Denver's Cutthroat Chapter

• Join the Cutthroat Trout Unlimited Chapter
• Meeting Dates / Times / Directions

• Our Mission/Vision
• President's Message
• Local Events
• River Watch Activities
• Contact Us

Conservation Corner (updated May 7, 2008 )

Chapter Mission Statement: To conserve, protect and restore Colorado's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds, in order to sustain and improve the quality of fishing for present and future anglers.

Cutthroat Chapter members have many opportunities to engage in Conservation activities ranging from "hands-on" stream projects, water quality sampling, issue advocacy, education, etc. These activities can be divided into chapter level or state level and are discussed in more detail below with links to additional information.

HOT! - NEW 2008 River and Waterhed Conservation Projects - CLICK FOR DETAILS

Chapter Level Conservation Projects

Waterton Canyon Fish and Bug Survey On Oct 17th five Cutthroat Chapter members participated in a combined fish survey and macro-invertebrate (i.e, bug) collection in the special regulations area of Waterton Canyon below Strontia Springs Dam. Previous electro-shocking surveys had revealed large numbers of small Brown Trout but no trout longer than 14 ½ inches. The bug collection, funded by the Cutthroat Chapter, was added to discover if other factors might be contributing to the decline in the fish size. The chapter participants were Jim Erickson, Ken McClatchy, Gary Weirauch, Doug McFarland and Jim Rasmussen. The results were surprising - numerous large Golden Stonefly Nymphs, some cased caddis nymphs and lots of green mossy looking algae. Later the group moved down the canyon about four miles and took another macro-invertebrate sample so that a comparison can be made between the upper and lower parts of the canyon.  Again some big stone flies were found. Before any conclusions or findings can be ascertained the macro-invertebrate samples need to be analyzed by a CDOW recognized bio-lab in Fort Collins. One of the possible outcomes favored by CDOW could be a change to the existing fishing regulations to allow 2 fish of any size to be harvested instead of the current 2 fish over 16 inches. At the present the the Cutthroat Chapter Conservation Committee, headed by Jim Rasmussen, is discussing the Chapter's participation in future events. To download Jim's full report Click here.You may email Jim Rasmussen or (303) 773-2772.

River Watch - Organized Water Quality Sampling and Analysis Click for Link

Cheesman Canyon/Gill Trail 2007 Worksessions Completed. On Oct 13th chapter volunteers in conjunction with volunteers from three local companies completed the last worksession for 2007 on the Upper Cheesman Trail. Summer rains had caused several washouts which were repaired plus two new sets of stone steps were added to the trail. This completes the work planned for 2007. Much has been accomplished in 2007 including the new 1300' extension of the Upper Cheesman Trail. Our sincere thanks go to the 104+ volunteers who contributed their time and energy on three separate workdays to this community service project.

If you have any comments about the Trail or would like to volunteer for future 2008 worksessions please contact Harry Hall (303-221-0048) or e-mail harrychall@comcast.net

State Level Conservation Projects/Issues
Colorado Trout Unlimited's (CTU's) website has an extensive variety of conservation related articles that affect the state of Colorado. Click HOT Topics to read a short synopsis about the Roan Plateau, Greenback Trout Restoration, Aquatic Nuisance Species and the Fraser River - a River at Risk. Each synopsis links to an indepth discussion. Also visit CTU's Resource Library under the Conservation drop-down menu to find indepth reports and articles about Air and Water quality issues across Colorado.

Also, inaugurated in 2007, is the CTU NewsBlog. This frequently updated site is intended to aid in the communications within the Colorado Trout Unlimited community, and is intended to serve as a centralized location for news and information between National Trout Unlimited, Colorado Trout Unlimited, and local chapters of Colorado Trout Unlimited. Contributions of news and updates are welcomed.

Buffalo Peaks Ranch Project. Good News (April 1st 2008) - the land lease issue has been resolved and the contractor, Ecological Resource Consultants (ERC) has begun preliminary work. Click here to for an overview of this "monster" restoration project on the Middle Fork of South Platte River. This is an effort by Colorado Trout Unlimited and its chapters to restore fish habitat on a 5-mile segment of public water along the Middle Fork South Platte River in Park County - just upstream from the Tomahawk State Wildlife Area. The stream has been damaged by historic grazing, and the project will help restore a more natural channel condition, provide more pools and structure for fish habitat, and protect riparian habitat through fencing to manage grazing use on the property. The first Volunteer Weekend Camping Extravaganza may be May 31-June 1 or June 7-8, and at least one other weekend in July. Please stay tuned for details and contact me if you have questions.

Two Great Articles on Mine Cleanup in Summit County from 2007. Read the Summit Daily News article "Cleaning Up the Mess" on Peru Creek. Trout Unlimited in in conjunction with Summit Country, state and federal agencies are laying plans for a treatment facility at the Pennsylvania Mine site. Also read a companion story "Abandoned Mines Cause Environmental Devastation" from the Summit Daily News.