Trout Unlimited and Irrigators, Working Together to Protect Rivers and Agriculture

Since 2015, Trout Unlimited (TU) and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) have worked on projects to build fish passages around these barriers. These initiatives support the Middle Colorado Integrated Water Management Plan (MCIWMP) aimed at enhancing irrigation efficiency and fish movement. In 2022, TU launched the Middle Colorado Agricultural Collaborative (MCAC) to upgrade irrigation infrastructure. By 2024, plans for five projects were ready, with three set for construction in fall 2024. The MCAC, involving multiple partners, showcases the harmony between agriculture and environmental conservation.

Denver Water Renews Moratorium on Two Forks

In 2004, the South Platte Protection Plan was adopted as a local alternative to Wild and Scenic designation and included streamflow protections and an endowment to fund projects. One key piece of the Plan was Denver Water's 20-year moratorium on efforts to develop Two Forks Dam, which has now been extended by another ten years.

TU, Anglers All, Help Restore Grizzly Mine Site

On July 9th, CTU along with our partner, Anglers All, visited one of many abandoned mine cleanup locations. This project rerouted clean water coming out of the adit away from mine waste that it picked up on its way flowing into Grizzly Gulch, and moved and capped the waste rock back away from the stream while creating improved habitat and floodplain connectivity along Grizzly Gulch.

CPW announces discovery of Zebra Mussels in the Colorado River and Government Highline Canal

On July 1, staff from CPW’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) team collected a plankton sample from the Government Highline Canal near Clifton. This sample was evaluated at the ANS Lab in Denver where a suspected single zebra mussel veliger was found.

Late Season Fun: August and September Tournament Fundraisers

Here we are in late July, but we’re already looking forward to Fall. Late August and September are special months when it comes to CTU fundraisers, as several fishing tournaments with a twist are planned. Let’s look at a few of these across the state.

Featured Partner: Denver Water

Denver Water, Colorado’s oldest and largest water provider, delivers clean, safe water to 1.5 million people in Denver and surrounding suburbs. It promotes conservation and appreciation for the water and the mountain watersheds that provide this critical resource, because Life Is Better With Water. Watch the Journey of Water trailer.