Tom Jones Honored at National Meeting

Colorado Trout Unlimited Southwest Regional VP, Tom Jones, was honored at the National TU annual meeting as the recipient of the Griffith Award for distinguished service in leadership. Jones is out of Durango and volunteers with the 5 Rivers chapter of Colorado TU where he works to raise awareness and protect amazing wild and native trout habitat in places like the Alpine Triangle.

"Serving as Chair of the New Initiatives work group for five years gave me the opportunity to see the extraordinary level of talent and passion that exists in TU, both staff and volunteers," said Jones. "To be selected for the Griffith Award by this exceptional organization is an honor that I will always cherish."

Jones also helped lead the effort in protecting the Hermosa Creek Wilderness. In December, Congress passed the The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act, along with a handful of other public land bills, was attached as riders to the National Defense Authorization Act that protected Hermosa Creek wilderness area.

Behind the Fin: Shelley Walchak

• Name: Shelley Walchak
• Author of book: 52 Rivers: A Woman's Fly-fishing Journey
• Life time member of TU since 2013
• Works as a Library Director for Pine River Library in Bayfield
• Best Quote from Shelley: “As we all know, it's about so much more than just the fishing.”

Unfortunately work and play don’t always mix like we’d want. But in a few instances, the barrier between the two is broken. For some it’s just a little leak. But for others, like Shelley Walchak, the barrier gets shattered.

In 2013, the life-long librarian took her camera, her fly rod and her computer and set off to fish 52 different rivers spread throughout seven Rocky Mountain States. Her dream was to document the trip and publish a book on her journey.

The following year, her dream became a reality when 52 Rivers: A Woman’s Fly-fishing Journey was published. 52 Rivers went on to win the Gold Medal in the Regional Non Fiction category at the 2015 IPPYs (Independent Publisher Book Awards).

Shelley always had a passion for books, “reading them, reviewing them, referring them, discussing them and organizing them. What I hadn't done was publish one, and now my world of books has come full circle."

At the age of 10, during a visit to a dude ranch in Creede, Co, Shelley discovered that she wanted to spend her life in Colorado. But she had no idea where it would take her. “I still have the journal I kept when I was ten years old and made my first trip to Colorado. I knew at that age that Colorado was where I wanted to spend my life. I didn't know at that time I would write a book.”

“I loved the writing- the challenge of finding the right way to express the full experience- the people, places, fish, foibles, successes. I loved reliving the previous year's experiences to better implant them in my brain.”

While on the road researching her book, Shelley made another decision- to become a life-time member of TU. “I became a TU member because I wanted to be involved with the premier organization for oversight of our rivers and fisheries.”

Since becoming a member, Shelley has been involved with the 5 Rivers Club Chapter in Durango and enjoys the fundraising events the most, “I love going to fundraisers because it's a win-win for all. This year I won the bid for a Tenkara rod and a float trip with Thom Chacon from Duranglers. Lucky me!”

After fishing over 52 rivers, Shelley has seen most of what the great American West has to offer and for her, the favorite place to fish is the Rio Grande, “You can't do any better than the oxbows on the Rio Grande. The fish are plentiful, the scenery is stupendous, and there's nary a soul around.”

“As we all know, it's about so much more than just the fishing.”

But the fishing part is still fun. Especially for Shelley when a fish hits her dry fly. “Because I like simplicity and love a thrill, fishing with a dry is what I love the best. If I am lucky enough to hit a salmon fly hatch, or the yellow sallies are hailing, or the PMDs are hanging out - give me a dry any day.”

When she’s not fishing, Shelley lives in Durango, Co and is currently working as a library director for Pine River Library in Bayfield which won the 2014 award for the "Best Small Library in America".

For more information on Shelley’s book and how to get your own personal copy, visit 52Rivers.com.

San Luis Valley Volunteer Opportunities and Events

Volunteering  Due to a partial rain delay on the last Hidden Mile workday, volunteers are needed once again to work with the US Forest Service to complete the fencing project on the Hidden Mile of the Conejos. There is one more workday scheduled for Wednesday, August 26th at 9 AM. Volunteers will assist in installing the floating fence on the upper crossing and two more wooden H braces on the lower section along with a few posts to complete it.

If you plan to come help please contact Marty Jones at the following phone number or email address. You may also contact Marty for more information.

Marty- Ph. 719-589-4327

Email - mbjones@adams.edu

To reach the Hidden Mile go west from Antonito on highway 17 about 21 miles to the Platoro Road (rd. 250). Turn right on Platoro Road and go about 4 miles. The new parking lot and gate will be on your left.

Tools will be provided. Please bring lunch and water, and wear work clothes, work gloves, sturdy boots, waders, sunscreen, and safety glasses.

Many thanks to the volunteers that helped out last Monday.

The installations of metal H braces on the upper and lower river crossings have been completed, as well as the installation of the floating fence on the lower crossing. All that's left is stringing the upper fence and installing a couple of wood H braces on the lower fence.

Saturday, August 29th is another volunteer opportunity. At 9:30 AM in the Coller Wildlife Area there will be a fall river and highway cleanup. This year the volunteers will do a cleanup along the river as well as the highway. Trash bags and gloves will be available and a most excellent lunch and drinks will be provided. Meet at the usual spot at the big pull-out on the highway about four miles north of South Fork on the way to Creede in the Coller Wildlife Area.

Events

On Saturday, August 22nd the San Luis Valley chapter is hosting a welcome back picnic and casting challenge in Del Norte Town Park. Festivities begin at 11:30 AM.

The chapter will provide grilled meats and soft drinks. Last names ending in A-H can bring salads, last names ending in I-O please bring appetizers and last names ending in P-Z should show up with deserts. Or... Just show up because there will be plenty of food!

Bring your favorite fly rod as there will be casting contests with excellent prizes for both distance and accuracy!

The SLV chapter thanks you for your help!

Chapter Leadership Training Registration NOW open!!

The Chapter Leadership Training workshop is hosted by Colorado Trout Unlimited (CTU) every year in collaboration with a local Trout Unlimited Chapter. This year the Yampa Valley Fly Fishers (YVFF) Chapter in Steamboat Springs is hosting the workshop. This workshop is for both new and old chapter leaders who are eager to learn how to be more effective leaders and build stronger chapters. The Chapter Leadership Training Weekend will have numerous trainings, networking opportunites, and each attendee will walk away with resources to help their chapter reach its full potential. If you have never been to a Colorado Trout Unlimited training then the registration is free!!  Plus, there will be opportunities to fish the Yampa!! You can't beat that!!

To register and for more information click here!!

Colorado Trout Unlimited Chapter Leadership Training

October 16-18, 2015, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Draft Agenda

Friday October 16, 2015 Happy hour at Rex’s American Grill – appetizers provided; cash bar.  First timers meet and greet with CTU Council and veteran chapter leaders.

Saturday October 17, 2015 7:00 am       Breakfast (included with registration)

8:00 am       Welcome and TU Orientation: This session will introduce new leaders and update  veteran members to the current structure of TU in Colorado and across the country. TU is rapidly growing and this session is meant to give leaders a better understanding of the TU network and “who’s who” among the people who can be a resource for your chapter.

Garrett Hanks -                Welcome, overview of logistics, opportunities, expectations Marshall Pendergrass-    CTU who we are and what we do. Mac Cunningham-           NLC Role and Presentation about National Organization David Nickum-                 Colorado TU Organization Cam Chandler -               CO Council and Regional Vice President Roles and Responsibilities 9:15 am       Chapter Leader Basics and Best Practices: This session will focus on the basic fundamentals of running a successful and engaging chapter. We will explore how to build a realistic annual work plan for your chapter, communications and engagement with your community, how to run and engaging chapter meeting and how to plan for the future for your chapter.

11:00 am     “One TU” panel: This session will highlight success stories on how local chapters and TU field staff have worked together to accomplish great things, how that cooperation has benefited chapters and staff alike, and ideas on what it takes to make “One TU” work at a local level

12:00 pm      Lunch in Regional Vice President groups: Participants will eat luch in groups formed with other chapter leaders from your region in Colorado. The Regional Vice Presidents will help lead the informal regional conversations. This lunch will give you the opportunity to chat with surrounding chapters on local/regional issues, chapter best practices and more. 1:30 - 5:00 pm    CTU Board Meeting: All are invited to attend the fall board meeting for Colorado Trout Unlimited. If you are the only representative from your chapter attending the weekend then your vote will be needed for all business decisions. (Seperate board meeting agenda will be added here shortly.)

Dinner on your own Saturday evening. Most will likely eat at Rex's American Grill at the Holiday Inn, but nothing formal is organized. Sunday, October 18, 2015 7:00 am       Breakfast (included with registration)

8:00 am       Chapter Tools, Requirements, and Resources: This session will cover the tools and resources that are available to chapter leaders that make running a chapter more streamlined and effective. You will learn about tools that both National Trout Unlimited and Colorado Trout Unlimited have developed. These tools will help you to communicate and engage with your members better. We will also cover some of the basic requirements that a chapter is responsible for on an annual basis.

9:30 am      Chapter Leader Discussion; Best Practices and Challenge Sharing Session- Finding Your Niche as a TU Chapter in Your Community: This session gives the opportunity for the chapter’s to discuss their challenges, share solutions, and express their concerns in finding their chapter’s role within their communities, in serving their members and the TU mission.

11:00 am        Depart for Chuck Lewis State Wildlife Area – conservation tour led by Yampa Valley Fly Fishers (and opportunity to fish!) – lunch provided

Go fishing on Yampa River!!!!!

To register and for more information click here!!

Eagle Valley Fall Classic FF Tournament

Eagle Valley Trout Unlimited’s

2015 Upper Colorado Fall Classic Fly Fishing Tournament

Presented by:

Saturday; Sept 19 5-7 PM Dinner, Draw Party, Silent Auction, Live Music Wolcott Yacht Club

Sunday; Sept 20 8AM-3PM Pursuit of finned creatures

Sunday; Sept 20 5-7 PM Après with awards at Vin 48 in Avon

Eagle Valley Trout Unlimited is excited to announce the 2nd Annual “Upper Colorado Fall Classic” Fly Fishing Tournament on Sunday September 20, 2015. An event such as this is long overdue among our great valley fishing and conservation community.

The Fall Classic will shove off the night prior to the fishing event at the Walcott Yacht Club where participants will be treated to a Mediterranean buffet, beverages, and live music. During the event at the Yacht Club, teams will draw for beats and launch orders, there will be a silent auction table, and angler and guide swag will be distributed. The following day the first boats will launch at 8 am SHARP from points above Two Bridges access and take out at or before 3PM. From 5-7PM participants will gather at Vin 48 for après and presentation of awards.

In addition to a year’s worth of bragging rights, your amazing show of support in the form of a $600 entry fee will net you the following:

• Tournament Entry
• Beer and food for both anglers and guide at the Walcott Yacht Club. (Additional tickets on sale for angler guests and EVTU supporters for $50.00 each)
• Chance to walk away with great items from our silent auction table during the Yacht Club draw party
• Swag Bags including Upper C Fall Classic Pint Glasses along with TU shirts and hats.
• Apps and drink tickets at Vin 48 for après award party Sunday evening.
• Winning anglers will receive $1,000 cash money and permanent Upper C plaques to display in your home or

As our single most important fund raising event of the year, we hope you will consider having some fun and supporting our efforts to maintain clean, cold, fishable water in the Eagle Valley.

To Sign up, please contact Brian Bloess at 970-306-9424 immediately.   We have limited availability and boats will sell quickly.

Thank you in advance.   Eagle Valley Trout Unlimited; Chapter #102

Meet the Summer Interns!

Colton Gully and I, Lizzy Wiegers, are most excited about being a part of CTU. We have been working for CTU since June, but have been so busy we nearly forgot to introduce ourselves! About Colton: 

Above all I am thankful to have an internship with an organization that is as passionate about protecting and promoting healthy fish as I am. I am and always will be a fly fisherman. I first picked up a fly rod my freshman year of high school, and after I caught my first fish I was hooked. It just so happened my grade school friend turned into my fishing buddy, and my connection to the fish and the river was strengthened through our combined love of the sport. This past year I have been to school in the Pacific Northwest at Western Washington University; a place so different from home I could still find Colorado on the Nooksack fly fishing.

The Greenback recovery project is as exciting as it gets. We have the opportunity to recover a species of fish that was thought to be extinct. Through my work on this project I hope to convey the importance of these beautiful native trout to the public through social media, journalistic writing, blog posts and website design. Also, this Internship is a perfect stepping stone toward my future goals of working to protect wild spaces throughout our country and maybe even the world.

About Lizzy: 

My name is Lizzy Wiegers and I’m a Colorado native, water enthusiast, and lover of aquatic creatures, nature, dogs, and books. I am going into my sophomore year at Oregon State University where I will be studying English and Environmental Science. Growing up in Colorado, one of the most beautiful states in the country, allowed me to develop a strong relationship with the outdoors at a very early age. During my first year of college I was able to truly understand how important it is to preserve the resources nature has to offer so everyone and everything living throughout the nation can remain happy, and healthy. I am beyond excited about being a part of CTU for the summer so I can help TU strengthen their voice, gain more members, and piece together the stories from chapters throughout the state to better show who CTU is as a whole.

Volunteer Opportunity!

  The San Luis Valley chapter of Colorado Trout Unlimited needs your help! They are working with the US Forest Service on completing a fencing project on the Hidden Mile of the Conejos and need volunteers to help make this happen.

There are two work days scheduled for Monday, August 10th and the following Monday, August 17th. The first work day will be dedicated to installing the braces for the cables along the lower and upper boundary of the Hidden Mile. The second day will be spent installing the cables and putting together the fence. San Luis Valley would be very grateful for any help they could receive on either day, so whether you can only make one day, or both, your help would be much appreciated. If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity to get outside and get involved, or want to learn more details about this event, contact Marty Jones or Mark Seaton at the following phone numbers/email addresses.

Marty: (719)-589-4327 email: mbjones@adams.edu

Mark: (719)-588-7678 email: seaton@fairpoint.net

Tools will be provided, so no need to bring your own! All you need is work clothes, work gloves, sturdy boots, waders, safety glasses, sunscreen, a lunch, and plenty of water. Work will begin at 9am.

Directions to Hidden Mile: Go west from Antonito on Highway 17 for about 21 miles until you reach Platoro Rd. (Road 250). Turn right onto this road and continue for 4 miles. You will see the parking lot and gate on the left.

Help determine future of Rio Grande National Forest

The Rio Grande National Forest has two public meeting scheduled for the week of June 22nd to discuss and gather public input for the Rio Grande National Forest’s plan revision. It would be very helpful if San Luis Valley Trout Unlimited could have chapter members present to represent us. Please plan to attend if you can! The first meeting will be on Monday, June 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the South Fork Community Building, 254 CO State Highway 149, South Fork. Participants at this meeting will help to identify current issues and foreseeable trends concerning management of fish, wildlife and rare plants on the RGNF.

The second meeting will be on Tuesday, June 23 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Conejos Canyon Community Chapel. The chapel is located before mile post 20 on U.S. State Highway 17. Participants at this meeting will help to identify issues and impacts of recreation and its management on the RGNF and surrounding communities.

Both meetings will feature an open house for the first half hour allowing the opportunity to view maps and engage in one-on-one discussion with RGNF staff. A short presentation by forest service staff will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by interactive discussions designed to provide input for the plan revision. Light refreshments will be provided.

The forest plan is the overarching document that guides all management decisions and activities on the entire Rio Grande National Forest, including preservation of cultural and historic resources, grazing, timber production, recreation, wildlife management, firewood cutting and gathering of special forest products.

For more information, visit the RGNF plan revision website at http://riograndeplanning.mindmixer.com/ or contact Mike Blakeman at the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor’s Office at 719-852-5941 or Marcus Selig at mselig@nationalforests.org or 720.437.0290.

Denver TU Receives Grant from Wells Fargo!

The Greenway Foundation and Denver Trout Unlimited Receive $50,000 Grant from Wells Fargo-NFWF to Support  their Sustainable South Platte River 

Part of $100 million effort to support local environmental nonprofits 

Denver, CO – 06.09.15 – The Greenway Foundation and Denver Trout Unlimited today received a $50,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program, funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), to support their Sustainable South Platte River Initiative.

Established in 2012, the Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities five-year grant program has awarded $12 million to 207 grantees and funded 247 projects to date that promote conservation and environmental sustainability.

“Denver Trout Unlimited and the Greenway Foundation will work to transform current water use patterns along the South Platte River below Chatfield Reservoir into a model for cooperative water use”, stated Jeff Shoemaker, Executive Director of The Greenway Foundation and Todd Fehr, Former President of Denver Trout Unlimited.  “One of the direct benefits of this collaboratively based endeavor will be the ability to provide added urban ecological restoration of this section of the River within the Denver Metro Area. Without Wells Fargo’s support, this opportunity would not be able to move forward in this manner at this time”

“This environmental grant today is an investment in our local community and will provide much-needed funding aimed at protecting the environment for our local residents,” said Ashley Grosh, Vice President, Wells Fargo Environmental Affairs “We’re proud to collaborate with The Greenway Foundation and Denver Trout Unlimited to use our financial resources, as well as the expertise of our team members, to protect and preserve a more sustainable environment for communities we serve.”

As part of Wells Fargo’s $100 million philanthropy commitment to nonprofits and universities by 2020, a $15 million, five-year relationship with NFWF was created and launched in 2012 to promote environmental stewardship across the country. The goal of the Wells Fargo-NFWF grant partnership and program is to provide grants for highly impactful projects that link economic development and community well-being to the stewardship and health of the environment. The program will fund proposals in select cities/regions (see website for full list) in the following areas:

• sustainable agriculture and forestry
• conservation of land and water resources
• restoration of urban ecosystems
• clean energy infrastructure

The Greenway Foundation and Denver Trout Unlimited were selected from among more than 450 requests submitted by local team members and nonprofits Wells Fargo identified as being in need of extra help with green revitalization projects. In April 2012, Wells Fargo released a set of environmental commitments to be achieved by 2020; including reducing the company’s environmental impact, financing the transition to a greener economy and encouraging stronger and more sustainable communities. Part of this goal includes a $100 million environmental grants commitment by 2020 to create a “greener” future for the communities they serve.

Details of the Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program and a link to the 2016 application (available in September 2015) can be found at the NFWF application website:  www.nfwf.org/environmentalsolutions. Projects benefiting underserved communities and encouraging volunteerism are given priority consideration. The Wells Fargo Environmental Solutions for Communities grant program is funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation to promote environmental stewardship across the country.

Since 1974, The Greenway Foundation has led efforts to:

• Reclaim the South Platte River and its tributaries from a virtual cesspool to a place of environmental and recreational pride.
• Construct more than 100 miles of hiking and biking trails
• Create 20+ parks and natural areas
• Design and build numerous whitewater boat chutes
• Vastly improve the health of the South Platte River Watershed and its habitats
• Provide environmental education to more than 60,000 school children
• Employ more than 100 teenagers in youth employment programs
• Host numerous community events, and annual volunteer river clean up days
• Help create over $500 million of green improvement to the South Platte River and its tributaries, facilitating over $15 billion in residential and commercial development throughout the Denver metro area.  

Current projects include:

• SPREE (South Platte River Environment Education), including River Rangers Youth Employment and
• Greenway Leadership Corps
• River Vision Implementation Plan – South Platte River Master Plan
• PURE (Protect our Urban River Environment)

About Denver Trout Unlimited

The Denver Chapter of Trout Unlimited draws it support from the city's downtown and northern suburbs. We have a membership that is young and diverse in interests. DTU espouses and promotes the mission of Trout Unlimited to preserve, protect and restore North America's cold water fisheries and their watersheds.

This is Denver, Colorado and a river runs through it. DTU has adopted a long term goal to turn the Denver South Platte River into an asset for the city of Denver and its citizens. Our objective is to restore aquatic and riparian habitat thus making the South Platte River in Denver a recreational fishing destination for residents and visitors and a refuge for fish and wildlife. Our focus is on the river below the water line, the aquatic insects, the quality and quantity of water, the structures and bottom of the river and, of course the fish and other life forms in the water ecosystem.

One of our current goals is to work on the mechanisms that can bring a minimum flow to the Denver South Platte so that the improved aquatic environments we helped create at Carson Nature Center, Grant Frontier/ Overland Park, and soon River Run Park in Sheridan are preserved during periods of low flow stress.

The world famous Denver Trout Unlimited Pro/Am Fly Fishing Carp Slam is our major fund raising event. Proceeds are used for improving the aquatic habitat of the Denver South Platte and sponsoring Trout-in-the-Classroom sites that connect youth to our river.

Please visit www.DenverTU.org for more information about our chapter’s work and upcoming events.

About Wells Fargo & Company

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.7 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 8,700 locations, 12,500 ATMs, and the internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 36 countries to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. With approximately 266,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 30 on Fortune’s 2015 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. Wells Fargo perspectives are also available at Wells Fargo Blogs and Wells Fargo Stories.

CTU Welcomes New Water Policy Intern!

Howdy y’all!  My name is Zach DeWolfe and I am currently wrapping up my senior year at Metropolitan State University of Denver studying Political Science and Water Studies.  I am originally from Austin, Texas, but have been in Colorado for the past four years.  Living here has allowed me to fully explore my passion for the outdoors, whether through fishing, climbing, hiking or mountain biking.  Through these experiences I have developed an appreciation for these places and a sense to protect and preserve them.  I am thrilled to join CTU this summer in addressing such key water policy issues as the ongoing development of the Colorado State Water Plan, and ensuring that our goals and values are well represented.