The national CX3 meeting takes place in Spokane, Washington September 27th - October 1st and will feature two Colorado awards. First, the Gold Trout award for chapter of the year goes to Rocky Mountain Flycasters in northern Colorado. The Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter takes innovative and thoughtful approaches to building community and advancing Trout Unlimited’s mission. The creativity, dedication and commitment of the chapter’s leaders has resulted in a high-functioning organization that serves its community and state, engendering community involvement, inclusion and conservation advances.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including wildfires and flooding, the chapter’s leaders have shown exceptional creativity and commitment. They have formed coalitions with stakeholders, agencies, and nonprofits to address post-fire and post-flood actions, becoming a model for Northern Colorado Basins. The chapter’s involvement in the Big Thompson Watershed Coalition and the Coalition for the Poudre River Watershed has allowed them to actively engage in restoration and education programs. RMF’s flagship conservation program, the Poudre Headwaters Native Cutthroat Restoration Project, focuses on reintroducing the threatened Greenback Cutthroat Trout into over 38 miles of streams in the region. They collaborate closely with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the US Forest Service and the National Park Service to achieve this goal while also involving volunteers in field work, community science and monitoring.
RMF excels in communication and outreach efforts, utilizing various platforms to engage a broad audience. They have upgraded their website and integrated it with social media platforms, allowing them to effectively communicate with a big and diverse group of anglers and coldwater conservationists. A monthly newsletter is shared via email, Facebook, and Instagram, and their events calendar serves as a hub for coldwater conservation and education opportunities, linking events with fly shops, partner organizations, other TU chapters, and agency partners. RMF’s community engagement spans multiple levels, including participation in community-wide festivals and events, providing classes for underrepresented communities, organizing chapter events and establishing partnerships with local businesses.
RMF actively cultivates future leaders through a robust leadership development program. Their commitment to diversity is exemplified by the inclusion of a CSU Fisheries student and a CSU Costa 5 Rivers Club member on their board. The chapter fosters a culture of gratitude through annual volunteer recognition events, acknowledging the outstanding work of their volunteers and promoting a path from volunteering to leadership. Through innovative fundraising strategies, including sustaining donors, corporate sponsorships, grants and community activities, RMF ensures the financial sustainability of their programs.
This chapter’s continuous growth, effective leadership and impactful initiatives make them an exceptional choice for TU’s highest award for chapters, the Gold Trout Chapter Award.
In addition, Dick Shinton of St. Vrain Anglers chapter will be presented the Distinguished Service in Youth Education award. Dick Shinton’s dedication to Youth Education has had a profound and lasting impact on his local chapter, state council, and hundreds of young people throughout Colorado. As a longstanding volunteer and leader of the Colorado River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp for teens, Dick has been instrumental in shaping the program for 15 of its 18 years of existence. He fully embodies Trout Unlimited’s values and recognizes that engaging youth from diverse backgrounds is crucial to the sustainability of TU’s mission.
Dick’s contributions to the camp go beyond being a counselor and co-director. He invests numerous hours each year in planning and executing the program, ensuring a balanced focus on conservation awareness and fly-fishing skills. Drawing on his experience as a retired Human Resources manager, Dick creates a welcoming and supportive environment for both youth and fellow volunteers. His mentoring of youth counselors and dedication to their leadership development exemplify his commitment to fostering lifelong relationships.
In addition to his involvement with the Camp, Dick has played an integral role within the St. Vrain Anglers Chapter of TU. Since 2007, he has served on the board and held various positions, including Treasurer and Youth Education Chair. His visionary leadership led to the establishment of the Kids Learn to Fly Fish program, which has engaged young people aged eight to 13 in fly fishing and stream conservation. The program, delivered annually over six sessions, has attracted over 150 participants and garnered significant volunteer support. Dick’s proactive approach in connecting engagement programs, such as Kids Learn to Fly Fish and the State Council teen camp, has paved the way for youth to become lifelong leaders within TU.
Dick consistently volunteers for various TU projects at both the chapter and council levels, sharing his knowledge and passion for TU’s mission. His exemplary dedication and partnership have inspired others to engage with youth and become advocates for coldwater fisheries. Dick Shinton’s leadership, mentorship and tireless commitment embody the spirit of TU and make him incredibly deserving of the Distinguished Service for Youth Education award.
