FEBRUARY 21, 2023 - RESTORING GILL TRAIL #610
The last major restoration of the Gill Trail was 1999-2006. The topic of our February Monthly Meeting was the on-going conservation project to Restore the Gill Trail. For those of you who have fished Cheesman Canyon can attest, the Gill Trail is in dire need of repair and restoration to provide a safer trail for the user and to reduce the amount of erosion that is entering the South Platte River. Hiking is the only way to access this Gold tailwater fishery. Currently the trail is characterized by numerous steep crossings of slick rock and slopes of loose, slippery decomposed granite. Countless “social trails” have been worn down to the river, causing erosion and sedimentation, threatening the aquatic ecosystem. Our February membership meeting included talks from Bill Mangle of ERO Resources and Priscilla Marbaker of Tapis Associates where they discussed their assessment of the trail and findings. As they are still in the discovery mode of their contracted work, they solicited group feedback during the meeting on the user experiences and impressions of the trail. Lastly, they discussed potential improvement measures and recommendations to maintain and restore access to one of Colorado’s most popular and productive fisheries.
APRIL 4, 2023 - DONATION OF EQUIPMENT TO COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE
CCTU purchased and donated a $2200 eDNA Sampler to CPW Fisheries department. eDNA projects often rely on a widespread network of collaborators to collect samples. The eDNA sampling system purchased is compact, easy to ship, and has everything to quickly collect high-quality samples with sampling accuracy.
APRIL 22, 2023 - EARTH DAY TREE PLANTING AT BEAR CREEK
On Earth Day 2023, 15 members of your Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited (CCTU) were at Bear Creek Park in Lakewood to assist in planting well over 1000 plants. The annual project started with the CCTU Board approving a $3,000 donation to the City of Lakewood to purchase plants as a part of our long term effort to partner with the city and help Bear Creek become a better river for fish and other aquatic species. We awoke on Saturday morning, April 22nd to below freezing temperatures and snow! But, our volunteers arrived dressed for the weather and ready to work planting a variety of plants from large cottonwoods to small sedges around the lake and along Bear Creek. This year the project planted closer to the parking lot supporting the improvements the City has under contract to include a new bridge and improved trails. By noon all the plants were in the ground and surrounded by wire fence to prevent people from walking on them as well as attempting to prevent deer, beaver and other animals from snacking. A short walk downstream to the work we have done in years past and the fruits of our labor were evident. The trees are established and this year’s leaves are starting to bud. Despite the weather being more like winter than spring, a good time was had by all and a lot of work was done in a short amount of time. Finally, we are happy to report that no one fell into the creek!
JULY 2023 - UPdate to GILL TRAIL RESTORATION PROJECT
CCTU/ERO Resources contract has been executed for the Gill Trail Restoration Project Phase 2 work. The scope of this contract provides: 1) Gill Trail Pilot Project Area – July 31, 2) Improvements and Management Strategy – Sept 30, 3) Implementation Recommendations – Sept 30, and 4) Final Report – December 31.
JULY 31, 2023 - cheesman canyon flash flood will impact the gILL TRAIL RESTORATION PROJECT
On July 31, 2023, Monsoon weather pounded the greater Denver Metro area. Cheesman Canyon was heavily impacted by rain, hail, and lightning with heavy intensity, which caused an unexpected flash flood in the Canyon. Gill Trail suffered many wash outs, and heavy erosion of decomposed granite ended up in the South Platte River covering the river’s substrate, completely filling in historic fishing holes and pools in this Gold Medal Water. The gauging station went from 239 to 630 cfs in an hour. Due to high water nearly everywhere in the South Platte River basin, Denver Water had to restrict flows to 75 cfs post-flood. On August 4, Denver Water sent a team into the Canyon to assess damage. Stay tuned for updates. No doubt the Gill Trail Restoration Project is growing in scope to address the recent effects of this historic flash flood.
AUGUST 2023 - US FOREST SERVICE SIGN REPLACEMENT FOR GILL TRAIL
CCTU donated $500 and worked with the US Forest Service to design replacement signage for the base of the Gill Trail near the parking lot. The Forest Service has placed the order for the signage and expects delivery in 30-60 days, at which time the signage will be installed.
SEPTEMBER 2023 - TREE PLANTING IN HAYMAN FIRE BURN AREA
In collaboration with the US Forest Service, CCTU volunteers will plant trees to mitigate erosion. The exact date in September is to be determined. THIS EVENT WAS CANCELLED BY CUSP (Coalition for the Upper South Platte)
September 20 & 21, 2003 - Gill Trail Repairs
On July 31, 2023, a violent storm in Cheesman Canyon destroyed the trail system and washed decomposed granite into the South Platte River changing the flows at some favorite fishing holes. (See earlier post on this event.)
On September 20 and 21, 2023, 30 volunteers along with four members of the Colorado Mountain Bike Association’s trail team met at the lower Gill Trail parking lot, hiked into the canyon and spent two days repairing the trail.