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December 2024

A New Era for Colorado's Rivers - Celebrating the Passage of the Good Samaritan Act

Legislation co-sponsored by Colorado leaders paves the way for innovative mine remediation projects and a brighter future for our rivers and streams.

 

In a monumental bipartisan achievement two decades in the making, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Good Samaritan Remediation of Abandoned Hardrock Mines Act. Co-sponsored by Colorado’s Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, and Representatives Boebert, Caraveo, Crow, Neguse, and Pettersen, this legislation is now on its way to the President’s desk. It authorizes 15 pilot projects over the next seven years to clean up abandoned mines, which pollute our rivers and streams with harmful metals. This bill addresses the significant legal challenges that previously hindered mine cleanups by nonprofits and state agencies.

The passage of this bill is a testament to the persistent efforts of Trout Unlimited and their partners, reflecting a dedication to clean water and healthy habitats. This legislative success marks a significant milestone in restoring America's rivers and streams, especially in Colorado. Looking ahead, it paves the way for modernizing mining laws to balance the need for domestic mining with environmental stewardship. This new era for Colorado’s rivers and streams promises cleaner waterways and healthier ecosystems, with the potential for Trout Unlimited to lead further remediation projects in collaboration with agency and private sector partners.

 
 

End of Year Premium Gifts Now Available

Your generous, tax-deductible, year-end gift will help us continue to advance the projects and partnerships that benefit Colorado’s watersheds and wild places. We have also lined up a range of unique Colorado TU gifts for different levels of donations, including gift cards for use with local Colorado fly shops, in appreciation of your generous support. You can make a difference for Colorado's coldwater fisheries and watersheds at all giving levels. Thank you!

 
 

Decades of Work Keeps Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout Off Endangered Species List

Decades of work by Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff and partner organizations, including Trout Unlimited, was recognized this week when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced its decision to not list the Rio Grande cutthroat trout under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

 
 

Registration for the CTU Conservation & Fly Fishing Camp is Now Open

We are excited to announce registration is open for our River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp June 8th-14th! CTU Camp is for youth 14 - 18 years old and we accept 20 campers each year. Campers spend a week together in the mountains near Almont, CO. This inclusive camp is a special place where teens find acceptance and make forever friendships with others who share their passion for the river, fly fishing, and conservation.

 
 

Genetically Unique Cutthroat Trout Rescued From 2016 Wildfire are Found to be Reproducing in SE Region Streams

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) biologists have observed promising signs that their efforts to save a genetically unique cutthroat trout from Hayden Creek, threatened by the 2016 Hayden Pass Fire, are paying off. Recent surveys in southeastern Colorado streams have found evidence of these trout surviving multiple years and reproducing naturally, marking a significant milestone. Since the rescue operation, CPW has reintroduced over 8,000 of these fish into Newlin Creek and 135,000 into 18 streams and lakes across the Arkansas River drainage, establishing multiple age classes and indicating a positive trajectory for this unique trout species.

 
 

CTU is Hiring

Colorado TU seeks a candidate with successful fundraising experience including developing strategic fundraising plans for campaigns or organizations, with strong interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to coldwater conservation, to serve as the organization's Development Director. See our current openings for more information.

 

Troutfest Colorado 2025

Colorado TU is excited to announce that Troutfest Colorado 2025 will take place Saturday, May 31st, at Coors Field. Join us for a day of conservation, education, and community at the ballpark! This year, CTU is also partnering with the Outside Festival, giving locals and visitors the chance to enjoy both events during the weekend. Registration coming soon!

 

Featured Partner: RareWaters

RareWaters links landowners and anglers together in one place, enabling premium do it yourself fly fishing experiences. Hook More Adventure This Holiday Season! Trout Unlimited and RareWaters have partnered to offer an exclusive deal: a 2025 RareWaters Season Pass at 20% off, saving you $500. Additionally, RareWaters will donate $250 back to CTU for each pass sold. Enjoy unlimited access to over 65 properties across the West, with no blackout dates, free access for non-angling spouses and kids under 13, unlimited buddy passes, discounts at partner fly shops, invites to member events, and a free Trout Unlimited membership.

 
  • December 28th - TU Headwaters Chapter Yule Celebration - Winter Park, CO - Join the Headwaters chapter for a volunteer appreciation event and raffle drawing. Don't forget to buy tickets – even if you can’t attend in person, you can win! Learn more.

  • January 25th - Iron Fly - Grand Junction, CO - Join the Grand Valley Anglers chapter for a tying competition at Western Anglers. Learn more.

  • February 1st - Frostbite Fish-Off - Pueblo, CO - Join the Southern Colorado Greenback chapter for their annual fundraising fishing tournament on the Arkansas River tailwater. Learn more.

  • February 21st - 23rd - The Fly Fishing Show - Denver, CO - This year's Fly Fishing Show will be held once again at the Gaylord Rockies. Join CTU and several chapters! Learn more.

  • March 13th - CTU River Stewardship Gala - Denver, CO - Join CTU for our annual fundraising event at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Learn more.

  • March 22nd - The Fly Tying Clinic - Golden, CO - Join the West Denver chapter for its 46th annual event, with over 50 local and nationally-known tyers. Learn more.

  • March 22nd - International Fly Fishing Film Festival - Grand Junction, CO - Join the Grand Valley Anglers chapter at Avalon Theater for the 2025 IF4. Learn more.

  • March 29th - The Trout Fishing Expo - Loveland, CO - Join the Rocky Mountain Flycasters chapter for their its annual expo. Includes exhibitors, fly tying, speakers, and more. Learn more. 

  • May 31st - Troutfest Colorado 2025 - Denver, CO - Join CTU for the largest Trout Unlimited event in the country! Save the date! Learn more.

 

 
 

Thank you to our business partners:

 
 
 

Colorado Trout Unlimited
1536 Wynkoop Street Suite 320 | Denver, Colorado 80202
303-440-2937 | info@coloradotu.org

NATIONAL TROUT UNLIMITED

 1(800)-834-2419 trout@tu.org

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