Meet the CTU Communications and Membership Coordinator

Canyonlands National Park, UT 2018

Hi there! My name is Andrea Smith, but you can call me Annie. I am so excited to be a part of the Colorado Trout Unlimited team as the new Communications and Membership Coordinator. I've been working here for about 4 months now and have met quite a few of your already at various events, board meetings, and most recently the 2018 Western Regional Rendezvous!  A little bit about me: I am originally from the Chicago area having lived there for 18 years until moving out to Colorado with my family. I attended the University of Colorado, Boulder and completed my Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geology. During my summers at college, I interned with multiple non-profits in the area. I once worked at the Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center with a focus on the care of injured or orphaned waterfowl and songbirds. I saw first hand the dangers that wildlife face in a human world and assisted the licensed rehabilitators in administering medical treatments.

I also interned and later worked for the Inland Ocean Coalition (formerly the Colorado Ocean Coalition) a project of the Ocean Foundation, nonprofit. There I was the Lead in Operations and Public Outreach, but also wore many hats and became exposed to the inner workings of a non-profit which included development and growth through volunteer projects, trainings, programming, fundraisers, communications, outreach, and legislative activism. 

I've also been a Girl Scout my entire life and loved summer camp to the point that I also worked a summer up at Red Feather Lakes, CO (sadly closed now) as a Staff Counselor. 

Water has been a continuous theme in my life. I grew up near the Great Lakes and loved going swimming at the Illinois Beach State Park, camping in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan, and going on family road trips to some of the best outdoor places across the US. Some other hobbies I enjoy include: painting, hiking, photography, videography, kayaking, and playing my ukulele. 

Lake San Isabel

I come from a family of fishermen and women, but I still haven't caught the fishing bug yet like my older sister has (she ties some great flies by the way). Whenever my dad goes fishing on Lake San Isabel, I'm the one in the kayak or hiking around the area collecting lost hooks or bobbers. I've had a lesson or two recently and am excited to find some great spots to practice my cast.  Feel free to send me your recommendations for a beginner angler like me!

Free statewide fishing this weekend!

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is dedicating the first weekend of June as free fishing days for everyone. Anyone can fish for free, regardless if they have a fishing license or not. This is a great opportunity to head outside for some fun on our rivers, lakes, or streams across Colorado. If you're a seasoned angler - this would also be a great opportunity to take out a beginner and hopefully get them "hooked". CPW wants all to enjoy getting outside with friends and family this weekend.

All across Colorado's public lands, anyone can drop a line in from June 2-3, 2018. You can read more about the event and access some free resources such as fishing reports or places to take kids fishing here. See if your local state parks have their own events happening near you!

Fishing/River events this weekend (June 2 - June 3):

Flyfishing Demo's with Rocky Mtn Flycasters

Join the Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter of Trout Unlimited for ongoing demos of how to fly cast. A little rusty? The gang at TU can help you tune up your casting skills so come by their booth for on demand demos during the Poudre River Fest.

Poudre River Fest

Poudre RiverFest is a free, family-friendly festival that restores, celebrates and educates people about the Cache la Poudre River. Learn about conserving the Poudre River and its resources through kids’ activities. Connect with local groups that work to improve and maintain the health of the river. Volunteer to help with river cleanup and restoration projects in the coming year. Dance to live music. Enjoy beer from New Belgium Brewing Co. and food from local eateries.

Free Get Outdoors Day Colorado Springs - Prospect Lake
Prospect Lake will be lined with families fishing using free poles from Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The water will be filled with rafts, canoes and paddleboards. Kids can shoot air rifles and .22s, throw hatchets, learn archery, try the climbing walls, crawl all over our "Touch a Truck" display and much more. Check it out here!

Canyon Lakes Ranger District Kids Free Fishing Fest 

The U.S. Forest Service, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Canyon Lakes Ranger District along with our partners; is hosting a fun, FREE, family, day of fishing at West Lake Day-Use Area. The whole family is invited, but it's geared specifically for kids (15 and under) to learn about the basics of fishing, aquatic and terrestrial biology, and outdoor ethics on the National Forests and other public lands. Our mission that day is to get kids and familys' excited about fishing, the outdoors, recreation, and their public lands #itsallyours. Red Feather Lakes, CO

Evergreen Youth Outdoor Skills Day

Sign up the whole family for the Evergreen Outdoor Skills Day and enjoy time outdoors in beautiful Evergreen. Youth are encouraged to participate in fishing, tying flies, shooting sports, learning about hunter education, macro-invertebrates, Colorado wildlife, and much more.
Prize drawings, free fishing poles, and a free grilled lunch while food and supplies last.
Please register for the whole family, youth and adults. Youth must be accompanied by adults. This is a free event that falls on Free Fishing Weekend. Participants do not need a fishing license to participate. Register here. 

Annual Fishing Derby

This free clinic fishing clinic, sponsored and run by Volunteers from Bennett Fish and Tackle, begins at 9:00 am at Mead Ponds.  8:00-9:00 am FREE clinic 9:00-11:00 am Fishing Derby 11:00-11:30 am Lunch & Prizes It's free and fun for the whole family!  Kids will receive a free fishing pole and anyone over the age of 16 must have a valid Colorado fishing license.  Email Janet Torres (janettorres@townofmead.org) with any questions. 

Family Fishing Clinic at a High Mountain Lake

Where: CR 37 Jefferson, CO 80456
We will meet at the parking lot at the end of the road. Class will start promptly at 9:00 am, please be respectful of others and arrive on time. All Participants 16 years old and older have to have a valid fishing license. Licenses are not available at the lake. You can buy them on-line or any place that sells fishing equipment. All equipment will be provided or bring your own and we will help you set it up. Please bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and a lunch. The Forest Service also has a $10 per vehicle fee to access Jefferson Lake. Please register for this event here.

38th annual Yampa River Festival

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Charlie's Hole near the Bud Werner Memorial Library, 1289 Lincoln Ave. Steamboat Springs Boaters and anglers descend on the Yampa River each spring to achieve greatness in their respective sports. Whether you kayak, raft, tube, canoe, SUP, packraft or float another craft, the Yampa River Festival has something for everyone. Jumping into the water not your thing? There are plenty of opportunities to spectate and support the Yampa River. The festival also features vendors and a beer garden.

Hayden Huck Finn Day 2018

June 2, 2018 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Dry Creek Park, 513 S. Poplar St. Hayden, CO Go back to those childhood memories of reading about Huck Finn's adventures or introduce the stories to your kids by attending the Hayden Huck Finn Day, which includes a Fishing Derby starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Dry Creek Pond. You can fish with your own gear or use gear provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A cornhole tournament will start at 1 p.m. There will be educational stations, awards presented in a Huck Finn and Becky Thatcher look-a-like contest and Learn something new at one of the educational stations and a free hotdog lunch provided by Hayden Parks and Recreation. Contact tammie.delaney@haydencolorado.org for more information.

Intro to Fishing Clinic

June 3rd, 2018 9 to 10 a.m. | Stagecoach State Park, 2550 Routt County Road 14 Oak Creek, COThis one is for the kiddos. Not only is the clinic free, but on June 2 and June 3, no fishing permits are required due to Colorado's free fishing weekend. Join park rangers at Keystone Cove to learn the basics of knot tying, casting and safe fish handling. Fishing equipment is provided. Valid park entry permit is required on all vehicles.

Comment below if we missed one! Have a great weekend everyone and tight lines!

Chapters and volunteers recognized for their leadership at CTU 2018 Rendezvous

Emma and Heather both received the Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Image credit: Emma Brown  www.instagram.com/emmabrowntrout

Each year, CTU recognizes individuals and chapters that have shown great leadership in Trout Unlimited across the state. This year, they had 11 awards presented on Sunday April 29, 2018 up at Keystone, CO. Congratulations to everyone who was recognized, your hard work was noticed! The awardees are as follows: 

Outstanding Volunteer

Josh Anaya – for his leadership in strengthening communications for the Southern Colorado Greenbacks Chapter and spearheading the Frostbite Fishoff

Emma Brown –for her work with The Greenbacks in leading youth education and trout conservation projects including the Outdoor Mentors program

Anna Drexler-Dreis –for her Grand County community leadership including developing and implementing riparian restoration efforts with the Fraser Flats project

Dick Shinton –for his work with long-time dedication to youth education including the Colorado TU youth camp, chapter fly tying programs, and mentorship for young anglers

Jason Groves – for his leadership in revitalizing the Ferdinand Hayden Chapter as a viable, active local TU presence in the Roaring Fork Valley

Heather Sees- for her vision and leadership in strengthening The Greenbacks and programming for native trout, youth education, and partnerships including with the Mayfly Project

Exemplary Youth Education

Rocky Mountain Flycasters – for its diverse youth offerings including a summer day camp, multiple Trout in the Classroom partnerships, and community education partnerships

John Connolly Outstanding Chapter Communications Award

Grand Valley Anglers – for their exemplary newsletter and online engagement efforts with both their membership and the local community

Exemplary Project

Gore Range Chapter – for its Blue River Explorer Hike program to educate and engage local and visiting youth with the river

Colorado River Headwaters Chapter – for the Fraser Flats Project, the first partnership effort under the “Learning by Doing” program, dramatically improving the local fishery

Exemplary Chapter

Collegiate Peaks Anglers – for its strong community-based partnerships promoting youth education and trout conservation in the Arkansas basin

60 trout released by Lyons Elementary students

Fifth grade students from Lyons Elementary School released around 60 fry back into the wild in collaboration with the St. Vrain Anglers TU Chapter, Colorado Trout Unlimited, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The release was part of their ongoing  Trout in the Classroom (TIC) Program where students are engaged in trout biology and environmental sciences. Students raised trout from egg to fry - monitoring their growth, tank environment, and life cycle. Along with raising adorable trout, students gain an appreciation for water resources, conservation ethics, and become involved in their local watershed!

2018 Gomolchak Grant helps fund 6 different Colorado projects

The Leo Gomolchak Conservation Grants Program, named for Leo Gomolchak, a longtime CTU staffer and volunteer who worked tirelessly to promote wild and native trout restoration in Colorado helps benefit conservation efforts and organizational development at the chapter level by providing seed money which can be used as a starting point in financing grassroots conservation and/or education activities. This year at the 2018 Western Regional Rendezvous on Sunday, April 29, Keystone, CO, six projects across Colorado were awarded each $1300. Below are those recipients and their corresponding projects. Congratulations!

Boulder Flycasters: Trout in the Classroom and Watershed Education. The chapter, in collaboration with Lefthand and Fourmile Watershed groups, will establish four new Trout in the Classroom locations as part of a broader watershed education program to engage Boulder County students in watershed education and conservation.

The Greenbacks: Rock Creek / Black Canyon native trout. The Greenbacks are part of a multi-agency partnership to restore native greenback cutthroat trout in Rock Creek and its tributary Black Canyon (located in the upper Tarryall drainage). These funds will be part of the matching resources for construction of the final permanent barrier at the bottom of the total project. The Greenbacks will be holding a fall 2018 fundraiser with 100% of proceeds going toward this project, as additional matching resources for this grant.

Gunnison Angling Society: Adopt-a-Trout 2.0. Building on the well-received adopt-a-trout program conducted with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Gunnison area students on Tomichi Creek, this project will involve area students in a similar monitoring effort to assess fish migration among Tomichi, Cochetopa and Quartz Creeks.

Southern Colorado Greenbacks: Trout in the Classroom. The Southern Colorado Greenbacks will help launch a new Trout in the Classroom site with a Pueblo-area middle school, where the partner teacher would use the program to engage her students with hands-on learning about nature including the understanding of water quality. The chapter will match Gomolchak Grant funds with proceeds raised through their Frostbite Fishoff.

St. Vrain Anglers: Trout in the Classroom. The St Vrain Anglers are will be bringing Trout in the Classroom to a Lyons elementary school. The Gomolchak Grant will help cover the initial capital costs for equipment, with the chapter than providing annual support to cover site operating costs as a match on this grant.

West Denver: RiverWatch. The West Denver Chapter is tackling a water quality monitoring project with RiverWatch on three sites along Clear Creek, including not just basic water chemistry but also macroinvertebrate sampling. One of the sampling events would be conducted in partnership with a Forest Service kids day education event on the Forest.

Contact David if you have any questions (dnickum@tu.org, or 303-440-2937 x1).

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