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.

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

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]

Western Regional Rendezvous April 26 to 29 in Keystone, Colorado

Why should I attend the Western Regional Rendezvous?

REGISTER HERE

Whether you are a chapter leader, volunteer, intern, member, donor, supporter or just a person interested in learning about Trout Unlimited, then the Western Regional Rendezvous is for you. In addition to being set in beautiful Keystone, CO, this weekend-long event is a chance for everyone to meet in one setting to learn and engage in inspiring dialogue and organization successes. It's an excellent opportunity to discuss the unique issues facing the region as well as a chance to network and build relationships with TU volunteer leaders.

Colorado Trout Unlimited is excited to host this year's Western Regional Rendezvous and in addition to all of the workshops and discussions, CTU will be hosting some fun evening events (see schedule below).

If you are coming from Colorado and need financial assistance to attend, please click here for limited scholarship options.

SCHEDULE

Thursday, April 26 – Welcome Reception The Colorado Council will host a welcome reception for all Rendezvous attendees.

• Thursday Night, April 26: Conservation Film Screening 6-9 pm

Friday, April 27 – Workshops and Seminars Friday's full-day session will include group discussions, concentrated workshops and opportunities for council and chapter leaders to share successes and discuss common challenges. Friday night will include a no-host dinner at a local restaurant.

• Friday Night, April 27: Iron Fly Tying Competition 6-9 pm

Saturday, April 28 – Workshops and Seminars Saturday's session will continue the work of the previous day's meetings and include group discussions, concentrated workshops and opportunities for council and chapter leaders to share successes and discuss common challenges.

Saturday Night, April 28 – Group Dinner, Networking, and Colorado Council Fundraiser Following the day's meetings, join your fellow TU volunteer leaders and TU staff from across the country for a great dinner and chance to network with one another. Spend time talking shop and trading stories with people who share your passion for conservation and enjoy a fun evening of camaraderie.

Sunday Morning, April 29 – Colorado Council Quarterly Board Meeting & Awards Breakfast Colorado participants will be conducting their quarterly Council meeting and hosting an awards breakfast on Sunday morning from 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sunday, April 29 – Fishing After a full weekend of leadership development and networking with fellow TU volunteers, stick around for fishing on Sunday. 8am-till the fishing slows down

REGISTER HERE

West Denver Trout Unlimited Chapter's Fantasy Raffle for a good cause

The West Denver Trout Unlimited (WDTU) Chapter in Colorado is having their annual "Fantasy Raffle" with proceeds going towards chapter projects and operations such as their annual Joseph’s Journey fishing day for terminally ill children, and several stream habitat improvement projects on Clear Creek. This is a great way to support a local chapter as possibly win a fabulous prize consisting of over 35 great items. The drawing is held at the May Chapter meeting each year. You need not be present to win. This year’s WDTU May Chapter Meeting is on May 2nd.

Check out their raffle and purchase tickets!

Rainbow trout resistant to Whirling Disease headed for Arkansas River

Check out Trout Unlimited volunteers working through the cold to help CPW aquatic biologists with their year-old rainbow trout that will be released into the Arkansas River. The fish are resistant to "whirling disease [which] is thought to be a major factor in the declines of wild rainbow trout populations in certain Colorado waters. It's suspected that the outbreak of the disease may be linked to other environmental factors that aren't yet apparent. The parasite has been confirmed in 13 of Colorado's 15 major river drainages, including the Colorado, South Platte, Gunnison, Arkansas and Rio Grande rivers, as well as in a number of state hatcheries." CPW Fact Sheet on Whirling Disease Video via Denver Post.

TU in Colorado is hiring!

Colorado Field Coordinator

ABOUT TROUT UNLIMITED

Trout Unlimited is a national organization with 300,000 members and supporters organized into over 400 chapters and councils nationwide. These dedicated grassroots volunteers are matched by a respected staff of organizers, lawyers, policy experts, and scientists, who work out of more than 45 offices across the country. Our mission is to conserve, protect, and restore North America's cold-water fisheries and their watersheds.

POSITION SUMMARY

Some of the best hunting and fishing in the West today is found on public land where intact habitat provides all the necessities for healthy populations of wild and native fish as well as trophy herds of elk, deer and other big-game animals. Trout Unlimited's Sportsmen's Conservation Project is looking for a field coordinator to work in Colorado.

We are seeking a staff member to design and implement campaigns that engage hunters and anglers in public land decision-making processes on high-quality fish and wildlife habitat. Denver location preferred, Colorado Front Range communities acceptable.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grassroots organizing with local and state hunters/anglers, organizations, local businesses and community leaders.
• Working with local elected officials, legislative officials, and state and federal land management agencies.
• Leading a team-oriented, collaborative effort to maintain and protect the great fish and wildlife values in the area.
• Assist in fundraising.
• Non-supervisory position.
• Will be responsible for helping develop and implement campaigns within allocated budgets.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor Degree preferred, will consider experience in lieu of education.
• Knowledge of public land issues and agency planning processes a plus.
• Experience in developing and leading advocacy-oriented campaigns preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and be a self-starter.
• Positive attitude with energy and willingness to do what it takes to get the job done.
• Flexibility, adaptability.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Very strong inter-personal skills.
• Avid angler/hunter a plus.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Fundraising experience preferred.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a letter of interest and resume to Katie Becker, kbecker@tu.org. No phone calls, please. Open until filled.

Please fill out this voluntary form and submit it as an attachment to this email address.

TU is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action Employer pursuant to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act & Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistant Act.

TU hires staff without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status or disability.

Behind the Fin with Dennis Cook

Join us “Behind the Fin” with Dennis Cook, retired, Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter Youth Chairperson in Fort Collins, Colorado.

How long have you been a TU member?  

Sixteen years. I joined TU originally on a free TU membership offer from when I purchased a pair of wading boots.

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

After the free year expired, in January 2003 I joined as a paid member with Cherry Creek Anglers Chapter when I lived in Parker, a Denver suburb. Ten years ago we moved to Fort Collins and I transferred memberships into the Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter here.

What made you want to be involved with TU?

I was enjoying reading the local chapter’s newsletters, and natural outdoors conservation has always held a soft spot in my heart.  Plus, I also was looking for a way to connect with other fly fishing people.

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

At Cherry Creek Anglers I was active on the chapter board, and also served Colorado TU as a chapter development volunteer.  Here at Rocky Mountain Flycasters I’ve focused on youth education.  My favorite project has been establishing a six-day River Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Day Camp here in Northern Colorado, that is modeled loosely similar to the state residential youth camp, and that 2018 will be our day camp’s ninth year.  Additionally, we have built a solid, overall youth education program, including multiple

years’ success with Trout in the Classroom (high schools), participating annually with three school systems’ elementary school grades Water Festivals, establishing a multi-years relationship supporting Colorado State University’s Environmental Learning Center’s middle school age summer camp programs, and fostering the CSU Five Rivers Fly Fishing Club now in its third year.

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

I’ve fished the Cache La Poudre River for about twenty-five years and it remains my primary fishery, especially the far upper canyon stretches where I also fish some of the small tributaries. Each year I enjoy a few multi-day trips to many of the other great fisheries in here in Colorado, Wyoming and occasionally Montana. All hold remnants as something of a favorite spot, each in its own way.

What does being a part of TU mean to you?

I have a great sense of identity and pride being a TU member, both for what I can contribute…and also for the favorable accomplishments and impacts TU makes nationally in specific conservation advocacy and restorations. The growth of TU’s outreach programs and conservation impact nationally across the sixteen years I’ve been able to observe has been extraordinary. TU does not just talk a good game, it makes really good things happen!

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

In retirement I’ve kind of become a one act pony, enjoying my fly fishing and TU activities.  With that, after a part-time job in a retail store’s fishing department, and all the household, yard and activities of a large family, I’m ready to sleep well every night.

Behind the Fin: Michele White

Join us “behind the fin” with Michele White,  V.P. Government Affairs, Pikes Peak Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Owner-Operator of Tumbling Trout Fly Shop in Lake George, Colorado.  

How long have you been a TU member? 

Since 1998.

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

I became a non-participating member because I wanted my money to be used in a donation capacity toward protecting trout habitat all over the United States.

What made you want to become involved with TU? 

I met the people in our Pikes Peak Chapter and I realized that I like them...

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

So many... I would almost say teaching fly tying hands down but when I am out on a river helping a group of people do some really laborious task (like harvest and plant willows) - I really do enjoy myself. (Sometimes I cook at the grill for groups and sometimes I man a booth, I like that too...)

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

Some fishing stories are about places, boats, bars, trucks, and dogs. Michele White, who writes under the name, Michele Murray, has submitted a humorous essay for Trout Unlimited readers to enjoy from a compilation of short stories written by three authors (Michele Murray, Al Marlowe, and Karen Rae Christopherson) in “Between the Rivers” – stories about adventures that happen on the road, at the campsite, in a bar, as well as during the fishing trips. “Joe’s Bar” is a tale in common with most fishing people living the dream.

Click here to read Michele's full story "Joe's Bar".

What does being a part of TU mean to you? 

I am part of the solution. Being part of TU means I am contributing to the preservation of riparian habits, not only for trout but also for other wildlife and to the enhancement of recreation for humans.

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

I have a close family and I spend a lot of time with my loved ones. That said, in my spare time I paint, I write short stories, I play the bassoon, I hunt upland game birds, and I ride my horses. The writing has played out as an alternate sub-career / hobby, in that I have multiple books now. The latest is under review for print, "BETWEEN THE RIVERS - FLY FISHING STORIES OF THE WEST". It may be ready by Christmas. In the meanwhile, I have copies of "Lesser known Fly Fishing Venues in South Park" for sale in my shop and online. This is a 71 page map booklet (atlas) with color maps, images, and description of every free public fishing access in South Park basin excluding the Dream Stream and Eleven Mile Canyon.

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.