New Bill Would Protect Browns Canyon

Senator Mark Udall recently introduced legislation, S. 1794 - the Browns Canyon National Monument and Wilderness Act of 2013 - that would help protect one of Colorado's treasured landscapes and the wildlife, fisheries, and recreation it supports. TU is part of the "Sportsmen for Browns Canyon" coalition that has been seeking protection of this important area, and applauded Senator Udall's introduction of legislation to designate a new National Monument and wilderness within a portion of it.  The bill would:

• Create a 22,000-acre national monument along the Arkansas River between Buena Vista and Salida, including 10,500 acres of new wilderness;
• Preserve visitor access as it is now;
• Protect existing legal uses as they are now, allowing fishing, hunting, livestock grazing, commercial outfitting, mountain biking and motorized use to continue uninterrupted; and
• Maintain the ongoing, cooperative management of the area by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service and Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.

"Browns Canyon is a Colorado treasure, offering great fishing and one of the nation's most popular boating reaches," said Colorado TU Executive Director David Nickum.  "We thank Senator Udall for introducing legislation to help keep Browns like it is, and to protect it for future generations. And we encourage the rest of Colorado's congressional delegation to join in supporting protection for Browns."

The Pueblo Chieftain has endorsed the legislation; you can read their editorial here.

You can read the text of the new legislation here.

Granby students win "Water Is Life" Mural and Art Challenge

Renowned muralist and conservationist Wyland announced today that Katrina Larson's art students at East Grand Middle School were named the grand prize winners of the National "Water Is Life" Classroom mural contest for grades 5-8. The  contest, inspired by the growing demands on U.S. water resources, took place Oct. 21-Nov. 21, and drew more than 9,000 students across 45 states. Participating students painted 50 square-foot murals depicting the range of habitats and uses for water throughout the United States. "America's water resources are among our greatest treasures," said Wyland, the artist whose pioneering marine life murals are seen by more than 1 billion people around the world every year. "Our coastal waters, rivers, and lakes support millions of people. But like anything they need our attention and art helps put that into focus."

As part of the national "Water Is Life" competition, the Wyland Foundation and its partners provided 300 schools with paint supplies, educational materials, and 50 square foot canvas murals to look at the economic, cultural and aesthetic value of American waters. Additional schools that participated created artworks on other surfaces - from sidewalks to school buildings. The contest encouraged students to study local and national water issues and work collaboratively. Winning classes receive $250 for art supplies, a signed Wyland artwork, and a chance for a live online painting lesson with Wyland

Twelve students at East Grand Middle Schools, ranging in grades from 6th-7th, worked on the mural entitled, "Save the Fraser River." Program organizers hope the process of interpreting water-based habitats through art will lead students to a greater understanding of their role as future caretakers of the resource.  An individual art contest for grades K-12 was also held concurrently. Details at wylandfoundation.org/artchallenge.

The National "Water Is Life" Classroom mural contest was presented in partnership with Fredrix Artist Canvas, Arts & Activities Magazine, National Van Lines, the US Forest Service, the Georgia Aquarium and Marco Fine Arts.

Check out the beautiful "Save the Fraser River" mural.

TU Hosts Browns CanyonTelephone Town Hall with Sen. Udall

On Tuesday evening, December 3, Colorado TU will be hosting a special telephone town hall with sportsmen from across Colorado to hear about proposals to protect Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River as a National Monument.  The call will be hosted by Kirk Deeter, TROUT magazine editor and Field and Stream editor at large.  Senator Mark Udall will take part and share updates on his legislation to create a new National Monument at Browns Canyon.  Other speakers will include local experts Bill Dvorak (angling and rafting outfitter, hunter) and Karen Dils (angler, boater, hiker).  More than 100,000 sportsmen will be invited to participate - and to have the chance to ask their questions and share their stories about Browns Canyon.  You can take part as well! The Town Hall is part of the Sportsmen for Browns Canyon initiative, to engage and connect hunters and anglers with efforts to protect a spectacular reach of river and a true Colorado backcountry gem that surrounds it. You can learn more by visiting us and liking us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SportsmenForBrownsCanyon.

If you'd like to take part in the Telephone Town Hall, you can do so by calling (855)-756-7520 Ext.23322# between 7 and 8 pm Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, December 3.