Celebrating Colorado’s River Champions

At the Fall Rendezvous in Glenwood Springs, Colorado Trout Unlimited gathered to recognize the people and chapters who are helping protect and recover Colorado’s rivers. Nearly 100 members joined the celebration to honor volunteers, partners, and leaders whose dedication continues to strengthen the future of wild and native trout.

Silver Trout Award

Joel Evans

The Silver Trout award recognizes lifetime contributions toward trout conservation in Colorado, and recipients are nominated and selected by vote of past Silver Trout award winners. In 2025, Joel Evans of Montrose was selected for the award, recognizing his longstanding leadership with the Gunnison Gorge Anglers chapter and the Colorado Council. Joel helped champion conservation efforts for the Black Canyon and Gunnison Gorge including the National Conservation Area designation; habitat restoration on the Uncompahgre in Montrose; and partnerships for restoring the San Miguel near Telluride. Joel also served as a Regional Vice President and twice as Treasurer of Colorado TU.

River Champion Conservation Leadership

Chris Kennedy
For decades, retired US Fish and Wildlife Service biologist Chris Kennedy has been a leader in restoring Colorado’s state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout. Chris has spearheaded research and conservation projects in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, often leading volunteers deep into the backcountry on meaningful project work. He has also been a key figure in researching historic stocking and shaping modern genetic broodstock management to support native trout recovery.

River Champion Industry Partner

Telluride Outside and John Duncan
Telluride Outside and John Duncan have been long-time supporters of the Gunnison Gorge Anglers and champions for the San Miguel River. Their mission, “Protect what we love,” resonates throughout their conservation work. Their leadership with Troutapalooza has supported local conservation and education efforts including the Telluride Valley Floor project, donating more than 100,000 dollars in goods and services over the past 15 years. They also host Camp Caddis to engage and inspire young people in fly fishing and conservation.

River Champion Landowner

Brent Mefford
When the Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife began planning greenback cutthroat trout restoration in Rock Creek and Black Canyon, they found the ideal landowner partner in Brent Mefford. In a fortunate alignment, Brent previously worked as a fish passage specialist with the Bureau of Reclamation. He not only welcomed restoration efforts on his family’s ranch and helped secure landowner grants, but also designed the temporary and permanent fish barriers that made the project possible and set the stage for future reintroduction efforts.

River Champion Chapter

Grand Valley Anglers
The Grand Valley Anglers exemplify what it means to be an outstanding chapter. Their work includes thoughtful youth education, inclusive community events, and ongoing support for trout conservation throughout the region. Their efforts extend from the Gunnison River to the Grand Mesa lakes to the Roan Plateau, demonstrating a strong commitment to stewardship and community connection.

River Champion Education

Gunnison Gorge Anglers and Ed Kehoe
Cottonwood Days is a longstanding collaboration among Gunnison Gorge Anglers, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, and other local organizations. Since 2008, sixth graders from the North Fork Valley, Delta, Olathe, and Montrose schools have taken part in this field-based experience at Cottonwood Campground. For 17 years, Ed Kehoe and GGA volunteers have taught fly tying, entomology, and fly fishing basics to an estimated 5,600 students, planting the seeds of river stewardship for the next generation.

River Champion Project

Denver TU Carp Slam XIX
The 2025 Carp Slam set a new record, raising more than 70,000 dollars to support restoration, water quality monitoring, education, and river cleanups along the Denver South Platte. Beyond fundraising, the Carp Slam has helped reshape how Denver views its urban river. Over 19 years, the event has engaged local anglers and partners and encouraged wider community investment in a healthier South Platte.

John Connolly Chapter Communications Award

Collegiate Peaks Chapter
The Collegiate Peaks Chapter was recognized for strong chapter communication, including an active website, social media presence, and a consistent and informative newsletter. Serving a region that spans more than 80 miles of the Arkansas River presents unique challenges, yet the chapter continues to keep members and partners engaged and informed.

River Champion Distinguished Service

Martin Harris
As the lead volunteer for Trout in the Classroom in Colorado, Martin has played a key role in growing the program to nearly 90 tanks statewide. He also helped build meaningful partnerships in the metro area, including a community tank at CSU Spur. His commitment and creativity continue to strengthen hands-on water education for students across Colorado.

President’s Award

2025 Youth Camp Staff
Colorado Trout Unlimited President Barbara Luneau presented a special award to the volunteer staff of the 2025 Youth Camp for their leadership during an unexpected wildfire evacuation. On the very first day of camp, the staff guided campers through an evacuation drill, then hours later put those procedures into action when a fire ignited on the property. The staff handled the situation with calm professionalism, ensured the safety of every camper, and later helped restore the full camp experience in fishing, conservation, and community building.

River Champion Volunteer Recognition

Colorado Trout Unlimited also recognized the following volunteers for outstanding service:

Bob Clark, West Denver
Bob has been a dedicated volunteer and one of the chapter’s most visible leaders through public events, Clear Creek cleanups, volunteer coordination, and raffle fundraising.
Tony Eason, Colorado River Headwaters
Tony is a dependable volunteer across the headwaters region and has helped lead a 33 percent increase in chapter membership over the past two years.
Ashley Giles, West Denver
Ashley has brought technical expertise to citizen science efforts, Stream Management Plan work, and advocacy for wetland and water protections across Colorado.
Rick Kahn, Rocky Mountain Flycasters
Rick’s decades of experience with CPW, the Forest Service, and the National Park Service helped strengthen collaboration on the Poudre Headwaters Project, Colorado’s largest native trout recovery effort.
Patrick Mapes, Denver
Patrick has championed conservation of the South Platte and led the Denver Carp Slam through rebranding and continued fundraising success.
Kevin Milder, San Luis Valley
Kevin has supported many chapter efforts and brought special leadership to youth engagement with Trout in the Classroom, the first TU student chapter, and a Watershed Ambassadors program at Monte Vista High School.

These river champions show what is possible when people care deeply about their home waters. Their leadership, creativity, and persistence strengthen conservation across Colorado. To every volunteer, partner, supporter, and chapter member, thank you. Every river needs a champion, and this community continues to live that belief.