BY GREG HARDY • CTU VICE PRESIDENT
Colorado Rivers Fund – Your Donations Put to Work
T
he genesis of the Colorado Rivers Fund began in a CTU Finance Committee meeting last year, when the Treasurer was reporting on unexpectedly strong donations from our members. The “Year of Covid” had resulted in an outpouring of grassroots contributions to CTU. A discussion ensued as to where the extra cash should go: rainy day fund or investment in conservation projects? That led to a proposal of establishing a conservation fund. The following week, the Executive Committee approved the establishment of the “Colorado Rivers Fund.” An announcement was sent throughout Colorado TU calling for grant applications to the new Fund of up to $20,000. The application process included a written proposal and a short pitch presentation – called the “Trout Tank” – to the decision board. The review board was selected and included the five CTU Regional Vice Presidents, two Past CTU Presidents, CTU Executive Director, and the CTU Vice President. The Decision Board was tasked with determining which of the applications were worthy of being considered “gamechanger” projects and receive CTU support from the Colorado Rivers Fund. Projects were evaluated on the following items: significance of project impact; were CTU funds being utilized as multipliers to secure additional funding sources; were outside partnerships leveraged; was there a specific project management plan that would ensure project completion; and were new and innovative ideas incorporated in the project. CTU approved the following projects to receive support from the Colorado Rivers Fund:
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High Country Angler • Summer 2021
Taylor and Gunnison River 2021 Recreation Assessment ($5,000) The Gunnison and Taylor rivers have experienced a significant increase in the commercial and public use of the rivers. This collaborative project involving Colorado Parks Wildlife and the Gunnison Angling Society Chapter will consist of creel/boater surveys. The surveys will focus on data relating to angling and boating use, quality of experience, and user impacts. The data will provide decision-makers with information that can assist in prioritizing river access points, special fishing regulations, and permitting of commercial operations. Funding from the Colorado Rivers Fund, CPW, Gunnison Angling Society chapter, and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District will support the use surveys. The project started June 1 and last through the end of September. Both rivers are at or near Gold Medal quality, and the data will provide addition information for better fisheries management decisions.
Upper Arkansas Watershed Resiliency Plan ($5,000) This project involves the Collegiate Peaks Chapter partnering with the local Conservation District to establish community engagement, analysis and planning for watershed resiliency along the Arkansas River in Chaffee County. The project will assemble existing studies and plans on ecosystem health, hydrology, geomorphology, wetland/riparian health, water use, and identify strategies for increased protection and enhancement. The effort will also promote multi-benefit partnerships with area agricultural producers and water users. In addition, the project will also be used to inform floodplain protection requirements being revisited by Chaffee County. The Colorado Rivers Fund contribution of $5K is helping leverage more than $200K in other partner support including a $99K Colorado Water Conservation Board grant. www.HCAezine.com
