Volunteers working to make Armstrong Creek more livable for a dwindling species of trout

Steamboat Today The creek restoration project is being spearheaded by Trout Unlimited, a national conservation organization, along with the Forest Service and Parks and Wildlife.

Brian Hodge, Trout Unlimited’s project coordinator for Northwest Colorado, said restoring Armstrong Creek isn’t just about helping out the fish.

“This has a number of other benefits,” he said.

He said decades of different land uses in California Park have fragmented the streams in the upper Elkhead Creek watershed.

Because of this, the creeks also are delivering more sediment to Elkhead Reservoir.

Improving the creek should reverse that trend.

Read more...

Touring Kerber Creek

“I didn’t know that Trout Unlimited did that!” This was the phrase I heard mentioned by a couple of students and professors during a tour I conducted of the Kerber Creek Restoration Project on June 4, 2013. The tour focused on various stream restoration projects and techniques that have been on-going in the watershed since 2008. Several students from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) and Colorado College (CC) visited Kerber Creek outside of Villa Grove, Colorado as part of their course curriculum, and were accompanied by a professor from each school. I was contacted earlier in the year by one of the professors to conduct a watershed tour of Kerber Creek so I developed a plan that would give the students a good overview of the legacy mining issues that created the problems existing today throughout the watershed. Back to the initial phrase. You would be surprised how many people think TU is “just a fishing club.” However, TU’s national staff is composed of 183 passionate individuals that strive to conserve, protect, and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds, most of whom also love fishing. My program specifically targets Colorado watersheds affected by legacy hard-rock mining, like Kerber Creek, Lake Fork of the Arkansas, and Clear Creek.

I started the tour at the Cocomongo Mill/Mine in the upper watershed, which provided a good representation of where and how historic mining operations took place, and the mine wastes/tailings commonly left behind. I explained the mining and milling processes and provided background information about the Bonanza Mining District. The setting included a large mill structure surrounded by piles of multicolored mine wastes within the Kerber Creek corridor. The students were captivated by the site and eager to learn more about the restoration techniques used to improve these conditions.

The next stop was near the confluence of Brewery Creek and Kerber Creek where 32 in-stream rock structures and 2.14 acres of mine waste reclamation had taken place the year prior. This site showcased what is possible when local stakeholders work together with government agencies and non-profit organizations. The students enjoyed seeing the finished structures and had countless excellent questions regarding rock structure type and purpose, soil amendment quantities and mixes, and grazing management techniques.

On the way down through the watershed we stopped at several sites, such as the repository that was completed in 1999, as well as past and future locations that exemplify the work accomplished through the Bonanza Stakeholder Group partnership, which is a collaboration of 16 federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit groups, and more than 20 local landowners. The final stop was at one of the largest private landowners in the lower watershed where work is taking place this fall. This site provided examples of existing mine waste deposits that were distributed throughout the floodplains during high flow events when tailing dams were breached in the 1900’s. The toxic mine waste deposits contain little to no vegetation and cannot sustain the high flows associated with spring runoff and summer storm periods.  This leads to unstable banks that erode, widening the stream, and eventually disconnecting the floodplain from the stream.

Conditions present at this site provided the students with a “before and after” glimpse of stream restoration. The entire site was walked from the degraded section, downstream to a recently restored segment that included in-stream rock structures and willow transplants.  I was impressed by the quality of questions and general interest of the students. I could tell that they were genuinely interested in the project and excited to be in the field observing actual conditions. The tour concluded with a question and answer portion that included questions about the history of the watershed, background information, and restoration procedures. Each correct answer yielded praise from fellow students and the grand prize of a………TU t-shirt!

The tour consisted of a unique group of students in that a majority of them were pursuing different forms of environmentally based degrees. In my opinion, this proved for a well-rounded tour and a broader range of questions asked by the students. It was great to see that they really appreciated the tour and the opportunity to see actual stream restoration. TU would like to thank both programs of CC and UCCS for the opportunity to help educate and inform the students about the importance of preserving our local ecosystems and watersheds. If the group that attended this tour is any indication of the quality of future ecologists, engineers, biologists, and scientists then I feel inclined to say that successful efforts to conserve, protect, and restore North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds should continue for years to come.

- Jason Willis, Mine Restoration Field Coordinator Colorado Abandoned Mines Project, Trout Unlimited

Poudre River benefits from Xcel's Day of Service

On September 7, 2013, Xcel Energy and CBS4 sponsored a Day of Service in which volunteers from all over Colorado participated in various environmental stewardship projects from 9:00 am until noon. There were nine total projects that all took place at the same time, and Trout Unlimited was fortunate to be one of the nine projects selected for the Day of Service. Colorado Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Flycasters (Fort Collins TU Chapter) and the Poudre Learning Center (PLC) in Greeley partnered together to organize our event on September 7th. The Poudre Learning Center borders a three mile section of the Poudre just west of Greeley and includes meeting areas, a pond, paved biking trails, trails through the willows, and access to the river. Schools in Greeley use the PLC for outdoor education opportunities.

More than two dozen volunteers arrived at the Poudre Learning Center to participate in the Day of Service. In the short three hour period the volunteers managed to do an impressive amount of work. One of the big projects was clearing vegetation along the river bank to create trails that thousands of schools students and the public will use starting in a couple of weeks to learn about rivers and their ecosystems. The volunteers cut and cleared six large trailer loads full of vegetation. WOW!! The volunteers also threw on waders and got into the river to help improve river access for students. There were three new sets of stairs built out of large rocks found along the river to make getting to the river safe for the students. Volunteers also removed invasive weed species and placed logs along the bank of the river to help guide students to safe walking trails.

All in all the Day of Service was a total success. The work that was done at the Poudre Learning Center was more than we could have hoped for. This day of service was perfect timing for the center because as the school year starts, thousands of students will soon be walking these freshly manicured trails.

This year access to the river will be more important than ever for the Poudre Learning Center because Colorado Trout Unlimited has partnered with them to begin a new program called Exploring and Restoring Colorado’s Rivers. Thanks to the Xcel Energy Foundation, which is separate from the corporation that sponsored the Day of Service, who has awarded CTU funds to grow this program in Greeley.

Exploring and Restoring Colorado’s Rivers is an innovative program offering vertically connected, standards based environmental education experiences. This program provides opportunities for students to learn outdoors along rivers and empowers them to be critical thinkers, stewards of the environment and fosters a conservation ethic that keeps the students invested in the future of the rivers. The program will give Weld County youth the opportunity to learn about aquatic ecology through place-based science investigations. This program engages students when they are in 4th grade, 7th grade and high school in environmental education experiences that are vertically aligned. In 4th grade the students will start a “River Explorers Science Journal” and keep it with them documenting data, thoughts, and pictures year after year. This student-centered program is designed to encourage investigative thinking and problem solving from the students while also meeting Colorado State Science Education Standards. Programming at each grade level engages youth in both STEM fields and outdoor recreation.

We want to thank Xcel Energy and CBS4 for the opportunity to participate in the Day of Service. We hope to be able to participate in the future and grow this event next year.

Also, we want to thank the Xcel Energy Foundation for the funding to grow the Exploring and Restoring Colorado’s Rivers program at the Poudre Learning Center. We can’t wait till we get the students out of the classroom and on the river!

"Day of Service Draws Thousands To Help Mother Nature" - read CBS4's report here. 

Visit this link to see the photo gallery from Xcel Energy's Day of Service.

TU and Tipton - together on Hermosa

Last week TU staff and members of the ‘Sportsmen for Hermosa’ coalition had the great pleasure of spending the day in the Hermosa Creek area with staff from Representative Tipton’s DC office.   Representative Tipton is the sponsor of the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act in the House.  The group toured the area, enjoyed a wonderful hike while fishing for native cutthroats.  We continue to be grateful for Mr. Tipton’s support. Join in the support by visiting - https://www.facebook.com/SportsmenForHermosa.

Coming together for Hermosa Creek

A bipartisan, legislative effort is underway in DC to protect the Hermosa Creek watershed just north of Durango, Colorado.  Senator Michael Bennet and Representative Scott Tipton have joined forces to sponsor companion bills in both houses of Congress.  When successful, this federal bill will protect an entire, intact watershed as a whole unit – a first in the US! The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act of 2013 represents ten years of exhaustive work by both TU volunteers and staff.  In true “One TU” spirit, the Hermosa Creek area has long-been a focus area for TU.  In fact, it is the Hermosa Roadless Area which prompted the formation of TU’s national public land division, the Sportsmen’s Conservation Project (SCP, formerly the Public Land Initiative) in 2004.  At that time, the ‘Roadless Rule’ was more than controversial.  Hermosa Creek contains Colorado’s largest, unprotected roadless area.  For this reason, SCP was born, then employing just two staff.  Today, SCP continues to be headquartered in Durango and has grown to 29 staff in twelve western states.

While Hermosa Creek is a favorite among all types of backcountry recreationists (mountain bikers, OHV enthusiasts, backpackers, campers etc.), the basin is particularly important to sportsmen.  The upper third of the basin is home to CPW’s largest and most important native Colorado River cutthroat trout reintroduction areas.   The remaining two-thirds of the basin is loaded with hungry rainbows, cutthroats and brookies, eager to take a summertime dry fly.    In 2010, Hermosa Creek was featured in an episode of TU’s ‘On the Rise’, highlighting the cutthroat fishery.    Furthermore, the western half of the basin contains some of SW Colorado’s most productive and spectacular elk habitat.  In 2009, Hermosa Creek received a state designation of ‘Outstanding Waters’ for its exceptionally high natural water quality.  Hermosa Creek is vital to diluting acid mine drainage from mines above Silverton into the headwaters of the Animas River.  This recognition of water quality was a first for an area not designated as a wilderness area.

The proposal to protect Hermosa Creek was the result of an open, all-inclusive, stakeholder-driven process initiated by Five Rivers TU chapter president, Chuck Wanner, in 2008.  The ‘Rivers Protection Workgroup’ met for 22 months and enjoyed participation by everyday citizens, conservationists, water development advocates, federal and state agencies, county governments, a tribe and representatives from every Hermosa recreational user group.   In the end, the workgroup reached overwhelming consensus that the Hermosa Creek area is worthy of federal protection.  Senator Bennet’s staff took the recommendations of the workgroup and created legislation, which was adopted by Representative Tipton in April of 2013.  The Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act has received unanimous support locally, across the region and the state.

Sportsmen have unified and spoken as one in support of protections for Hermosa’s exceptional backcountry.  The ‘Sportsmen for Hermosa’ is a coalition of sportsmen’s conservation groups, fly shops, guide/outfitter services, hunting retailers, rod manufacturers and more.  Learn more about the TU-led coalition and proposal at:  www.facebook.com/sportsmenforhermosa or www.hermosacreek.org.

In a time when Americans can’t seem to agree on anything, it is refreshing to see a community, its elected officials and every user group can come together around a very special place, ensuring out sporting heritage is passed down to the next generation of anglers and hunters.

- Ty Churchwell, Backcountry Coordinator Sportsmen’s Conservation Project, Trout Unlimited

Fish and Wildlife Deserve It - Sportsmen Demand It

Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development (SFRED) is a coalition led by Trout Unlimited (TU), the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) and the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and includes over 500 businesses, organizations, and individuals who are working to strike a balance between all forms of energy development and conservation in the West. Our goal is to reform the laws, regulations, and policies that ensure protection of important fish and wildlife habitats.

The guiding principles for the coalition are outlined in the Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development Bill of Rights.  This document was created by hunters and anglers who want to ensure that our rights to hunt and fish on public lands are protected in the future. We recognize that our country needs energy and we know it is possible to develop resources and protect vital fish and game habitat at the same time.

TU’s goal for 2013 is to increase the SFRED coalition by a minimum of 100 business and organizations.  Additionally we want to add a minimum of 1000 individuals.  As a supporter of Colorado TU, you are encouraged to visit www.sfred.org to read and sign-on to the SFRED Bill Of Rights.  You are also encouraged to get your local Colorado TU chapter signed on.  Once you are signed-on, please encourage a local business to become part of the SFRED coalition.  Our strength is in our numbers.

Should you have any questions, please contact Bob Meulengracht at rmeulengracht@tu.org or 303-514-8227.  Bob is available to attend a Chapter meeting to discuss SFRED and other energy issues affecting Colorado.  Thank you for your support and together we can conserve valuable habitat while developing energy resources responsibly.

Colorado Public Radio features Browns Canyon

U.S. Senator Mark Udall plans to introduce legislation later this summer that would create the Brown's 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. Listen to Colorado Public Radio's Lesley McClurg's report on Browns Canyon.

Click here to follow Trout Unlimited's work on Browns Canyon.

DRA project, a collaboration success story!

The Dolores River Anglers' (DRA) first river project at the confluence of Taylor Creek and Little Taylor Creek, tributaries of the Dolores River, was a great success!  The Chapter received great support from the community, and their out lay of cash for the project was only about 25% of budget because of several generous donations, including one from Western Excelsior in Mancos.  Chris Burkett, DRA Secretary/Treasurer, calculated over 160 hours of TU labor moved 10 tons of rock and emplaced more than 240 feet of Aspen fiber rolls. The crew from the forest service’s hydrology group also provided great support.  According to San Juan National Forest, Dolores District, Hydrologist, Shauna Jensen, "I couldn't have asked for anything better than this" at the completion.  District Ranger, Derrick Padilla said "I am very pleased with the results of this partnership and look forward to more such projects."  The USFS provided the technical expertise and engineering for the project and a core work crew that DRA supplemented with volunteers, funding, and donations of materials.

Dale Smith, chapter vice president and project coordinator said "This project was an excellent opportunity for Trout Unlimited's newest chapter in Colorado, the Dolores River Anglers, to partner with the local District of the San Juan National Forest.  Our purpose was to prevent degradation of a wonderful resource, to help protect native cutthroat trout, and protect water quality in our homewaters drainage."

DRA learned a lot from these folks and are looking forward to their next project together.  Fish sampling and a paper draft have already begun for a stream crossing rebuild on Rio Lado, another creek in the Dolores River drainage.

Check out The Cortez Journal's write up on this great collaborative project!

Anglers & Hunters Say "Thanks" to Bennet and Tipton for Hermosa

Colorado TU, in conjunction with its partners in the Sportsmen for Hermosa coalition, have recently launched a series of advertisements in local newspapers and on southwest Colorado radio to thank Rep. Scott Tipton and Sen. Michael Bennet for their leadership in introducing the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act.  (Read more about the new legislation here.) Print ads thanking the Congressman and Senator for their bipartisan efforts appeared in western Colorado newspapers including the Durango Herald, Silverton Standard, and Grand Junction Daily Sentinel. (Click here to see a larger PDF version of the advertisements,)  Radio ads will be airing in early July as well, featuring local sportsman and TU member Buck Skillen giving voice to the appreciation hunters and anglers have for our elected officials stepping up to protect the Hermosa watershed - a mecca for wild and native trout fishing and big game hunting that includes one of Colorado's most valued backcountry "roadless" areas.

"Senator Michael Bennet and Congressman Scott Tipton: thank you for making the effort to preserve the Hermosa Creek Watershed," Skillen said in his radio spot. "Through your joint  efforts, our children and grandchildren will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy our backcountry heritage of fishing and hunting in the San Juan Mountains."

Trout Unlimited's Ty Churchwell added, "As sportsmen we often ask our elected officials to help protect important habitat and access for hunting and fishing, and we need to be just as ready to express appreciation. So we're very happy to have this chance to say a heartfelt thank you to Senator Bennet and Congressman Tipton for their work to protect one of southwest Colorado's real hunting and angling treasures."

Take a peek into the lives of the sportsmen and women of the Thompson Divide

Trout Unlimited and Sportsmen for Thompson Divide announced the roll out of a series of profiles which look at the role the Thompson Divide plays in the lives of area locals. The series features a cross section of people who depend on the Divide for everything from it’s capacity as a place to escape the modern world, to a living landscape capable of maintaining local agricultural operations.

Located west of Carbondale, Colo., the Thompson Divide is one of the most pristine places in the West and is currently under threat from energy development. It harbors some of the best elk hunting in the state, a dozen populations of cutthroat trout, and source waters for numerous renowned fisheries. Trout Unlimited has been working with sportsmen, agencies and industry to find solutions to keep the Thompson Divide as it is, largely by supporting legislation introduced by Sen. Michael Bennet in April of 2013 which would withdraw 183,000 acres from future development.

The profiles feature a series of photos and audio from interviews gathered in the past year and provide a peek into why the area is so important to the people who use it.

First to be featured is Kara Armano, an avid angler, cross country skier and mountain biker. Armano works for Backbone Media, representing companies such as Fishpond, Sage, Rio and Reddington.

“The Thompson Divide is one of those places where you can go and get away from everything,” Armano says. “You want to get back up into nature and reconnect with what it is in these areas that are open and pristine and really well maintained by nature itself.”

Randy Melton, a hunting and fishing guide with Avalanche Outfitters, also featured in the series, further highlighted the area’s importance to sportsmen.

"As a sportsman you've got an even deeper connection to the land. (You feel that) when you're up in the Thompson Divide in the fall when the elk are bugling and you're watching the sun come up with the birds and the little critters running around waking up and you're just sitting there listening, watching and smelling the elk,” Melton says. “You know that smell when you go through the dark timber, you're seeing all the rubs and scrapes, it's all dark and shadowy, the light is going through the dark timber, and you hear that elk bugle for the first time that morning. Your heart starts racing a hundred miles an hour…"

Profiles from the series will be posted every two weeks. To view the project, go to http://new.tu.org/tu-projects/thompson-divide.

For more information about Trout Unlimited's work in the Thompson Divide, contact Aaron Kindle with TU's Sportsmen's Conservation Project at akindle@tu.org