Elk Creek Fish Passage Project

Last week Trout Unlimited was granted a $78,000 Fishing Is Fun grant from Colorado Parks and Wildlife for a fish passage project on Elk Creek near New Castle, Colorado. TU partnered with CPW to design and build a fish passage channel around the Ware and Hinds irrigation diversion structure on Elk Creek, a tributary to the Colorado River main-stem with its confluence at New Castle, CO. The Ware and Hinds diversion structure spans the width of the channel and presents a barrier to spawning fish moving out of the Colorado River main-stem

This project is intended to serve as an additional source of fishes to the Colorado River by providing access to spawning, nursery, and rearing habitats above the dam- roughly 3.3 miles of currently unused spawning habitat. Native and non-native fishes will have the opportunity to recruit both within the Elk Creek drainage and downstream to the Colorado River. The completion of this project would increase public angling opportunities for wild trout, and in doing so, has the potential to benefit local businesses that rely on these increased recreational opportunities and associated revenues.

The total $166 thousand project is slated to be completed in June 2017 with the passage construction beginning this November.

The fish passage project could not have moved forward without the work from the Ferdinand-Hayden Chapter by raising $3,000 that allowed for the preliminary engineering to be completed. "This came at a critical time when I needed to finalize our design drawings," said Richard Van Gytenbeek, Colorado River Basin Outreach Coordinator. "Their contribution allowed me to pay the engineer and complete the drawings which kept the project going."

TU also acknowledges the Fishing Is Fun review committee for funding a project that has a different approach to their stated program goals. "Normally successful grants improve habitat, facilities (ramps, docks, bathrooms, etc.) and public access. The key is that they all have a direct link to public access," said Van Gytenbeek. "In this approach TU made the case that if we could get these fish upstream to spawn that their progeny would, over time, increase population numbers in the Colorado River main-stem; one of the most publicly accessible river sections in the state. The project will effectively create a wild fish hatchery that feeds the main-stem and benefits all anglers."

The Elk Creek passage also demonstrates the growing relationship between TU and agriculture partners. The fish passage is actually cutting through the Ware and Hinds irrigation and diversion structure. "We got the cooperation and unanimous support of the Ware and Hinds Ditch Co. board and shareholders and the underlying agricultural landowners (Burning Mountain Cattle Co. and William Family Partnerships)," according to Van Gytenbeek. "This continues to demonstrate the importance of sportsmen and agricultural interests working together for the betterment of local rivers and streams and the communities that depend on them."

The Greenbacks New President

Heather holds a nice South Platte River rainbow.

Photo Courtesy of Brandon Miller

Colorado Trout Unlimited’s The Greenbacks have a new president. Founder of The Greenbacks Nick Hoover has recently handed the position of president off to Heather Sees. Heather is a dedicated fly fisher, employee, volunteer and steward of the land. Her passion for protecting and conserving wild, native spaces falls right in line with The Greenback’s original goals and has allowed her to make a few of her own. Her ability to articulate the needs of a community allow her to cast a wide net over a diverse group of peoples; this combined with her dedication to involving disenfranchised youth in the outdoors ensure The Greenbacks will not feel the growing pains that usually come with leadership change. Heather’s no bull all straight talk leadership style combined with her community based approach to relationships make her the perfect fit for the job.

Before Heather was president of The Greenbacks I knew her through time spent on the river. She is a fishing machine to say the least. We spent a day on the frying pan together fishing the toilet bowl and I remember her catching far more fish than me and loosing far less flies. Unlike most fisherman, she is humble, willing to hear all side of an issue and does not fall prey to fallacious arguments. To get to know Heather better as a professional and a leader I was able to ask her some questions about her new found responsibilities.

Why are native trout important to you?

“The Greenbacks are important to me because they represent one of the most diverse trout species in North America.  When it was determined that the “pure” strain of Greenbacks was on the verge of extinction I knew that I needed to get involved because I believe it’s important to protect a fish that plays an important role in Colorado’s ecosystem and natural heritage” Heather Sees, President of The Greenbacks.

Why did you take the job as president of The Greenbacks?

“I took this role because I looked at it as a great opportunity to challenge myself personally and challenge those folks who are involved with the Greenbacks.  This role also presents an opportunity to build on the strong foundation that we have and expand our role within the fly fishing community and CTU organization.”

What is the keystone character trait in a leader? How do you hope to exemplify that trait in your own leadership?

“For me a key trait is integrity/consistency along with being very self-aware.  I am a strong believer that a great leader must lead by example and is consistent in their actions.  I consider myself to be one of the most honest (almost to a fault) folks that you will meet.  I am also very self-aware – I am tuned into my own limitations and know where I thrive and where I have challenges.  Knowing this, I tap into the other Greenbacks members for support so that as a whole we are successful in our mission.”

What are your short term goals for The Greenbacks?

“As of right now the short term goals are to educate folks on the state of the native greenback here in Colorado, engage and recruit new volunteers/members along with partnering with the local Colorado Trout Unlimited chapters on their projects.”

What are your long term goals for The Greenbacks?

“Long term we have plans to champion a big greenbacks recovery project where we can plug in our strong volunteer base.  We will also continue to strengthen our youth education program by engaging the local college fly fishing clubs, high school clubs and youth organizations (i.e. BBBS, Girls, Inc, etc).”

Heather has a lot of work to do. Organizing a group of volunteers to complete what may seem like an unattainable goal, requires dedication and perseverance. Heather embodies both of these traits. These traits do not define her though. She fishes often in her free time and enjoys the social aspect of The Greenbacks. Her passion for the outdoors runs deep. She exudes stewardship and genuinely cares about the health of ecosystems. Thank you Heather for striving to make Colorado a more native place.

If you would like to get involved with The Greenbacks check out their website for awesome fly tying events, volunteer projects, and monthly meetings.

Trout Unlimited praises compromise reached on Thompson Divide

Carbondale, CO –Trout Unlimited and Sportsmen for Thompson Divide praised a negotiated compromise reached by stakeholders of the Thompson Divide area that allows Gunnison Energy LLC (GELLC) to continue operating working leases in the area while protecting critical fisheries habitat and watersheds in Gunnison County’s Clear Fork Roadless Area. The deal was approved by GELLC, the Thompson Divide Coalition (TDC), Senator Michael Bennet’s office, conservation groups and officials in Gunnison County. As part of the deal, GELLC now supports Sen. Bennet’s Thompson Divide Withdrawal and Protection Act, which would prohibit future oil and gas leasing in the area and create a market for willing buyers and sellers to retire existing leases.

“The Thompson Divide area contains some of the best trout streams and hunting grounds left in Colorado. We applaud Gunnison Energy, Senator Bennet, and everyone involved for listening to sportsmens’ concerns and working together in the spirit of compromise,” said Shane Cross, Western energy counsel for Trout Unlimited. “It’s a good day for the tens of thousands of hunters and anglers that rely on the Thompson Divide for incredible outdoor opportunities.”

At the center of the negotiations was where to draw the southern boundary under Sen. Bennet’s legislative proposal. In a letter to Sen. Bennet, Gunnison Energy President Brad Robinson expressed support for the compromise agreement and revised boundaries. “GELLC is concerned that merely having gas operations within the TDC area boundary will lead to permitting delays and increased environmental compliance costs.” He added, “With the change in boundary and the assurances I have received concerning our continued normal operations in this area, I support passage of the Act.”

The Thompson Divide is one of most pristine, high-value wildlife areas in the lower 48. The Divide’s vast and roadless backcountry harbors elk, deer and other big game and clear, cool cutthroat streams, making it an outdoor paradise for sportsmen and recreationists of all kinds. Preserving the Thompson Divide watershed is important to the outdoor-based economy of the area. Collectively, hunting, fishing, ranching, and recreation in the Thompson Divide area support nearly 300 jobs and $30 million in annual economic output for local communities.