Windy Gap Permit Locks in River Protections

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released its final 401 water quality certification for the proposed Windy Gap Firming Project (WGFP). The 401 permit affirms the health of the Upper Colorado River and it's world-class trout fishery. The WGFP would divert additional water from the Upper Colorado River to the northern Front Range. Currently, Front Range diversion projects have removed about 60 percent of the native flows of the Colorado River headwaters. The proposed Windy Gap expansion would reduce the native flows even further.

But through the collaborative effort of Trout Unlimited, Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (subdistrict), Grand County, and the Upper Colorado River Alliance, the 401 permit for WGFP will address stream temperature impacts during summer low flows, provide periodic flushing flows, and require ongoing monitoring and response if degraded conditions are discovered.

“This long-term monitoring and flexibility of response is called ‘adaptive management’—and it’s a critical feature of the permit requirements,” said Mely Whiting, counsel for Trout Unlimited. “Adaptive management recognizes that stakeholders can’t foresee every problem, and it provides a process for ongoing monitoring and mitigation of river problems as they arise.”

“We wouldn’t be at this point without the leadership of Grand County and their persistent efforts to improve the health of the Colorado River,” said Kirk Klancke, president of TU’s Colorado River Headwaters chapter. “And the Northern subdistrict also deserves credit for listening to our concerns and working with all stakeholders to find solutions.”

As the flows of the river are diverted and reduced, the water temperature could rise to a level threatening to trout and aquatic life- but with the 401 permit, these conditions will be monitored to ensure the fishery remains Gold. Also with lower flowers, the sediment and algae buildup cements between the cobblestone, preventing invertebrates to hatch and trout to spawn. By providing these flushing flows the sediment will be washed away and leave the cobblestone clear for aquatic habitat to survive.

If the water quality and the fishery is in danger from these changes, the subdistrict will have to investigate to determine if WGFP is contributing or causing the impairment. If it is deemed that WGFP is causing the problem, the subdistrict is required to develop a plan to solve the problem.

Under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, the state of Colorado must provide the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with a permit certifying that the project will comply with federal water quality standards. The last part of the Windy Gap puzzle is the 404 wetlands permit by the Army Corps of Engineers, which could be issue in 2016.

Once all the permits are issues, resources will be released- including money needed for the Windy Gap Reservoir Bypass to create a new river channel and reconnect the river and its fisheries upstream and downstream of the reservoir.

Blue River stretch loses Gold Medal status

The 19 mile Blue River stretch between Silverthorne to Green Mountain Reservoir has been degraded of it's Gold Medal status by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The river still has 15 miles of it's Gold status from the Dillon Dam to Hamilton Creek Road bridge crossing and also from Green Mountain Dam to the waterway's confluence with the Colorado River. The decision comes after CPW has been monitoring unnatural stream flows, sparse aquatic habitat, and low nutrient content all contributed to the decline of the water. CPW said that stretch of the river hasn’t met the Gold Medal standard for about 15 years.

"The overall goal is to maintain the integrity of the Gold Medal designation," Jon Ewert, a CPW aquatic biologist, said in a statement. "As necessary, we will make recommendations to delist or upgrade waters, keeping in mind the intent of the designation — identifying waters where anglers can catch large, trophy-quality trout."

CPW will be working with the Town of Silverthorne, Denver Water and local anglers to get the stretch to the point where it can be relisted.

In order to be a Gold Medal fishery, the area must be able to produce a minimum of 12 “quality trout” (14+ inches) per acre. It also must be able to produce 60 pounds of standing stock (the amount of living organisms in the ecosystem- including fish, plant life and micro invertebrates) per acre, and can only be designated Gold Medal if the water is accessible to the public.

While 24 miles of Gold Medal water was lost on the Blue, CPW added 24 miles of Gold Medal Waters to the Colorado River, from Canyon Creek, at the mouth of Gore Canyon, to the confluence of Rock Creek, near the town of McCoy.

“We studied this section of the Colorado River extensively over the past eight years,” Ewert said. “We found that it is an excellent fishery.”

Colorado is home to over 300 miles of Gold Medal fisheries including 11 different rivers and 3 lakes.

College programs growing in the west

Leaders for tomorrow are stepping up in big ways and want to contribute to our rivers conservation. TU is helping support and organize over 62 college clubs throughout the lower continental US.  These clubs are a testament of TU’s continued effort to support and engage a wider audience with a legitimate interest in learning more about conservation efforts. In the western region, there are a total of 14 clubs- 10 of which are located in Colorado. These college clubs all have a faculty advisor, student members, and a chapter liaison. Referred to as the TU Costa 5 Rivers Clubs, these groups must integrate events that work with 5 different pillars- conservation, fundraising, community outreach, be an ambassador for Costa del Mar, and have a TU connection.

Along with helping spread the TU mission on campus, clubs are encouraged to participate with their local chapter and TU board to coordinate outings, guest speakers, and other events.

The 10 schools participating in the program are: Adams State University, Colorado College, Colorado State, Colorado Mesa College, Colorado Mountain College-Steamboat, Fort Lewis, Metro State University, Western State University, University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Denver.

University of Utah, Utah State, University of Wyoming, and Western Washington University are the other four schools rounding out the west.

Thanks to the student leadership, these programs all are growing in size each year. For instance, CU Boulder had 20 people last school year and has now more than doubled in size with 50 students in the current year.

CU Boulder has organized at least three full weekends of weekend trips, a river cleanup, and had over 30 participants helping teach fly fishing classes to students who may have been otherwise intimidated to try and join the sport. The CU Fly Fishing Club also helped with the local TU Chapter, the Boulder Flycasters, youth night.

All the clubs are doing their part, whether it's a stream cleanup or Youtube videos made by the students at Colorado College to help spread the word about conservation and fly fishing, these individual clubs are expanding.

But it doesn't stop there.

There are also plans to expand the entire TU Costa 5 Rivers program in the west to include more than the 14 current schools. According to Andrew Loffredo, TU Costa 5 Rivers Coordinator, they are searching various universities for faculty or students that would be interested as well as relying on chapters to help expand the program.

As an annual incentive and celebration of the great work these clubs are doing, in early April 2016, western clubs will all meet along the Frying Pan River in Colorado for the 3^rd annual TU Costa 5 Rivers Rendezvous. With help from the primary sponsor, Costa del Mar, these students will come together to socialize, share ideas, compete in a photo fishing scavenger hunt, and participate in an “Iron Fly” competition.

With help from CTU, Costa, chapters and local campuses, the 5 Rivers program is headed in the right direction and a new breed of young conversationalists are being molded.

Safe Wading Techniques

As spring runoff rises and the flow of water increases, wading across a river becomes more dangerous. Along with raging flow rates, the ice cold water could lead to hypothermia in the event of a fall. Taking the proper precautions could not only make your day on the river enjoyable, but they could save your life.

Equipment

Borrowing the mantra from the Boy Scouts, "Be Prepared." When heading to the river, make sure you have all of your equipment- including waders, proper wading boots, a wading belt and in some cases a wading staff. All of these items will help you stay dry and above the water.

Your waders should be free of rips or tears and the seams should be tightly sealed together. Any amount of water that penetrate the waders can weigh down each step and anchor in place, requiring more effort to move across safely. Using a wading belt can also help keep the waders free from water. These belts are designed to tightly cinch the waders around your waist and keep water out but air in.

Using the proper wading boots can help keep you upright through the higher flow rates. When wading faster, deeper waters using metal studded boots is a good option as they provide extra grip in slippery situations. These type of boots are also good for hiking around, however the metal studs can be slippery on dry rock.

If the water becomes too fast, using a wading staff is the best way to stay vertical in the rapids. Using the stick offers a third support- a vital piece to staying safe on the water. When taking a stride without a staff, the points of contact with the bottom is reduced to one. When using a wading staff, there are always two points. This piece of equipment can also lower stress and anxiety levels related to crossing high levels of water.

 Methods

When wading across a potentially dangerous river the best advice for anglers is to go slow. According to an article by Orivs, "This has broader implications than you may think. It obviously includes being careful while wading, but also encompasses taking time to evaluate current conditions and particularly to evaluate conditions when you are visiting unfamiliar rivers or locations." Taking your time to enter a river at a safe crossing can allow you take it slow and with experience, slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

The best place to cross a river is at the tail of a pool or the head of a wide riffle where the water is usually the most shallow.

While taking it slow across the river, make sure not to head directly across. It's best to wade at a slight upstream angle. This allows constant pressure back onto the water's flow, allowing you to lean into each step. If wading across downstream, the pressure of the water adds to your downstream momentum and could easily push you over into the current or a deep hole.

Wading upstream also ensures that if something happens and you need to turn around, you are able to do so safely. When turning around in strong currents, it's advised to turn upstream, keeping the force back on the river. Just like wading across, turning downstream will allow the current to hit the back of your legs and potentially make them buckle- resulting in a fall.

Just like low flow wading, it's best to keep the movement of the legs at a shuffle step or sidestep. This ensures that the weight and balance are always on the stationary foot planted firmly in the riverbed. Stepping normal can cause your balance to shift, making it easier for the river to knock you over.

Staying Safe

In the event of a fall, make sure that you keep your feet ahead downstream and use the whitewater seated position. If there are submerged boulders or trees, your feet will hit and you can use them to push off. Stay with your feet out until it is safe to stand up or you can safely grab onto something to stabilize yourself.

If the water is cold, make sure to get out of the wet clothes as soon as possible in order for your body temperature to warm up. Staying in the wet, cold clothes will lead to an increased chance of hypothermia.

Remember that fly fishing should be fun, not a survival adventure. if you're not comfortable with the situation, don't push it. There will be another day and if it doesn't look safe enough to cross there is no need to test the waters... literally.

Colorado TU honors Denver Water with River Stewardship Award

At it's annual River Stewardship Gala last night, Colorado Trout Unlimited honored Denver Water with the 2016 River Stewardship Award for their work in urban conservation and collaborative efforts in water stewardship. 25 years after the Two Forks Dam battle- a plan that would've constructed a 615' tall dam along the South Platte, Denver Water has now engaged their former adversaries as partners in an effort to conserve our state's watersheds.

“That’s a remarkable and encouraging sign of progress in protecting the rivers that help sustain Colorado’s wildlife, communities and recreation economy," said David Nickum, Colorado TU Executive Director. "In the years since the Two Forks veto, Denver Water has truly changed its culture.... Colorado TU is pleased to recognize Denver Water for its leadership in promoting partnerships that not only supply water to Denver citizens, but also promote stewardship of Colorado’s rivers as well.”

“Part of what makes Colorado an amazing state are our great cities, variety of recreational opportunities and beautiful natural environment. Denver Water is committed to continuing to collaboratively work together with partners from all sectors to keep our rivers healthy,” said Jim Lochhead, Denver Water CEO/manager. “We’re honored to receive the 2016 River Stewardship Award from Trout Unlimited and look forward to continuing our work with them in the future.”

As part of working with conservation organizations like TU, Denver Water has incorporated "Learning by Doing," a monitoring and adaptive management program to maintain and restore or enhance the aquatic environment. Under the LBD project, Denver Water has agreed to be flexible in delivering flows of water as well as invest in habitat and water quality restoration and conservation efforts.

The Learning by Doing initiative also incorporates the South Platte Protection Plan- an alternative to designating parts of the South Platte as a Wild and Scenic River after the Two Forks Dam veto. The South Platte Plan promoted collaboration among water suppliers, local governments, recreationists and conservationists. These groups worked together on managing flows, support investment in river-related values, and partnerships for water quality and watershed health. The Plan also inspired the creation of the Coalition for the Upper South Platte- a group that has helped direct millions of dollars into watershed restoration efforts.

Denver Water currently provides water supply to about 25 percent of Colorado's population with less than 2 percent of all the water used in the state. They have worked with customers to reduce water use by more than 20 percent over the past 10 years, despite a 10 percent increase in population.

Rendezvous Registration is Filling Up!

Register now to save your seat for the premier event for protecting Colorado's rivers and fish!! With an impressive line up of guest speakers and a full weekend planned for women, there is something for everyone at Colorado Trout Unlimited's Annual Rendezvous. This year we will be holding most of the weekend at the historic Hotel Colorado.

The theme for Rendezvous 2016 is Sportsmen; The Original Conservationist and for the first time we will be holding this event at the historic Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs. To most sportsmen and women the sport of fishing or hunting is so much more than the hunt. It is the connection to the wild places that protect the game and the rivers that allow the fish to swim that makes the person coming back time after time. As sportsmen we have an obligation to protect these wild places and be stewards to the environment that surrounds us. This year at Rendezvous we will explore what it means to bring out the conservationist in all of us and learn how each individual can do their part in passing on our beautiful state to future generations.

Click the link below to see the agenda, the schedule for Women's Weekend, and to register.

https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/7023/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=80676

For questions please contact Stephanie Scott at sscott@tu.org or 720-354-2647

Antiquities Act Report

The new Antiquities Act report features Colorado's newest National Monument: Browns Canyon! The full report highlights five new national monuments. Browns Canyon in Colorado, Rio Grande Del Norte and Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks in New Mexico, Berryessa Snow Mountain in California, and Upper Missouri River Breaks in Montana.

Check out the full report here!

The report focuses on the great work that sportsmen and women did to help these places become protected from land development under the Antiquities Act of 1906. These newest monuments will be protected due to their historic or scientific interest. All of these area protect the habitat and populations of wild animals, have easy public access, and the management of fish and wildlife populations will be retained by state fish and wildlife agencies.

Coloradans worked for over 40 years to get the 21,586 acres of Browns Canyon protected. On February 19, 2015 President Obama backed up the work of hunters, anglers, and other recreation enthusiasts by designated Browns Canyon as a National Monument. the monument consists of 9,750 acres managed by the Bureau of Land Management and 11,836 acres of the San Isabel National Forest.

Along with sportsmen, Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennett and former Senator Mark Udall helped push for the newest National Monument in Washington.

The area is home to Gold Medal waters of the Arkansas as well as home to big game animals like bighorn sheep, elk. mule deer, and mountain lion. For non-sportsmen, the canyon contains world-class rafting and hiking trails.

2016 River Stewardship Gala

Join us for the 2016 River Stewardship Gala on March 10th at Mile High Station, in Denver. CTU members, supporters, and partners gather together to celebrate rivers and trout. Registration for the event is $100 a ticket and includes a reception with complimentary beer and wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a buffet dinner. The evening will include a silent auction for a chance to win great fishing packages, flies and gear and for the non-anglers, there are great cultural packages for nights out on-the-town.

Continue reading for a description of some of the great packages offered! More packages and prizes will continue to be added so please keep checking back.

Click here to register for the event!

This year we also proud to recognize our 2016 honoree, Denver Water, for their advances in water conservation and watershed stewardship their leadership in advancing water efficiency. They have also worked with conservation groups to improve conditions on the Colorado River through the "Learning by Doing" partnership. Twenty five years after the Two Forks veto, Denver Water is now working with former adversaries as partners on river stewardship.

Featured Trip: Kenai River Trip

Thanks to Tightlines Alaska and owner/guide Collin Papuga - an alumni of CTU's Youth River Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp - up to four anglers will have the chance to enjoy a guided full day float trip to fish the Upper or Middle Kenai River. The package includes guide, rods and reels if needed, flies, and transportation to the launch site. The Upper Kenai River runs 17 miles long and is limited to drift boats as it flows through the Kenai National Widlife Refuge. The fishing pressure is minimal on this stretch of water and anglers for fish for rainbows, dolly varden, silver salmon, and sockeye salmon. The Middle Kenai River has more fishing pressure, however it's known for monster trout and dolly varden and is an anglers best shot at hooking a 30" trout! The package is valued at $1,000 and bidding will open at $600 at the Gala!

Featured Nonfishing Trip: Classical Music River Journey

Merging the arts with adventure, Bill Dvorak - Colorado's first rafting outfitter and a fifth-generation cousin of the famed composer - takes river enthuiasts with an "ear" on a once-in-a-lifetime journey down the Green River's spectacular Desolation and Gray canyons. The winning bidder will enjoy an eight day float (July 23-30) along with four to five members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic as they embrace the take in the majesty of the canyons and works of Bach, Beethoven, and many more. During the course of the float, guests will be able to listen to concerts performed in the slickrock canyons and open air nestled along Pondersoda pine and Douglas fir. The trip is a perfect chance to take in Utah's spectacular canyon scenery, read, relax, view wildlife, and listen to impromptu musical performances. The package includes rafting equipment, airfare from Grand Junction to the launch and van shuttle back from the takeout, and gourmet meals provided each day. "The trip is pampered, if not the most memorable sophisticated adventure you ever take," said Dvorak.  The price per person is $2,410; we will be offering passage for one guest with the bidding opening at just $1200.

Featured Trip: Madison Valley Ranch

The winner of the Madison Valley Ranch fishing package will enjoy a two night stay (including gourmet meals) at the ranch near Ennis, Montana, and two days of guided fishing - one day with MVR's guides on the Madison, and the second guided by Dave Kumlien (former owner of Montana Troutfitters) on the Madison or Yellowstone River. The package is for two anglers who will enjoy world-class fishing for rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and even native Montana whitefish. The lodge was endorsed as the 2015 Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year by Orvis and has luxury accommodations and amenities including a hot tub, satellite TV, and gourmet cuisine. The ranch is also home to a stocked pond where anglers can hone in their skills and fish for Kamloop Rainbows. The package retails for over $3000, and we will open bidding at the Gala at $1500.

Featured Gear: Fishpond Oxbow Chest/Backpack

New to to Fishpond's 2016 line, the Oxbow Chest/Backpack features a backpack with removable Savage Creek chest pack. The Oxbow combo item has padded and contoured back support to carry heavier loads and back air mesh to keep you cool while hiking or on the water. The pack includes two zip, out rod tube holders, D-ring attachment for a net and a compartment for a water bladder. The item is retailed at $190 but will be available at our silent auction starting at $100.

Featured Trip: Labrador Brook Trout Adventure

Enjoy a week-long fishing trip to Labrador, Canada for two anglers courtesy of Three Rivers Lodge. The package includes world-class fishing in the pristine Labrador Wilderness Area as well as accomodations in a private cabin and all meals. This wilderness adventure will take you into boreal forest, tundra and seemingly endless waters - all pure and unsullied. The Woods River system features over 100 miles of outstanding fishing opportunites for trophy Brook Trout, Northern Pike, and Lake Trout. The vast area is also home to black bears, bald eagles, and osprey. The package includes six fishing days and seven nights the Three Rivers Lodge's main camp fishing the Eagle River, Rick's Run and Victoria River upstream and the main Woods River downstream.  The package also includes two fly-outs on the river system for each angler.  This package is valued at nearly $12,000; the bidding will open at $7,000.

Featured Trip: the Spectacular Gunnison Gorge

Thanks to the folks at RIGS Adventure Company, we are featuring one of Colorado's signature fishing experiences: a Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Float for two anglers. With this package, you and a guest will experience a 3-day, 2-night guided float down the Gunnison River through the Black Canyon- a stretch of water that is featured in Chris Santella's 50 Places to Fish Before You Die and one of Colorado's true don't-miss Gold Medal fly fishing desintations. Along with the world class fishing, the winner of this item will enjoy spectacular views, wildlife encounters, and a first-rate guide to help you make the most of your experience.  You'll start with a moderately strenuous hike into the Gorge then enjoy three days floating through a spectacular, unspoiled canyon wilderness fishing for large, feisty trout.  The package includes meals, group camping equipment and cot, and transportation to and from the river, and is valid for dates in May or September 2016. The package is worth over $5,500; at the Gala, the starting bid will be $3,500.

What's Up With Women

Hey LADIES!! Trout Unlimited is working hard to create opportunities for women to get involved in both our conservation work, and getting out on the river to fish!!

Read the latest Women's Initiative Newsletter to find out what has been happening across the country!!

February Women's Newsletter

Are you a women but do not feel like you have connected with Trout Unlimited yet? If so, we have the perfect weekend planned for you!! Come to our annual Rendezvous. We have an entire weekend planned just for women!! Find more information at this link:

http://coloradotu.org/2016/02/rendezvous-registration-now-open/

The women's workshops and agenda at Rendezvous are a big part due to the great work by CTU's First Lady, Beckie Pendergrass.

Beckie has been a Real Estate broker in Montrose for the past 25 years except for an eight year's break doing development and humanitarian work overseas in Thailand and Ghana, Africa. She is also a "Trout Bum's Widow" being married to Marshall - an avid fly-fisherman and current President of Colorado Trout Unlimited. Being married to the president of an organization could possibly be a busy and exhausting role, however Beckie has taken the role of first lady and embraced it!!

Beckie has been involved with local TU chapter activities in Montrose & Telluride the last 8 years since returning from Ghana - coordinating banquets, fund-raiser events, etc. Her and Marshall have been traveling across the country attending National TU regional and annual meetings learning all about the great work TU has going on. Her biggest impact in Colorado has been her involvement in the CTU Rendezvous by coordinating the Women's Weekend. She not only initiated this program but has been the key to its continued expansion. The ladies that connect with Beckie always leave wanting more! Come meet Beckie this year at our Rendezvous at Hotel Colorado.

CPW Receives Prestigious Fisheries Award

On January 13, the American Fisheries Society presented the Aquatics Research Section of Colorado Parks and Wildlife with the prestigious Sport Fish Restoration Outstanding Project award for 2015. The award was given to CPW for their efforts in restoring rainbow trout populations throughout the state- specifically for a research project completed in 2014.  In this project, CPW scientists and researchers determined the best ways to breed and maintain stocks of whirling disease resistant rainbow trout in hatcheries and in wild populations in Colorado.

For more than 20 years, since the early 1990s when whirling disease was discovered in Colorado, CPW aquatic scientists have been studying the disease and developing strains of rainbow trout that are resistant.

The research was conducted in the CPW Fort Collins hatchery by aquatic research scientist Eric Fetherman, and aquatic wildlife research chief George Schisler. Also contributing significantly to the work was Brad Neuschwanger, research hatchery manger, and Tracy Davis and Chris Praamsma, research hatchery technicians.

"This award provides national recognition for the work the research staff has done on whirling disease issues," said Doug Krieger, acting aquatics section manager. "We lead the nation in whirling disease research, and states throughout the West are interested in what we're doing."

Grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helped fund the research with money collected through excise taxes on fishing and boating gear and fuel. In 2015, Colorado's share of the grant funds totaled $8.3 million.

Although the work over the past 20 years has been difficult, the work has paid off and Colorado is home to some of the leading research regarding Whirling disease. Hatcheries have been restored and wild populations of rainbow trout are thriving.