CTU Annual Report by Paul Prentiss

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

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

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.

23 1

Colorado TU’s Coldwater Conservation Strategy

Protect 9

high quality habitat for native and wild coldwater fish and maintain free flowing rivers;

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-

Restore

profit, grassroots sportsmen’s conservation organization providing

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

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.

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

Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review

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.

Photo by Sinjin Eberle

Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review

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

Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review

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

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

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Photo by Mark Lance

Colorado Trout Unlimited 2010 Year In Review

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

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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

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