CTU named beneficiary of Anglers All Trout Clave with match from Patagonia

 

REPOST: Anglers All and Patagonia Raise More than $11K for Conservation

MAY 9, 2018

We are thrilled to announce that more than $11,000 was raised for conservation at our 2018 Trout Clave on April 21! These proceeds will go to Colorado Trout Unlimited, and will be used to carry out important river conservation and habitat work in Colorado.

Anglers All and COLORADO TROUT UNLIMITED (CTU) co-hosted this year’s Trout Clave, an annual spring event here at the fly shop. When Anglers All committed to donate a portion of the sales from the event to CTU, Patagonia generously agreed to match that donation.

“The 2018 Clave was a huge success,” said Anglers All owner, Chris Keeley. “I’m personally proud of the commitment to conservation that our staff, clients, and friends displayed this year. We can make a difference together.”

Photo Credit: AnglersAll 2018

In addition to Patagonia's support, key sponsors for the event included Fishpond, Sage, and Breckenridge Brewery. In addition to raising funds for CTU, the event promoted successful membership drives for the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

“Colorado Trout Unlimited so appreciated the opportunity to participate in the 2018 Trout Clave,” commented CTU development director, Shannon Kindle. “We had a fantastic day sharing our conservation story with attendees and recruiting a great group of new members!

"As the beneficiary of Anglers All’s generosity and the matching funds donated by Patagonia, we look forward to putting those dollars to work on the ground in Colorado through habitat restoration, native trout reintroduction, and much more,” Kindle added. "A big thank you to all the Anglers All customers who helped to make this day such a success and to their part in helping Colorado TU continue our work protecting and restoring the fisheries we all love!”

We do owe a huge thanks to our friends, customers and the fly fishing community here in the Denver area. We're extremely proud to be a part of it. Thank you and here's to a great year of fishing ahead!

PRESS RELEASE

REPOST FROM ANGLERS ALL BLOG: https://www.anglersall.com/blog/anglers-patagonia-raise-11k-conservation/

A new look for us

Perhaps you have noticed, but we have a new look! The new logo has been slowly surfacing through our e-newsletters, social media posts, stickers, and publications - but now we will be rolling it out across all of our platforms. This new logo has been in the making for more than a year, and in the summer of 2017, concepts were drafted with four designs sent out to the Colorado TU board and chapters for feedback. The initial concept was to mimic National Trout Unlimited's logo to help foster the continuity between the council and national organization. The council's goals in the logo redesign were largely influenced by the "one TU" mantra stating that, no matter your role in Trout Unlimited, whether volunteer, donor, chapter, member, staff, or supporter - we are all part of "one TU". Sharing a similar look helps portray that message.

Early renditions of logo concepts in fall of 2017.

Some ideas about incorporating the iconic Colorado Flag were discussed.

Another goal in the redesign was to provide a banner that chapters and volunteers would be proud to unite under as a symbol of statewide river conservation - from ranchers mitigating flows on the west slope, to veterans getting on the river in the Denver Metro area. 

The new logo incorporates National's colors with a nod to Colorado's mountains and the downstream flows of of our water.

And while we were at it - why not throw in a new website? Out with the old and in with the new! If you are reading this post, then welcome to our new website! We have prioritized the important pages that people look for when visiting our site, such as membership, events, chapter locations, news, and advocacy alerts. We've also simplified the look and navigation to make it easier to use.  The new site will be able to grow with us and help bring you the content that matters most. Feel free to take a look around!

A huge thank you to Steve Lopez, Corrine and Garrison Doctor, and all the volunteers and staff who have helped us redefine the CTU look across the state and beyond. And thanks, too, to the dynamic duo of CTU's Annie Smith and board member Michael Ledger who helped spearhead the new-look website to accompany our new logo launch.

CTU's current logo.

National Trout Unlimited's current logo.

Plan your weekend! Film Festivals, Fly Fishing Rendezvous, Iron Fly

Do you have your weekend plans figured out? If not, there are lots of great events coming up that you definitely do not want to miss! Below is a quick digest of all the fun things happening along the Front Range of Colorado: Check out the full list of upcoming events here.

Thursday, April 26

Colorado Trout Unlimited's Conservation Film Fest doors at 6:30 pm, films at 7:00 pm

FB Event Listing

Friday, April 27

TU & CTU Western Regional Rendezvous

7:30 am - 6:00pm | Keystone Lodge, CO

See the full agenda here 

Join TU volunteer leaders from across the West on April 27-28, 2018 in Keystone, Colorado for enlightening presentations, inspiring dialogue and engaging camaraderie with those who share your dedication to TU and our mission. The TU Western Rendezvous is an occasion to be inspired – by lessons from volunteer leaders, the work of TU staff, and conversations with newfound friends. The event will also be an excellent opportunity to discuss the unique issues facing the region as well as a chance to network and build relationships with fellow TU volunteer leaders.

If you are interested in attending any of the meetings, please register here. 

Colorado Iron Fly - brought to you by Pig Farm Ink and Rep Your Water

starting at 7:00 pm | Dos Locos 22869 U.S. 6, Keystone, CO, United States

Pig Farm Ink, Costa, Simms, Postfly, and Rep Your Water present Iron Fly: TU & CTU

Western Regional, in Keystone, CO

Join us for an evening of hoots and hollers as EVERYONE is welcome to participate in

the IRON FLY. What is the IRON FLY? Well, it's fly tying meets Iron Chef as tiers compete in a battle of partying skills and bobbin prowess to make the ultimate fish snack from the same set of mystery ingredients. Race against your liver and your competitors to show the panel of judges that your vice has the spice...

Videos Explaining Iron Fly: https://youtu.be/CS3AXSDBVMUhttps://youtu.be/WjICqBF26fk

FB Event Listing

Saturday, April 28

Trout Unlimited & Colorado Trout Unlimited Western Regional Rendezvous

7:30 am - 8:30 pm | Keystone Lodge, CO

See full agenda here

Register for the Western Regional Rendezvous here

2018 Spring Fly Fishing Rendezvous

8:30 am - 5:00pm | Jefferson County Fairgrounds Golden, CO 15200 W 6th Ave, Golden, CO 80401-5018

This two-day event happening 4/28 - 4/29 highlights the best of the Rocky Mountain’s emerging fly brands while also giving anglers access to some of the most trusted names in the industry. Our shared passion is to make the sport of fly fishing accessible to all.

Check out the full vendor and speaker line up at www.flyfishingrendezvous.com.

Tickets are $8 in advance/$10 cash at the door. Scouts in uniform and kids under 12 years old get in free.

GET $1 off your advance online ticket price by using "CTU" coupon code upon checkout.

Purchase Tickets Here.

Sunday, April 29

2018 Spring Fly Fishing Rendezvous

8:30 am - 5:00 pm | Jefferson County Fairgrounds Golden, CO 15200 W 6th Ave, Golden, CO 80401-5018

Purchase Tickets Here.

Trout Unlimited & Colorado Trout Unlimited Western Regional Rendezvous

7:00 am - 12:00 pm | Keystone Lodge, CO

Fishing Sunday after the Western Regional Rendezvous

12:00 pm - whenever the fishing slows down

Local rivers within a two- three hour drive:

Keystone Lake

Colorado River (Pumphouse)  – 1 hour travel – wade or float

Colorado River (State Bridge) 1.25 hours travel time – wade or float

Colorado River (Parshall)  45 minutes travel time – wade

Eagle River (Gypsum) 1 hour travel time – wade

South Platte (Deckers) 2hours and 30 minutes  – wade

Dream Stream  1 hour 45 minutes – wade

Frying Pan (Ruedi Dam) 2 hours and 30 minutes – wade

Roaring Fork (Carbondale) 2 hours and 30 minutes – float

Blue River (near Breckenridge, below Dillon Reservoir, north of Silverthorne)

Arkansas River (near Leadville)

Google Map of Area

The Caddis are Coming!

Ah, nothing like spring in Colorado! Wildflowers blooming, snow melting off the mountains, creeks flowing, oh and caddis season is in full swing! We start seeing caddis bouncing up and down on the surface or skating across the water, tempting the hungry trout! To celebrate this great time of year, The Collegiate Peaks Chapter of Trout Unlimited is holding its 33rd annual Caddis Festival Banquet & Auction on Saturday, May 5th, 2018, at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds in Poncha Springs, Colorado. There will be lots of fun for everyone – both anglers and non-anglers, including a silent and live auction, special raffles, a heads-or-tails game and bucket raffles!

The social time and cash bar open at 5 PM with a buffet dinner catered by Variations starting at 6:45 PM.The prizes that YOU could take home are truly outstanding, including fine fishing gear, unique artwork, hosted fishing trips and more! There will be items for men, women, kids, anglers and non-anglers.

Since 1985, CPC-TU has provided educational programs and activities for youth and adults and provided funds and volunteers for river and riparian restoration projects in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. Come hang out and support a great cause! The Caddis Festival Banquet & Auction is CPC-TU's major fundraising event of the year and they look forward to seeing you!

Some of the projects and activities supported by the Caddis Festival funds in 2017 included:

* Sponsored the popular kid’s fishing derbies July 4th in Salida and Labor Day weekend in Buena Vista

* Provided funds to continue the development of the Ecosystems Learning Center (ELC) on the South Arkansas River in Salida

* In collaboration with GARNA, held the 6th grade conservation camp in Buena Vista, high school ecology classes in Salida and Stream Explorers educational activities in Buena Vista and Salida.

* Provided volunteers to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife in fin clipping at the Mt. Ouray Hatchery and fish stocking in high lakes

* Contributed locally tied flies to Casting for Recovery and Reel Recovery

* Provided and pledged funds to Central Colorado Conservancy to promote and enhance Arkansas river access

* Awarded $12,000 in college scholarships to four local students studying aquatic biology or natural resources

For more information, contact Pam Simpson, Caddis Festival Planning Committee Chair at (719) 395-7788 or pkssimpp@gmail.com

Registration is easy and online! Follow the link below.

Purchase Tickets Here

Facebook Event Page

TU praises passage of bill to support wildlife and recreation

Trout Unlimited praises passage of bill to support wildlife and outdoor recreation

(Denver)—Trout Unlimited praised the passage of the Hunting, Fishing, and Parks for Future Generations Act (SB18-143) today in the Colorado General Assembly – creating a sustainable funding stream for Colorado Parks and Wildlife that will help fund efforts to preserve the state’s prized fish and wildlife populations and support outdoor recreation opportunities.

In recent years, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) has seen its resources increasingly squeezed. The last resident license fee increase took place in 2005—and since that time, expenses have climbed by more than 25 percent and Colorado’s population has grown rapidly, putting more and more pressure on fish, wildlife, and their habitat as well as on the state’s recreation infrastructure.

Moreover, the budget squeeze has forced the agency to cut or defund 50 positions and slice $40 million from its wildlife budget—and without new funding, further cuts would be required. The bill passed today by the Colorado legislature will give CPW authority to raise hunting and fishing license fees to offset the rising costs of inflation. The modest fee increase ($8 for resident fishing licenses) will begin in 2019, with any future increases tied to the consumer price index. CPW is also looking at other revenue sources to support conservation priorities.

“Sportsmen and women have always taken pride in supporting our state’s outstanding outdoor resources and hunting and fishing opportunities,” said David Nickum, executive director of Colorado Trout Unlimited. “Hunters and anglers understand that Colorado’s wildlife and natural spaces are among our most valuable resources—and that we need to invest in our outdoor quality of life. This fee authority will help ensure that future generations have access to the same quality hunting, fishing and recreational opportunities available today.”

The enhanced revenue stream will help CPW invest in a range of sportsmen’s programs and initiatives, including:

• Providing more funds for critical programs like hunter education and Fishing is Fun;
• Expanding access for hunters and anglers by renewing high-priority leases and access programs on private land;
• Repairing CPW’s aging dams and reservoir infrastructure to keep them open for fishing;
• Modernizing hatcheries to increase the number of fish stocked in those Colorado waters that can’t support robust wild populations.

“TU is grateful to have been afforded a seat on the CPW ‘Sportsmen’s Roundtable’—a collaborative, statewide forum to engage sportsmen and women on the agency’s strategic plans and financial issues,” said Ty Churchwell, TU’s San Juan Mountains coordinator. “We applaud the CPW for involving sportsmen’s conservation organizations in development of this bill, and holding dozens of public meetings across the state. Their commitment to broad, extensive, debated input on development of this bill has helped secure support for its passage.”

Trout Unlimited thanks Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Bob Broscheid for his leadership as well as the bill sponsors, state Senators Stephen Fenberg and Don Coram, and Representatives Jeni Arndt and James Wilson.

Download the Press Release here.

Fun Fact Friday: Oh, the mighty Colorado River

Fun Fact Friday: Oh, the mighty Colorado River! Its history is quite impressive as it broke through the Grand Canyon about 5 million years ago. Evidence also suggests that the Colorado River was flowing through the Rocky Mountains as they were still forming. This river has influenced much of the beautiful geology we see across the west today. All along the Colorado River system, anglers can find largemouth bass, rainbow trout, channel catfish, black crappie, walleye and striped bass. If you have not checked out the interview we did with Kirk Klancke, president of the Colorado River Headwaters TU Chapter, about restoring flows to one of the first main tributaries of the Colorado River, then be sure to check it out here.

Save Bristol Bay!

  Pebble Limited Partnerships recently applied for one of the major permits they’ll need to mine in Bristol Bay. Filing that application is huge news because it brings their catastrophic proposal one step closer to becoming a reality. Now, we have the first chance for you to weigh in on this process.

Pebble Limited Partnerships wants to develop an open-pit mine in southwest Alaska, approximately 17 miles west/northwest of the villages of Iliamna, Newhalen, and Nondalton. They also are proposing a 188-mile natural gas pipeline from the Kenai Peninsula across the Cook Inlet to the mine site as their proposed energy source. These developments would dramatically affect Bristol Bay’s fisheries which are critical to Alaska's economy and culture.  Speak up and let The Army Corps of Engineers know that we should protect Bristol Bay, and the businesses and communities these waters support.

Add your name and comment below to tell the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reject Pebble's proposal as incomplete. Feel free to edit the suggested content. Click the button to take action!

Iron Fly comes to the Western Regional Rendezvous April 27

Pig Farm Ink, Costa, Simms, Postfly, and Rep Your Water present Iron Fly: TU & CTU Western Regional, in Keystone, CO

What is the IRON FLY? Well, instead of just explaining it to you, here's a great video explaining exactly what it is.

[embed]https://youtu.be/WjICqBF26fk[/embed]

Seems fun and hilariously entertaining right? Well, we are bringing to Colorado in coinciding with the TU Western Regional Rendezvous up in Keystone. It's going to be an evening of hoots and hollers as EVERYONE is welcome to participate in the IRON FLY. When fly tying meets Iron Chef then you have an IRON FLY. Compete in a battle of partying skills and bobbin prowess to make the ultimate fish snack from the same set of mystery ingredients. Race against your liver and your competitors to show the panel of judges that your vice has the spice...

Facebook Event Listing: https://www.facebook.com/events/1807653752872104/ 

PigFarmInk: www.pigfarmink.com 

RepYourWater: https://www.repyourwater.com/

TU Western Regional Rendezvous:  https://gifts.tu.org/western-regional?

We look forward to seeing you there!

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CS3AXSDBVMU&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

Hitchhikers NOT welcome

We have been dealing with invasive species since humans starting transporting goods across land and sea. Many species that we think of as natives might just be an original hitchhiker from a long time ago. Sometimes these things happen by accident when something snags a ride with an unsuspecting host or species are brought in on purpose. Why are invasives such a problem? Well, when a species is introduced to a new area, it usually has all the advantages in the world. They are likely to not have any predators and that provides them the opportunity to eat, populate quickly, and encroach on other's habitats. By the time all the original habitants catch up on who the new species is, the new guys have already established themselves and have depleted much of the area's resources.

In Colorado, we have been lucky to not be plagued with the aquatic invasives that the Great Lakes area has seen, but with increased tourism and boating the state is becoming more worried about an unstoppable outbreak of the invasive species. Testing is done regularly on Colorado's bodies of water and there have been positive results for mussels. New legislation has been making its way through the State Senate and House entitled the Mussel Free Colorado Act HB18-1008, with hopes to combat the fast-spreading is invasive mussels.

[1] Zebra and quagga mussels pose a great ecological and financial threat to the state.  The invasion of these mussels can affect every Coloradoan and visitors in some way and the impacts could be devastating. Potential impacts include:

• Prolific reproduction
• Clog water infrastructure
• Ecological impacts
• Recreational impacts
• Economic impacts
• Social impacts
• Difficult or impossible to eradicate
• Quick spread to new waters

[2] Both adult zebra mussels and the larval form, known as veligers, can be transported into other bodies of water. Adult zebra mussels can attach to boats or other equipment and be transported to new waters.

Adult zebra mussels are able to close their shell and may survive out of water for several days.

Veligers (larval zebra mussels) are able to hitchhike in water held in the bilge, live wells, motors, or bait buckets, or they may cling to plant fragments, boats or trailers, or other equipment or recreational items that came into contact with water.

You can’t always see zebra mussels because the larvae are invisible to the naked eye. They can survive for days in water trapped in a boat. The only way to be sure you’re not carrying zebra mussels to another body of water is to always Clean -  Drain - Dry your boat, trailer, and gear. To minimize the potential spread of zebra mussels, follow these simple steps:

• CLEAN: your boat, trailer and gear by removing all plants, animals and foreign objects.
• DRAIN: all water from the boat, including the motor, bilge, live wells and bait buckets, before leaving the lake.
• DRY: boat, trailer and gear at least 5 days before entering another water body. If unable to let it dry for at least 5 days, rinse equipment and watercraft (with high pressure, hot water when possible) and wipe with a towel before reuse.
• DISPOSE of unwanted live bait and worms in the trash.
• NEVER introduce fish, plants, crayfish, snails or clams from one body of water to another.

Keep yourself updated about potential invasives threats in Colorado:

• [1] Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Invasives Zebra and Quagga
• [2] Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
• Colorado Boat Inspections
• State Aquatic Nuisance Species Program 
• 2018 Aquatic Nuisance Species Bill