2024 CTU Rendezvous - Save the Date

Save the Date! November 1st-3rd

Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs

The annual CTU Fall Rendezvous will take place at the Hotel Colorado November 1st through the 3rd in Glenwood Springs. Join members from across the state for a weekend of volunteer leadership trainings, workshops on science and conservation, networking opportunities, the CTU annual awards, a fly fishing film night, social happy hours, and of course, fishing! Stay tuned to the webpage for more information and registration coming in early September.

Want to get started early? CTU is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Annual Awards. Colorado Trout Unlimited’s annual awards are intended to recognize outstanding chapter and individual achievements, to make known to our members the wide range of TU volunteer efforts statewide, and to help export enthusiasm and good ideas to all of our chapters.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and therapeutic hot springs. Founded in the late 19th century, this historic town quickly became a popular destination for health-seekers and adventurers drawn by its promise of healing waters and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing the Roaring Fork Valley.

Visit Glenwood

Hotel Colorado, built in 1893 by silver baron Walter Devereux, has been a cornerstone of Glenwood Springs for over 125 years, offering guests a timeless retreat with a rich history. Throughout its storied past, the hotel has served various roles, including a temporary White House and a Navy hospital during WWII. Restored in the early 1990s, Hotel Colorado continues to provide exceptional service and invites guests to create lasting memories. Call ahead for the CTU group rate!

Hotel Colorado

 

What is Rendezvous?

Rendezvous is a sharing event where TU volunteers, supporters, and staff come together to learn current happenings in science, restoration, advocacy, and community outreach. The weekend program features our annual membership meeting and elections, special workshops on key conservation issues and practical skills to strengthen our local chapters, and plenty of fun and camaraderie with other dedicated TU members and volunteer leaders.

It is our flagship event for volunteer leaders with local chapters and others who are looking to get more involved in TU. Over the weekend you might learn about topics as diverse as TU's work on river protection in your region, how to be more effective with your online communications, or how to engage youth with your local angling and conservation efforts.

And from local fishing to fun evening events and plenty of time to connect with old friends and make new ones!

Senate Passes Bipartisan Good Samaritan Legislation, Greenlighting Cleanup of Toxic Abandoned Mines

By: Zoe Bommarito

Long-debated mine pollution measure clears a full chamber of Congress for the first time

Contacts:

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate passed the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act of 2024 with unanimous consent, which would begin to address one of the most pervasive sources of water pollution across the West.

The legislation, spearheaded by U.S. Sens. Jim Risch (R-ID) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM), boasts a bipartisan group of 40 co-sponsors in the Senate. Good Samaritan legislation has been debated in Congress for more than two decades; this is the first time a bill has cleared a full chamber.

“Passage of the Good Samaritan legislation is the perfect demonstration of the application of common sense to common problems for the common good, and it validates TU’s approach of bridging divides to care for the lands and waters that sustain our great nation,” said Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited. “We thank Senators Risch and Heinrich for their unwavering commitment to cleaning up historic mine pollution and advancing the work of Good Samaritans across the country.”

“Tens of thousands of abandoned hardrock mines cause environmental damage across the West, impairing 40 percent of headwater streams. Today’s action is a turning point for clean water,” said Corey Fisher, Public Lands Policy Director at Trout Unlimited. “Without this Good Samaritan legislation, abandoned mines that could otherwise be remediated will continue to leach toxic pollutants into our watersheds and communities.  We urge the House of Representatives to swiftly  pass Good Samaritan legislation and clear the way for Good Samaritans to improve the health of our rivers and streams.”

Abandoned mines are historic mine sites – often a century or more old – where there are no parties who can be held responsible to clean up mine waste.  Current federal laws treat volunteer organizations that want to clean up these abandoned mines—including state agencies and private non-profits groups like Trout Unlimited—as if they are the very polluters who left behind the mine waste. This creates daunting obstacles that prevent abandoned mine cleanups, including complicated permitting and long-term legal and financial liability for any remaining mine pollution.

The Good Samaritan legislation would establish a new program under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) providing limited liability protections for up to 15 low-risk abandoned mine cleanup pilot projects conducted by state agencies, tribes, and qualified volunteer parties. Learn more about Good Samaritan legislation at https://www.tu.org/good-samaritan

Late Season Fun: August and September Tournament Fundraisers

Here we are in late July, but we’re already looking forward to Fall. Late August and September are special months when it comes to CTU fundraisers, as several fishing tournaments with a twist are planned. Let’s look at a few of these across the state.

Superfly 2024

August 23rd and 24th

Gunnison, CO

About:

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Annual Superfly on August 23rd and 24th! This classic 2-fly contest will take place on the legendary waters of the Gunnison Valley. Two-person teams will compete to see who can catch the most inches of trout in one day using the two flies of their choice. Anglers will have the opportunity to fish a variety of waters in the Gunnison Valley, including premier private waters on the East River, Taylor River, and Gunnison River. The event kicks off with a reception on Friday night and culminates with a banquet dinner on Saturday night. Proceeds from the tournament will fund Gunnison Angling Society’s youth and local conservation projects.

Golf Trout Tournament

September 6th, 7th, and 8th

Steamboat Springs, CO

About:

Join the Yampa Valley Stream Charitable Trust for an exciting three-day team fly-fishing and golf tournament featuring a unique scoring system that combines fly-fishing scores with golf scores to determine the overall winner. Form your 4-person teams and get ready for an adventure like no other. The event kicks off with a day of guided fly fishing on private waters in the picturesque Yampa Valley, followed by 18 holes of golf on a prestigious private championship course. Participants will enjoy prizes, awards, hors d’oeuvres, two delicious lunches, a sumptuous banquet dinner, schwag, and endless fun. This is the ultimate competition for fly-fishing and golf enthusiasts, blending skill, strategy, and camaraderie in a stunning setting.

Carp Slam XVIII

September 14th

Denver, CO

About:

The Denver Trout Unlimited (DTU) Carp Slam is an annual fly fishing tournament that takes place in downtown Denver, Colorado, on the Urban South Platte River. The event draws both amateur and professional anglers from the region and beyond, all competing to catch common carp. The tournament aims to support environmental education programs, restore the health and habitat of the Denver South Platte River, fund pollution protections, and rehabilitate and reconstruct the Urban South Platte River. By participating in the Carp Slam, anglers contribute to crucial conservation efforts while enjoying the thrill of urban fly fishing.

South Fork Par Fly

September 26th, 27th, and 28th

South Fork, CO

About:

8200 Mountain Sports and the San Luis Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited are pleased to invite you to participate in the 2024 South Fork Par Fly! This unique Golf & Fly Fishing Tournament will be held in South Fork, CO, with fishing taking place on the Rio Grande and the South Fork River, spanning from the town of Del Norte to South Fork and Creede. The golf format features a two-man scramble with a shotgun start, allowing teams to play an exciting 18 holes at the beautiful Rio Grande Club course. Join us for an unforgettable experience combining the best of fly fishing and golf in a stunning natural setting while raising funds that will be earmarked for San Luis Vally TU projects on the Rio Grande from Del Norte up stream to the headwaters.

Upper Colorado Fall Classic

September 28th and 29th

Vail, CO

About:

The 10th Annual Upper Colorado Fall Classic will take place on the Upper Colorado River and at venues in the Eagle Valley on September 28th and 29th, 2024. This fly-fishing-only tournament is co-ed and open to all ages and abilities, welcoming beginners, intermediate, and expert anglers alike! Participants will fish on the Upper Colorado River, with multiple beats between Pumphouse and Catamount. The Upper Colorado Fall Classic benefits Eagle Valley Trout Unlimited, supporting their vital conservation and educational programs.

As always, you can see all Colorado TU events by visiting our full event page here.

Find your local chapter here!

TU, Anglers All, Help Restore Grizzly Mine Site

On July 9th, CTU along with our partner, Anglers All, visited one of many abandoned mine cleanup locations. The Grizzly Mine is located in the Southern Rocky Mountains on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, six miles southwest of Silver Plume in Clear Creek County, Colorado, at 10,800 feet. The project site resides within what was historically known as the Argentine Mining District and is adjacent to Grizzly Gulch in the Headwaters of Clear Creek. The mine operated from the early 1870s to the late 1950s, with the primary mineral production output consisting of silver, lead, and zinc.

Under the skilled leadership of TU Project Manager Katrina Hettinger, this project rerouted clean water coming out of the adit away from mine waste that it picked up on its way flowing into Grizzly Gulch, and moved and capped the waste rock back away from the stream while creating improved habitat and floodplain connectivity along Grizzly Gulch. A road that was also mobilizing waste into the stream was removed and rehabilitated, with a more sustainable route replacing it.

We thank Anglers All for the $10K challenge grant that was matched through other donors on and after Colorado Gives Day. These funds provide much needed private sector matches to help leverage federal dollars for the restoration.

Colorado has approximately 23,000 abandoned mines throughout the state, of which, more than 230 are known as draining mines that are currently causing environmental damage. More than 1,600 miles of Colorado streams and rivers are impaired by acid mine drainage.

With critical support from state, federal, and private partners, Trout Unlimited continues to implement high-priority, watershed-scale mine restoration projects in river systems that are important for trout. At the same time, we aim to organize and strengthen the capacity of local stakeholder groups to sustain these conservation efforts over the long term.

You can lend your voice in support of legislation to promote more Good Samaritan mining restoration efforts by clicking on the button below.

CPW announces discovery of Zebra Mussels in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal

Photo of a zebra mussel veliger discovered by CPW in the Colorado River near Grand Junction after routine testing in early July. A veliger is the mussel's free-floating (planktonic) larval stage that can only be seen under a microscope.  Photo Credit: CPW

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) announces the discovery of zebra mussel veligers in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal after routine testing in early July. 

On July 1, staff from CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) team collected a plankton sample from the Government Highline Canal near Clifton. This sample was evaluated at the ANS Lab in Denver where a suspected single zebra mussel veliger was found. The Sample was then sent to CPW’s Aquatic Animal Health Lab (AAHL) for further analysis. On July 9, the lab notified Robert Walters, Invasive Species Program Manager, that the sample was positive for zebra mussel DNA.

On July 8, CPW ANS staff collected plankton samples from two locations in the Colorado River upstream of the Grand Valley Water Users Canal diversion. On July 10 ANS technicians identified single suspect zebra mussel veligers in both samples. The samples were sent to the AAHL for confirmation. On July 11, the lab confirmed the samples were positive for zebra mussel DNA.

With single detections in both waters, these locations are now considered “suspect” for the presence of zebra mussels. In response to this detection, CPW has initiated their Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan and increased sampling is underway to determine if the classification should be changed to “positive," a designation given when two or more subsequent sampling events detect mussel veligers in a water body. 

A veliger is the free-floating (planktonic) larval stage of the mussel. At this stage of their life cycle, zebra mussels can only be seen under a microscope. No adult zebra mussels have been found at this time at either location.

“This challenging discovery has ecological and economic impacts not only on the Grand Valley but potential statewide impacts as well. CPW is committed to working with all of our partners as we work to better understand the extent of this discovery and the next steps in protecting the natural resources and infrastructure,” said CPW Director Jeff Davis. 

Zebra mussels pose an extreme risk of ecological impacts to Colorado. The establishment of zebra mussels in the Colorado River is likely to negatively impact native fish populations due to their filter-feeding strategies that strip essential prey items, such as plankton, from the water. Slower-moving sections of the Colorado River, such as pools, eddies, and backwaters, are especially prone to invasion.  

Zebra mussels also pose a risk to infrastructure that pulls water from the Colorado River. Female zebra mussels can produce up to 1,000,000 eggs in a spawning season. As they mature, the mussels bond to surfaces with byssal threads making them extremely difficult to remove. This rapid reproduction coupled with their attachment by byssal threads can lead to clogged water infrastructures creating long-term maintenance issues. 

“We are disappointed in the situation we find ourselves in,” said Ed Warner, Area Manager, BOR Western Colorado Area Office. “We know how much effort CPW has put into keeping the Colorado River clear of zebra mussels. This is an extremely difficult scenario for all who rely on the Upper Colorado River system. We look forward to partnering with CPW, our stakeholders, and all involved to do what we can to address the situation.”

"This news is devastating,” said Tina Bergonzini, Grand Valley Water Users Association General Manager “Having our canal and the Colorado River test positive increases the threat of this invasive species and could impact everyone in the Grand Valley. From irrigation to drinking water, the ramifications cannot be underestimated or overstated. Our efforts, alongside our partners at CPW and the BOR, will be increased to protect our infrastructure, the livelihoods of so many, and water security for us all.”

CPW staff will continue working closely with our partners at the Bureau of Reclamation and Grand Valley Water Users Association on the next steps. Signs alerting the public of the river status will be posted at river access points starting in the De Beque Canyon to the Loma Boat Ramp. 

“Detecting mussels in the Colorado River highlights how critical it is for boaters, paddlers, anglers, and any person recreating in Colorado’s waters to do their part in preventing the spread,” said Robert Walters, Invasive Species Program Manager. 

CPW strongly encourages anyone boating, floating, paddling, or fishing in the Colorado River to clean, drain, and dry their vessels and equipment, including motorized boats, rafts, paddle boards, kayaks, and fishing gear after exiting the river. 

CPW is evaluating options for the future management of Highline Lake based on this new information. Updates regarding access, fishing regulations, and water management will be provided once those decisions have been made.

Questions from the media for the Bureau of Reclamation can be directed to BOR Public Affairs Specialist Justyn Liff at 970-248-0625 or jliff@usbr.gov.

Questions from the media for the Grand Valley Water Users Association can be directed to GVWAU General Manager Tina Bergonzini at 970-242-5065 or tbergonzini@gvwua.com.

Denver Water Renews Moratorium on Two Forks

In 2004, the South Platte Protection Plan (SPPP) was adopted by the US Forest Service as a local alternative to Wild and Scenic Designation for the South Platte River from Elevenmile Dam to Strontia Springs and its North Fork below Bailey. The SPPP was the result of years of negotiation among water users, local governments, and conservation interests, including Trout Unlimited. Key elements of the plan include:

  • A streamflow management plan with minimum flow commitments (which have never been violated in the plan’s 20 years) and optimal flow targets.

  • Creation of a $1 million endowment fund to support projects benefiting the river’s outstandingly remarkable values, including fisheries, wildlife, recreation, and historical significance. Through the South Platte Enhancement Board, more than $1 million in grants have been awarded for projects.

  • A Forest Plan amendment setting land management standards intended to protect habitat along the river corridor on the Pike National Forest.

  • The creation of the watershed protection partnership, now known as the Coalition for the Upper South Platte, which has been vital in addressing wildfire impacts on the watershed and promoting on-the-ground improvement projects.

A thorny issue in negotiating the SPPP was the question of Two Forks Dam. While the EPA had vetoed the proposed reservoir in 1991, Denver Water still holds a Right of Way for the land that would be occupied by a smaller version of the project at the North Fork/Mainstem confluence. As part of the SPPP, Denver Water agreed to a 20-year moratorium on any permitting efforts to advance development of that right of way, as well as permanently relinquishing its conditional water rights for what would have been the larger version of Two Forks (stretching into Cheesman Canyon).

Under the moratorium, Denver Water aimed to work with other interests to pursue alternative water supply projects that could achieve yields equivalent to those projected under Two Forks and meet future water demands for the Denver area. Some efforts are advancing, notably the expansion of Gross Reservoir, a concept previously proposed by environmental stakeholders as an alternative to Two Forks. However, progress has been slower than anticipated when the SPPP was adopted. The moratorium was set to expire in June of this year.

Fortunately, the Denver Water Board decided at its June 12 meeting to extend the moratorium for an additional ten years. In its resolution, the Board also recommitted to the collaborative SPPP framework and to continued efforts on water supply alternatives to a Two Forks Dam and Reservoir. This further defers any threat of development efforts for Two Forks, and if adequate progress can be made on alternatives, Denver Water will consider permanently abandoning the Two Forks Right of Way.

Trout Unlimited was gratified to see Denver Water reaffirm its commitment to collaboration in water management and to seeking more environmentally sound alternatives to the extremely damaging Two Forks Dam proposal. Trout in the South Platte and the anglers that enjoy them can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Denver Water will continue to work with partners under the SPPP to maintain the South Platte’s fishery values while continuing to deliver needed water to the Denver metro area.

Upcoming Weekend Events in Glenwood Springs

Get ready for an exciting weekend in Glenwood Springs packed with fun, friends, and fly-fishing! Join the Ferdinand Hayden chapter all weekend! Here’s a rundown of the events you won't want to miss:

Friday, July 19th: On Tap with RareWaters x Hookers Fly Shop

Kick off your weekend with a bang at the On Tap event hosted by RareWaters and Hookers Fly Shop. From 4-6pm, come hang out at Hookers Rooftop Bar and retail location at 719 Grand Ave. You'll have the chance to meet the crew and enjoy the first round on RareWaters. Special guest Zach Otte will be onsite painting a custom piece, with all proceeds benefiting Hookers’ local Ferdinand Hayden chapter. Plus, RareWaters will unveil a special offering for the 2024 season exclusively for attendees. Don’t miss out—bring your friends and join the fun!

Saturday, July 20th: Meet Tom Rosenbauer at Hookers Rooftop

On Saturday, from 4-8pm, head back to Hookers Rooftop to meet the legendary Tom Rosenbauer from Orvis! You'll have the opportunity to test-cast the new Orvis Helios Fly Rods, chat with Tom, and gain insights from his vast fly-fishing knowledge. This is a unique chance to learn from one of the best in the field, so make sure to mark your calendar.


Sunday, July 21st: A Confluence Cookout

Wrap up your weekend with a Confluence Cookout hosted by the Ferdinand Hayden Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Join us from 3-7pm at Two Rivers Park, Riverside Shelter near the boat ramp. Enjoy a delicious picnic with burgers, brats, hot dogs, sides, and beer—all free for TU members in the Roaring Fork Valley. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the folks working to revitalize one of the oldest TU chapters in the country, discuss chapter activities, and share your ideas. Bring a non-member friend and get them signed up!

We look forward to seeing you at these events for a weekend filled with camaraderie, learning, and great times. Share this with your friends and come be part of the Glenwood Springs community spirit!

Free Fly Tying, Fly Casting and Fly Fishing Classes

Join CTU and Cabela’s at the Cabela’s Thorton store (14050 Lincoln St, Thornton, CO 80023) for free fly fishing instruction July 27th.

No registration required.

Intro to Fly Fishing` Class

Saturday, July 27, 2024 for 9:00am to 12:00pm
Instructor: Bob Berlin – In the Conference Room

We will focus on an introduction to fly fishing to include, but not limited to rods, rod types, rod weights, reels, matching reels to rods, fly lines and types of fly lines, what type to use for certain circumstances, leaders and leader materials, tippets and tippet material, flies and when to use certain flies, reading water and what to use in different types of water.

At the conclusion of the fly fishing text book lesson we will move outside and have some casting lessons with a 9 ft 5wt rod and reel setup.  The time allowed for this will be dependent on when the Q&A for the text book lessons are completed.

                 

Free Beginner Fly Tying Class

Saturday, July 27, 2024 for 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Instructor: Jack Racciatti - In the Conference Room

We will focus on how to use a vise and tools as well as materials management.  Difficulty of fly and technique will be determined by the level of the students in the class at the time of the class start.
Cabela’s will provide vises, tools and materials to tie a fly that the students decide they would like to learn. 

We will consider additional flies if time and materials are available

Free Fly Casting Class

Saturday, July 27, 2024 for 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Instructor: Frank Whispell – On the lawn north of the store

We will assist you with several different techniques to get you on the water and catching trout and other fish and hopefully not too many trees, bushes and rocks!

We will have an area suitable for casting setup on the lawn on the north side of the store when you drive in.  We will also have a couple target rings for you try your skill at casting a fly rod.

Trout Unlimited and Irrigators, Working Together to Protect Rivers and Agriculture

By: Richard Van Gytenbeek-Project Mgr. TU and Environmental Representative-CBRT   

Elk Creek and Canyon Creeks both begin on the south side of the Flat Tops mountain range in north central Colorado and flow southward to confluence with the Colorado River main stem downstream from Glenwood Springs, CO. Agricultural irrigators have diverted flows from these creeks for over a hundred years. Unfortunately, many of these irrigation diversion structures are fish barriers preventing spawning fish from the Colorado River from moving upstream. In 2015 Trout Unlimited (TU) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) began working with the Ware and Hinds Ditch Company to build a fish passage channel around the company’s diversion dam. Completed in 2018, the project would become the catalyst for additional projects in Elk Creek and neighboring upstream Canyon Creek.

In 2021, again working with CPW, TU completed a retrofit of the I-70 culvert system that conveys Canyon Creek under the interstate. Like the Ware and Hinds project this enabled thousands of Colorado River fish to move upstream and successfully spawn.

During this time period, both of these projects were taking place against the backdrop of an important planning effort, the Middle Colorado Integrated Water Management Plan (MCIWMP). The plan was spearheaded by the Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC) and completed in 2021. One of the most important goals of this plan is to work with agricultural irrigators to upgrade diversion infrastructure thereby improving diversion efficiency and enabling fish passage. With two successful fish passage projects completed in each Elk and Canyon Creeks fulfilling the goals of the IWMP, TU began to move upstream in each basin, partnering with irrigators to upgrade their diversions and return spawning fish to the creeks.

Called the Middle Colorado Agricultural Collaborative (MCAC), this multiple-phase project began in 2022. The first phase sought to find and partner with willing irrigators to create conceptual plans to improve their diversion dams and headgates. By the end of Phase 1, TU was partnering with three owners to complete five diversion upgrade projects. These projects, if built would conservatively open 7 miles of Elk Creek and 3 miles of Canyon Creek.

The second phase of the MCAC took the Phase 1 conceptual plans and developed full construction plans for each of the five projects. Phase 2 began in the late summer of 2023 and is now complete with construction-ready plans (spring of 2024).

The third phase of the MCAC project, scheduled for fall of 2024, will construct three of the five projects having secured ~4.6 million dollars in grant funding. The remaining two projects will be constructed in the next phase(s) with funding currently being pursued.

The MCAC, while driven by TU, is the product of incredible array of partners: Roseman Ditch Company, Meadow Creek Ranch, J-Wolverton Ditch Company, CPW, Middle Colorado Watershed Council, Wright Water Engineers and by our generous funders: Bureau of Reclamation, CWCB, Colorado River District and the Colorado Basin Roundtable. By working together, TU and agricultural producers continue to demonstrate that productive agriculture and a healthy environment can coexist and complement one another.