Help Restore Federal Funding for Restoration and Rural Economic Development
Help Restore Federal Funding for Restoration and Rural Economic Development
Trout Unlimited’s restoration efforts in Colorado don’t just support the state’s working lands and waters, they are also a driving force behind rural economic growth. We’ve long recognized the importance of healthy rivers and fisheries for the outdoor recreation economy, which in Colorado generates $17.2 billion in economic activity and supports over 132,000 jobs. TU’s projects are also generating high-quality jobs for contractors, engineers, and laborers, most of whom live and work in the very communities benefiting from these projects.
Many of TU’s efforts rely upon and help leverage federal dollars from agency partners such as the Bureau of Reclamation, US Forest Service, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. In Colorado alone, TU is managing more than $24 million in federally-funded projects, helping support more than 250 Colorado jobs through our contractors and partners. Federal dollars are critical to conducting projects like the Colorado River Connectivity Channel (pictured) - and they are multiplied, leveraging other state, local and private sector dollars to make a difference for our waterways and local communities.
The recent pause in government funding creates financial hardships for contractors, workers, farmers, ranchers and others who depend on restoration projects for income. The negative impacts in Colorado’s rural areas are especially devastating.
Looking forward, the future of restoration funding programs is in question as Congress takes up how to approach the next federal budget year - and continued funding for agency partnership grants is critical for needed projects from protecting water in the Colorado River, to reducing wildfire risks in our forests, to modernizing infrastructure for irrigators to benefit both farms and fish.
As Congress and agencies review these federally-funded programs, we urge you to reach out to your elected officials and ask them to restore - and sustain - critical federal funding for restoration projects and the rural communities they support.
Remaining Items Still Available from the River Stewardship Gala
You can still participate in the Gala by purchasing one of a handful of remaining items at an opening bid level. Items include an African photo safari, Ross Native Series reels, a dream fishing vacation in Argentina, a spey rod and reel package, and a beautiful water-wise landscape plan for your property.
Colorado Trout Unlimited Spring Rendezvous 2025
The annual CTU Spring Rendezvous membership and board meeting is April 26th in Salida, CO. The Membership and Board meeting will be at the Scout Hut (210 E Sackett Ave) in Salida. All day Saturday, April 26 – 9 am – 4 pm, lunch provided. There is no registration cost for this event.
Event includes:
Annual elections and budget
Update and feedback on CTU 5-year plan progress
Regional breakouts focused on chapter conservation projects planned or on the wish list around Colorado
Workshop with Rick Kahn (retired CPW/USFS/NPS) on collaborating with agency partners
Protecting the Miracle Mile - Here's How You Can Help
Credit Steven Brutger
The Miracle Mile is one of Wyoming’s most treasured trout fisheries, drawing anglers from across the country and generating millions in recreation-based revenue each year. But this world-class fishery, adjacent crucial wildlife habitat, and local communities and economies that depend on them are at risk. The proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project, a renewable energy storage project being developed by rPlus Hydro, could significantly alter the water quality, fish populations, and aquatic ecosystem of the North Platte River and wildlife habitat in adjacent uplands. To learn more about these potential impacts, please visit this link.
Despite these risks and uncertainties, the project is advancing quickly through the permitting process. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and stringent agency permit conditions are necessary to ensure that the irreplaceable fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, and recreation opportunities in and around the North Platte’s Miracle Mile and Seminoe Reservoir are adequately evaluated, monitored, protected, and mitigated (if the project is advanced). Join Trout Unlimited, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Wyoming Trout Unlimited, Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation, and Wyoming Wildlife Federation in asking regulatory and management agencies as well as elected officials to ensure that the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project is only permitted if impacts are adequately studied and addressed.
We need your help with 3 urgent actions by 4 PM on Friday, March 14th!
Sign the petition to let agencies and elected officials know your concerns
Share with your friends
Submit your official public comments to FERC
Take Action for the Miracle Mile!
February Currents Newsletter
This month’s issue features The Urgent Need to Unlock Federal Conservation Funding, The SLV Student Chapter, Denver Fly Fishing Show, and More!
Stalled Streams: The Urgent Need to Unlock Federal Conservation Funding
In early February, a small group of Colorado TU representatives traveled to Washington, DC, to meet with the offices for Colorado’s Congressional delegation. Advocacy Chair Barb Sheedlo, Cutthroat Chapter President John Egan, National Trustee Mac Cunningham, and CTU Executive Director David Nickum joined TU National staff in visiting nine of Colorado’s ten Congressional offices, including brief direct conversations with Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper and Representatives Crank, Hurd, and Neguse.
We went to Capitol Hill with three core messages: thanking returning members of the Colorado delegation for their support in successfully passing Good Samaritan legislation in the last Congress, encouraging members to reintroduce and advance rail safety legislation, and urging Congressional members to support conservation jobs and the restoration economy affected by the recent pause in federal disbursements that has created uncertainty for our contractors, employees, and on-the-ground partners. Last year, members of both parties supported the rail safety legislation, including then-Senator, now-Vice President Vance.
Our delegation offices expressed concern and requested continued updates on the projects affected by the pause in federal disbursements. For members who wish to weigh in on the issue, you can find and connect with your representative’s office by visiting the link below
Two Exciting Events During the 2025 Fly Fishing Show
Please join CTU at the following events prior to, and at, the Fly Fishing Show!
Building a Future for Conservation: The San Luis Valley TU Student Chapter
By Kevin Milder - San Luis Valley Chapter
A new wave of conservation leadership is taking shape in the San Luis Valley, where young anglers and environmental stewards are stepping up to protect their local waters. The San Luis Valley Trout Unlimited (TU) Student Chapter - officially designated as Chapter 001 - one of the first three TU student chapters in the nation and the only one west of the Mississippi—is providing students with hands-on opportunities to engage in conservation, learn valuable skills, and foster a lifelong connection to their watershed.
Since its inception, the chapter has already made strides in both education and habitat restoration. One of its first events introduced students to the art of fly tying in collaboration with Project Healing Waters, teaching them the patience and precision required to craft their own flies. But the chapter’s impact extends well beyond the vise. Students have also contributed to conservation efforts, building fence stiles that will be installed this summer at Jim Creek and along the Conejos River. These structures will improve angler access while protecting fragile riparian habitats—demonstrating the chapter’s commitment to balancing recreation with conservation.
Looking ahead, the chapter has an ambitious lineup of activities designed to deepen students’ skills and environmental awareness. More fly tying sessions are scheduled, allowing participants to refine their craft while gaining a deeper understanding of entomology and fly selection. Monthly outings will provide opportunities to test their skills on local waters while fostering a greater appreciation for both the sport and the ecosystems they seek to protect.
This summer, students will take an even more active role in conservation work. They’ll assist with fish population surveys through electroshocking at Jim Creek, help repair fencing to protect sensitive habitats, and install the previously constructed fence stiles. These hands-on experiences will not only enhance their technical skills but also instill a sense of responsibility for the health of local fisheries.
Though the chapter was founded at Monte Vista High School, its vision is to expand participation to students across the San Luis Valley. By broadening its reach, the chapter can inspire more young people to become conservation leaders, strengthening the future of coldwater fisheries in the region.
The early success of the San Luis Valley TU Student Chapter is a testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of its members. With continued support from the local TU chapter and community partners, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact—both on the students involved and on the health of the region’s waters. This is just the beginning, and the future looks bright for youth conservation in the San Luis Valley.
For more information on TU Student Chapters, please contact Cliff Watson at clifford.watson@tu.org
