FROM CONFLICT TO COLLABORATION

The ambitious program is the culmination of many years of litigation over appropriate mitigation for the Long Draw Reservoir authorization, spearheaded by Colorado Trout Unlimited and the Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter. The legal battle over mitigating the reservoir site gave way to a cooperative project for restoring native trout on a broad scale, including within Long Draw Reservoir itself.

Through the legal settlement, the Water Supply and Storage Company established a $1.25 million trust for purposes of funding these restoration activities. Colorado Trout Unlimited serves as the Trustee, while the U.S. Forest Service is the lead agency for project implementation. Ultimately the project will cost an estimated $1.75 million – so TU and its partners are actively seeking additional funds to help support this ambitious program.  You can lend your support here.

An early and valued supporter of the effort is Odell Brewing. TU's Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter is the Odell Charity Partner program recipient for July, August and September 2018.  In support of the Poudre Headwaters restoration, one-half of proceeds being donated by Odell Brewing will be set aside for use in the greenback recovery project. To celebrate the headwaters of their “home water”, Odell joined with TU and the Forest Service in crafting a new “Cold Water 1” beer that will be served on draft at the Ft Collins tasting room starting July 1. Cold Water 1 refers to the state water quality designation for high-quality coldwater streams like those found in the Poudre headwaters.

Pouring Yeast: U.S. Forest Service Fisheries Biologist Matt Fairchild, Rocky Mountain Flycasters President Mickey McGuire and Odell’s Head Pilot Brewer Marni Wahlquist add yeast to the brew.