Colorado TU Opposes Windy Gap Lawsuit

Trout Unlimited this week came out against a lawsuit by several environmental groups seeking to stop Northern Water’s Windy Gap Firming Project from diverting water from the Upper Colorado River, calling the legal action “short-sighted” and potentially harmful to collaborative efforts already underway to improve habitat and flows on the Colorado River. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court by Save the Colorado, Save the Poudre, WildEarth Guardians, Living Rivers and the Waterkeeper Alliance, questioned the need for the Windy Gap expansion to supply water to Front Range communities and argued that the project had not been properly analyzed for alternatives to further diversions.

Trout Unlimited shares the groups' concern about the impacts of transbasin diversions on the Upper Colorado River. However, we believe the negotiated agreements with Denver and Northern Water - which include water to address low flow periods on the river and major investments in river habitat restoration - offer a better path for addressing those impacts than a lawsuit.

Trout Unlimited issued the following statement from Mely Whiting, TU's Colorado Water Project legal counsel, about the lawsuit:

“Water diversions are having serious impacts on the Upper Colorado River. Suing to kill the Windy Gap Firming Project, however, will not fix those problems. Millions of gallons of water are being diverted out of the Colorado River, right now, to supply water to cities in Northern Colorado and the Front Range. A lawsuit, while it makes for good soundbites, is not going to fix the very real impacts of those diversions or stop them from getting worse. As the population grows, more Colorado River water will be diverted, regardless of whether this project moves forward."

“This lawsuit likely won’t stop Windy Gap, but it could succeed in delaying real solutions to the problems. Habitat restoration projects and other solutions are already being implemented and showing great success in improving the health of the Colorado River. That’s why many conservation groups who’ve been working the longest on this problem support our collaborative approach. These solutions offer the best hope for keeping the valuable resources of the Upper Colorado alive.  This short-sighted lawsuit would only delay progress.”

Whiting pointed to several collaborative projects planned on the Upper Colorado, including the recently completed “Fraser Flats” project with Denver Water and other partners that restored habitat on the Fraser River, a major tributary of the Colorado, causing a significant and almost immediate jump in trout populations and spawning activity. Another major project being developed in cooperation with Northern Water is a bypass around Windy Gap Reservoir that will reconnect the headwaters of the Colorado River, delivering improved flows and habitat and potentially dramatic health benefits for the Upper Colorado River.

For more information on the lawsuit and TU response, see this Loveland Reporter-Herald article.

Partnerships Paying Off for Fraser River

The fish are returning to Fraser Flats. It took years of vision and persistence, but Trout Unlimited’s long-game strategy of collaboration on the Upper Colorado River is paying big dividends for anglers and local communities that depend on a healthy river.

Exhibit A is the Fraser Flats Habitat Project. The Fraser River, a key tributary of the Upper Colorado, had been degraded by years of water diversions and other pressures.

TU and a host of water stakeholders joined forces to reverse that decline. The effort, called Learning by Doing, brought together a variety of partners including Denver Water, Northern Water, Grand County, Trout Unlimited, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to help restore the Upper Colorado watershed.

The group’s inaugural project at Fraser Flats aimed to restore a roughly one-mile stretch of the Fraser between the towns of Tabernash and Fraser, with the goal of providing healthy habitat for trout even during periods of reduced flows. The Fraser in this section had become too wide and shallow, resulting in sedimentation and high temperatures that smothered bug life and pressured coldwater-loving trout.

Design work began last fall. In late spring, more than 150 volunteers turned out to plant willows and cottonwoods along the streambank for shade and bank stability. Then in summer and fall, the group brought in Freestone Aquatics to narrow the river with point bars and other structures to increase velocity and depth of the river. Freestone also created a series of riffle and deep pools to provide better holding water for trout.

The results already have been nothing short of spectacular.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife conducted a fish survey on Oct. 5, shortly after completion of the project, and found dramatic increases in the biomass of brown and rainbow trout in the stretch compared to previous surveys, and an even larger increase in numbers of larger (14" and up) fish.

Preliminary electrofishing survey results from CPW showed the reach experienced a 415% increase in brown trout biomass, and a 550% increase in the numbers of brown trout greater than 14" in length. While rainbows are a smaller component of the population (15% of biomass, 25% of larger fish #s), they also blossomed with an increase of 267% in biomass and a 400% boost in fish over 14".

"We are elated," Mely Whiting, legal counsel for Trout Unlimited, told the local Ski-Hi News. "This is amazing. The biomass [in the river] has more than tripled, just from last year, and only in the matter of a couple of weeks since the project was completed.”

Biologists also reported seeing large brown trout actively spawning in many areas of the stretch. In short, Fraser River trout have wasted no time moving into the improved habitat.

What’s more, starting in spring 2018, the project will also provide public fishing access along a half-mile of the Fraser Flats section.

“This section of the Fraser River is the healthiest I’ve seen this river in the 47 years I’ve lived here,” TU’s Klancke said. “The best part is we’re hoping to do more river improvements like this in the future with our Learning By Doing partners.”

Colorado Public Radio this week aired a segment about the successful project and the "unusual partnership" between TU and Denver Water .

Watch the video below from Denver Water for another good overview of the project benefits.

Silverthorne, TU unveil Blue River Explorer Hike

In partnership with the Town of Silverthorne, the Gore Range Chapter TU in September celebrated the opening of the "Blue River Explorer Hike."  The half-mile hike along the Blue River through the town core of Silverthorne includes multiple interpretive signs highlighting different aspects of the Blue River's ecology, history, and significance in the community. Inspired by the popular "Junior Ranger" program of the National Park Service, the Blue River Explorer Hike program offers a free children's activity booklet and sticker that can be picked up by registering at the Colorado Welcome Center at the Green Village - Outlets of SIlverthorne. The Blue River Explorer Hike is a free, self-guided trail and is open daily. Signs along the trail explain trout biology, watershed management, challenges of water supply in Colorado, and solutions to help mitigate water shortages. Summit County Television produced a brief video about the new trail:

The Gore Range Chapter hopes that the trail will not only help engage and educate youth in Summit County and among its many visitors, but also may inspire others to bring similar educational programs to their home waters. For those that are interested in developing their own Explorer Hike program, Chapter President Greg Hardy can provide all the necessary details based on what the chapter learned in the course of developing the Blue River project (costs, grant opportunities, locally-available fund raising, development material, artist recommendation, etc.)

Behind the Fin: Duncan Rose

Join us "behind the fin" with TU volunteer Duncan Rose from the Dolores watershed. How long have you been a TU member?

9-10 years - about three years in Charlotte, and seven here in Colorado.

Why did you become a member and what chapter are you involved with?

Dolores River Anglers, Chapter 145, here in the Four Corners of southwestern Colorado. As newbies to the area, I sought insight and orientation to the area from local enthusiasts.

What made you want to become involved with TU?

When we moved here I was approaching retirement and had targeted environmental organizations and fly fishing as a focal point of interest as I moved into retirement. TU, of course, combined both into an effective package.

What is your favorite activity or project you have done with TU?

Our recent study of climate change and its likely impacts on our home waters (we set out to identify and map long term trout strongholds in our mountains). While fishing in late summer of 2012 and 2013 (severe drought years here), several of us had noted cutties struggling through water only half their height to move from tiny pocket to tiny pocket. Being on the Western Slope, our waters are at the interface of high desert with big mountains. That makes us “canaries in the mine” with respect to climate change. Our findings reveal huge challenges for the persistence of trout habitat in the western San Juans by the turn of the century. We worked hard to make the study highly credible. Over 3000 hours of  volunteer"citizen-science" was involved (along with $25,000 in various grants -- including chapter money and TU Gomo and Embrace a Stream grants-- for scientific expertise).

I know you won’t tell me your favorite spot, but what is your second favorite place to fish or favorite fishing story?

We have some 300 miles of trout habitat spread across 46 streams (1430 square miles of watershed) here in the upper Dolores. I’m particularly attracted to high, small, back-country tributaries, dry flies and, for the last four seasons, tenkara. The settings are as compelling as the fishing. I go out every week from runoff moderation to ice-out in November.

What does being a part of TU mean to you?

Besides the camaraderie of colleagues, as past chapter president and current conservation co-chair, I get to pay back some of the great enjoyment I derive from the fly fishing through our conservation projects. Which means that I am investing in a trout future for our two daughters.

What else do you do in your spare time or work?

I am on the board of our local Conservation Land Trust. We have just been “gifted” an 80 hay/cattle tract into which we are incorporating a significant agriculture education program for the greater region. TU and land conservation, great combination--both get under your skin and into your soul.

Editor' Note: The 'climate change study' referenced above is called: "Climate Change and the Upper Dolores Watershed: A Coldwater-fisheries Adaptive Management Framework"

CPW Fishing: New App for Exploring Colorado Waters

Colorado Parks and Wildlife has launched CPW Fishing, the agency’s official mobile fishing app. For anglers seeking information on new fishing locations or needing to check for updated regulations while on the water, CPW Fishing is an easy way to keep angling details close at hand. “We’re excited to bring this free, portable resource to the anglers that enjoy Colorado’s abundant waters,” said Bob Broscheid, director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “This app was truly designed with the angler in mind. We’ve included offline modes that don’t require a connection, putting fishing conditions for thousands of locations right at your fingertips wherever you are. We've also included current regulations for responsible angling and the ability to record catches right where they happen.”

CPW Fishing allows anglers to explore Colorado’s waters, whether searching for a new destination or checking weather conditions at a long-favorite location. The app allows discovery of over 2,000 fishing locations, and provides information on the type of fishing at each location, stream gauges, species availability, accessibility, family-friendliness and more.

The app includes journaling features which allow anglers to record their successes, map catch locations, and share photos and information. Social badges can be earned with your reports, and anglers can even become official CPW Master Anglers using the app to submit their qualifying catch.

Educational features such as up-to-date fishing regulations, fish identification guides and news alerts for key information anglers need to be aware of on the water are also available.

The CPW Fishing app is available on both the App Store and Google Play. CPW Fishing was made possible with financial support from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the Colorado State Internet Portal Authority.

River Rising: the Denver South Platte

Ronnie Crawford first discovered the urban fishery of the South Platte by accident around 15 years ago. He was taking a couple of kids fishing with bait on the river near his house off Evans. Much to his surprise, they started catching trout. That was the simple beginning of a long-term love for fishing the “Denver South Platte,” and for introducing others to all it has to offer. For more than a decade, the Denver Trout Unlimited chapter (DTU), of which Ronnie is a board member, has been working to improve the health of the Denver South Platte – the section of the river starting below Chatfield Reservoir and then flowing through the southern suburbs and downtown Denver. Eleven years ago, the chapter held its first “Carp Slam” fishing tournament, to build awareness of the Denver South Platte and its fishery potential, and to raise funds for river restoration efforts. This year's Carp Slam takes place September 23, with Denver's most awesome after-party taking place atop the DaVita building in LoDo on Saturday evening (purchase your tickets here).

As the name suggests, the Carp Slam’s fishing focus is carp—but the goal is to improve habitat in the South Platte for a variety of fish.  And many anglers in the Carp Slam routinely catch impressive trout, suggesting the potential for a much more robust urban trout fishery.

Restoration work started with the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District in 2012, working to enhance the reach of the South Platte by Carson Nature Center to better support native fish, recreational fishing, and riparian habitat.  DTU contributed to the District’s effort with $10,000 raised through the Carp Slam and another $80,000 leveraged through a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Fishing is Fun grant.

The restoration effort and partnerships have grown exponentially since then.  DTU has worked with the City and County of Denver and the Greenway Foundation on a South Platte Restoration plan that lays out a restoration vision for the river and corridor all along the Denver South Platte. Millions of dollars are flowing toward efforts to improve several miles of river and to create economic benefits from a healthy South Platte as a new recreational centerpiece of the Denver metro area.

While appreciating the broader efforts to improve the entire greenway corridor, DTU has helped keep a strong focus on the river habitat itself. “We’re the ones focused on what’s happening below the waterline,” explains DTU member John Davenport.

Part of focusing below the waterline has been to pay attention to water quality, including stream temperature. To better document water temperatures and understand the river's fishery potential, DTU purchased and placed in-stream loggers starting in February 2016, collecting hourly water temperature data at six sites along the Denver South Platte.  Results to date, Davenport says, look very similar to those for the Arkansas River in Pueblo – a river supporting a popular trout fishery.

While finding a future for trout fishing in downtown Denver is definitely part of DTU’s vision, a healthy river and fishery is the key goal – not just trout.  “I call this a potluck stream,” explained Crawford. “You never know what you’re going to get.  I’ve hooked carp, brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth – all on the same fly and some on the same day.”

For Crawford and DTU, it is all about making the most of a resource that has been hiding in plain sight.  “It’s right under everybody’s nose, but they don’t think about it,” he said.  “They don’t know the grand array of fish that can be caught here.”

CTU Seeking Communications & Membership Coordinator

Colorado TU is seeking an energetic, reliable self-starter with strong communications and social skills to  facilitate and improve our internal and external communications and to help manage our membership programs. This full-time position includes lead responsibility for managing our digital communications programs (e-mail, website, social media), as well as managing our integrated membership database and working with other CTU staff and volunteers to develop and implement programs to improve membership recruitment and retention. The position will be based out of the state office in Denver. The position work plan includes:

Website management.  Manage www.coloradotu.org website, collect and post content from other TU staff and volunteers as well as generating original, timely content. Includes regular blog article posting, managing online “Action Center” for advocacy, and web calendar. Coordinate structural updates to the site with contracted programmers.

E-communications.  Coordinate and produce monthly e-mail newsletters “Currents” (to all supporters) and Chapter Leaders Email (to ~200 chapter leaders statewide). Prepare and send other  discrete emails to various parts of our mailing list such as event announcements, raffle ticket sales, and important “breaking news” messages. Prepare one or more articles for each quarterly edition of High Country Angler online magazine.

Social media.  Manage content for CTU’s social media presence, ensuring regular postings with Facebook and developing strategies for enhanced use of Twitter, Instagram, and possibly other platforms.

External communications.  Coordinate with National TU communications staff to deliver  CTU information to external audiences through press releases and placement of articles with local media outlets, development of content for distribution through partners (such as fly fishing retailers), and other new tactics for communicating TU messages to the broader public.

Membership services & database management.  Maintain CTU member/donor database in integrated SALSA platform. Handle basic correspondence such as electronic “new member welcome” package and hard-copy small donor thanks. Respond to general membership inquiries.

Liaison with National TU communications staff.  Coordinate CTU communications (both internal and external) with National Trout Unlimited staff in Colorado including the Southwest Region Communications Director. Help promote CTU and Chapter stories in national TU media outlets where appropriate.

Other duties. Participate in core CTU events such as the Annual River Stewardship Gala and the Rendezvous. Supervise unpaid communications intern when present (through program for students to obtain academic credit). Other miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Qualifications:  Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.  Previous experience or demonstrated ability in communications, media relations, and/or website management.  Dedicated commitment to conservation.  Ability to work weekend and evening hours when needed.  Solid computer and social media related skills, including database management and basic web design. Specific experience with SALSA database and Wordpress website platforms is helpful but not required.  Demonstrated creativity and initiative strongly desired. Background knowledge of water resource and fishery issues helpful, but not required.

Salary Range:  Salary in low to mid $30Ks plus excellent health benefits and potential for annual performance bonus.

To apply, please email cover letter and resume by October 6 to:  David Nickum, Executive Director, Colorado Trout Unlimited, at dnickum@tu.org.   No phone calls please.

Bringing in a New Audience

As TU leaders, we recognize the importance of diversity among our membership - not just in the sense of racial or gender identity (both are important, of course), but age, financial status, social, education, and ability as well.  Sometimes it can be difficult to find creative ways of bringing new folks in the door, but the Grand Valley Anglers Chapter of TU is determined to "think outside of the flybox".  Their story of engaging new audiences (including First Responders) is below: "Thinking Outside of the Flybox"

By: Ben Bloodworth, President, Grand Valley Angers TU

If you have been involved with Trout Unlimited for very long, then you have probably noticed that the faces around you don’t change very much - and they likely often bear a striking resemblance to your own. Nationwide, TU is struggling not only to increase and sustain membership, but to expand that membership to include a more diverse community (whether that means racial, social, gender, age, or financial diversity). So, we in Grand Valley Anglers (Grand Junction Chapter #319) have been trying some new ideas that have been paying off.

While fly fishing films like F3T and IF4 (if you don’t know those acronyms, I recommend looking them up and becoming familiar with them) are a great way to reach new and often younger audiences, we took it a step further. We worked with the local fly shop (Western Anglers) to initiate the West Slope’s first ever Iron Fly series.

If you are unfamiliar with Iron Fly, it is an event where tiers sign up to compete in various rounds of fly tying. They are all given the same set of “ingredients” and are challenged to tie the best fly possible in a certain amount of time. While the materials they are given are typically non-traditional and demanding of creative thought, there are also additional stumbling blocks thrown into the mix (like tying blindfolded, with one hand, or using another person’s vise) that demand the tiers’ utmost attention. All this happens with a lively audience, prizes and door-prizes between rounds, and the occasional adult beverage.

We have been having these events during the winter for a couple of years now and they have attracted as many as 80 folks in a night, and gotten our mission and information about other Chapter events/activities to an entirely new and engaged crowd. Of course blowing it up on social media (Instagram and Facebook in particular) also plays a huge part in drawing in the younger crew.

And from a completely different perspective, we started using our summer picnics as opportunities to reach a different group. At various times we invite certain target groups to our summer picnics to not only enjoy some tasty burgers (GVA provides) and potluck-style sides, but an opportunity to learn to cast a fly rod. We have used these opportunities for veterans and women, but last year worked with the local law enforcement community (starting months in advance) to give police officers and their families a chance to cast a rod and learn about who we are. At last summer’s event we had almost two-dozen police-affiliated attendees, and many more GVA members than usual, and had a great time casting into hula-hoops at a local State Park. We received great feedback after the event from both participating officers (one who was learning to cast in full uniform) and our Chapter members. We are planning to expand this concept in the future to fire departments, teachers, and hospital staff, taking the opportunity to not only get new folks involved in TU, but to let these dedicated members of our community know that we appreciate all they do for us on a daily basis.

This fall we are holding our first ever women’s fly fishing day at a local winery in Palisade, Colorado. This entirely women-led event will combine new ladies’ thirst for fly fishing knowledge and know-how with their thirst for some tasty Colorado wine. Carlson Vineyards (who also donates wine for our film events) is graciously hosting this event of wine tasting and learning about all things fly fishing, including TU. And, in an aim to not only help attendees but hopefully involve them more with TU moving forward, we are holding a separate casting-day for any attendees who wish to come out and work more with Chapter members. The only negative feedback we have gotten thus far is from men who want to get free wine while talking fly fishing!

Stay tuned to reports from Corinne Doctor (heading up the CTU Diversity Initiative) in the future to hear how this and other CTU diversification events around the state are going.

If you have any questions about the logistics involved in some of these ventures, or have something that your Chapter is doing that could benefit GVA members, please shoot me an email at grandvalleyanglers319@gmail.com.

Preventing Aquatic Nuisance Species

Aquatic nuisance species (ANS) pose a significant threat to Colorado’s waterways.  These species can cause considerable damage to water infrastructure, lakes, rivers, and wildlife. As anglers, it is important for us to recognize that the “Clean, Drain, and Dry” slogan doesn’t just apply to speedboats and Skidoos. We spend considerable time in and near bodies of water in this state, and that means we need to be very careful how we clean and dry our own equipment.  Fortunately, every time we head to the river or sit in the blind, we don’t have to wait in line to get cleared by a CPW inspector, or carry around white tags that confirm our wading boots are clean.  But with this freedom comes great responsibility.

Just before a recent conservation project, CTU was asked by a volunteer, “what is the best method is to ‘decontaminate’ my waders?” Surprisingly, the answer to the question wasn't straight forward because there are various techniques that can sometimes work better than others based on various conditions. So we at CTU decided to provide the most recent information we could find on the ANS threats in Colorado, where they exist, and the best methods to prevent their spread.

Aquatic Nuisance Species Threats to Colorado

Whirling Disease (WD)

A parasitic condition that affects the soft cartilage of young fish – eventually leading to deformity and possible death.  The parasite will reproduce in two stages: first, it will infect a host (usually a common bottom-dwelling tubifex worm); and second, it will release spores from the infected host (through the water or if a fish eats the worm) that will cling to susceptible fish.

Where it’s found:

WD was discovered in Colorado in the 1980s and now exists in 20 states around the country.  It has been found in 13 of the 15 major river drainages in Colorado, including the: Colorado, Gunnison, South Platte, Arkansas, and Rio Grande, as well as a number of state hatcheries.

How it spreads:

WD typically spreads through infected hosts (usually fish) that are introduced into new water.

Hatcheries in Colorado are beginning to successfully eliminate it from their operations and have strict stocking policies in place to prevent the spread of WD.

The tubifex worms and spores can be carried on equipment and debris that is transported from one body of water to another.

Zebra and Quagga mussels

Native to Eastern Europe, these mussels have no natural predators in the United States and can reproduce rapidly.  Heavy infestations can clog water infrastructure and displace native aquatic wildlife.

Where it’s found:

After being discovered in the Great Lakes in 1988, major initiatives have been put in place to keep these ANS from infecting major lakes and reservoirs in the West.

There are currently no waters in Colorado with confirmed populations of Quagga or Zebra Mussels.  That being said, there have been some occurrences where larvae was discovered at: Pueblo Reservoir State Park, Granby Reservoir, Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Willow Creek Reservoir, Tarryall Reservoir and Jumbo Reservoir, Blue Mesa Reservoir, and (recently) Green Mountain Reservoir.

How it spreads:

These mussels are spread primarily by trailered watercraft, but can also be spread by boats, equipment, waders, boots, bait buckets, and live wells.

New Zealand Mud Snails

These snails are voracious eaters that can reproduce rapidly – negatively impacting insect larvae, native snails, and fish populations.

Where it’s found:

New Zealand Mudsnail was most recently discovered in Chatfield Reservoir in 2015.

2013 - Fountain Creek in Colorado Springs.

2012 - Spinney Mountain State Park (similar to the previous year's detection in neighboring Eleven Mile Reservoir State Park)

2011 - East Delaney Buttes State Wildlife Area and College Lake, CSU, Fort Collins.

2010 - South Delaney Buttes State Wildlife Area, and two sites within the City of Boulder along Dry Creek.

The invasive snail was first found in Colorado in 2004 in Boulder Creek, the South Platte River below Eleven Mile dam and the Green River in Dinosaur National Monument.

How it spreads:

This snail clings to waders, boots, boats, dogs, and any other gear that enters the water or can hold debris.  The Mudsnail can produce asexually, meaning that even one individual can start a whole infestation.

Other Invasive species prioritized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife are:

Waterflea and Eurasian Watermilfoil

Prevent the Spread!

Please do your part to help keep these harmful species out of Colorado’s waterways by keeping your gear clean and educating others.  Below are the best practices for preventing the spread of invasive species with input from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Orvis, and Simms.

General Principles to Prevent the Spread of ANS in Colorado:

INSPECT – be sure to visually inspect all of your equipment for mud and debris that can carry ANS.

CLEAN – be sure to scrub and remove all mud and debris from your equipment.

DRY – most ANS cannot survive extend periods of time out of the water, so make sure you dry all of your gear in-between trips.

Top Four Methods for Cleaning/Decontaminating Gear (ranked in order of effectiveness by CPW)

Hot Water Bath – after removing all debris from gear, place in hot water (140° F) for at least 10 minutes.

Chemicals and Detergents – submerge gear in a quaternary ammonia-based cleaner (6oz/gallon of water) for at least 20 minutes.

NOTE: Do NOT use bleach-based cleaners (i.e. 409) on your waders, as the chemicals will corrode the waterproof materials on your equipment.  Simms recommends using a mild powder detergent with as little added fragrances or fabric softeners as possible.

Freezing – most ANS cannot survive extremely cold temperatures, so freezing gear (in a bag) overnight can be effective.

Drying – All gear should be dried as much as possible before being used again, but from a decontamination standpoint, equipment will need to dry for at least 10 days (note: some snails can survive for longer periods of time out of water).

Photo Credits: Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Additional Resources:

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Brochure

Colorado Parks and Wildlife ANS

Clean Angler Information

Orvis Video on Proper Cleaning Techniques

Behind the Fin: Anna Drexler-Dreis

Join us "behind the fin" with TU volunteer Anna Dexler-Dreis from Grand County. How long have you been a TU member?

I've been a member for 4 years. I joined once I moved to Grand County and started learning about water issues on the western slope.

Why did you become a member and what chapter are you involved with?

I'm a member of the Colorado River Headwaters Chapter. My entire life has been shaped by water. I grew up running and hiking along the shores of Lake Michigan and Cape Cod. Every time I move or travel to a new place, I seek out the closest water body and get lost near it. Water is life. Once I moved to Grand County, I started becoming involved in the local land trust. Since the land trust works to protect vital water rights, I knew becoming a TU member would be a natural fit. Plus, the Chapter President, Kirk Klancke, is legend here in Grand County.

What made you want to become involved with TU?

There were a few reasons I wanted to become involved with TU. First, Learning by Doing was heating up in Grand County, and in the beginning there was a lot of confusion about why Grand County was collaborating with the east slope water diverters. I wanted to go straight to the source to better understand this new west-east slope partnership. Second, the land trust I work for was starting to get more active in using conservation easements to protect vital water rights. I knew becoming a TU board member would be an asset to the land trust. Plus, my love for water has been strong throughout my entire life. Post-undergrad, I wanted to remain involved in water conservation.

What is your favorite activity or project that you have done with TU?

This past spring, I organized the vegetation component of the Fraser Flats River Habitat Project. The goal was to re-vegetate a 0.9-mile stretch of the Fraser River with willows and cottonwoods. In partnership with private and public entities, Denver Water, Learning by Doing, TU, and other funders and supporters, the community successfully planted thousands of willow stems and 90 Kremmling cottonwoods on the banks of the Fraser River. My favorite part of this project was that 150 volunteers came out to help over three days. It was amazing to see such huge community support!

I know you won’t tell me your top spot, so what is your second favorite fishing spot or favorite fishing story?

I only started fly fishing 5 or 6 years ago. My true passion is backpacking, so I love fishing small streams and alpine lakes for cutthroat and brook trout. My favorite fishing story is probably the first time I caught a fish on a fly rod when I was backpacking in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. I got so excited when I hooked a tiny brook trout that I reeled the fish all the way up to the tip of the rod and pop! off it fell. Exhilarating!

What does being a part of TU mean to you?

It means being involved in a special community of people who share my passion to protect our rivers, streams, and lakes. It also means that I get to organize amazing projects like the Fraser Flats River Habitat Project. Not only do I love being on the local TU board, I love attending events TU puts on. We have great support for TU here in Grand County.

Beyond being an awesome angler, what else do you do in your spare time or for work?

Besides working at Colorado Headwaters Land Trust, I love to play outdoors. My favorite activities are backpacking and gardening. But, in the past few years I have started getting into rafting. I think my boyfriend only taught me how to row so he could fish all day while I moved us downriver. Some of my favorite rafting trips have been the Smith River in Montana and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.