Hitting the slopes for native trout

Here’s what Gilson had to say about the partnership:

We've teamed up with one of our favorite grassroots conservation organizations, Colorado Trout Unlimited, and one of the most talented outdoor artists in the world, Nick Laferriere to bring these Special Edition Snowboard and Skis to you! For every board or pair of skis built, Gilson Snow will donate $75 to CTU to be used in their conservation efforts to protect and expand populations of native trout in the state of Colorado.

Using Gilson's most versatile All Mountain models, Nick has designed artwork that embodies our passions of getting on the mountain and getting into the river. Whether exploring the backcountry or cruising a groomer, the Fly By is well equipped to handle a multitude of terrain and condition combinations. If matching the hatch and finding powder stashes are both up your alley, the Fly By is the board or skis you need in your quiver.

Celebrating the passing of the CORE Act through U.S. House of Representatives

Image credit: https://conservationco.org/

Excerpt from the Real Vail article.

Today, Trout Unlimited celebrates the Colorado Outdoor Recreation & Economy Act (CORE Act) passing through the U.S. House of Representatives and moving on to the U.S. Senate. This important legislation conserves more than 400,000 acres of public lands in the Centennial State, along with fish, wildlife and the traditional sportsmen’s values of Colorado’s Western Slope. 

 “Hunters and anglers across the state applaud the members of the House for passing this important legislation protecting our public lands and the vital fish and wildlife habitat they provide here in Colorado,” said Scott Willoughby, Colorado public lands coordinator for Trout Unlimited. “The CORE Act balances public access to fishing, hunting, and recreation in these special places with protection of pristine headwaters that support native trout populations. Following today’s vote, we look forward to working with the Colorado delegation to move this bill forward in the Senate.” 

The four components of the CORE Act provide protection and improved access to public lands in western Colorado. It expands wilderness designations in the San Juan Mountains, increases fishing access and streamlines management of the Curecanti National Recreation Area and permanently protects the Thompson Divide from inappropriate oil and gas development. Lastly, it also establishes special management areas along the Continental Divide, including a first-of-its-kind National Historic Landscape honoring Colorado’s military legacy at Camp Hale where the 10th Mountain Division trained for winter combat in World War II. 

Trout Unlimited members have long advocated for protection for these unique landscapes, including the Thompson Divide, where nearly half of the CORE Act’s protected lands provide a largely roadless refuge for numerous economically and ecologically important wildlife species, including native trout and large populations of elk and mule deer that require room to roam. 

 “Preserving wildlife connectivity and protecting our waters and lands is of utmost importance to sportsmen living in Colorado as well as those who travel here to take advantage of what these special areas offer,” Willoughby said. “Economic impacts from sportsmen are a big driver in Colorado, so ensuring more access and opportunities is critical to maintaining our recreation economy and the license revenue required by Colorado Parks and Wildlife for fish and wildlife management.” 

A map of lands affected by the CORE Act in Colorado. (Handout from U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet)

Among the benefits of the CORE Act, the Curecanti Boundary Establishment Act promises to restore an additional 11.5 miles of public fishing access in the Gunnison River Basin due to an as-yet unfulfilled mitigation obligation from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation dating back to the creation of Blue Mesa Reservoir and the surrounding Aspinall Unit in the late 1960s. Additionally, the San Juan Mountains Wilderness Act will benefit the San Miguel, Uncompahgre, and Animas watersheds, protecting 2.5 miles of Colorado River cutthroat trout habitat, which currently occupy less than 10 percent of their historic range. 

“TU deeply appreciates Representative Neguse’s efforts and the strong support of Chairman Grijalva for enabling its passage, said Willoughby. “It is a true testament to Colorado’s commitment to investing in our treasured public lands and outdoor recreation economy.” 

Read More: https://www.aspendailynews.com/news/house-passes-core-act-which-protects-thompson-divide/article_d3632ad2-fc07-11e9-90e4-cffdd277f613.html

October 15, 2019 is Colorado Trout Unlimited Day

Governor Jared Polis declaring October 15 as Colorado Trout Unlimited Day in Colorado! This was done in celebration of CTU’s 50th anniversary.

On October 15, 2019, over 200 people gathered in downtown Denver for a celebration of rivers, 50 years of Colorado Trout Unlimited, and fly fishing films. The event was a collaboration between CTU, Trouts Fly Fishing, and Avanti Food & Beverage. The evening included a premiere of CTU's 50th Anniversary Film, a proclamation by Governor Jared Polis, a speech by Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unlimited and the 2nd Annual Throwback Fly Fishing Film Fest by Trouts Fly Fishing.

The evening helped raise funds for Colorado Trout Unlimited through a silent auction and raffle. Beer was provided by Upslope Brewing and appetizers from Avanti Food & Beverage. Thank you to everyone who attended and those who helped make this possible.

David Nickum being honored for 25 years with Trout Unlimited with a custom rod from Colorado local rod builder, SaraBella.

David Nickum, Executive Director of CTU, was also honored for his 25 years of work in Trout Unlimited! His dedication to rivers and trout in Colorado is why CTU has been so successful over the years. Thank you David for your dedication to Colorado Trout Unlimited.

If you would like to learn more about Colorado Trout Unlimited’s work that has been done over these past 50 years - check out our publication here.

We will also be premiering our 50th Anniversary film online for everyone to watch for free! The tentative date is Thursday, November 14, 2019 in the evening.

During the summer of 2019, Greenbacks volunteers, Emma Brown and George Bryant embarked on an adventure across Colorado in search of the places that CTU has protected over the past 50 years. These are the stories and people that have helped write CTU's history. Celebrate 50 Years of Colorado Trout Unlimited with us!

CTU Supports Proposition DD: A letter from the Executive Director

With Election Day right around the corner, I’m writing on behalf of Colorado TU to recommend you vote YES on Proposition DD and help invest in the future of Colorado’s rivers and watersheds.

Proposition DD would add a 10% tax on casinos’ sports betting, generating up to $29 million in annual proceeds to invest in Colorado’s water future. Only the casinos will pay, but all of Colorado stands to benefit.

The last time a major statewide water funding measure was on the ballot – the $2 Billion Referendum A in 2003 – Colorado TU was a vocal opponent. So what has changed? This time, there is a plan for how to use the funds – Colorado’s Water Plan – and it places much-needed emphasis not only on meeting water needs for our growing population but also on preserving the healthy rivers and productive agricultural lands that are so much a part of what makes Colorado a great place to live and work.

Colorado is in urgent need of more funding to implement its water plan because its population is expected to double by 2060, and current water supplies cannot keep up with demand in the future. Investment in our water system must be a priority to meet our water needs while preserving Colorado water values for healthy rivers and thriving farms. From projects for river and watershed health, to modernizing irrigation systems to improve efficiency, to conducting balanced multi-purpose projects, funding for Colorado’s Water Plan is critical to preserve our Colorado way of life.

Just as Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has done for our open space and park lands, Proposition DD promises to spur much-needed investments and partnerships to benefit our waters. It is an important down-payment on Colorado’s water future.

Please join us in supporting Proposition DD – and don't forget to tell your friends and family to do the same!

Sincerely,
David Nickum, Colorado TU Executive Director

In the News

• https://www.postindependent.com/opinion/letter-support-colorado-proposition-dd/

• https://yesondd.com/

• Trout Unlimited: Colorado has a water plan; now let’s fully fund it: https://www.tu.org/blog/colorado-has-a-water-plan-now-lets-fully-fund-it/

TU sues EPA over removal of Bristol bay protections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Contact:  

Chris Wood, Trout Unlimited CEO, (571) 274-0601 

Nelli Williams, Trout Unlimited Alaska program director, (907) 230-7121 

Trout Unlimited sues EPA over removal of Bristol Bay protections 

Sportsmen argue EPA ignored sound science, prioritized advancement of Pebble mine over fishing industry. 

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Trout Unlimited, represented pro bono by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP, filed a lawsuit today against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over its recent decision to withdraw protections for the Bristol Bay region of Alaska. Called the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination, the protections would have limited the scope and scale of impacts from the proposed Pebble Mine to the world-class salmon, trout and water resources of the region. 

“The practical effect of the EPA’s decision was to help out a mine that would devastate a fishing and hunting paradise,” said John Holman, who grew up in the area and is a second-generation owner of No See Um Lodge, a Trout Unlimited member business. “I cannot in good faith pass a business down to my family that will become a financial burden if the Pebble Mine is built. Who does our government work for? This decision made it seem like the EPA and our elected officials are writing off thousands of American jobs, and businesses like mine so a foreign mining company can obliterate the land I depend on, then walk away.”  

Trout Unlimited’s lawsuit alleges the EPA ignored science and the potential impacts of developing the mine when it withdrew the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination, and in doing so violated the Administrative Procedures Act and Clean Water Act. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cannot issue a permit to Pebble if the EPA’s decision on the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination is overturned.  

“Billions of dollars have been spent in attempt to restore salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Bristol Bay sets records for its salmon returns year after year. All we need to do is have the humility and common-sense to leave this landscape alone,” said Chris Wood, president and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “Sacrificing a place such as Bristol Bay for some gold is a short-sighted fool’s errand. We are not a litigious organization, but we and millions of other sportsmen and women will not allow greed to compromise the most important salmon fishery on the planet.” 

The Bristol Bay region of southwest Alaska supports the world’s most abundant sockeye salmon run, Alaska’s best Chinook salmon run, and a world-famous trophy rainbow trout fishery. These fisheries are the foundation for a robust sportfishing industry, a rich cultural history and subsistence way of life supporting more than 30 Alaska Native Tribes, and a valuable commercial fishing industry. Bristol Bay fishing—including sport, commercial and subsistence—accounts for thousands of sustainable local jobs and more than $1.5 billion in annual economic activity.  

Citing this unique and wild character, and the economic and cultural importance of the region, the EPA prepared the Bristol Bay Proposed Determination after years of scientific research and multiple peer reviews, with many thousands of Alaskans and millions of Americans voicing support for protecting the region.  

“Any action that jeopardizes this fishery and extremely unique place is unacceptable,” said Nelli Williams, Alaska director for Trout Unlimited. “The proposed Pebble mine is widely opposed by anglers and hunters across Alaska and the country. This lawsuit is a step to hold the EPA accountable to their own science and American sportsmen and women, not a foreign-owned mining company.” 

Photo by Fly Out Media.

“Look at what’s at stake and the maddening progress Pebble is making here at our expense,” said Nanci Morris Lyon, local resident and owner of Bear Trail Lodge, a Trout Unlimited member business. “Contrary to science, the will of the people, and common sense, Pebble is advancing toward their key permit, thanks in part to agencies giving them handouts. This lawsuit calls that out. We can’t afford Pebble in Bristol Bay, and that means we need science, oversight, integrity and persistence.” 

“Removing the Proposed Determination was one of the most poorly justified decisions in the history of the Clean Water Act and is an affront to the fisheries, local communities, and sportsmen and women around the world,” said Wood.  

### 

Trout Unlimited is the nation’s oldest and largest coldwater fisheries conservation organization dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s trout and salmon and their watersheds. In Alaska we have worked in the Bristol Bay region for almost two decades along with thousands of members and supporters including dozens of businesses that depend on the fishery of the region. Follow TU on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and our blog for all the latest information on trout and salmon conservation. For more information on the Save Bristol Bay campaign go to SaveBristolBay.org. 

October Currents

Celebrating 50 years of coldwater conservation in Colorado

Colorado Trout Unlimited celebrates its 50th anniversary this month and we couldn't be more thankful for those that have made our past successes possible. From our corporate sponsors to our individual volunteers, our devoted chapter board members and our relentlessly passionate staff, our business partners and our national support team- if you're reading this issue of Currents, we owe you a big thanks. Come celebrate our heritage of science-based conservation, youth education and non-partisan policy advocacy at Avanti on October 15th.

Fall 2019 High Country Angler available to read now

Preserve in Arkansas Valley will protect 90 acres of land plus a mile of public fishing

Picture provided by Central Colorado Conservancy.

The Central Colorado Conservancy (CCC) in the Arkansas Valley announced this week that it had raised the final $50,000 needed for the Ark River Community Preserve in southern Lake County – ensuring that the $1.1 million project can move ahead with the purchase of eight properties along the Arkansas River.

Thanks in part to the generous support of Anglers All and the Jones Family Foundation, Colorado Trout Unlimited and our Collegiate Peaks Chapter were able to make gifts that brought the fundraising total past the goal line for this important project. National Trout Unlimited, the City of Aurora Water Department, Lake County, Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Habitat Program, Gates Family Foundation, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, and Climax Mine Community Investment Fund, as well as many individual gifts, were also contributors to this project.

When completed in the next few years, the Preserve will protect 90 acres and open a mile of river to public fishing on Gold Medal Trout Waters.  The area is also an important corridor and wintering ground for wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, moose, mountain lions, bobcats, and bears and bald eagles and red-tailed hawks hunt this stretch to feed their young.

The CCC newsletter included this quote from outgoing Executive Director Andrew Mackie, “This project is the result of an incredible collaborative effort among the property owner, John Andrick, Lake County Open Space Initiative, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and many other organizations and community members who contributed to the final phase of our fundraising campaign.  So it's fitting that the Preserve is a true community asset that everyone can access and enjoy – from anglers and kayakers to hikers and birders. The broad support also demonstrates the significant role natural areas play in our community identity and quality of life.”

Thank you, Anglers All and Jones Family Foundation, for helping us to help CCC so that this great property will benefit the public in perpetuity.

West Denver TU Guide Raffle is live!

Raffle Details

Online ticket sales end Dec 1, 2019 at 12:00PM

Onsite ticket sales end Dec 4, 2019 before drawing.

Drawing location: December 4th, 2019 American Mountaineering Center 710 10th Street  Golden, CO 80401 7:00PM

EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers aim to cut protections for millions of stream miles across the United States

What’s happening now? 

Early in 2017, President Trump directed the EPA to first repeal and then replace the Clean Water Rule. The Administration’s efforts to rescind the 2015 Rule have been partially blocked, as the 2015 Rule is in effect in 22 states. The new rule, unveiled today, is an unwarranted effort to replace the 2015 Rule. The new rule is NOT based in science and is NOT consistent with the goals of the Clean Water Act. The new rule proposal will undermine long standing protections for wetlands and small streams, it will harm hunting and fishing in America. However, it is not the final chapter to the story.

We expect the Administration and the agencies to unveil a replacement for the 2015 Rule which may well be a true gutting of the Clean Water Act, leaving millions of stream miles and millions of acres of wetlands permanently unprotected. We expect the replacement final rule later this year.

Why should sportsmen care? 

The Clean Water Act and the 2015 Rule are vital to TU’s work and to anglers across the nation. Whether TU is working with farmers to restore small headwater streams in West Virginia, removing acidic pollution caused by abandoned mines in Pennsylvania, or protecting the world-famous salmon-producing, 14,000-jobs-sustaining watershed of Bristol Bay, Alaska, we rely on the Clean Water Act to safeguard our water quality improvements. 

TU members, and sportsmen and women nationwide, want to move forward with progress on cleaning up our nation’s waters, not go backwards. Thus, the Clean Water Act needs to be improved, not weakened, as is the case in today’s announcement. Learn more.