Giving Back to the Watershed

In June, Rocky Mountain Flycasters (RMF), the Fort Collins area Chapter of TU, began discussing the restoration process in the areas burned by both the High Park and Hewlett Gulch fires.Those two fires burned close to 100,000 acres of forest in the Poudre and Big Thompson watersheds. RMF was gravely concerned what impacts the fires would have on the watersheds. Using recent Colorado and Western US fires as examples, the chapter knew that restoration costs of those burned areas couldn't be done solely through agency response. The US Forest Service, National Resource Conservation Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado State Forest Service and Larimer County are all first rate organizations, but all these agencies combined lack the resources necessary to address the ecological damage caused this year by our two local fires, Colorado's other wildlifres, and the numerous fires burning throughout the Western US.

Rocky Mountain Flycasters has teamed with, in a leadership capacity, approximately 40 current member, agency or stakeholder organizations throughout Northern Colorado to collectively fund, organize and support restoration needs for the High Park and Hewlett Gulch fire areas through the High Park Restoration Committee (HPRC).

Restoration funds collected for the benefit and use by the coalition will be deposited with the Community Foundation of Northern Colorado. Project proposals will reviewed and approved by a HPRC Project Review Committee and funding will only be released to those projects that are approved by the committee.

To get "boots on the ground" and working on restorative projects, trained project leaders will be required to manage the on-site work. Project leaders will be volunteers and can receive training certification through programs provided by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers.

Details of volunteer and cooperative HPRC projects will be posted in the Rocky Mountain Flycasters newsletter and on the RMF website.

This is a tremendous opportunity for all anglers and those who support angling to 'give back' to the community and more importantly to give back to the rivers. Nothing can be done to eliminate the devastating effects fires have caused to the watershed, but together we can minimize the time it takes for the watershed to begin to recover and regain a sense of normalcy.

For more information about volunteering or donating to the HPRC, please visit the RMF website at http://www.rockymtnflycasters.org or contact Dick Jefferies, President of the Rocky Mountain Flycasters chapter, at djefferies@q.com.

Discovering Life at CTU’s Fly-Fishing Youth Camp

By Jacob Lemon When Adam Beede arrived at Colorado Trout Unlimited’s 2012 Fly-Fishing Youth Camp, he was not a happy camper.

In the four months prior to camp, the teenager from Highlands Ranch had undergone four surgeries and spent six weeks in and out of the hospital. The experience had left him feeling a bit lost.

 “Between all of the surgeries, I no longer recognized who I was,” says Adam. “I fell so deeply into this hole, that I hadn’t realized who, or what, the surgeries forced me to become. I spent the next months looking for the old me—the me that I enjoyed, the me that I wanted to be. I was somber, and all too lost.”

Then Adam showed up for camp.  Under the patient watch of Sharon Lance, Mike Nicholson, Larry Quilling, and other volunteers for Colorado TU, Adam began to interact with the other kids. After a few days, Adam’s shyness disappeared and he was star-gazing, fishing, checking out bugs, and learning about conservation with the other kids.

By the time the last day of camp rolled around, Adam felt healed. So much so that he wrote: “One ranch, one organization, and one special group of people provided me with a feeling I hadn’t felt in an awfully long time; happiness. Because of TU Summer Camp, I found my lost life, and unraveled a lifetime of memories.”

The seventh annual CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp took place at the High Lonesome Ranch near DeBeque, Colorado, from June 10-15.  Sixteen campers from Canon City, Grand Junction, Littleton and other Colorado communities spent five days learning about the importance of coldwater fisheries conservation and received hands-on fly-fishing instruction. 

They learned to catch fish, lose fish—and tell fish stories, too. They attended classes each day. Conservation topics included stream ecology, entomology, impacts of oil and gas industry, water law, hydrology, and much more!  The campers also learned the basics of fly casting, fly tying, reading the water, streamside ethics and stream safety. 

bug sampling

“Our hope is that kids who attend our camp today will become the conservation leaders of tomorrow,” said Shawn Bratt, a veteran youth camp counselor and winner of the 2008 National Trout Unlimited award for Outstanding Youth Education Volunteer. “It’s important for these students to understand the value of healthy streams and clean water and how they relate to our everyday lives. The camp curriculum has been structured to provide the necessary foundation for that education.”

TU works across the country on projects to protect and restore coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. The organization understands that to sustain that work into the future, it’s vital to engage the next generation of anglers and help them develop a conservation ethic.

That is why TU has made youth education a priority with a variety of local and state level programs that aim to create mindful and “complete anglers”—sportsmen and women who are passionate not only about fishing but also about protecting local home waters and giving back to their communities. With 19 camps in 17 states nationwide, Trout Unlimited youth camps provide meaningful, high-impact experiences to hundreds of kids each year.

casting on pond

This camp is made possible by the tireless work of a cadre of TU volunteers hailing from locations throughout the state of Colorado.  Eleven on-site volunteers led activities, while three alumni from previous camps serving as camp counselors.  One of those alumni—camp counselor Ben Ward, a student at Hoehne High School in Trinidad—said the camp had provided meaningful experiences, both as a camper and counselor.  “As a camper, I had a chance learn about fly fishing and about the many people who are fighting to protect the rivers, forests, plains, and the environment for kids and the future.  As a counselor, there were still those same chances but I felt like by coming back that I was part of the people who are fighting for our environment.”

CTU seeks to make this experience accessible to any interested youth by offering camp scholarships that are funded by local TU chapters.  Thanks to the generosity of many Colorado TU chapters, every student attended this year’s camp on full scholarship.

The CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp is a shining example of what can be accomplished when TU volunteers collaborate across chapter lines and dedicate themselves to creating a quality program.  Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers and the support of our chapters, the CTU Youth Camp will be providing unforgettable experiences to Colorado’s youth for years to come.

nice fish

“The past five days have been the greatest experiences of my life,” said camper Meg Branine. “In this week, I have developed a love for a sport I aim to continue. All components of this camp—the  science, the fishing and the social aspects—have all benefited me greatly.  They have given me a passion to protect our rivers and wild lands as well as great memories to take with me.”

Since the camp, Adam Beede has gone on several fishing trips with his new friends, volunteered for his local Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited, participated in the South Platte Clean-Up Day and assisted in a fly-fishing class for women. 

“This entire trip has been an incredible journey for me, and I believe that I speak for everyone when I say that,” said Adam. “Throughout this trip I’ve grown not only as an angler, but as a human. I’ve been happier this week than any time I can remember.I don’t want to leave and I’m going to miss you all so very much.”

For more information about the camp, contact Jake Lemon, Youth Education Coordinator, Colorado TU jake.lemon@coloradotu.org.

Resources for Youth Programs

Colorado TU presents new resources for local youth education programs: Programs and Partners, details established programs that are conducive to our mission of inspiring the next generation of cold water conservationists.

Lessons and activities features proven tools to use in your youth education programs.

Please check back as additional content will be added to these pages as it becomes available.

If you have an activity, how-to guide, or other resource related to youth education that you think would benefit others, please contact Jake Lemon, Youth Education Coordinator, Colorado Trout Unlimited.

Beginning Fly Fishing Class for Women

On Saturday, August 11th, the West Denver Chapter of Trout Unlimited, in conjunction with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, will offer a full-day of learning to fly fish for women.  The class will take place at Lake Lehow (Waterton Canyon) and run from 9 AM to 4 PM, with a break for lunch. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the science of fly fishing (aquatic entomology), the art of fly fishing (fly tying), and the sport of fly fishing (casting), as well as how to tie basic fishing knots and how to select a basic set of fly fishing equipment.  Participants will also have the opportunity to fish the well-stocked lake under the tutelage of a TU member.

This class will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, and is limited to twelve women participants, ages 13 to adult.  Participants should bring rain gear, sun screen, water, insect repellant, and a lunch.  All equipment and materials needed to participate in the class will be supplied.

There will be a $10 fee charged to cover the cost of supplies.  Participants will need a valid Colorado fishing license in order to fish the lake.

For more information or to register for this class, please contact Charlie Horn at horndreams@msn.com or click here.

More Fishing is Even More Fun

Through the "Fishing is Fun" program, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has selected 11 projects to improve fishing around the state that will share in nearly a million dollars in matching funds as part of the 2012 grant cycle. Our own Southern Greenback and Cheyenne Mountain Chapters have teamed up with CPW, the City of Pueblo, Xcel Energy, and the Packard Foundation on one such project designed to improve aquatic habitat on a seven-mile section of the Arkansas River through Pueblo.

"This is an important project for a section of river that has been recognized as one of the Top 10 trout fisheries in the United States," said Doug Krieger, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Senior Aquatic Biologist for the Southeast Region, in a July 31, 2012 press release.

Other projects receiving funding include habitat work on the South Platte River in Denver, expansion of a community fishing pond in Kiowa County, aeration of Waneka Lake in Lafayette, an effort to build an ADA-accessible fishing platform on the Arkansas River at Canon City and projects to improve angler access to Clear Creek, the Swan River, Upper South Boulder Creek, Idaho Creek, the inlet to Lake San Cristobal in Lake City and three ponds in Loveland.

To read more about the "Fishing is Fun" program and these projects, please visit the CPW website here.

Hero for a Day: See the Movie

When Field and Stream chose The Trail Creek Restoration Project, a joint effort by the Cutthroat Chapter, the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) and the National Forest Foundation as one of its Hero for a Day Conservation Projects they sent a video crew along to tell the story. The result is a nice little story featuring some people you may know. Take a look:

http://www.fieldandstream.com/hero-for-a-day/videos

Native Trout Grants Available

The Western Native Trout Initiative announces 2012 Small Grants Program request for proposals.

The Western Native Trout Initiative is a nationally recognized Fish Habitat Partnership that seeks to cooperatively restore and recover 19 western native trout and char species across their historic range by funding efforts to raise awareness for the importance of native trout and focusing limited financial and human resources toward the highest-impact, locally-led, on-the-ground projects.

>>Click here to apply.

WNTI covers an area of 1.75 M square miles and includes representation by 12 western states, 5 federal agencies, sovereign tribes, and private conservation groups. Since 2006, the Western Native Trout Initiative (WNTI) has helped to invest over $16 million of private and public funding toward 78 projects that have reconnected, restored and enhanced over 430 stream miles, and helped complete over 500 native trout population assessments to guide collaborative watershed planning and management.

In addition to directing and leveraging approximately $600,000 in federal funding annually toward large, on-the-ground native trout conservation projects, each summer WNTI accepts proposals to help ‘jump start’ or complete smaller, high-impact efforts by community groups to restore or recover western native trout in the rivers, lakes and watersheds where they remain.

Projects considered for funding under the Small Grants Program may include riparian or in-stream habitat restoration, barrier removal or construction, population or watershed assessments needed for prioritization and planning, water leases or acquisitions to improve in-stream flows, and native trout community outreach and education. Individual projects will be funded at a maximum of $3,000.

In order to help applicants put forward the best possible projects, WNTI has a set of criteria by which projects are evaluated for funding. Applicants should address these criteria in their project applications.

>>Please click here to review the grant selection criteria and application instructions.

We would like to thank the National Fish Habitat Partnership, Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, state agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and our private sector partners like Orvis and Patagonia for contributing funds and resources toward the Small Grants Program.

The deadline to submit a project under the Small Grants Program is August 25, 2012. Questions? Contact Robin Knox at rknox@westernnativetrout.org.

You Can Help Kids Explore the Aquatic Life

Colorado TU's Stream Explorers initiative is a watershed learning program for young people in grades 5-10.

Now in development by Colorado TU’s Youth Education Task Force, Youth Education Coordinator Jake Lemon and TU volunteers like you, the Stream Explorers program is a series of hands-on, science based activities that help students understand aquatic organisms as well as – you guessed it – fly fishing techniques.

Would you like to be a Stream Explorers Trainer?

On Wednesday August 22, 2012 we will be holding a training/meeting in the Salida/Buena Vista area for people interested in helping Colorado TU host this program in their respective communities. During the day-long session we’ll “model” each activity and then talk about how we might improve and adapt them to various community settings.

This is a great opportunity. You won’t just be taking part, you’ll play a role in launching the program - and in its ongoing improvement.

Interested? Want to learn more? Click here to read more about the program, or contact Jake Lemon at jake.lemon@coloradotu.org

Session size is limited, so don't delay.

It's Why We Still Like Ike

On July 14th, a stretch of the Fraser River was dedicated as the Eisenhower Reach.

Named after President Dwight D. (I like Ike!) Eisenhower, a frequent visitor to the area and fishermen of the Fraser River, this dedication helps to keep the history of the Fraser alive.

However, the river's future continues to be in jeopardy. Colorado TU's David Nickum summed it up this way - "I would rather see a healthy Fraser Creek than a dead Fraser River."

Read more about the Fraser and TU's ongoing involvement in the Sky High Daily News.

Sign Up For Superfly by 8/7

Superfly is one of Colorado's premiere fly fishing competitions. It's a great opportunity to fish some great (often private) water, hang out with some of the state's best anglers and help raise money for both the Gunnison Angling Society and Colorado TU.

Low water conditions and higher temperatures have prompted some rules modifications, but Superfly is still on target for September 7 & 8 in Gunnison.

You must register your team - and submit your fee payment - by August 7th. Applications are available for download at our website at GunnisonTU.org

Please read the important information below regarding the new rules and contacts.

SCHEDULE

Friday, September 7: •    6:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Register, meet guides, get shirts, etc., and enjoy snack buffet at The Almont Resort Saturday, September 8: •    6:30 AM: Breakfast buffet and register flies •    8:30 AM to 5 PM: Fishing •    5:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Social period, posting of scores •    6:30 PM: Dinner Buffet •    7:30 PM: Awards and prizes •    8:00 PM: Raffles and auctions

Please note: if the outflow at Taylor Dam is reduced to below 100 cfs during mid August, the event will be cancelled.

TEAMS

Teams will consist of two anglers. Professional guides may enter the contest, but no more than one guide will be allowed on a team. One monitor will be assigned to each team and will stay with the team for the duration of the contest.

CONTEST RULES

1.    Teams may fish anywhere they like and can work out locations with their monitor. Please take into consideration low water issues and any potential negative impact to fish. There will be no pre-assigned beats. 2.    Fishing will be between 8:30 AM and 5 PM. The first six fish caught by each contestant will be scored. Fishing for the contest will end at 5 PM or when six fish are caught by each contestant, whichever comes first. 3.    Kokanee salmon will not count in the contest. Only trout or char caught during the time allowed for the contest will be counted on the scorecard. 4.    No more than two flies may be used by each contestant during the contest. Only one fly may be used at a time (no droppers). All hooks will be barbless. 5.    All fish caught under the scoring rules must be fair hooked in the mouth (with the hook inside the mouth) and landed by the contestant, not the team partner or monitor. The team’s monitor will then measure the fish to the nearest 1/8 inch. After release, the fish will then be recorded on the individual’s scorecard. All fish caught must be released safely or they will not be counted in the contest. 6.    The individual scoring the most inches for the maximum six fish allowed will be declared “TOP ROD” and the team with the most inches, “TOP TEAM.” The contestant who catches the largest fish will also be presented an award, and the fly which caught the fish will be declared the “SUPERFLY.” 7.    In the event of a tie, whoever scored their first fish in the least amount of time will be the winner. 8.    The Superfly monitor for each team will be the final authority for resolving any dispute or interpretation of the rules while on the stream.

SCORING RULES

1.    The first six fish caught and landed by each contestant must be entered on the scorecard. A maximum of six fish can be scored by each angler. 2.    Once a fish has been entered on the scorecard it may not be removed. 3.    Scores must be reported in person no later than 6 PM. 4.    A 20% deduction will be applied to fish scored on private water.

Contact John Bocchino (john@riffleandrise - 970-641-4828) for questions or further information. Gunnison Angling Society The Gunnison Chapter of Trout Unlimited www.GunnisonTU.org PO Box 365 Almont, CO 81210