COLORADO RIVERS FUND

Colorado Rivers Fund – Your Donations Put to Work

The 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:

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.

Arkansas River Pueblo Tailwater Erosion Project ($20,000)

The goal of this project is to address areas of significant erosion that are currently limiting the effectiveness of in-stream structures as well sedimentation of critical spawning and benthic habitat. The project will analyze both hydrologic and geomorphologic processes and develop options for the mitigation of erosion in the upper tailwater section of the river. One location of particular concern is just upstream of the Valco bridge between the heavy erosion, downstream sedimentation, and potential impact to private property and water storage infrastructure. Funding will support hydraulic river modeling to identify primary influences of erosion at priority areas and generate options for bank stabilization and habitat improvement. The assessment and design work will set the stage for a second phase of the project, to implement the recommendations and provide bank stabilization and improve riparian habitat and water quality. The project will ultimately enhance aquatic habitat, support wildlife diversity, identify opportunities for floodplain and wetland connection, and protect an important fishery resource. Funding from the Colorado Rivers Fund provided the required matching funds for a Water Supply and Reserve Fund proposal through the local Arkansas River Basin Roundtable and the Colorado Water Conservation Board. The project is being managed by the Southern Colorado Greenbacks chapter of TU.

This is a continuation of a multi-year study that is addressing the decline of the fishery below Dillon Dam and investigating the Blue River Watershed basin (from headwaters to the confluence with the Colorado River). Over the past two years, TU and partners have collected and analyzed important data related to stream temperature, water quality, periphyton, macroinvertebrates, flow regimes, and a rapid riparian/stream health assessment. During 2021 the data collection will continue with the addition of a study (PHABSIM) on flow/habitat relationships on the upper and middle reaches of the Blue River. Pebble count data will also be collected at 10 sites below the Dillon Dam by the Gore Range Anglers TU chapter. The project had an extreme funding shortfall ($100,000) when two previous foundations did not contribute to the project for 2021 (due to Covid related issues). The Colorado Rivers Fund grant of $20K has assisted in leveraging funds through a broad group of project partners, including a Colorado Water Conservation Board grant, with value in excess of $220K.

In summary, due to the tremendous generosity from Trout Unlimited members, CTU was able to establish the Colorado Rivers Fund. The Fund illustrates how your dollars are being leveraged to provide key funds to essential conservation projects. The Fund also showcases the collaborative work of TU Chapters members, CTU staff, and TU National staff in working together to provide leadership, technical guidance, and volunteer manpower to these projects. With your continued support, next year’s Fund will be expanded and provide even more success in accomplishing our conservation mission.

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To learn more about this story and Colorado Trout Unlimited, visit coloradotu.org.