clear the area of flammables other than the wood you will use
  • At the end of your use, make sure to drown all embers
  • Leftover ashes should be placed in the provided metal buckets

Connecticut has restrictions on bringing out of state cut wood into the state.  See this link. One reason is to limit the possible importation of the Emerald Ash borer, which has been found in CT.  Ideally, locally sourced firewood should be used.  This DOES NOT include firewood that is seasoned under the LTC pole barn.  If you cannot source wood locally, please bring your own wood. The local Stop & Shop has firewood for sale(may be seasonal).

LTC Sweepstakes

On Saturday, May 2nd 2020, LTC will hold a sweepstakes drawing for one 2021 Annual Membership. Tickets are $50 each, with no purchase limit. The winning ticket will entitle one Limestone member (in good standing) to a fully paid membership for the 2021 season. You do not have to be present to win.
Sign In and under Club Docs/Misc Column, find the link for the Sweepstakes Entry form.
Checks must be received by Thursday, April 30th

Mail to: Glenn Ratcliffe
92 Fields Rock Rd Southport, CT 06890

Please make your checks payable to: LTC

This event is a special fundraiser that we hope our members will appreciate and participate in. Please take a chance(s) and support Limestone!

Photo Basics and Fish Handling

When it comes to handling fish that we plan to release, a few basic practices will go a long way. Same goes for capturing that moment in photographs. Here are a few simple things to consider the next time a fish comes to hand and the camera comes out.

  1. Make sure your camera is ready to go!
  2. “Three, two, one, lift, and click!”
  3. It might be safer to not take a photo.

READ MORE >


Catch and Release Survival

Fish look best when wet, with their colors and markings even more stunning than imagined. Better still, they have a far better chance of survival after their release.

Every time a fish is hooked it experiences some level of stress until released. By following three simple principles you can reduce stress and improve the odds for survival.

  • Minimize air exposure – for a fish to recover it needs to be in the water to breathe and pump oxygen throughout its system and allow its muscles to recover. If you take a fish out of water, hold your breath. If you can’t breathe, neither can the fish.
  • Eliminate contact with dry surfaces – fish have a protective mucus which protects them from diseases and other foreign elements. Contact with any dry surface will remove this protective layer and make fish more susceptible to disease. Make sure to keep the fish away from any dry or hard surfaces.
  • Reduce handling – the less you handle a fish the better off it will be. Prepare in advance by fishing barbless, using a net, and have forceps ready.

READ MORE >