Awards
CTU EXEMPLARY PROJECT AWARD PRESENTED TO CCTU AT FALL RENDEZVOUS
GLenwood SPRINGS, CO
NOV 2, 2024
David Nickum (Executive Director) and Barbara Luneau (President) of Colorado Trout Unlimited presented the Exemplary Project Award to John Egan, Cutthroat Chapter Vice President and Conservation Projects Director at the CTU Fall Rendezvous. Zeke Flatau (TU Teen Representative, Denver, CO) handed out the awards during the ceremony.
The award was presented for “Rapid and Effective Collaboration in Addressing Emergency Impacts to the Gill Trail and Cheesman Canyon Following Flash Fooding and Massive Sedimentation.” The Flash Flood event occurred on July 31, 2023. Cutthroat volunteers mobilized and spent 2 days working on emergency trail repairs with USFS and COMBA on September 20-21, 2023.
CCTU STEVE BAILEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
2024-2025
In September 2024, Jordan Trujillo, CSU Graduate Student at Warner College of Natural Resources, was awarded a Scholarship by Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Jordan received her undergraduate degree in Ecology/Environmental Biology from Western Colorado University. Jordan is a master’s student in CSU’s department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, studying restoring pure native Rio Grande cutthroat to headwater systems that are currently occupied by non-native brook and brown trout, as well as assessing and testing for whirling disease (WD). Her research is to correlate WD presence in fish heads and eDNA samples, and also collect eDNA samples from tributaries as a non-lethal way of testing for WD. The goal is to validate this technique so that in the future it can be used to determine infection severity using eDNA samples. Jordan has also partnered with USFWS and CPW to discuss fish passage issues involving impassible barriers that can limit the distribution of fish throughout the system, and participated in round table discussions involving water rights and water laws within the San Luis Valley in association with Trout Unlimited. Jordan is an American Fisheries Society (AFS) member and participates in local and statewide events. Congratuations Jordan!
RAY CARNEY MEMORIAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2023
In February 2024, Cyndy Gal Scholz was awarded the Ray Carney Memorial Award by Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Cyndy has been a visible volunteer for Cutthroat Chapter, always willing to teach others conservation and fly-fishing skills. She was instrumental in leading STREAM Girls activities for the Chapter, participated in our conservation events, led CCTU Ladies Fishing on the Fly program, and ran entomology sessions for CTU Troutfest (where she landed a spot on Denver7 News). Cyndy also volunteers as the Education Director for Colorado Women Flyfishers, and is a ski instructor at Copper Mountain, all while holding down a full-time job. Thank you Cyndy for all you do! Cyndy was presented with a token of Chapter appreciation during our February 2024 meeting, which will fund a shopping trip to our local Orvis store. Congratulations Cyndy!
CCTU STEVE BAILEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
2023-2024
In September 2023, Taylor Stack, CSU Graduate Student at Warner College of Natural Resources, was awarded a Scholarship by Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Taylor is a master’s student in CSU’s department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, studying spatial patterns of genetic diversity in trout. His work applies techniques from landscape genetics to riverine systems in order to enhance strategies for reintroduction of native cutthroat trout to Colorado’s headwater streams. Taylor graduated from Western Colorado University in 2021 with bachelor’s degrees in Wildlife & Conservation Biology and Biochemistry. His interests in genetics and freshwater conservation brought him to the CSU in the fall of 2022. Steve Bailey served as CCTU President (twice) and ran chapter fundraising auctions for many years. He was a geophysicist and avid fly-fisherman and passed away in November 2014.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
In March 2023, Richard Pilatzke was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Richard has volunteered many thousands of hours over the years towards conservation, community and education efforts, including Project Healing Waters; hosting stillwater fishing trips to Crystal Lake, Lily Lake, Silver Dollar Lake; conducting Fly Tying Demonstrations and Clinics; and leading mine reclamation and restoration activities. Thank you for everything you do for our Chapter Richard, and congratulations!
RAY CARNEY MEMORIAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2022
In March 2023, Jim Rasmussen was awarded the Ray Carney Memorial Award by Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Jim has spent countless volunteer hours on activities to improve fishery habitats, including River Watch, river clean-ups, stream restoration and willow planting, and Gill Trail Restoration. Ray Carney was a long-standing member of CCTU, fly fishing mentor to many, and celebrated his 94th birthday before passing away in October 2021. Ray’s contributions to CCTU are remembered annually by awarding the Ray Carney Memorial Award.
OUTGOING SERVICE AND APPRECIATION AWARD
In March 2023, Brian Young was awarded an Outgoing Service and Appreciation Award by Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited for his years on the Board of Directors, and as Chapter Vice President. We thank Brian for his leadership, service and guidance over the years, and know that he will be enjoying life out on the water as a full-time fly-fishing guide with his black lab The Shadow.
CCTU STEVE BAILEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
2022-2023
In September 2022, Nitsa Platis, CSU Graduate Student at Warner College of Natural Resources, was awarded a Scholarship by Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Nitsa graduated from the University of Colorado – Boulder, with a BA in Ecology/Evolutionary Biology and Psychology. Nitsa’s research interests reside in behavioral ecology and conservation. She is particularly interested in understanding population and community level responses to environmental changes, to contribute to and develop effective management strategies. She is currently examining the effects that nutrient depletion and enrichment in the lower Blue River have on trout and sculpin populations.Nitsa presented a summary of her graduate research topic, “Ecological Impacts of Dams on the Blue River,” at the CCTU April 2023 Monthly Meeting. Steve Bailey served as CCTU President (twice) and ran chapter fundraising auctions for many years. He was a geophysicist and avid fly-fisherman and passed away in November 2014.
RAY CARNEY MEMORIAL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD 2021
In January 2022, Jerry Shin was awarded the Ray Carney Memorial Award by Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Jerry has donated many volunteer hours working on most of our conservation projects, organizing and leading the annual San Juan chapter fishing trip, and co-running the monthly chapter meeting raffles.
Ray Carney was a true ambassador for CCTU and Trout Unlimited. He was a skilled angler and a staunch supporter of our conservation projects. He founded and helped run the Clear Creek Clean Up for more years than even he could remember. Ray Carney was a fly-fishing mentor to many and celebrated his 94th birthday before passing away in October 2021. Ray’s contributions to CCTU are remembered annually by awarding the Ray Carney Memorial Award.