| |  | | | TU Speaks Out for Trout and Water Quality | |  | This has been a big week for Colorado Trout Unlimited on the legislative front, as our highest priority bills at both the State and Federal level were both introduced in the US and Colorado Houses of Representatives! Providing a voice for trout in the halls of government is an important part of TU’s work, and you can help by lending your voice as well through our action alerts on these two important bills. At the state level, Speaker McCluskie, Rep. McCormick, and Sen. Roberts introduced HB24-1379 – a bill to restore state-level protections for wetlands and waters that lost federal protection when the Supreme Court last year issued a decision resulting in the largest rollback of Clean Water Act protection in the law’s 50-year history. HB24-1379 will establish state-level protections to ensure that Colorado’s waters and wetlands remain protected, benefiting fish, wildlife, drinking water, flood control, and watershed health. At the federal level, Representatives Maloy (R-UT) and Peltola (D-AK) introduced HR 7779, which would establish a new federal program to enable third-party Good Samaritans (such as states or nonprofit groups like TU) to conduct carefully designed restoration projects to reduce mine pollution. Under current law, such Good Sams could take on perpetual liability for the mine pollution even though they had nothing to do in creating the problem, only improving it. Colorado alone has more than 250 draining mines with about 60% of those degrading downstream water quality. Under HR 7779, the EPA will be authorized to permit up to 15 pilot projects for Good Sams to help with cleanup of such draining mines. You can help with both of these vital efforts, by asking your State Representative to support HB 24-1379 for water and wetland protection, and asking your US Representative to support and cosponsor HR7779 for Good Sam mine cleanups. With your help, we hope to get both of these important bills passed for the benefit of trout and their watersheds. | | | | | | | | | | | | Protecting the Headwaters On March 7, CTU held its 2024 River Stewardship Gala at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, drawing more than 300 river supporters to join in celebrating and raising funds for Colorado’s rivers. As a centerpiece of the event, the River Stewardship Award was presented to Bob and Suzanne Fanch, owners of Devils Thumb Ranch and founders of the Headwaters River Journey Museum in Winter Park. | | | | | | | | Restoring the Kawuneeche Valley In 2020 Rocky Mountain National Park, the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forests, Northern Water, the Colorado River District, Grand County, and the Town of Grand Lake formed an inclusive collaboration to study and rejuvenate this picturesque and critical gateway. The Kawuneeche Valley Restoration Collaboration (KVRC) goal is to achieve long-term benefits of a healthy environment including improved water quality, wildlife habitat, and aesthetic and recreational value. Now TU has joined this group effort to work to return the Kawuneeche Valley to its status as a vibrant and diverse ecosystem. | | | | | | | | CWCB Issues $17.4 Million in Colorado Water Plan Grants On March 13, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) approved 52 Water Plan Grant applications today, which will distribute $17.4 million to fund critical projects to manage and conserve water, improve agriculture, promote watershed health, spark collaborative partnerships, and much more. The grants included more than $3 million for TU-sponsor collaborative projects. | | | | | | | | Last Chance to Apply and Register for CTU Camp The deadline to apply and register for the CTU River Conservation and Fly Fishing camp is April 1st. CTU Camp is not just a week in the mountains; it's an opportunity to inspire the next generation of river stewards and conservation-minded anglers. Participants will explore the profound connections between conservation, a love for the outdoors, and the art of fly fishing. | | | | | | | | Featured Partner: Anglers All Anglers All is a River Champion Business Partner with CTU, having supported mine restoration projects such as the Orphan Boy Mine and Lion Creek in the Clear Creek headwaters, reducing the mine waste that reaches streams and making downstream water cleaner. Anglers All is a staple fly fishing shop in the front range and will be celebrating their 70th anniversary at their original shop located at 5211 S. Santa Fe Dr. in Littleton on April 20th at their event, The Conclave. They also recently opened a second location at 1303 E 6th Ave in Denver. Visit their site for more information. | | | | | | | |  | -
March 23rd - RMFTU Trout Fishing Expo - Loveland, CO - Join Rocky Mountain Flycasters chapter for the 2024 Trout Fishing Expo. Learn more. You can also enter their annual raffle Here. -
April 5th-7th - Conejos Superfly 2024 - Antonito, CO - Superfly is a family and friends fun fishing tournament held on the Conejos River to raise funds for San Luis Valley Trout Unlimited. Learn More. -
April 13th - International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) - Grand Junction, CO - Join Grand Valley Anglers at the Avalon Theater - More details coming soon - Learn more. -
April 20th - Plant Trees with CCTU for Earth Day - Lakewood, CO - CCTU partners with City of Lakewood Parks to restore Bear Creek riparian areas by planting trees and shrubs. Learn more. -
April 25th - International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) - Buena Vista, CO - Join Collegiate Peaks chapter for the 2024 IF4 at the Surf Hotel. Learn More. -
June 29th - 2024 Troutfest Colorado - Coors Field, Denver, CO - Join CTU for the 2024 Troutfest Colorado at Coors Field. This free event is a celebration of community, conservation, and education. Learn more. | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | | | Colorado Trout Unlimited
1536 Wynkoop Street Suite 320 | Denver, Colorado 80202
303-440-2937 | info@coloradotu.org | |  | | | | | | | | |
