What's in a name?

We've all heard of them- the Animas, Cache La Poudre, Cimarron, Yampa, Purgatoire, Uncompahgre. All of these Colorado rivers are household names throughout the state. We all say them, most of know where they are located, but what's up with the names? Most rivers are named after a town or a physical location (Colorado River, Gunnison River). Other's are named after the individuals who first recorded their discovery of the river or the leader who sent them on their exploration.

But some rivers have unusual names with unusual histories. Stories that have been told for centuries still resonate through their unique names.

The Animas River near Durango, Colorado got it's name from in 1765 from Spanish explorer Juan Maria de Rivera. When Maria De Rivera went in search of gold from Sante Fe, his group was haunted by the empty ruins of pueblo dwellings. Thus, they decided to name the river, "Rio de las Animas Perdidas" meaning River of Lost Souls. The Animas also runs through other Aztec, Ute and Navajo lands that have sense been "lost".

Cache La Poudre River has it's headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows east from the Continental Divide. The river has supplied mining and railroad camps, cities, towns and agriculture throughout northern Colorado for centuries. But what does Cache La Poudre mean? In the 1820's French explorers were caught in a tremendous snow storm along the headwaters of the river. In order to lighten their load, they had to bury substantial amounts of gun powder along the river banks. The burying of the powder gave the water it's name, Cache La Poudre or "Hide the Powder."

The Cimarron River get it's name from early Spanish Explorers who named the water "Río de los Carneros Cimarrón" translating to "River of the Wild Sheep." Given for the large amounts of big horn sheep that explorers found along the river. Early American Explorers called the same river, "The Red Fork of the Arkansas" due it's color from the red clay banks.

The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River which then flows into the Colorado River. The name Yampa was coined by John C Freemont who noticed the large amounts of Perideridia plants along the banks of the River.

While some rivers have names from their explorers, others have interesting stories behind their name. The name could come from an event along the water, like the Purgatoire River- meaning purgatory, named by French explorers after they saw Spanish Explorers killed by a native tribe. Or it could come from the sightings explorers noticed, like the Umcompahgre- which means "Dirty Water" in Ute because of the off color of the water.

All of these river names are known to Coloradans and anglers alike, but the history behind the naming of their favorite river is known to few.

Keep Fish Cool

The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) is considering a state policy change that would increase the "standard" temperature for trout streams throughout the state. Proposed changes brought forth by the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) would put many trout fisheries at risk including spawning periods. In order for trout to function properly, they need the water temperature to be between the ranges of 40-65 degrees. Some species- primarily the ones found in higher elevations like the cutthroat trout- are more sensitive to temperature changes and have a chronic limit of 60 degrees. When the water temperature falls within the trouts preferred range, the trout can no longer feed, grow or move properly.

As the water becomes warmer, there becomes less dissolved oxygen available. Conversely, when the water cools, more oxygen is available and the fish can feed and move comfortably. Trout species require 4-5 times more dissolved oxygen when the water temperature is out of their preferred range than when the water is close to 40 degrees.

The changes proposed by the WQCD will increase the "standard" temperature in trout streams, causing their stress levels to increase and ultimately cause issues in their feeding, growing and movement.

These potential changes would allow higher elevation streams to reach 63 degrees- 3 degrees over the chronic limit for sensitive coldwater species. For middle elevation streams (the most common streams), the limit will be raised to 65 degrees, just about the chronic limit for most trout species in Colorado.

The potentially higher temperature standards would be allowed during the months of April to November- during the months of Rainbow and Brown spawning seasons when the fish are more sensitive and susceptible to changes in their environment. For more information regarding these changes, check out the report: Fish in Hot Water? by Mindi May and Ashley Rust.

Changes being proposed are potential, but the fish need our help. Trout Unlimited is conducting a Citizen Science for anglers throughout the state to record stream temperature, species, presence of redds (if possible) and photos to present to the WQCD. To conduct the Citizen Science form, visit the Google Doc created by Ashley Rust or submit findings to AshleyRust@gmail.com

The hearing will be on June 13 at 9:30 at the Department of Public Health. Along with our Citizen Science data, we want Trout Unlimited members, supporters and anglers to be there showing their support for our trout and the cold water they call home.

Defending Colorado's Water Quality

A trout’s most fundamental need is cold, clean water. Protecting that resource is a key part of Colorado Trout Unlimited’s mission and it has led us to engage in rulemaking efforts before the Water Quality Control Commission. This June, the Commission will be revising its “basic standards” for statewide water quality protection. One of the key standards for protecting trout is water temperature. Unfortunately, the staff of the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) has proposed changes in the temperature standards that could put many fisheries at risk. They are looking to weaken temperature standards both in terms of transition periods between summer and winter, and based on elevation as a transition from high to lower quality trout waters. The seasonal shift could leave streams with no meaningful temperature standards during four months of the year which happen to be trout spawning and egg incubation periods - the most sensitive life stages. While the elevation-based approach could weaken standards for rivers at elevations seen on great trout rivers like the Colorado at State Bridge, the South Platte at Deckers, and the Poudre Canyon.

In partnership with other conservation groups, Trout Unlimited has brought on water quality expert Ashley Rust as a consultant to provide technical support. Her work has already demonstrated flaws in the data selection and analysis used for the WQCD’s proposal. We are working closely with scientists at Colorado Parks and Wildlife as well, who share TU’s concerns.

The concept of addressing transitional points both seasonally and on streams moving from colder to warmer natural conditions make sense – but whereas Colorado’s original temperature standards were the product of a multi-year collaborative process and rigorous data analysis, this proposal has been rushed by the WQCD at the 11th hour, and that has led to a proposal that is not based on strong science and which will not protect trout. TU will continue to fight this effort throughout the hearing process.

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.

Flyathlon looks to add more events in 2016

By: Danielle Adams Three simple words.

Run. Fish. Beer.

Each might resonate individually to different folks, but there's a special breed out there who can see the true beauty in pursuing all three in the same day- and in unique circumstances- possibly all at once. 

As a seasoned runner himself, EPA fish biologist, Andrew Todd conceptualized and brought to life what has he considers the best triathlon ever. If a triathlon is defined as an athletic contest consisting of three different events, then the Rocky Mountain Flyathlon fits the bill- well if you count beer drinking as an athletic event.

By way of a course commencing with a scenic run in, followed by trail accessed fly fishing, ending in craft beer indulgence, Todd was able to combine several hobbies into one uniquely exciting event.

The rules remain very uncomplicated, yet yield the best outcomes to those who are the most avid strategists. Complete the prescribed trail run, catch a fish at any point during the run, take a picture of said fish on your race bib, and do it all as quickly as possible. The bigger the fish, the more time is taken off at the end of your run- with a special double bonus for catching a native cutthroat trout.

As a biologist and sportsman, Todd has made the imperative connection between conservation and the art of angling. He notes that restoration and conservation of trout habitat goes hand-in-hand with promoting fly fishing as sport. Through this event he has offered an alternative way for  fishermen and women to access especially rare trout watersheds- including native cutthroat waters.

Last year the Flyathlon sold-out with around 50 athletes who participated. The cap on the number of athletes is no accident. With education at the forefront, the conservation of the small stream fisheries that flyathletes will come in contact with, is kept in mind when assembling the cohort. Due to his background, Todd was able to recognized the potential danger in overwhelming these fish populations. The safety of the trout, habitat, and overall trail maintenance are fundamental to the Flyathlon mission, and overall goal of the event.

According to Todd, "relying on a crowdfunding model with our 501c3 partner Colorado Trout Unlimited, this past year, our flyathletes raised an incredible $22,200.  At least 50% of this money will be re-invested into projects to maintain and enhance the trails, creeks and fisheries within the range of the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, ensuring that our activity is sustainable into the future."

Todd has three events planned for 2016, including two events in Colorado, and one in northern Idaho, see below for more details about each event.

If you feel like you have what it takes to be a flyathlete, please visit the website at www.flyathlon.com to get on the email list. If your organization would like to partner with or sponsor the Rocky Mountain Flyathlon in order to increase their impact, please contact Andrew Todd directly at cutthroat@gmail.com.

2016 Flyathlon Events:

Flyathlon: Saguache (permit pending) Fishing Difficulty: EASY Running Difficulty: MODERATE When: August 12th-14th, 2016 Where: Saguache, CO Number of Participants:  60

Flyathlon: Gunnison (permit pending) Fishing Difficulty: MODERATE Running Difficulty: EASY When: Late September, 2016 (hold the 23rd-25th for now) Where: Gunnison, CO Number of Participants:  60

Flyathlon: Idaho (permit pending) Fishing Difficulty: TBD Running Difficulty: TBD When: Late July, 2016 Where: Northern Idaho Number of Participants:  30-50

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.

Snowpack and Our Rivers

By: Danielle Adams For Colorado, the snowpack levels don't only affect recreation, they affect our way of life. While the accumulation may wreck havoc on commutes, the snow provides Colorado with some much needed moisture during the hotter, dryer months.

Thanks to a strong El Niño winter, the buildup of snow accumulation throughout the state has increased each basin's snowpack to above average.

Snowpack is a seasonal accumulation of slow-melting snow, which becomes compressed in layers by its own weight over time. As there is more snow accumulation in a region, the snowpack becomes more dense. The denser the snow, the more water storage capability it has--a hard layer will have around a 40% water to 60% air ratio.

According to Denver Water, collection in the Upper South Platte watershed is 126% of normal and the Upper Colorado River watershed is 118% of normal. If snowfall can continue to build snowpack in the coming months watersheds across the state will be in much better shape than previous years. In an article by CBS Denver, Noah Newman with CSU's Colorado Climate Center said, “March is our biggest month for snowfall. If we don’t see the expected March snow then these numbers will go down."

The total amount of snowpack is essential to Colorado's freshwater ecosystems because it serves as frozen water storage. The accumulation of water in the river basins and watersheds across the state is in direct correlation with the amount, and melt-rate of the basin's snow total.

Trout species as well as the bug life and standing stock in every ecosystem require watersheds to be at normal levels in order to flourish. Dissolved oxygen (DO) is fundamental to aquatic life. With higher levels of snowpack, there is more capability for dissolved oxygen in water due to higher water levels and colder temperatures. Cold water can hold more DO than warm water. Higher DO levels are achieved when water levels and flow rates are high and where the water is aerated in the rapids.

Most species of trout requires 5-6 times more DO when water temperatures reach 75 degrees compared to when they are at 41 degrees. "Species that cannot tolerate low levels of DO - mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs, and beetle larvae - will be replaced by a few kinds of pollution-tolerant organisms, such as worms and fly larvae. Nuisance algae and anaerobic organisms (that live without oxygen) may also become abundant in waters with low levels of DO," according to Brian Oram with the Water Research Center. Fish reproduction can also be hampered if there is not sufficient snowpack because eggs and fish in immature stages require much higher DO content in water.

So what do low levels of snowpack mean for us on a conservation level?

There are a few things to keep in mind in the event that snowfall patterns slow, and snowpack fails to develop as extensively as predicted. As the spring and summer months draw nearer, lower snowpack levels brings strained trout populations. In these circumstances, trout will be trying even more desperately to conserve energy in order to utilize less oxygen. This means, that even with all steps taken to properly handle a fish, under these already stressful environmental factors, the fish has less of a chance for survival. In order to keep our fish populations strong and growing even under preexisting environmental stress, catch and release tactics must be carried out even more delicately than usual.

Next time you're stuck in traffic due to a snowstorm and the stress levels are rising, keep in mind that the snow is good for our waters and trout. The higher levels of snowpack mean higher watershed levels and lower water temperatures, leading to higher levels of dissolved oxygen- making bugs and fish, and ultimately the angler happier.

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.

Windy Gap Bypass in the Works

Known for carving majestic canyons, millions of years ago the headwaters of the mighty Colorado River carved through the rocks west of Granby and created a small riparian valley where air currents blow through- earning a well-deserved name- Windy Gap. Although the wind continues to gust, the quality of the water has diminished over time.

In the 1980's, Windy Gap Reservoir was built directly inline with the river's east to west flow. Because of this placement, the river velocity drops as it enters the reservoir, resulting in increased sediment buildup. Currently, reservoir permits require building off channel to avoid the problems found in Windy Gap.

TU-CO-201009128-0028

Because of the sediment build up, the Gold Medal status of the Colorado is in jeopardy. Over the years, as the sediment builds, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has seen a decrease in bug life and feeder fish. One of the feeder fish that has almost vanished in the river is Sculpin- a small fish species that not only do trout rely on, but the health of the river relies on too.

“We have looked and looked, but we do not find any sculpin in that section of the river, all the way to Gore Canyon," said Colorado Parks and Wildlife Aquatic Biologist John Ewitt to Sky-Hi Daily News in Grand County. Sculpin are sensitive to environmental impacts and the levels of sculpin are often used to gauge overall river health.

CPW has also noted a decrease in mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies- three of the main food sources for trout in the area.

But the solution to the problem is near. With help from Trout Unlimited and local organizations, a project to bypass the Windy Gap reservoir is in the works.

Over the last 15 years, Trout Unlimited and local landowners have been lobbying with Northern Water to find a solution to this problem. The groups became known as the Upper Colorado River Alliance (UCRA) and comprised the idea of bypassing the reservoir.

Northern Water was intrigued by the idea as they were looking for a similar way to expand their water storage capabilities. In a project they are calling the Windy Gap Firming Project (WGFP), they would build Chimney Hollow Reservoir to solve the storage problem. When Northern Water went to the Grand County government for a permit on Chimney Hollow, there was a condition for the Windy Gap bypass.

The long-term project will include digging a portion of Windy Gap and using the dirt to build a berm in the current reservoir to create a smaller, adjacent body of water. This will create a new channel for the Colorado River to flow through. Preliminary engineering is expected to be completed this summer.

The total price for the project will be around $9.6 million- and a little under half of that, 4.1 million, has already been secured for the project. Along with $2 million towards the project, Northern Water has contributed around $300,000 towards environmental studies below the reservoir. The state of Colorado has also contributed $2 million to the project.

The Colorado River Headwaters chapter of Colorado TU has been on the forefront of this problem and has been a major part in helping get the bypass underway. With more help from volunteers and members, the bypass can be completed and the 20 miles of Gold Medal waters along the Colorado can thrive.