Colorado TU Annual Report 2010

Colorado Trout Unlimited
Year in Review
2010
Colorado TU
Year In Review
Colorado TU State Council Officers
Colorado’s beautiful streams, striking prairie vistas, and stunningly
majestic mountains are special places because they inspire us to do
special things. Kids remember their first night camping under the stars.
Young adults remember biking the same trails they were cross-country
skiing on just a few months earlier. Grandparents remember the river
where they taught their grand kids how to fish.
Sinjin Eberle, President
Rick Matsumoto, Vice-President
Randy Kittelson, Secretary
Jay Boak, Treasurer
Ken Neubecker, Past President
Mission
& Vision
Colorado TU State Council Staff & Contractors
Colorado Trout Unlimited works
to conserve, protect, and restore
Colorado’s coldwater fisheries
and their watersheds. Through
cooperation, collaboration,
grassroots advocacy, and education
Trout Unlimited seeks to ensure
that robust populations of native
and wild coldwater fish once again
David Nickum, Executive Director
Erica Stock, Outreach Director
John Gamble, Administrative Assistant
Jen Boulton, Legislative Liaison
Dr. John Woodling, Water Quality Consultant
Nick Hoover, Web Development and Design Consultant
TU Western Water Project Staff
Drew Peternell, Colorado Water Project Director
Rob Firth, Colorado River Headwaters Project Coordinator
Brian Hodge, Yampa/White River Basin Project Coordinator
Cary Denison, Gunnison River Basin Coordinator
Mely Whiting, Legal Counsel
David Stillwell, Office and Internal Communications Manager
Randy Scholfield, Communications Director
John Gerstle, Technical Advisor
thrive across Colorado, so that our
TU Sportsmen’s Conservation Project Staff
children can enjoy healthy fisheries
Steve Kandell, Sportsmen’s Conservation Project Director
Aaron Kindle, Colorado Field Coordinator
Ty Churchwell, Backcountry Coordinator, Alpine Triangle
Matthew Clark, Backcountry Coordinator, Dolores River Basin
Greg Moore, Communications Specialist
Shane Cross, Western Energy Counsel
in their home waters.
TU Watershed Restoration Staff
Elizabeth Russell, Mine Restoration Project Manager
Colorado TU Land Protection Staff
Chris Herrman, Colorado Plateau Land Protection Coordinator
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Many of these places are threatened by irresponsible land development,
oil and gas drilling, and water use.
For over 40 years, Colorado Trout Unlimited has been working to
conserve, protect, and restore Colorado’s rivers and their watersheds.
But for as long as we have been at it, and as strong and smart as we may
be, the job of protecting Colorado’s rivers is bigger than one organization can handle – the threats are too
real, the magnitude is too great. That is why the partnership and collaboration that we enjoy, especially
within the realm of Trout Unlimited,
is so vital to our success.
I sometimes think of local rivers as
a three-legged stool. The river itself
is the seat, supported by three legs,
with the community, the economy
of the area, and the volunteers who
tend to the stream’s health each
comprising a leg of the stool. If any
one of those legs is not standing
strong, the stool, and by extension
the river, loses its support and
tumbles.
One could think of Trout Unlimited
in Colorado in the same way – we
have a strong local grassroots
community with 23 chapters and
nearly 10,000 members statewide,
a vibrant and increasingly active
state council, and the most National TU staffers working on the ground in any state outside of Washington,
D.C. It’s the willingness of these three legs of the organization to join hands and work together that makes
Colorado so effective and our reach and respect so broad.
Collaborations like the Gunnison Gorge Anglers (among others) working with the Alpine Triangle
Campaign, or the Colorado River Headwaters Chapter working hand-in-hand with Colorado TU and the
Colorado Water Project to defend the Fraser and the Upper Colorado Rivers. Or the multi-dimensional
efforts revving up in the White and Yampa River Basins, where state, local, and National TU are working
together on energy, private land, and river reconnection projects, and has led to a new chapter in the
Steamboat Springs area. These are just a few examples of something that seems so basic…working together.
Between the energy and involvement of the chapters, the savvy and experience of the state council, and the
expertise and dedication of National TU staff, Colorado TU has had a banner year in terms of the number
of accomplishments, the rise in member involvement, and the strategic importance of the successes. As you
read this year’s Annual Report, I hope you feel some pride in being a part of this success, because it certainly
does not happen without you.
But we are not content. There is much to do and the challenges that we face in 2011 are significant –
the Upper Colorado Campaign will come to a head, litigation in defense of the Roan Plateau likely will
be decided, the Roadless Rule will probably be completed, and the Over The River project’s fate will be
determined. All of these issues are being directed by a strong, smart, and collaborative group of people, in
Colorado, working for Colorado. Because at the end of the day, wherever you might be, we are all
Colorado TU.
Sinjin Eberle
President
Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review
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Our Vision
A Strategic
Approach To
Coldwater
Fisheries
Conservation
Colorado TU Chapters
Our Vision is Simple – by the next generation, Colorado TU will ensure that robust
populations of native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive throughout Colorado, so that
our children and grandchildren can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters.
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23
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Colorado TU’s Coldwater Conservation Strategy
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2
21
Protect
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high quality habitat for native and wild coldwater fish and maintain free flowing rivers;
13
10
22
8
3
7
Reconnect
fragmented fish populations and habitats by restoring flows to dewatered rivers and
re-opening fish passage;
Founded in 1969, Colorado
TU is Colorado’s leading non-
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14
Restore
profit, grassroots sportsmen’s
conservation organization providing
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watersheds by working in collaboration with sportsmen and women, other non-profit and
governmental organizations, as well as private landowners, to preserve and improve the
quality of habitats that support coldwater fish; and
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15
5
20
Sustain
a voice for Colorado’s rivers.
Colorado TU leverages the power
of its 10,000 members from
23 chapters who contribute over
the efforts of our volunteers and supporters by inspiring a strong conservation ethic in
the next generation of river stewards through hands-on, field-based opportunities that
foster awareness of the connections between Colorado’s trout, water resources, and the
environment.
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19
17
55,000 volunteer hours annually
to restoration, education, and
advocacy, equivalent to the power
of 26 full-time staff.
1 Alpine Anglers – Estes Park
13 Gore Range – Summit County
2 Boulder Flycasters – Boulder
14 Grand Valley Anglers – Grand Junction
3 Cherry Creek Anglers – Aurora
15 Gunnison Angling Society – Gunnison
4 Cheyenne Mountain – Colorado Springs
16 Gunnison Gorge Anglers – Delta/Montrose 
5 Collegiate Peaks Anglers – Salida/Buena Vista
17 Purgatoire River Anglers – Trinidad
6 Colorado River Headwaters – Grand County
18 Rocky Mountain Flycasters – Fort Collins/Greeley
7 Cutthroat – Littleton
19 San Luis Valley – Alamosa
8 Denver – Denver
20 Southern Colorado Greenbacks – Pueblo
9 Eagle Valley – Eagle
21 St. Vrain Anglers – Longmont
10 Evergreen – Evergreen
22 West Denver – Lakewood
11 Ferdinand Hayden – Aspen/Glenwood Springs
23 Yampa Valley Flyfishers – Steamboat
12 Five Rivers – Durango/Cortez
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Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review
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River Protection
Program
Overview
Many rivers and streams in
Colorado are heavily depleted
and lack the flows necessary to
sustain healthy populations of
fish and wildlife. Trout Unlimited
believes that we can both meet our
water needs and sustain healthy
river ecosystems, but to do so we
must strike a balance between
development and protection. To this
end, Trout Unlimited advocates for
Keep The Colorado River Headwaters Alive
Dry Gulch Victory
For the past 5 years, Colorado TU and our grassroots chapters across the state have
worked tirelessly to protect the Colorado River Headwaters from two proposed water supply
projects – the Moffat and the Windy Gap Firming Projects. These projects collectively
threaten to reduce river flows to less than a quarter of their historic levels, leaving in limbo
the future health of the fish, wildlife and local West Slope communities that depend on the
Upper Colorado River and tributaries like the Fraser River.
TU scored a major victory in 2010,
negotiating a final settlement in a
multi-year controversy over the
proposed Dry Gulch Reservoir
and Pumping Station project near
Pagosa Springs. The reservoir and
diversion project threatened San
Juan River flows and prized trout
habitat, and for many years TU had
argued that the Pagosa Area Water
and Sanitation District and the San
Juan Water Conservancy District
were claiming far more water for
the project than any legitimate
future need for Archuleta County
and the Pagosa Springs community.
TU twice appealed a water court’s
decision to award water rights
for the project, arguing that the
water districts were improperly
speculating in their predictions
Photo by San Juan Citizens Alliance
of population growth. In both
instances, the Colorado Supreme
Court sided with TU and denied the water rights for the project.
Through on-the-ground grassroots leadership provided by Colorado TU’s Colorado River
Headwaters Chapter and with technical support provided by Colorado TU staff and partners,
hundreds of concerned West Slope and Front Range residents mobilized to express their
concerns about the potential effects of both projects on the Fraser and Colorado Rivers.
Through passionate testimony at over 6 public meetings and thousands of personal letters
and emails to federal agencies, Colorado Wildlife Commissioners, and water providers,
Coloradoans across the state demanded adequate protections and mitigation measures to
ensure their children and grandchildren can continue enjoying the bounty and recreation
opportunities provided by a healthy Colorado River.
As the final mitigation plans and permit requirements for each project are reviewed by
state and federal agencies, the focus throughout 2011 will be to continue educating and
mobilizing concerned citizens in support of measures to strike a balance between meeting
water supply needs and protecting the health of the Colorado River.
Colorado TU will also work directly with state and federal agencies, Wildlife
Commissioners and water providers to advocate for specific, science-based solutions and
mitigation measures that can preserve trout populations and the fragile ecosystems found
throughout the Colorado River Headwaters.
Colorado TU released a new video, “Tapped Out: The Upper Colorado on the Brink,”
which highlights the damage inflicted on the Fraser and Upper Colorado River system by past
diversions and the serious threats posed by expansions of those water systems. See the video
and Upper Colorado River campaign page at www.defendthecolorado.org
sensible policies that keep water
Notes From The Field
a reliable water supply to farms,
“This is a victory for the San Juan River,” Drew Peternell, director of TU’s Colorado
Water Project, said after the settlement was reached. “The original application could
have been devastating to fish habitat and the river ecosystem, but now we have a
settlement that balances the districts’ need for water with the health of the San Juan.”
The Ferdinand Hayden Chapter began working with local stakeholders to ensure a
newly proposed hydroelectric project is completed responsibly – without dewatering
two important tributaries of the Roaring Fork River, Castle and Maroon Creeks. As
proposed by the City of Aspen, the project threatens to drastically cut flows creating
concerns for trout and other recreational users.
ranches, homes, and businesses
across our state.
Project Coordinator, Trout Unlimited
“To have witnessed the decline of the Upper
Colorado River has been eye-opening and
disheartening. When the opportunity to join
TU in the fight to protect this river presented
itself – I jumped at the chance! With TU staff
and the local Headwaters Chapter devoting
so much time and energy into protecting the
Upper Colorado, I know that this magnificent
fishery will be restored once again.”
In December 2010, TU struck a deal with the Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District
and the San Juan Water Conservancy District. Under the agreement, the Dry Gulch
project would be dramatically downsized, and the districts would divert from the San
Juan River less than a tenth of the amount of water they originally proposed.
Protecting The Roaring Fork River From Hydroelectric
Development
in Colorado’s rivers, while ensuring
Rob Firth, Colorado River Headwaters
New River Protection Staff
Hired
Colorado TU expanded its on-the-ground
stream restoration work in Colorado by
hiring three new field-based staff through
the Colorado Water Project: Brian Hodge
(pictured) in the Yampa/White River Basin,
Rob Firth in the Upper Colorado River Basin,
and Cary Denison in the Gunnison Basin.
They will collaborate with private landowners,
agency staff and local Colorado TU chapters
on projects to protect, reconnect, and
restore streams and implement agreements
with irrigators that benefit both agricultural
operations and trout habitat.
Ensuring Responsible Expansion Of The Halligan-Seaman
Reservoirs
Colorado TU staff and volunteers from the Rocky Mountain Flycasters TU Chapter
continued to participate in the “Shared Vision Planning” process for the proposed
expansions of Halligan and Seaman Reservoirs in the Cache la Poudre watershed.
“Shared Vision Planning” is a new collaborative approach to water development
in which environmental interests are brought in from the beginning, seeking ways
in which a project can provide not only water supply but also environmental and
recreational benefits.
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Photo by Sinjin Eberle
Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review
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Youth Conservation Education
Program
Overview
The benefits of Colorado TU’s
conservation efforts and restoration
work can be undone in a single
generation if future stewards fail
to understand the value of healthy
river ecosystems. To ensure healthy
rivers and watersheds are sustained
for future generations, Trout
Youth Conservation Fly Fishing Camps
Balancing Energy Development On The Roan Plateau
With support from local chapters, students ages 14-18 from across Colorado participated
in Colorado TU’s Annual River Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp at Beaver Run
Ranch in Aspen, Colorado. From snorkel surveys to water quality sampling, campers were
instructed on the principles of ecology and the importance of coldwater conservation while
also learning the basics of fly fishing.
Colorado TU and other conservation partners, represented by pro-bono counsel Earthjuistice,
continued to challenge an ill-conceived plan for oil and gas development atop the Roan Plateau
that lacks appropriate measures to protect the Roan’s unique wildlife habitat and native cutthroat
trout populations. After extensive efforts to seek settlement, talks ultimately broke down and
the case now awaits a final ruling from the Federal District Court. Fortunately, leases on the
Roan remain suspended so that drilling cannot begin while the case proceeds. Colorado TU will
continue to advocate for a more responsible approach to developing the Roan, in which greater use
of directional drilling allows extraction of natural gas without disturbing sensitive watersheds and
the unique native Colorado River Cutthroat trout fisheries they support.
The Rocky Mountain Flycasters TU Chapter held its first annual week-long summer day
camp for youth. Chapter volunteers taught campers basic casting and fly-tying techniques
and local resource managers provided a variety of hands-on conservation lessons through
a special field restoration project, electro-fishing, snorkel surveying, and workshops on a
variety of topics from entomology to invasive species.
Trout In The Classroom
Through the Trout in the Classroom program, students attending participating schools
raise trout from eggs to fry, engage in water quality and habitat studies, and release their
trout into state-approved waters near their school. In its 2nd year, Trout in the Classroom
launched four new program sites at Woodland Park High School, Bayfield Middle School,
Windsor High School, and Centaurus High School. Students from the existing Trout in the
Classroom program at Thompson Valley High School released their first trout during the
spring of 2010.
Colorado TU’s 23 chapters statewide volunteer regularly with youth. They conduct fly
fishing workshops, field days and in-school programs to teach students about their home
watersheds.
Unlimited’s Youth Conservation
Education Program focuses on
Notes from the Field
Dennis Cook, Rocky Mountain Flycasters Chapter Member
cultivating a strong, life-long
and Colorado TU Chapter Development Committee Chairman
conservation ethic in Colorado’s
young people by providing hands-
Energy
“I like helping young people learn to enjoy the outdoors and fly
fishing as much as I do, and to see nature as a lifelong interest.
Today there are so many distractions that they too rarely experience
these pleasures. If we don’t help our youth appreciate and respect
the natural outdoors, who will take care of our rivers in the years
ahead?”
Advocating For “Low Impact” Hydropower
Colorado TU has continued to encourage low-impact approaches to developing hydroelectric
power. Built and operated appropriately, hydropower can maintain healthy, connected river
systems while generating renewable energy – but poorly designed and operated hydropower
facilities can dewater rivers and decimate fisheries. Working with the Governor’s Energy Office
(GEO), Colorado TU has encouraged programs which take advantage of existing water facilities to
generate hydropower – allowing increased energy production without adding additional impacts
to Colorado’s streams. The GEO recently established a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the federal agency which issues hydropower licenses), to
help ease the process for permitting small, low-impact hydropower generation on existing water
infrastructure such as pipelines and ditches.
Promoting Responsible Oil & Gas Development
Colorado TU successfully prevented several oil and gas lease sales near critical Colorado River
Cutthroat Trout streams including parcels within the roadless backcountry of both the Routt and
White River National Forests.
Program
Overview
Over the past century,
traditional oil, gas, and
coal extraction has taken
a toll on Colorado’s rivers,
wildlife, and landscapes.
Today, with one of the
largest oil shale reserves
in the world, Colorado
remains a hotbed for oil
and gas exploration and
development. Even as our
state moves toward more
renewable sources of energy
like wind, solar, hydropower,
and geothermal, threats
Colorado TU mobilized its grassroots membership in support of federal legislation like the
Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act (CLEAR Act) that encouraged responsible
energy development in Colorado and throughout the nation while protecting our rivers, lakes and
waterways from pollution. The CLEAR Act also called for full funding of the Land and Water
Conservation Fund which provides financial support to help maintain important national, state
and local parks and publicly accessible rivers.
to native trout ecosystems
Colorado TU began building a coalition in the White River Basin to create a Sportsmen’s vision
for energy development that safeguards fish and wildlife.
agencies, elected officials,
remain. Colorado TU works
with energy development
companies, state and federal
and local stakeholder groups
to advocate for balanced
on, field-based opportunities that
energy solutions – those
foster awareness of the connections
that allow Colorado to
between Colorado’s trout, water
meet its energy needs
while protecting native
resources, the environment, and
fish, irreplaceable river
ecosystems and human
themselves.
health.
Energy Photos by E. Jerome Ryden
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Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review
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Native Trout
Program
Overview
Colorado was once home to four
native subspecies of cutthroat
trout, but years of habitat decline,
overfishing, and competition and
Public Lands
Using Science To Restore Native Trout
Mobilize Citizen Support For Roadless Protection
Trouble distinguishing the genetic differences between two of Colorado’s closely related
native trout species - Colorado River cutthroat and Greenback cutthroat - and difficulty
determining their native ranges have slowed restoration efforts to a standstill. To help solve
these mysteries, Colorado TU and the Cheyenne Mountain TU Chapter have contributed to
an interagency partnership study that includes the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service,
Colorado Division of Wildlife, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife conducted through the University
of Colorado that is examining historic samples – some over 100 years old – to determine
the genetic strains that were found in Colorado before other trout stocking took place.
Information from the study will help define what fish are appropriate to use for restoration
projects in watersheds on both sides of the Continental Divide.
Roadless areas provide some of the best places to hunt and fish throughout the west. To protect
these important places, Colorado TU works with diverse groups of recreationists, sportsmen, private
industry, local communities, and government agencies to identify places where development and
vehicle use is appropriate, and places where such activity can harm fish and wildlife.
Raising Awareness For Colorado’s Native Trout
Young Colorado TU members launched a group called ‘The Greenbacks’ to raise awareness
and funding for native trout restoration in Colorado. To date, the group has hosted two
successful events – a film festival and photography exhibit – raising nearly $10,000 for native
fish conservation and engaging hundreds of young people in Colorado TU’s work.
interbreeding with introduced
species have led to the extinction
of the Yellowfin cutthroat and
have left the other natives –
Greenback, Colorado River, and
Rio Grande cutthroats – at serious
risk. Through partnership projects
to reclaim and improve habitats
and reintroduce native fish to
appropriate waters, Colorado TU is
helping to secure a future for these
original Coloradoans.
Restoring Native Trout Habitat In The Poudre River Headwaters
Colorado TU continued its effort toward a collaborative project in the Poudre headwaters
with Northern Colorado irrigators (Water Supply and Storage Company – WSSC), state
agencies, and local governments. The
proposed partnership would work to
restore native trout across nearly 40
miles of connected streams in Rocky
Notes From The Field
Mountain National Park and adjacent
Nick Hoover, Co-Founder of The
National Forest lands – the largest such
Greenbacks & Cutthroat TU Chapter member
project in Colorado history.
Trapper Creek/Parachute
Creek Projects On Roan
Combining financial support from
energy companies, the national TU
Embrace-a-Stream program, and
volunteer manpower from the Grand
Valley Anglers Chapter - Colorado TU
helped plant hundreds of new willows
along Trapper Creek on the Roan
Plateau. Trapper Creek supports a
rare population of pure Colorado River
cutthroat trout; recent fencing along the
stream protects it from grazing livestock
and allows for restoration of a healthier
riparian environment.
“The Greenbacks were formed to build
community through conservation with the
goal of promoting native fish restoration and
preservation in Colorado. We give younger
members the opportunity to engage with
Colorado TU in fun and diverse ways. We’re
also helping to develop the next round of
leadership from within Trout Unlimited and
we’re having a good time while we do it.”
Program
Overview
Colorado TU worked in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service to help implement the Legacy
Roads and Trails Program, which is intended to reduce road and trail impacts to watersheds and
aquatic ecosystems by decommissioning unneeded roads, removing fish passage barriers, and
addressing critical repair and maintenance needs.
Headwaters streams and
Colorado TU continues to mobilize citizens and work with resource managers and elected
representatives to help secure major improvements in the management of Colorado’s roadless areas
through the state’s Roadless Rule.
intact wilderness areas
on public lands are quite
literally the last refuges for
Protecting The Headwaters Of Gold Medal Fisheries
many native trout. They
Situated at the headwaters of three trophy trout rivers – the Animas, Lake Fork of the Gunnison
and Uncompahgre – the 186,000 acre Alpine Triangle is one of Colorado’s most important economic,
historic and recreational resources. As a founding member of the Alpine Triangle Coalition, Colorado
TU is working side-by-side with sportsmen and women, local communities, federal agencies, local
business owners, and other recreation users on a collaborative effort to protect the heart of the San
Juan Mountains for the benefit of future generations.
sustain rare fish populations,
while providing a reliable
source of cold, clean water
The Alpine Triangle Coalition is comprised of nearly 2,000 members and is supported by
approximately 40 local and regional businesses.
to our rivers, a function
To raise awareness for the importance of continued protections for the Alpine Triangle, Colorado
TU staff worked with Field and Stream magazine to produce a feature article included in the
publication’s “Best Wild Places” series.
that becomes even more
important during periods
A new website www.alpinetriangle.com and facebook group “Friends of the Alpine Triangle” were
launched to serve as a clearinghouse for information related to the Alpine Triangle Coalition.
of warming. TU field staff,
Colorado TU and local TU
Building Collaborative Coalitions In The Dolores River Basin
chapters work together
Boasting views of southwest Colorado’s San Juan Mountains that rise to lofty heights of over 14,000
feet, a multitude of working ranches and farms, excellent cutthroat trout, elk and deer habitat, and
vibrant communities, the Dolores Basin is truly a one-of-a-kind place. This largely intact western
landscape is home to incredible hunting and fishing, as well as infinite recreational opportunities
ranging from rafting and kayaking to hiking, cycling, ORV riding and even sailing and water skiing on
McPhee Reservoir. Additionally, it’s an area vital to local agricultural and ranching interests, and is
essential for downstream water supply and water quality. From the top of the drainage to the bottom,
the Dolores Basin is a paradise that deserves to be kept the way it is.
with local communities
to maintain protection for
Colorado’s valuable network
of public forests, wilderness,
To help protect this landscape for a variety of recreation uses long into the future, Colorado TU
initiated a community-wide discussion about how to protect the sporting, economic, and recreational
values in the upper watershed. These conversations helped build a new coalition, ‘Sportsmen for the
Dolores’ (www.upperdolores.com), that will continue an open dialogue about protecting the values
and resources of our public lands and promote a wise land use plan that values traditional multiple
backcountry uses.
and parks – places that
provide some of the best
hunting, fishing, hiking and
camping in the country.
Newly hired Backcountry Coordinator Matt Clark and other Colorado TU staff worked in
conjunction with the local Dolores River Anglers TU Sub-chapter to identify and initiate stream
restoration projects on small tributaries of the Dolores River that contain native Colorado cutthroat
populations.
Working closely with the U.S. Forest Service, other conservation organizations, local citizens, and
OHV groups, Colorado TU worked to create balanced and responsible travel management plans in
the San Juan National Forest that preserve this special place for future generations while continuing to
allow diverse recreational activities.
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Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review
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Water Quality
Program
Overview
Legislative Advocacy
Monitoring Water Quality Through RiverWatch
Water quality is one of the most
basic indicators of watershed
health. The availability of cold,
clean water is essential for trout,
wildlife, and human health.
Unfortunately, water quality in
many of Colorado’s river basins
has declined due to widespread
development – from water diversion
projects that reduce flows, to
streamside mining and urban
runoff. Colorado TU works to
improve water quality in Colorado’s
rivers and streams by advocating
for water quality standards that
Through RiverWatch, a collaborative effort between Colorado TU, the Colorado
Watershed Assembly, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, volunteers from 6 Trout
Unlimited chapters helped collect baseline data on streams and rivers across the state.
RiverWatch is designed to provide
policy-makers and agencies with high
quality water ecosystem data to guide
informed decisions.
Notes From The Field
The Cutthroat Chapter, Cheyenne
Mountain Chapter, Colorado River
Headwaters Chapter, West Denver
Trout Unlimited, Five Rivers Chapter,
and Collegiate Peaks Chapter conducted monitoring on Clear Creek,
Bear Creek, Severy Creek, South
Platte River, Arkansas River and the
Fraser River among others, logging
hundreds of volunteer hours monitoring their home waters.
Bill Honeyfield, Cutthroat TU Chapter
“Fish need cold, clean water to survive. I
participate in the River Watch program to help
Colorado agencies monitor and maintain the
health of our rivers. As an added bonus, it’s fun!”
Colorado TU is the only sportsmen’s conservation organization that maintains a full-time
legislative advocate at the State Capitol during the General Assembly. Combined with the power
of our grassroots membership – activists who contact their legislators on critical issues – Colorado
TU provides a respected and effective voice for river and watershed protection at the legislature.
Program
Overview
2010 was a good year for smart water bills under the Capitol dome. A package of bills to promote
a variety of water conservation strategies was passed by the legislature and signed into law
by Governor Ritter. Additionally, Colorado TU secured legislation encouraging low-impact
hydropower and defeated a bill to weaken the ability of the Division of Wildlife to acquire lands
for habitat and hunting and fishing access. Colorado TU and our allies scored important victories
on our top legislative priorities, making 2010 a highly successful session for river and watershed
conservation. Together, we:
Congress and the state
legislature are critical forums
where laws are made that
Promoted Wise Water Use. Colorado TU and its conservation partners secured passage of three
important bills to encourage greater conservation of water, helping keep more water in Colorado’s
streams. Combined, these measures represent a significant step forward in promoting wise water
use. HB 1051 requires water providers to present annual information on the amount of water being
saved through their water conservation plans, and outline strategies that must be considered under
their plans. SB 25 extends the state water efficiency grant program to support water efficiency and
conservation programs. HB 1358 requires new home builders to offer water-smart options such as
installation of water-efficient fixtures and xeriscaping.
affect our rivers. A single
bad law can counter the
benefits of dozens of onthe-ground efforts, while a
Advocated For Reasonable Hydropower. SB 19 was intended to change how hydropower plants
Keeping Colorado’s Rivers
Clean
are valued for property tax purposes. Colorado TU worked with bill sponsors to apply this change
to lower-impact hydropower projects only – those that take advantage of water already moved
for other purposes and do not take more water from Colorado’s streams. It represents the first
low-impact hydropower standard in Colorado law, encouraging renewable energy in a way that also
protects streams.
Beyond monitoring, protection
of water quality requires effective
advocacy before the Water Quality
Control Commission to ensure that
Colorado’s rivers are protected by
strong, science-based standards. In
2010, Colorado TU and its partners
worked with the Commission in its
“Basic Standards” review – setting
baseline standards that protect water
quality statewide. Among the major
issues addressed in this revision of
the standards:
good law can open valuable
opportunities for river
conservation. To maximize
Protected Funding For Trout Habitat & Access. Working with the Colorado Division of Wildlife,
Colorado TU helped defeat HB 1361, a bill that would have created significant new obstacles to
our ability to conserve,
acquiring lands with habitat stamp funds. Land purchases made by Colorado DOW using habitat
stamp funds contributed by hunters and anglers are very valuable in protecting habitat and in
providing hunting and fishing access.
protect and restore
watersheds throughout our
Securing Funding For Local River & Public Lands Conservation
Dissolved oxygen standards were proposed that didn’t consider the needs of fish species
that occur at greater depths than two meters – such as trout and especially lake trout.
Colorado TU helped secure language recognizing the need to look at oxygen levels at greater
depths where fish rely on those deeper-water habitats.
sustain diverse aquatic life in the
Colorado TU helped limit proposed measures that provide loopholes and exemptions for
polluters.
Arkansas, Rio Grande, Colorado,
The Commission adopted more protective zinc standards to help protect sculpin (and in
the process strengthened protection for trout as well).
Yampa, Platte, Gunnison, and
Mining interests proposed a number of measures to weaken metal standards; in each case,
Colorado TU either achieved an acceptable compromise or defeated the proposal altogether.
state, Colorado TU works
Since the 1970’s, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, funded through oil and gas royalties
that are collected for permission to drill/develop on public lands, has provided resources to
communities, state, and federal agencies to establish and maintain public parks across the country.
Many of these projects also pay for locally-led stream restoration efforts throughout Colorado.
While this program has provided millions of dollars to local communities to establish and maintain
healthy rivers and access to public lands through offshore oil and gas leasing revenues, it has rarely
received full funding. During 2010, Colorado TU mobilized its grassroots members in support of
various attempts by Congress to fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund including the
Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources (CLEAR) Act.
with decision-makers at
the state capitol and in
Washington D.C. promoting
balanced, common sense
policies that ensure
Colorado’s rivers and public
San Juan basins.
lands remain healthy for
future generations.
Photo by Tim Romano
12 |
Photo by Mark Lance
Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review
|
13
2010 Financials
Revenues $337,837.03
Investment/Other
3%
Membership
7%
Contributions
34%
Events
17 %
Expenses $336,212.32
Development
5%
Thank You!
Colorado TU wishes to express our deepest appreciation
to our supporters, who through their continued generosity
allow us to conserve, protect, and restore Colorado’s rivers and
watersheds.
RIVER STEWARDSHIP
COUNCIL, $1,200+
Grants
39 %
General/Administration
15 %
Jerry Arnold
R.A. Beattie
Jay Boak
Bob Bush
Larry Bussey
Robert Collins
Chris Crosby
Chett Cross
Michael Delaney
Sinjin Eberle
John & Denise Frontczak
Caleb & Sidney Gates
Bill Hankinson
Dikran Kashkashian
Jay Kenney
Sharon Lance
Rick Matsumoto
Michael McGoldrick
Robert & Marcie Musser
Chuck Ohmer
Gary & Ivy Parish
Ray Samuelson
Elizabeth Serniak
James Stevens
Dennis Swanson
CENTURY CLUB, $100+
Conservation
Programs
51%
Outreach/Education
19 %
Chapter/Member Services
10 %
Balance Sheet
CURRENT ASSETS
Bank accounts ........................................ $95,732.31
Petty cash ...................................................... $95.00
Accounts receivable .................................. $7,128.00
Investments ...................................................... $61,315.26
TOTAL ASSETS ................................................ $164,270.57
LIABILITIES
Restricted Funds ................................................ $86,639.91
Equity
Colorado TU Trust .................................... $25,040.00
Net income ............................................... $1,624.71
Other equity ............................................ $50,965.95
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY .......................... $164,270.57
14 |
Colorado TU Donors
John Aaron
Scott Allen
Sean Anderson
Smoky Anderson
Douglas Andrews
Dan & Mary Armour
Richard & Marshall,Arnold
Robert Asmuth
Brandon Baca
Stephen Bailey
Byron Baird
C.B. Baird
Todd Baize
David Baker
Jim Barbour
Matthew Bates
Tom Baumler
James Beasley
Eric Beeby
Anne Beer
Chuck Bellock
Paul Benedetti
Philip Beranato
Richard Bird
Brett Birky
Willard Bissell
Brent Black
Maurice Blackmon
Jim Blugerman
Andrew Bond
John Borst
G.C. & A.L. Bowen
Brendan Bowler
Douglas Brown
Myles Brown
Robin Brown
Dennis Bruner
Stephanie Buchholtz
John Bullington
James Bunch
Joe Cannon
Charlton Carpenter
Scott Carpenter
Patrick and Susan Carr
John Carron
Mason Carter
Carl Chambers
Jeff Chandler
L. Shawn Cheadle
Anthony (Tony) Chelf
David Clark
James Clark
Mark & Judy Cole
Tim & Anne Collins
Dennis Cook
Ken Coors
David Corkill
Steve Craig
Mac Cunningham
Paul D’Amato
Rodney Davis
Jeffrey Dean
Terrence Deaton
Roger DeKloe
Bruce & Donna Dickinson
Mark Dickson
Austin Dieckmann
Reed & Karen Dils
Court Dixon
David Donaldson
John Doninger
Richard Doucette
Dan Downing
Jim Dreisbach
H. Benjamin Duke III
Thomas Dwyer
Glen & Jackie Edwards
David Eitemiller
John Elgin
Fred Eller
Carole and Edward Engler
Michael Englhard
Christopher Eriksen
Terry Escamilla
Edward Estlow
Greg Evans
Justin Everett
Douglas Fancher
Sally Fant
Todd Fehr
David Ferro
Kyle Fink
Richard Finlon
Jerome Firpo
Steven Fitzgerald
Eric France, M.D.
Charles Fraser
John & Dana Frazee
Thaddeus Gabreski
Tracy Galloway
John Gamble
Harvey Gates
Gerald Gavenda
Thomas Ghidossi
Ken & Ann Gillis
Burton Golub
Roy Goodwin
Robert Gray
Thomas Gregory
Kerry Gubits
Robert Guthmiller
Brian Haan
John Harris
John Haun
Charlene Heins
Judith Henning
Anne Hensarling
Chris Herrman
John Higgs
J. Roger Hill
Ron Hoenninger
David Hoff
Stephen Holick
Kendall H. Holm
Charlie Horn
Larry Howe
Marcia & Dennis Hult
James Impara
Michael Ingo
Richard G. Isenberger
Ralph Jacobson
Howard Jenkins
Robert Jenkins
Isaac Jiron
Robert Johannes
Craig Johnson
Sam & Ann Johnson
Shawn Johnson
Tina Johnson
Alan Jones
Donald Jones
Elise Jones
Tom Jones
Henry Kahanek
John Karpan
Bruce Kautz
Anthony Kay
Jerry Kernis
John Keyser
Kimberly Kirkendoll
Michael Kish, DMD
Benji Kitagawa
Henry & Ann Klaiman
Kirk Klancke
Richard Knackendoffel
Kurt Koegler
Richard Kohler
Walter & Mary Koozin
Nicholas Kosmicki
Stephen Kozak
Steve Kramer
Randall Kryszak
Jim Kubichek
Richard Kuehster
Don Lamb
Bruce Lamborne
Richard Landon
Berle Larned
Allan Larson
Duane Larson
David Laws
Dennis Leonetti
Garth Lewis
Josh Ley
Phyllis Lorman
James Mack
Ron Maclachlan
Stephen Macy
John Mankus
Clyde Manning
Jay Marks
Joseph Marr
Bill Mastre
Nick Mathers
John Matthews
Lon McCain
John McClow
John McDermott
Douglas McDonald
Donald McIntyre
David McMillan
R. C. Mercure, Jr.
Shawn Merrill
Jeff Metzger
Robert Miller
Gary Mintz
Jaynanne Montgomery
Michael Moonan
Tom Mooney
Gerald Moore
Frank Mueller
Michael Murphy
Mark Murray
Steve Murray
Michael Myers
Allen Nakagawa
Robert Nassimbene
Louise Nett
David Newberry
Rich Newton
Tricia Nichols
David Nickum
James Niehans
David Norris, North Fork Ranch
Daniel Norton
David Nosler
Richard & Lois Oberhelman
Chuck Ogilby
Pat & Carol Oglesby
John Okada
George Orbanek
Kelly Orr
Steven Osa
Bruce Papich
Richard Parachini
Garry Patrick
William Perkins
Mike Perry
Drew Peternell
Jerry Peterson
Robert Pew III
Randy Pharo
Michael Phillips
David Piske
Bruce Plankinton
Paul Prentiss
Craig Puckett
Fred Rasmussen
Alvin Revzin
Robert Rich
Alan and Diana Ritt
Matt Rivera
John Roberts
Alan Robinson
Walter Rockwell
John Rogers
Kevin Rogers
Tim Romano
Stephen Rosenblum
Jim Ross
Gary Rotolo
Stan Rovira
Mike Rubala
William Russell
Jerry Ryan
Tony Sartoris
James Sawtelle
Paul Sazonick
David Schumacher
Elizabeth Searle
Lawrence Seidl
Leslie & Nancy Selzer
Daniel Shea
Mark Sheehan
Celia Sheneman
Jeff Sherer
Nancy Sherman
Steve Sherman
Michael Shoemaker
Arnold Silverman
Donald Simon
Buck Skillen
Bradley Skinner
Dale Smith
Travis Smith
C. John Snyder
Brian Sperry
Sean Spillane
Charles Stansbury
George Stark
Norman Stauffer
John Stermole
Russell Stewart Jr.
John Straw
Bob Streeter
Chris Striebich
Paul Sullivan
Thomas Swanson
William Tanis
Cedric Tarr
Dave Taylor
Douglas Thomas
F. Scott Thomas
Tom Thomas
Paul Thompson
Kristin M. Tita
John Trammell
Al Trask
Jon Treibly
Dave Trimm, Trout’s Fly Fishing
Emery Udvari
Jeff Updegraff
Dell Van Gilder
Jan vanBlommesteyn
Marge & Paul Vorndam
Steve Wallingford
Andrew Walvoord
Benjamin Weaver
Robert Weaver
Jon Weimer
Gerald Weintraub
Mary Wells
David Wenman
Jeffrey Wilken
Jim Williams
Larry Williams
Miles Williams
Richard Williams
C. Edwin Witt, Sr.
Jonathan Woodcock
Alex Woodruff
James Wright
Rob Zaback
Dave Zankey
Art Zimmer
Mike Zuendel
Corporate & Foundation
Anonymous (1)
American National Bank
Bank of Colorado
Charlie’s Flybox
Chevron Humankind
Clif Bar
Colorado Capital Bank
Ecological Resource Consultants
Education Foundation of
America
Embrace-a-Stream
(Trout Unlimited)
Environment Foundation
Environment Now
Hewlett Foundation
Kenny Brothers Foundation
Kroger
Maki Foundation
MillerCoors
Mountain Country Ranches
National Geographic
New Belgium Brewery
Patagonia
Pioneer Natural Resources
Rocky Mountain Angling Club
Silver Trout Foundation
Simms
Sweetwater River Ranch
Teva
Trout & Salmon Foundation
Upslope Brewing Company
Western Conservation
Foundation
In-Kind
A.W.S Charters
Acme Tackle Company
Adams Mystery Playhouse
Adventures in New Zealand
African Eyes Travel
Alagnak Lodge
Almont Anglers
Alpine Angling/Roaring Fork
Anglers
Alpine Tackle Supply
Anders Halverson
Angler Sport Group LTD
Angler’s Book Supply
Angler’s Covey
Anglers Addiction
Anglers All
Anglers Roost
Arkanglers
Arvada Center
Avondale Restaurant
Bass Pro Shops
Battenkill Lodge
Blue Quill Angler
Bob’s Fly Shop
Breckenridge Outfitters
Brodin Landin Nets
Bucking Rainbow Outfitters
Budweiser Events Center
Cabela’s
Charlie’s Flybox
Chota Outdoor Gear
Clear Creek Co.
Colorado History Musuem
Colorado Mountain Winefest
Colorado Symphony Orchestra
Confluence Casting
Copper Door Coffee Roasters
Costa Del Mar Sunglasses
Cottonwood Camp
Cutthroat Anglers
D’Vine Wine Imports
Denver Art Museum
Denver Center for the
Performing Arts
Denver Museum of Nature
and Science
Denver Zoological Foundation
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Distant Waters Angling
Dr. Slick Company
Dragonfly Anglers
Duranglers
Dvorak’s Fishing Expeditions
Eldridge Hardie
Elk Creek Ranch
Estes Angler
Fishexplorer.com
Fishpond
Flaming Gorge Recreation
Services
Flatiron Troutfitters
Fly Fishing Outfitters
Fly fishing Services Inc.
Frank Amato Publications
Frontier Anglers
Frontiers International Travel
Garfield Estates Vineyard &
Winery
Green River Drifters
Gunnison River Expeditions
Gunnison River Fly Shop
Gusterman’s Jewelers
Hatch Outdoors Inc.
Henry’s Fork Anglers
Holiday Inn Rocky Mountain
Park
Holland America Line
House Restaurant & Bar
Island Acres Motel
Jack Dennis Fly Fishing Trips
Kingfisher Lodge
Krieger Enterprises
Kuhrt Ranch
Landon Mayer Fly Fishing
Lost Canyon Resort
Madison Valley Ranch
Mike Sexton
MillerCoors
Modern Bungalow
Montana Fly Fishing
Connection
Montana Troutfitters
Morning Light Woodworks
Mountain Press Publishing
Company
MudBugCo
New Belgium Brewery
Niby Design Group
Ooh Ahh Jewelry
Orvis
Otter Products
Parisi
Patagonia
PEAK Fishing
Performance Entertainment
Pins & Fins LLC
Professor Bodkin Fly Fishing
R L Winston Rod Company
Red Canyon Lodge
Redstone Inn, Redstone
Redwood Llamas
RIO Products Intl. Inc.
River Light Images – Mark
Lance
Rockey River Resort
Rocky Mountain Angling Club
Ross Reels
Royal Gorge Anglers
Shook Book Publishing
Snooze an A.M. Eatery
Sportsman’s Warehouse
St. Peter’s Fly Shop
Sunrise Pack Station
Sweetwater Travel
Sylvan Dale Ranch
The Wildlife Experience
Tootsies Nail Shoppe
Troutmap
Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa
Wildlife by Dan Andrews
Willowfly Anglers
Winding River Ranch
Yellow Dog Fly Fishing
Adventures
Why I Give
Michael McGoldrick ,
River Stewardship Council member and
former Colorado TU Treasurer
“When I serve as a volunteer for a cause
such as Colorado TU, giving financially
seems a natural correlative to me. I know
the cause, the people and I understand the
mission, so giving as generously as I can just
makes sense.”
Chapters
Alpine Anglers
Boulder Flycasters
Cherry Creek Anglers
Cheyenne Mountain
Collegiate Peaks Anglers
Denver Chapter
Eagle Valley
Evergreen Chapter
Grand Valley Anglers
Southern Colorado Greenback
Chapter
Partners
Animas River Stakeholder’s
Group
Bull Moose Sportsmen’s
Alliance
Bureau of land Management
Colorado Division of Wildlife
Colorado Environmental
Coalition
Colorado River Water
Conservation District
Colorado Water Conservation
Board
Colorado Watershed Network
Conservation District
Colorado Wildlife Federation
Ducks Unlimited
Fly Fishing Film Tour
Grand County
Hewlett Foundation
High Country Citizen’s Alliance
La Plata Board of County
Commissioners
Motorized and Mechanized
Vehicle Advocates
National Park Service
National Wildlife Federation
Northwest Colorado Council of
Governments
San Juan Citizen’s Alliance
Southwestern Water
Conservation District
Sportsmen for Responsible
Energy Development
The Nature Conservancy
The Wilderness Society
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
Upslope Brewing Company
Western Native Trout Initiative
Western Resource Advocates
Photo courtesy University of Denver
Why We Give
Glen & Jackie Edwards,
West Denver TU Chapter
“For years we have provided volunteer
and financial support to Colorado Trout
Unlimited. Colorado TU helps us protect
our beloved Rocky Mountain streams for
our grand kids and future generations.”
Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review
|
15
Dedication
In Honor Of Joy Hilliard
(1923-2010)
We would like to honor and
acknowledge the support of Joy
Hilliard, a committed Colorado TU
member, dedicated volunteer, and
life-long supporter of coldwater
fisheries conservation. Her
generosity and engagement have
helped make the accomplishments
described in this report possible.
Through generous support
provided by her estate, Colorado
TU will continue her legacy and
love of the outdoors through
conservation and education for
years to come.
Colorado
Trout Unlimited
Denver
1536 Wynkoop Street
Suite 302
Denver, CO 80202
Boulder
1320 Pearl Street
Suite 320
Boulder, CO 80302
Durango
1032 1/2 Main Avenue
Suite 20
Durango, CO 81301
Grand Junction
115 North Fifth Street
Suite 500
Grand Junction, CO 81501
www.coloradotu.org
Cover Photos by Tim Romano
Annual Report Design courtesy Lopez Design Group
Printed by The Egan Printing Company