Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited


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Disborough Research Grant

George Disborough, 1925-1985, artist, scholar, sportsman, and trout fisherman was aptly described in one phrase by Michigan DNR Fisheries Chief, Dave Borgeson. At a dedication of a memorial to George on the banks of the Coldwater River, Freeport, Michigan, Dave opened his remarks with, "George Disborough was a gentle man."

Born in Indiana, George cut his teeth, so to speak, as a smallmouth bass fisherman on the rocky limestone creeks of his native state. Upon moving north to Michigan in 1960, he found that the equivalent waters here supported a significant population of trout. It was, therefore, only natural that his passion for fishing would undergo a transfer of species to salmonids. He avidly pursued his sport, reading much of the available literature. He was a charter member of the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited and enthusiastically used his many talents to promote the growth of the chapter and the ideals of the national organization of Trout Unlimited.

His philosophy was, of course, consistent with his personality. He never really counted the number of trout he caught, but rather counted the hours of enjoyment and solitude that he spent on the stream. The act of pursuing and fooling a good trout with a well presented fly was not the only objective; he enjoyed the whole experience. The sight of a doe leading her fawn to the stream to drink the clear waters was a savored occasion. The thundering wing beat of a grouse or the whistling flight of a woodcock weaving its way through the tag alders added to the musical sounds of the river. The call of the whippoorwill signaled a good evening hatch. Even the frolicking play of a family of otters could be appreciated, though he knew that they would figuratively scare the spots off any trout in the vicinity.

Over the years, George was keenly aware of the attrition caused by overuse and misuse of our streams. This "gentle man" was never strident, but he was firm in his persuasion that the future of trout fishing lay in conserving, maintaining, and enhancing the resource. His skills created and fostered an advertisement that explained the "catch and release" posture with the admonition: "Don`t kill off your sport - limit your kill, don`t kill your limit." The reclamation and restoration of trout habitat were also items of prime importance.

It is therefore fitting that the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited has established the George L. Disborough Trout Unlimited Research Grant to aid and encourage the recipient graduate students and research fellows in their studies to attain these ends.

Eligibility Criteria

The grant will be awarded based on the merit of the proposed project and not on the financial need of the applicant. The project must be consistent with the mission of Trout Unlimited, take place in North America, and the recipient must be a citizen of the United States and a graduate student at an accredited college or university.
Selection Criteria

The grant will be awarded based on the project location, subject, distinctiveness, and method of implementation. The written proposal, talents required to perform the project, the candidate’s grade point average, and place of residence will also be considered.
Specifications of the Award

The value of the award is up to $2,500. Normally, the grant will be for one year, however it is possible that the grant may be renewed providing the applicant is able to demonstrate the merit of a renewal to the Advisory Committee and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation Board of Trustees.
Application and Award Procedures

Applications are available through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, 151 South Rose Street, Suite 332, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. The completed application must be addressed to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and postmarked no later than February 27.
For Additional Information

Carol Carter
Donor Relations Officer, Scholarships
(269) 381-4416
Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Purpose and Sponsor

The research grant was established by the Kalamazoo Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited (KVCTU) for the purpose of recognizing and supporting studies of trout habitat or other projects consistent with the goals and objectives of Trout Unlimited. KVCTU goals are to preserve wild rivers, clean up polluted waters, maintain early warning Water Quality Surveillance programs, educate the public through workshops and seminars, and speak for the concerns of all anglers and conservationists.

The successful candidate will be notified in the spring and will receive the grant upon his/her return of a letter of acceptance for the award.