This past Saturday, Colorado Trout Unlimited wrapped up its first Digital Fall Rendezvous. The online conference was spread out across 2 weeks and featured a variety of speakers. If you happened to miss out of some of the sessions or would like to share them with friends or colleagues, there is a YouTube playlist linked below.
This event could not have been possible without our amazing speakers and sponsors. Thank you to everyone who attended and we hope next year we can be together in person!
The last day of the conference was the annual Board meeting where CTU presented awards recognizing volunteers and chapters. Below are this year’s winners:
Outstanding Volunteer
Tom Palka for his tireless work in maintaining creative and effective communication and engagement with Collegiate Peaks chapter membership.
Mickey McGuire for his leadership in restructuring the RMFC board to instill values of leadership development, committees, and succession. His leadership has empowered others to grow and be successful in the organization.
Allyn Kratz for his dedicated efforts in conserving and protecting Bear Creek and educating the community and state about its unique population of Greenback cutthroat trout
Stephen Brant for his leadership in developing cooperative relationships, sound science, and projects to protect and improve stream health in South Boulder Creek through its Stream Management Plan
Exemplary Project
San Luis Valley Chapter for their leadership in the Sand Creek Reclamation Project to begin restoration of the Rio Grande Cutthroat trout to a stronghold watershed that can support native trout for generations to come
Dolores River Anglers for their vision and leadership in developing The Upper Dolores Stream Protection Working Group, a model for science-based, collaborative conservation efforts.
Exemplary Chapter
Denver Trout Unlimited Chapter for their outstanding efforts in restoring habitat, engaging the community, educating youth, and overall raising the quality of their homewaters on the Denver South Platte.
Exemplary Youth Education
Gunnison Gorge Anglers for their collaborative effort with the stream girls programming to bring an outdoor watershed experience that employs STEM education plus recreation and arts to explore a local stream.
Pikes Peak Chapter for their collaborative effort with the stream girls programming to bring an outdoor watershed experience that employs STEM education plus recreation and arts to explore a local stream.
The John Connolly Outstanding Chapter Communications Award
St. Vrain Anglers for their newly redesigned website, strong social media, Speaker Series, and email communications, as well as local partnerships to broaden community outreach
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS
Dale Smith for his years of service and leadership in establishing the Dolores River Anglers chapter as a strong TU presence in Southwest Colorado, and his work in engaging other volunteer leaders to carry it forward.
Barbara Luneau for her dedicated and effective efforts to build programs and deliver “Stream of Engagement” youth education from the annual youth camp to STREAM Girls, as well as her local conservation leadership in the St. Vrain watershed.
SILVER TROUT Award– Presented by the Silver Trout Foundation
Buck Skillen was recognized for his many years of volunteer leadership in the Durango area including his work to promote protection of the Hermosa Creek watershed and of the rediscovered San Juan lineage cutthroat trout.
Paula Fothergill was honored for her long-time efforts as an instructor, organizer, and mentor, helping TU chapters and allies to engage more women with fly fishing and conservation.
Thank you to our 2020 Digital Rendezvous Sponsors!
