| |  | | | Reconnecting the Colorado: Final Approvals in Place! Since its completion in 1985, Windy Gap Dam and reservoir has blocked the Colorado River near Granby. The dam and on-channel reservoir have prevented passage of aquatic life, impacted downstream water quality and temperature, interfered with natural sediment transport through the river, and overall led to significant declines in fish and macroinvertebrate populations downstream. But this week, the River cleared a major hurdle on its road to restoration: the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service issued its "Finding of No Significant Impact" for the Colorado River Connectivity Channel, which will restore a functioning river channel reconnecting the Colorado around Windy Gap.  With the "FONSI" in hand, the NRCS can move forward in providing needed federal funds to allow construction of the connectivity channel to move forward. We expect construction to begin in June and to be completed by the end of 2023. The project will establish a new mile of river that will be available for public angling by 2025, after allowing the habitat and fishery time to establish. The idea of reconnecting the Colorado River at Windy Gap has been championed for 20+ years by TU stalwarts like Bud Isaacs and Tony Kay, supported by science developed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife and researcher Barry Nehring, and advanced through the tireless efforts of current TU leaders Mely Whiting and Kirk Klancke. Now that vision is on the verge of becoming reality! Read the press release from TU and its partners here. | |  | | | | | | | TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM CLASSES CELEBRATE SPRING RELEASES After another successful year of youth in participating schools around the state raising trout from eggs in tanks in their classrooms, students, teachers, and local partners joined in releasing their fish into CPW-approved waters. You can check out photos from this year's events here! | | | | WATER RAID TARGETS SAN LUIS VALLEY Efforts to pump and export groundwater from southern Colorado's San Luis Valley are nothing new - Valley residents have previously fought off similar efforts by American Water Development Inc. and Stockman's Water. Now the misleadingly named "Renewable Water Resources" proposal is taking aim at already overtapped Valley groundwater for export to the Southern Front Range - putting the environment and rural communities at risk. Learn more and take action here. | | | | FLY FISHING FILM TOUR - LAST SHOWINGS! The final Colorado stops for F3T are taking place this month. This evening - Wednesday, May 11th - the St. Vrain Anglers Chapter will be hosting a showing at Wibby Brewing in Longmont - tickets are available here. And on May 26th, CTU will be joining with host Buffalo Rose in Golden on the final Denver-area showing. General admission tickets can be purchased in advance here; and VIP tickets including a pre-film happy hour with beer and munchies at Golden River Sports (and the chance to win a guided Clear Creek fishing trip) can be purchased here. | | | | THE SPRING ISSUE OF HIGH COUNTRY ANGLER IS HERE Check out the featured articles in the new edition of High Country Angler e-zine! The Spring issue includes a double-dose of Landon Mayer on responsible fishing during the spawning season and visiting Wyoming's Powder River, an update on TU's efforts to secure Good Sam legislation to promote abandoned mine cleanups, fly selection tips from biologist Peter Stitcher, and more! | | | | | | FEATURED PARTNER: REP YOUR WATER RepYourWater located in Erie, CO is an apparel brand dedicated to providing uniquely designed, top quality gear for anglers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts while increasing support of local conservation and inspiring exploration. Conservation has been a value of the business since their inception in 2011 both by donating at least 3% of their sales to conservation partners like Colorado TU and continuing to strive towards sustainability by being carbon neutral, zero-waste to landfill and incorporating recycled and organic materials in more and more products every year. Over the years they have donated over $35,000 to Colorado Trout Unlimited to support their work here in their home state. | | | |  | - May 14 - Rocky Mountain Flycasters Fly Tying Expo - Ft. Collins. Join the chapter at the Aztlan Center for its annual Fly Expo to discover new fly patterns, connect with local anglers and conservationists and learn about volunteer opportunities! Lean more and buy tickets here: https://rmftu.org/2022expo
- May 21-22 - CTU Spring Meeting and Retreat - Redstone. After two years of pandemic limitations, we will be meeting again face-to-face in Redstone! Chapter volunteer leaders and interested members who want to get engaged with CTU are all welcome. Redstone Inn has extended us special discounts from their usual room rates - just mention you are with Colorado TU's event. You can learn more and register here for the weekend (to cover all meals Saturday, and brunch on Sunday).
- June 18 - HEART Trail maintenance day - Hartsel. Join the Cherry Creek Anglers for a volunteer day helping maintain angling access for mobility-impaired anglers at the Hartsel Easy Access Recreational Trail. Click here for details and RSVP info.
- June 20 - Evergreen TU Golf Tourney - Hiwan Golf Club. This joint fundraising event with Evergreen TU, Evergreen High School Girls and Boys Golf Teams, and Dr. Dennis Clifford's Game For Life offers the chance to play one of Colorado's great courses for a collection of great causes. Register your team (or as an individual) here.
- July 18- Save the Date for the Inaugural TroutFest Colorado!- Denver. Join us at Coors Field for an evening of fun, featuring local fishing/outdoors vendors, a casting pond, fly tiers, raffles, an auction, sips, eats, Youth activities and more! Stay tuned for more information. Event Contact: Whitney at (720) 879-0271.
- July 29-31 - 8 River Rodeo - Glenwood Springs & Almont. Two-person teams will try to catch fish from eight different rivers over two days - are you up for the challenge? Proceeds benefit Colorado TU and Project Healing Waters. Learn more or register here.
See all upcoming events on our Facebook listings and event calendar. | | | | | | | | | | | | Colorado Trout Unlimited
1536 Wynkoop Street Suite 320 | Denver, Colorado 80202
3034402937 | info@coloradotu.org | |  | | | | | | | | |
