Buechler, Elderkin, Krol among honorees at Spring Rendezvous

A highlight of CTU’s Spring Rendezvous in Redstone is always the annual awards dinner, held this year on Saturday evening April 14^th. Through these awards, CTU recognizes outstanding achievements by its volunteers and chapters, and by individuals and groups beyond CTU who have made important contributions to trout conservation. In 2007, CTU presented its “Trout Conservation Award” to two individuals with partner sportsperson organizations: Dennis Buechler of the Colorado Wildlife Federation and Bob Elderkin of the Colorado Mule Deer Association. Buechler and Elderkin were recognized for their leadership in developing guidelines for oil and gas development to protect wildlife and fish habitat, and for organizing and mobilizing hunters, anglers, conservationists, and others on oil and gas issues including the Roan Plateau.

Tom Krol received the “Trout Communications Award” in recognition of his efforts in producing the CTU video/DVD, “You Can Make A Difference.” Krol was also honored for his leadership in public outreach on conservation issues and projects in the South Platte watershed through the South Platte Enhancement Board. Krol serves as chair of that board, which provides grants for projects to benefit the South Platte and North Fork river corridors and serves as a forum for education and discussion of river issues.

Other award winners were:

• Outstanding Volunteers: Bob Gray (Collegiate Peaks), Harry Hall (Cutthroat), Bill Searles and Jack Sibbald (West Denver), and Bob Streeter (Rocky Mountain Flycasters)
• John Connolly Outstanding Chapter Communications Award: Southern Colorado Greenbacks Chapter
• Exemplary Youth Education: Grand Valley Anglers – school programs & Western Colorado Fly Fishing Expo (see article p.6), Colorado River Headwaters Chapter – watershed education program
• Exemplary Projects: Alpine Anglers – Greenback backers program, Collegiate Peaks – Buena Vista State Wildlife Area habitat improvement project
• Most Improved Chapter: Cheyenne Mountain
• Exemplary Chapters: Boulder Flycasters, West Denver
• Distinguished Service Award: Andrew Todd and Mely Whiting, Colorado Water Project

The Steve Lundy Silver Trout Foundation also presented the Silver Trout Award at the dinner, recognizing John Trammell for his years of dedicated service in coldwater conservation. Trammell has helped spearhead projects on the Grand Mesa, in Unaweep Canyon, on the Roan Plateau, and has been a leading advocate on issues including travel management and flow protection on National Forests.

Photographs and details can be found on the CTU website: www.cotrout.org.