We're proud to share that Colorado Trout Unlimited has been recognized as Trout Unlimited's Council of the Year! This national honor celebrates the dedication of our volunteers, chapter leaders, members, and partners who work together to protect Colorado's rivers and trout.
With more than 12,000 members across 22 chapters, Colorado Trout Unlimited (Colorado TU) has built a strong grassroots conservation community rooted in education, advocacy, and hands-on conservation. Each year, our volunteers contribute more than 44,000 hours to protecting and restoring Colorado's watersheds, demonstrating what we can accomplish when we work together.
A United Voice for Colorado's Rivers
Our chapters are the foundation of Colorado TU. From local restoration projects to statewide conservation priorities, their work connects communities with the rivers and watersheds they care about.
Together, we've built a trusted, nonpartisan voice for Colorado's rivers, working alongside anglers, landowners, Tribal Nations, public agencies, and conservation partners to advance practical, science-based solutions.
Through our Advocacy Committee, we help volunteers engage in public policy discussions and advocate for clean water, healthy watersheds, public lands, and protections for wild and native trout.
We also support our chapter leaders through shared resources, training, and opportunities to collaborate across the state, helping turn statewide priorities into meaningful local action.
That collaboration takes many forms. In 2026, chapter volunteers tied and donated more than 2,300 flies through our Tie-4-the-Future Challenge to support youth education programs. Our growing network of Gear Libraries is also helping chapters and community groups introduce more young people and families to fishing and conservation.
Building Community Through Conservation
Our work is about connecting people with rivers and giving them opportunities to get involved in protecting them.
Troutfest Colorado has become one of our largest community celebrations, bringing thousands of people together for a day at the ballpark celebrating community, conservation, and education. Through hands-on activities, youth programs, casting instruction, and opportunities to connect with TU chapters and conservation partners, the event welcomes families, anglers, and new volunteers into our conservation community.
Education remains one of the strongest ways we build those connections.
Our Trout in the Classroom program now includes more than 100 tanks across Colorado, giving thousands of students the opportunity to raise trout and learn firsthand about aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and watershed conservation.
Our longstanding River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp provides teenagers with an immersive experience in conservation, fishing, and leadership. Last year, the volunteer-led camp awarded more than $12,000 in tuition scholarships, helping make the experience accessible to more young people.
These programs help build the next generation of river champions while strengthening the connection between our chapters and the communities they serve.
Leadership That Makes a Difference
This recognition also reflects the commitment of the volunteer leaders and staff who support our chapters and programs.
Under the leadership of Past Chair Barbara Luneau, current Chair Dave Haeusler, our Executive Committee, and dedicated staff, we've continued investing in volunteer development, mentorship, organizational improvements, and planning for the future.
That leadership was put to the test when a rapidly advancing wildfire forced the evacuation of our youth camp. Camp leaders safely evacuated students, spent the night alongside them in a Red Cross shelter, and kept families informed throughout the emergency.
Their response was an extraordinary example of the care and responsibility our volunteers bring to everything they do.
This Award Belongs to Our Entire Colorado TU Community
Being named Council of the Year is an honor, but more importantly, it's a recognition of the people who make Colorado TU what it is.
From chapter leaders and conservation volunteers to educators, advocates, donors, and partners, each plays a role in protecting the rivers we love. Our success is built on their commitment, collaboration, and willingness to give their time and talents to something bigger than themselves.
To everyone who has helped make this possible, thank you. This award belongs to all of us.
We look forward to continuing this work together, strengthening our chapters, welcoming new conservation champions, and protecting Colorado's rivers for generations to come.
Every River Needs a Champion.
