Bennet & Tipton Bills = Good News for Hermosa Creek!

In a true “One TU” effort, a cutthroat stronghold may soon have a permanently protected home. The Hermosa Creek basin has long been a focus area for southwest Colorado’s 5 Rivers chapter and staff from TU’s Sportsmen’s Conservation Project and Colorado Water Project. Now, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and U.S. Representative Scott Tipton have introduced a bill to protect more than 107,000 acres of the Hermosa Creek Watershed, an area in the San Juan National Forest north of Durango. The “Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act” would establish management for the Hermosa Creek Watershed based on recommendations from the Hermosa Creek River Protection Workgroup, which included local water officials, conservationists, sportsmen, mountain bikers, off-highway-vehicle users, outfitters, property owners, grazing permit holders and other interested citizens.

“We are lucky in Colorado to be able to enjoy many of the country’s most beautiful landscapes in our backyards. The Hermosa Creek Watershed represents some of the best Colorado has to offer,” Bennet said. “This bill will protect this land for our outdoor recreation economy and for future generations of Coloradans and Americans to enjoy. It is the result of a local effort that took into account the varied interests of the community, and that cooperation helped us put together a strong bill with the community’s input.”

Senator Bennet’s sentiments were mirrored by Representative Tipton in a joint press release on April 25^th.

“As one of Colorado’s most scenic areas, Hermosa Creek has long been treasured by the local community and by countless visitors who have explored all that the region has to offer,” Tipton said. “Local stakeholders including snowmobilers, anglers, hunters, other outdoor enthusiasts, elected officials, miners and Southwest Colorado residents have voiced their support to preserve the Hermosa Creek watershed and the multiple use recreation opportunities it provides. In response to this locally driven effort, Senator Bennet and I have joined together to put forward legislation to protect and preserve this special place, and ensure that Coloradans as well as visitors to our great state have the opportunity to experience Hermosa Creek’s abundant natural beauty for generations to come.”

The bill would designate certain public lands in SW Colorado as the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Area.  In accordance with the consensus recommendations of the Hermosa Creek Workgroup, roughly 38,000 acres of the watershed would be set aside as wilderness, to protect some of the finest elk habitat in Colorado.  Of particular interest to TU, a Special Management Area would be established to protect a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Colorado River cutthroat trout reintroduction program.

Click here to learn more about Sportsmen for Hermosa, or if you prefer visit us on Facebook.  To get involved with TU's work for Hermosa, you can contact Ty Churchwell at tchurchwell@tu.org.

CSEF River Conservation Awards Announced

For the past several years, Trout Unlimited has sponsored a Special Award for River Conservation at the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF).  Colorado Trout Unlimited and Boulder Flycasters jointly contribute and provide judges for the Award. This year's winners were:

First Place went to Rachel Rossi, from Durango, for her project "Endocrine Disruptor Remediation in Water: Exploration of Mycoremediation Capabilities of Fungi".

The TU award for First place was a Scholarship to CTU's River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp plus a check for $100.  Rachel also finished in 1st Place in the CSEF Senior Division Environmental Sciences.  Also at the CSEF, Rachel won scholarships to University of Colorado, Colorado State University and Colorado School of Mines.  She also won Special Awards from five other organizations.  At the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, she placed second in the Environmental Management category and won a full tuition scholarship ($150,000) from Drexel University.

Second Place went to Tayler Rocha, from Monte Vista, for her project "Successional Sequence of Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates in a Playa Wetland System".

The TU award for 1st Runner up was a check for $75 and serve as an alternate to attend the CTU Summer Camp if the First Place winner cannot attend.  Tayler also finished 3rd in the CESF Senior Division Environmental Sciences and won three Special Awards.  At the ISEF, she won 2nd Place from the American Geosciences Institute and a full tuition scholarship ($150,000) from Drexel University.

Third Place went to Sarah Stalcup, from Delta, for her project "Riparian Area Multiple Indicator Monitoring".

The TU award for 2nd Runner up was a check for $50 and serve as an alternate to attend the CTU Summer Camp if the First Place and 1st Runner up winners cannot attend.  At the ISEF Sarah won a full tuition scholarship ($150,000) from Drexel University.

Congratulations to these students for their fine projects!

Thornton Students Explore Aquatic Ecosystems

In order to sustain our conservation efforts, it is essential that Colorado TU also inspire the next generation to experience the natural world.  Experiencing nature is the first step toward the development of a conservation ethic and becoming good stewards of our natural resources. This Tuesday, May 7, marked the culmination of an exciting new program that provides youth with the opportunity to have an intensive, yet introductory, experience that will hopefully catapult them towards a life of conservation and connection with the great outdoors. At the inaugural Achieve Academy Stream Explorers Program, all 7^th grade science students had the opportunity to interact with living aquatic organisms, learn about their behavior, tie some flies, and go fishing!  Nearly fifty students participated in the program. Achieve Academy, a part of the Mapleton School District, is located in Thornton a couple of miles from the South Platte River.

Stream Explorers is a Colorado TU curriculum that allows students to have hands-on, science-oriented, experiences with living aquatic organisms as well as develop basic fishing skills. Through this program, students develop a rudimentary understanding of the beauty, complexity, and dynamics of aquatic ecosystems and the fish they support. Through hands on learning and data collection students are guided in discovering something about aquatic ecosystems. The science activities are driven by student’s questions and allow them ownership of their own learning.

This program was implemented as a series where Colorado TU volunteers visited the school once a week over the course of four weeks. The first session, which was supposed to take place on the South Platte, was brought inside due to a winter storm. During this session, we brought the river to the classroom and students learned about aquatic macroinvertebrates, food webs, and life cycles through direct observation of bugs. During the second session, students performed experiments on how aquatic organisms react to various environmental factors including light, temperature, and gravity. The students analyzed the data collected during these experiments to make inferences on what these behaviors tell them about natural stream ecosystems in relation to seasonal and daily changes. The third session was a fly tying workshop where students learned the basic skills necessary to imitate natural aquatic organisms. During the fourth session the students traveled to a local park where they got the chance to sample and observe aquatic macroinvertebrates and go fishing.

Providing environmental education opportunities to students, particularly those in urban areas, is not only imperative in fostering a conservation ethic in today’s youth, but also has profound effects on school performance,and on emotional and physical health. In this way Colorado TU is not only contributing toward creating the next generation of conservationists, but also encouraging the development of the next generation of well adjusted, successful adults.

Thanks to all the volunteers who made this program possible.

To learn more about Stream Explorers, and other Colorado TU youth education programs, please contact Jake Lemon at jake.lemon@coloradotu.org or 720-354-2646.

TU Spells "Relief" on the Gunnison

For over 100 years, the Relief Ditch diversion on the Gunnison River has been a headache for local landowners and irrigators and a major obstacle for boaters and fish. The diversion dam, which is used to divert water for farms east of Delta, was washed out almost every year with high spring runoff flows, and then reconstructed annually by the irrigation company using bulldozers in the river channel to push up cobble creating a temporary dam. The dam created several problems, including erosion of nearby river banks, an unnatural buildup of sediment downstream, and a migration barrier to fish. It also poses a safety hazard to boaters.

In November 2012, Trout Unlimited, the Relief Ditch Irrigation Company, BLM, and other stakeholders broke ground on a construction project to modernize the Relief Ditch diversion. The project will improve water delivery for irrigators while benefiting trout, Flannelmouth sucker, Bluehead sucker, and Roundtail chub as well as wildlife habitat in the BLM’s Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.

“TU is identifying opportunities like this in Colorado to upgrade aging infrastructure in a way that benefits both ag producers and fish and wildlife,” said Cary Denison, project leader for TU. “We’re very excited about the opportunity to work with the irrigators to improve the diversion.”

Gunnison Gorge Anglers, the local Trout Unlimited chapter, has led the effort to replace the push-up dam with a permanent low head diversion structure and a grade control structure—improvements that will remove the fish barrier and hazard to boaters and expand habitat for several native fish. TU and partners have installed a new headgate that will reduce maintenance and expense for irrigators.  By measuring the diversion at the headgate, it will also allow irrigators to avoid drawing more water than they need from the river –helping to bolster flows.  TU has also restored the eroded riverbanks near the project with native plantings and erosion-resistant fill.

Chapter President Marshall Pendergrass explained, "This project started over three years ago from the ideas of one local TU chapter member and has become the model for working with many local, state and federal agencies to complete a major project that benefits so many water users. We are proud to be coordinating agents of this significant milestone for the Gunnison River cold water fisheries."

Final project construction was completed in March 2013 at a total cost of over $750,000.

“Many rivers and streams in the Colorado River Basin have become fragmented over the years, preventing fish movement and degrading habitat,” said Denison. “We’re working with local partners on win-win projects like this one that both open up river habitat and address infrastructure problems.”

“We’ve enjoyed working with Trout Unlimited on this project," said Mel Frazier of Relief Ditch Irrigation Company, "and look forward to the improvements to the system.”

CTU Awards Honor Conservation Leaders

At the annual CTU Awards Banquet, held as part of the Rendezvous in Redstone on April 20, awards were presented to recognize both chapters and individuals for their contributions to river conservation.  From river restoration projects, to volunteers for youth education, this year's award winners were an impressive bunch.  Awards presented were: Outstanding Volunteers.  CTU recognized three volunteer members for their outstanding contributions:

• Charlie Horn was recognized for his longstanding efforts in youth education, both spearheading West Denver TU's partnership with the Jefferson County Outdoor Lab Schools and assisting Colorado TU in bringing the "Stream Explorers" program to youth in the Denver metro area.
• Ralph Rhoades was honored for his broad volunteer commitment with the Cherry Creek Anglers - helping the chapter with everything from organizing youth education programs, to coordinating the annual fly tying clinic, to lining up compelling programs for chapter meetings.
• Brad Waltman was recognized for his leadership in establishing youth education initiatives with the new Dolores River Anglers chapter including partnerships with schools and scouting organizations - helping a new chapter to make a difference with the youth in its community.

Chapter Communications.  The Evergreen Chapter was recognized for its revitalized efforts to communicate with its members on a regular basis with a well-written and welll-researched newsletter and website, while the Grand Valley Anglers was honored for its outstanding newsletter the "Territorial Trout Tribune and Piscatorial Post."

Youth Education.  The Cheyenne Mountain Chapter was honored for a diverse program of educational efforts including partnerships with the Catamount Institute, the first-in-the-nation "Trout in the Community" project modeled after Trout in the Classroom, and involvement with the National Fishing in Schools Program.

Projects.  The Gunnison Gorge Anglers were recognized for their Relief Ditch project, partnering with local irrigators to replace a diversion structure so as to improve river habitat and flows while also reducing maintenance burdens for farmers.  The Purgatoire River Anglers were honored for their work in engaging the Trinidad community and conducting in-stream habitat improvements on the Purgatoire River through town.

Exemplary Chapter.  The Gunnison Gorge Anglers were selected as this year's exemplary chapter, in recognition of their outstanding work on the Relief Ditch project coupled with an outstanding chapter event - the Black Canyon Fly Fishing Expo; strong youth programs; and an effective chapter communications effort.

Exemplary Guide & Outfitter.  In recognition both of generous support to Colorado Trout Unlimited and its chapters through fundraising donations - along with tireless advocacy and education on issues from protecting Browns Canyon on the Arkansas to conserving wildlife and fish habitat in the face of oil and gas development, Bill Dvorak of Dvorak Expeditions was Colorado TU's Exemplary Guide & Outfitter of the year.

Trout Conservation Award.  Attorney Michael Freeman of EarthJustice was recognized for his representation of Colorado TU and other conservationists in our challenge to the BLM's Roan Plateau management plan - which lacked appropriate protections for the Roan's outstanding fish and wildlife values.  Freeman spearheaded what was a major legal victory for conservationists, and continues to lead efforts to reach a reasonable agreement with oil and gas interests that allows development in appropriate areas while protecting the most valuable habitats on the Roan.

Trout Communications Award.  Scott Willoughby of The Denver Post was honored for his writing on outdoor recreation and conservation issues - including extensive coverage of the challenges facing the Upper Colorado River and the importance of anglers and boaters engaging in its protection.

Distinguished Service Award.  For his longstanding efforts on behalf of trout conservation - from representing TU in National Forest processes for travel management on the west slope and for seeking compromise solutions on disputes over "bypass flows" at diversions on National Forests, to spearheading on-the-ground stream monitoring and native trout restoration projects, John Trammell of Grand Junction received the Distinguished Service Award.  Additionally, Mely Whiting was honored for her effective representation of Trout Unlimited on issues in the Colorado River headwaters - including work on Wild & Scenic River negotiations that resulted in an historic instream flow filing and successful negotiation of a strong river conservation package with the Windy Gap Firming Project.

Bruce Hoagland Award for Leadership in Conservation.  Longtime Colorado TU lobbyist and board member Jo Evans was honored for her lifetime contributions toward conservation.  Read more here.

Congratulations - and thank you! - to all of these award winners.

These Gals are Fly!

The Collegiate Peak Anglers Chapter of TU has an awesome group of ladies in their ranks - the FlyGals. This group of women fly fishers began meeting up in 2002, hosting their first fly fishing event in June of that year - a two-day excursion to the Sweet Water Ranch on the Chaffee-Park county line. In January of 2003, the group met to set up goals and hosted a casting demonstration.

Originally called the Women's Outreach Committee of CCP-TU, they renamed themselves the Womens Outreach Group (WOG) in 2004, and continued to hold spring clinics and fish together in the summer.  By 2007, this group of lady fly fishers had renamed themselves the FlyGals.  With instructors the likes of professional guides Char Bloom (Keystone), Paula Fothergill (Carbondale), and Carol Neville  (Salida, now located in Boise, ID), the group has hosted numerous women's only fly fishing clinics and trips.

FlyGals currently hosts fly shop orientations, where women are able to visit their local fly shop (Ark Anglers) and receive firsthand knowledge about what is available in the shop.  The Fly Shop provides several door prizes and discounts for the women as well as a chance to try out rods and other equipment.  FlyGals also offers several clinics throughout the summer - fly casting clinics; bug clinics designed to orient participants to the local bug cultures and conditions, what bugs hatch at various times of the year, and which flies are best to imitate these hatches; and 2-day fly fishing clinics offered by a professional female fly fishing guide.  FlyGals also host great events like Companion Fishing, where more experienced women fly fishers are paired with more novice women for a day of fly-fishing, and River Fishing, where each woman has a “river helper” (often a member of Collegiate Peaks Anglers) to serve as a “guide” for a morning of fly fishing on the Arkansas River.  In the summer the FlyGals get together for trips from high mountain lakes fishing for native cutthroats to private water fishing.

With over 30 women currently on the roster, FlyGals is a great testament to women on the rise in fly fishing!

For more information or to join the FlyGals email list, please contact Barbara Plake at bplake1@unl.edu.

Trout in the Purgatoire River!

The Purgatoire River Anglers Chapter of TU sends a big Thank You to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for stocking 500 rainbow trout in the Purgatoire River in downtown Trinidad. Those fish took off looking for their new holding spots lickety split!  Get your 2013 Colorado Fishing License if you haven't yet, and come on down to the Purgatoire for some fun fishing.

George Osborn Wins Award

George Osborn just won the Jimmy Nelson Volunteer of the Year Award for his outstanding work on the ditch relief modification diversion project on the Gunnison River. The award, named after the late Jimmy Nelson of the Gunnison Gorge Anglers chapter, was presented by chapter president Marshall Pendergrass at Rendezvous 2013.

"George has worked tirelessly over the past three years and overcome many challenges in fundraising and cooperation with a wide variety of stakeholders," said Pendergrass. "The project simply would not have gotten done without him."

Congratulations George!

Not Colorado TU, TU in Colorado!

I'm in scenic Redstone a day before Colorado TU's annual Rendezvous conference, meeting with 20 of the heavy hitters of river conservation in the state. In addition to the staff of Colorado TU, the room includes leaders from the Sportsmen's Conservation Project, Western Water Project, Colorado Water Project, Coldwater Conservation Fund, and National Trout Unlimited. The agenda covers a spectrum of issues, but getting the individual subgroups of Trout Unlimited to work together more collaboratively is the underlying theme. We at Colorado TU are often working so hard to establish our own brand that we neglect to take advantage of the other TU resources in the state. The same can be said of the other groups.

Colorado TU President Sinjin Eberle used a phrase that gained some traction:

It's not about Colorado TU, it's about TU in Colorado.

The average member or donor doesn't know or care if a project is run by a chapter or the council or any of the national subgroups. It's more important to know that the project is running under the TU banner. "Protect, conserve, restore" with all of the integrity associated with the TU brand. Frankly, that's how it should be!

High Sportsmen Turnout at Sen. Udall’s Brown’s Canyon Meeting

Sportsmen and women showed up by the dozen Saturday at a standing-room-only event at Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting Co. to voice support for Senator Udall’s proposed legislation to create the Browns Canyon National Monument. The monument would cover 22,000 acres between Salida and Buena Vista in Chaffee County and includes 10,500 acres of new wilderness. The proposal seeks to protect one of southern Colorado’s most coveted wild trout fisheries and surrounding outstanding backcountry hunting areas. The proposal is based on a year of public input that Udall and his staff have collected since the spring of 2012, but the effort to protect Brown’s Canyon has been around for many years.

Many of TU’s Collegiate Peaks Chapter members, including chapter President, Dan Clegg and members Reed Dils and Bill Dvorak praised Senator Udall’s plan, noting that the area’s backcountry angling, hunting and recreational values are simply too precious to remain unguarded by a lack of federal legislative protection. Local voices from other sportsmen’s organizations, including the Colorado Wildlife Federation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and even a life member of the NRA (Dave Moore) also praised the proposal.

At the meeting, Congressman Lamborn appeared open to the proposal, stating that as long as the designation reflected his “multiple use” approach to public lands usage, he was willing to entertain the idea of the legislative protection.

While a majority of users are in favor of the protection, there are still some that feel a monument is not necessarily the right tool. The majority of those opposed to the designation came from the local recreational off highway vehicle community. Ironically, the recently designated, adjacent Fourmile Travel Management area on the northern boundary of Brown’s Canyon covers 102,000-acres and offers OHVers 195 miles of trails. In addition to Fourmile, much FR 184 (Turret Trail) will remain open to motorized use. Many of the hunters and anglers that spoke in favor of the designation also owned ATVs and UTVs and felt that the area provided more than enough motorized access to satisfy even the most fervent OHV enthusiast.

Senator Udall and Congressman Lamborn will be holding a second town hall-style meeting is tentatively scheduled for May 18th in Golden (meeting specifics have yet to be announced by Senator Udall’s staff). It is imperative that sportsmen and women show up to this event and voice their support!

For more details, contact Reed Dils (719) 395-8949, Bill Dvorak (719) 221-3212, or Garrett VeneKlasen (505) 670-2925.