TU Hosts Browns CanyonTelephone Town Hall with Sen. Udall

On Tuesday evening, December 3, Colorado TU will be hosting a special telephone town hall with sportsmen from across Colorado to hear about proposals to protect Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River as a National Monument.  The call will be hosted by Kirk Deeter, TROUT magazine editor and Field and Stream editor at large.  Senator Mark Udall will take part and share updates on his legislation to create a new National Monument at Browns Canyon.  Other speakers will include local experts Bill Dvorak (angling and rafting outfitter, hunter) and Karen Dils (angler, boater, hiker).  More than 100,000 sportsmen will be invited to participate - and to have the chance to ask their questions and share their stories about Browns Canyon.  You can take part as well! The Town Hall is part of the Sportsmen for Browns Canyon initiative, to engage and connect hunters and anglers with efforts to protect a spectacular reach of river and a true Colorado backcountry gem that surrounds it. You can learn more by visiting us and liking us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SportsmenForBrownsCanyon.

If you'd like to take part in the Telephone Town Hall, you can do so by calling (855)-756-7520 Ext.23322# between 7 and 8 pm Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, December 3.

Sportsmen welcome Udall as sponsor for Thompson Divide legislation

Another prominent co-sponsor signed onto a bill that would protect large portions of the Thompson Divide area from energy development. Sen. Mark Udall joined the Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Act as a co-sponsor on Thursday, prompting another wave of support from sportsmen.

"There's been enough turmoil surrounding the Thompson Divide," said Aaron Kindle, campaign coordinator for Trout Unlimited's Sportsmen's Conservation Project. "With Udall's support, we hope to get this passed and put to rest the threat to such important hunting  and fishing resources."

The bill would permanently withdraw unleased acres of largely untouched public land near Carbondale,  Colo. from future energy development and give developers the means to donate or sell lands that are currently leased. The area is known for its prime elk hunting and high quality fishing.

"I've camped and hunted the Thompson Divide for more than a decade and have fallen in love with the place," said Nate Simmons, a longtime bowhunter and local resident of the area. "I'm really pleased that Senator Udall also recognizes those values that sportsmen hold dear. Hopefully we're now one step closer to permanent protection."

The Thompson Divide is an important economic driver in the area providing hundreds of jobs and more than $30 million in revenue to the local economy each year.

"As a business owner that relies on the clean water coming from the Thompson Divide, I'm happy to hear the news of Senator Udall's sponsorship off this legislation," said Jeff Dysart, owner of Alpine Angling and Roaring Fork Anglers. "Protecting the area is key to ensuring the health and vitality of the gold medal Roaring Fork River and is essential to my way of life."

For more information, please contact Aaron Kindle at 303-868-2859 or akindle@tu.org.

A balanced approach to wind and solar energy development on public lands

As commercial-scale wind and solar projects become an increasing presence on our public lands, sportsmen, state and county governments are stepping up to support the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act (Senate Bill 279 and House Resolution 596) that have been introduced in U.S. Congress.  These renewable energy projects take up large chunks of land for long periods of time, and may cause some unavoidable impacts on fish, wildlife and water resources and recreational access. The Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act offers a way to offset unavoidable impacts by creating a conservation fund derived from royalties and other revenues generated by public land wind and solar energy projects. SB 279 would establish a formula for the distribution of wind and solar lease revenue where:

-25% would go to the state where projects are sited;  -25% would go to the counties where projects are sited;  -15% would fund the Interior Department to process wind and solar lease applications; -35% would be deposited in a fund for fish, wildlife, and land conservation. -Under H.R. 596, 25% of revenues would be deposited in the conservation fund, and 10% would be put toward deficit reduction.

Another important component of the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act is that it can lead to a better framework for the federal agencies managing wind and solar on public lands. Right now land managers are using rights-of-way and special use permits—tools better suited to permitting irrigation ditches or cell phone towers than large-scale energy projects.  SB 279/ HR 596 are needed to provide specific direction for how best to administer wind and solar energy projects on public lands.

Specifically, these bills:

• Create a pilot program to determine whether and how to transition to a leasing program for public land wind and solar projects. • Establish a royalty fee for public land wind and solar projects • Outline a clear process for current and pending projects to transition to a leasing system

In Colorado, the bills continue to garner support and are currently supported by TU, CTU, the National Wildlife Federation, the San Luis Valley chapter of TU, Montezuma County, Clear Creek County, the San Luis Valley County Commissioner’s Association.  Additionally, the Western Governors’ Association supports the leasing and royalty concept in the Bills.

Colorado congressional representatives also support the legislation with Senators Udall and Bennet cosponsoring S279, and Representatives Coffman, Degette, Gardner, Perlmutter, Polis, and Tipton signing on as co-sponsors in the House.  Please thank them for their support should you have the chance during a district meeting with them.

Should you need more information on either of these bills or want to add your name in support of the Public Lands Renewable Energy Development Act, please contact Bob Meulengracht at 303-514-8227 or rmeulengracht @tu.org.

Farewell to a Legend

Last month, we lost one of the great leaders in trout conservation as Robert J. Behnke, Ph.D., passed away on September 13th at the age of 83.  Dr. Behnke was a professor emeritus of Fisheries Conservation and Wildlife Biology at Colorado State University.  During his illustrious career, he authored more than 100 articles and papers regarding fish and fisheries; helped re-discover two subspecies of native trout previously believed extinct (Pyramid Lake strain Lahontan cutthroat, and Colorado’s state fish the Greenback cutthroat trout); and brought fisheries science to decades of TROUT magazine readers through his “About Trout” column. Dr. Behnke was an unforgettable and outspoken voice for trout conservation, from supporting hatchery reform in California to promoting native trout restoration throughout western North America.  He inspired countless anglers and conservationists to value the beauty and uniqueness of native trout – and his years of work in translating the intricacies of fisheries science for a mass audience led Colorado TU to recognize him with its 2002 Trout Communications Award following the publication of his magnum opus, Trout and Salmon of North America.  Beyond his numerous publications and many personal achievements, perhaps his greatest legacy may be seen through the work of the generations of fish biologists who he influenced while serving on faculty at Colorado State University.

Dr. Behnke once wrote on his life’s research work by reflecting that his “career covers the period of the transition from the strictly anthropocentric, utilitarian based management of natural resources to a more ecocentric, holistic ecosystem form of management based on Aldo Leopold's land ethic. My work and publications over a 40 year period reflect this transition.”

His work as a researcher and educator will be carried forward by his own TU chapter, the Rocky Mountain Flycasters, through its Robert J. Behnke Fellowship. Dr. Behnke contributed the original endowment for this annual award, which supports the research of Colorado State University graduate students in coldwater fisheries research.  Before his death, he asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory be made to this fellowship.  You can contribute using the Rocky Mountain Flycasters’ convenient online donation page or by sending donations for the Robert J. Behnke Fellowship to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Conservation Biology at CSU Foundation , PO Box 1870, Fort Collins, CO 80522.

Read more about Dr Behnke in the Ft Collins' Coloradoan.

Share your memories of Dr Behnke and read those of others here.

Listen to Dr Behnke’s reflections on “a life with trout” on a Midcurrent podcast.

Support the Robert J. Behnke Fellowship.

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.