Steward Spotlight: Local Student ‘Tying for the ‘Tooga

Eli Betty is a lifelong angler and local of Cashiers, NC, in the headwaters of the Chattooga River watershed. He recently organized a fundraiser based on his skill tying fishing lures. In a campaign he dubbed “Tying for the ‘Tooga,” Eli handmade and sold about 200 flies, and donated the proceeds to the Chattooga Conservancy. Eli’s flies, which include Woolly Buggers, Pheasant Tail Jig Heads, Pat’s Rubber Legs, and Egg Masses, can be purchased at Brookings Anglers in Cashiers.

Eli was motivated by his desire to raise awareness about declining water quality he has observed in the Chattooga headwaters. We applaud Eli’s initiative, dedication, and, above all, his profound investment in the cause of preserving the Chattooga’s outstanding water quality.  He embodies the Chattooga Conservancy’s mission to help empower communities to engage in active stewardship of the Chattooga River watershed ecosystem.