Denver anglers step up to Defend the Colorado

Our state's namesake river, the Colorado, matters not just to west slope residents but to Denver-area anglers as well. So when Denver-area residents turned out in force for the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) event hosted by our friends at Trout's last Saturday, it should come as no surprise that they gave back to protecting the Colorado. In partnership with the Orvis Company, Trout's raised more than $1500 for the Defend the Upper Colorado River campaign.  The evening was fun for all involved, with a great lineup of films and the chance to have a great time with other Denver-area fly fishers.  For those of you who live outside of the Denver region - if F3T comes to your area, you won't want to miss it!

With a Final Environmental Impact Statement expected in a matter of weeks on the proposal for expanded Denver Water diversions from the Colorado headwaters (in the Fraser watershed), now is a key time for all anglers to lend their support to the Colorado River.  You can help now by signing our petition to defend the Fraser - just click here.  If you've already signed, thank you - and please send the link on to your fishing buddies who can also lend their voice to the effort.

A big thank you from all of us at Colorado TU to Trout's, Orvis, the F3T, and all those who took part in another great event for your generous support for Defending the Colorado River.

Join West Denver for their 38th Annual Fly Tying Clinic

The 38th Annual Fly Tying Clinic will be held on February 8th at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden.  This Clinic has become a staple for the local fly tying community, featuring about 60 of the best tiers from the Rocky Mountain Region including, this year, such local luminaries as Charlie Craven, Pat Dorsey, and Greg Garcia. You will have the opportunity to learn how to tie a wide variety of patterns from the masters, as well as the opportunity to buy their flies.  There will be a beginners’ fly tying table for novices who want to learn the rudiments of fly tying from experts.  In addition to the tiers, Alan Kube, recently named “Bamboo Rod Maker of the Year”, will be available to discuss the merits of bamboo.

There will also be door prizes, a bucket raffle, silent auction, and a chance to purchase tickets for our “Fantasy Raffle” which offers the winner over $3,900 in merchandise.

Admission is $10 (children 12 years of age or under are admitted free), and $2 discount coupons are available at local fly shops.

Doors open at 8:30 AM.  Food and drinks will be available at the site.  If you have any questions and/or want more information, please check the Chapter’s website at www.westdenvertu.org or call Jon Weimer at 303-830-1609.

Colorado TU Seeks Youth Coordinator

Do you want to help make a difference in the lives of Colorado youth?  Colorado Trout Unlimited is currently seeking candidates for our Youth Coordinator position.  Engaging the next generation of anglers and conservationists is vital, and our youth initiatives like Stream Explorers and Outdoor Mentors have grown by leaps and bounds over the past 3 years.  We are seeking an energetic self-starter who can carry those efforts forward to continued growth and success in the years to come.  Click here for a more detailed position announcement and details on how to apply.  Applicants are being accepted through February 7.

You Can Help Protect Our Rivers

Coloradoans can finally purchase the Protect Our Rivers license plate for their vehicles! Show the world that you care about Colorado’s rivers! Originally conceived by the brain trust at Colorado Trout Unlimited, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the plate are dedicated to river conservation and restoration across Colorado. Purchasers can display their pride in home-state rivers and streams while giving directly to their care and improvement. Other organizations aside from TU will also be able to nominate stream restoration projects for funding opportunities, bringing a more collaborative mechanism into the health of the state’s coldwater fisheries.

Here is how to get yours:

1. Jump on the web and navigate to http://www.protectourrivers.net to fill out a simple form.
2. Pay the fully tax-deductible, one-time $25 donation on that site. A personalized certificate will be e-mailed to you.
3. Take this certificate (and any other required docs, such as registration, proof of insurance, etc.) to your local county Department of Motor Vehicles office and present it to the clerk. Pay the one-time $50 special plate fee to the DMV, plus the normal registration fee. Your registration will be prorated based on where you are in your renewal cycle. You do NOT need to wait for your renewal date to get your license plate. The DMV will mail or hand you your plate immediately - it varies by location.

That's it! Now tell all your friends how awesome you are! Post a photo of your phat new plate via Instagram (@protectourrivers), Twitter (#protectourrivers) or on https://www.facebook.com/ProtectOurRivers.

Your contribution to this program provides a much-needed, dedicated nest-egg for river restoration projects that directly affect guiding and angling opportunities across Colorado.

CTU's Marshall Pendergrass on "The Sporting Life"

During the holidays, Colorado TU Vice President Marshall Pendergrass took a little time to join Bob Svetich on his radio program, "The Sporting Life" on 630 KHOW radio and also available on iheartradio.com.  If you missed the program on December 21, you can listen to a podcast by clicking here to visit the program's website.  The show also featured interviews with Ted Nugent and Dudley Brown. Thanks, Marshall, for helping spread the word about Trout Unlimited and stream conversation with radio listeners in Colorado and beyond!

New Bill Would Protect Browns Canyon

Senator Mark Udall recently introduced legislation, S. 1794 - the Browns Canyon National Monument and Wilderness Act of 2013 - that would help protect one of Colorado's treasured landscapes and the wildlife, fisheries, and recreation it supports. TU is part of the "Sportsmen for Browns Canyon" coalition that has been seeking protection of this important area, and applauded Senator Udall's introduction of legislation to designate a new National Monument and wilderness within a portion of it.  The bill would:

• Create a 22,000-acre national monument along the Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida, including 10,500 acres of new wilderness;
• Preserve visitor access as it is now;
• Protect existing legal uses as they are now, allowing fishing, hunting, livestock grazing, commercial outfitting, mountain biking and motorized use to continue uninterrupted; and
• Maintain the ongoing, cooperative management of the area by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.

"Browns Canyon is a Colorado treasure, offering great fishing and one of the nation's most popular boating reaches," said Colorado TU Executive Director David Nickum.  "We thank Senator Udall for introducing legislation to help keep Browns like it is, and to protect it for future generations. And we encourage the rest of Colorado's congressional delegation to join in supporting protection for Browns."

The Pueblo Chieftain has endorsed the legislation; you can read their editorial here.

You can read the text of the new legislation here.

Granby students win "Water Is Life" Mural and Art Challenge

Renowned muralist and conservationist Wyland announced today that Katrina Larson's art students at East Grand Middle School were named the grand prize winners of the National "Water Is Life" Classroom mural contest for grades 5-8. The  contest, inspired by the growing demands on U.S. water resources, took place Oct. 21-Nov. 21, and drew more than 9,000 students across 45 states. Participating students painted 50 square-foot murals depicting the range of habitats and uses for water throughout the United States. "America's water resources are among our greatest treasures," said Wyland, the artist whose pioneering marine life murals are seen by more than 1 billion people around the world every year. "Our coastal waters, rivers, and lakes support millions of people. But like anything they need our attention and art helps put that into focus."

As part of the national "Water Is Life" competition, the Wyland Foundation and its partners provided 300 schools with paint supplies, educational materials, and 50 square foot canvas murals to look at the economic, cultural and aesthetic value of American waters. Additional schools that participated created artworks on other surfaces - from sidewalks to school buildings. The contest encouraged students to study local and national water issues and work collaboratively. Winning classes receive $250 for art supplies, a signed Wyland artwork, and a chance for a live online painting lesson with Wyland

Twelve students at East Grand Middle Schools, ranging in grades from 6th-7th, worked on the mural entitled, "Save the Fraser River." Program organizers hope the process of interpreting water-based habitats through art will lead students to a greater understanding of their role as future caretakers of the resource.  An individual art contest for grades K-12 was also held concurrently. Details at wylandfoundation.org/artchallenge.

The National "Water Is Life" Classroom mural contest was presented in partnership with Fredrix Artist Canvas, Arts & Activities Magazine, National Van Lines, the US Forest Service, the Georgia Aquarium and Marco Fine Arts.

Check out the beautiful "Save the Fraser River" mural.

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.

The State of TU 2013

Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited, delivers the annual State of TU presentation to members during September's annual meeting in Madison, Wisconsin. Watch "The State of TU 2013" here.

Restore the Range

Flooding in September 2013 devastated many communities and watersheds along Colorado’s Front Range including along the Big Thompson, Boulder Creek, and the St. Vrain.  The “Restore the Range” effort is working to provide financial and volunteer support for fish- and river-friendly flood restoration efforts. Click here to help Restore the Range!