CCTU SOUTH PLATTE TEMPERATURE MONITORING

Twice a year, members of the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited walk through parts of the South Platte River to access submerged data loggers, bring them to the surface and download the last 12 months of data.   We have three submerged data loggers and one ambient air logger that have to be found.  Accessing the data loggers in the river requires remembering where they are, finding the rebar post and then unscrewing old hose clamps.  Ray leads the group just upstream of Deckers.  Below Jim and Bill are using a “hydroscope”, aka a clear piece of Tupperware, to see into the river so Bill can open the hose clamps and bring the data logger to the surface.  The group pulled the last data logger that, unfortunately, would not communicate with our App.  After the work was done everyone spent a few extra hours fishing the canyon.  A few of us will have to return shortly to install a new data logger.

Ray leads the group just upstream of Deckers.

Downloaded ambient air information.

Jim finishing the hike out of Cheesman Canyon.

Jim and Bill using a “hydroscope”, aka a clear piece of Tupperware, to see into the river so Bill can open the hose clamps and bring the data logger to the surface.

CCTU 2022 Green River Chapter Fishing Trip Review

Rich Hus led the CCTU group on their Green River fishing trip April 8 – 12. 13 CCTU members joined Rich on the trip, with several being new to the trip and fairly new to the chapter…which is fantastic. The weather had its moments and the last day was somewhat of a blowout from wind and snow. However, it was an excellent trip overall, with many fish brought to net and many chapter member friendships renewed or begun anew. All are looking forward to doing it again in 2023. If you are interested in the Green River trip next year, contact Rich at r_hus@hotmail.com. Watch a short video of the trip from Rich, with pictures from the group, below.

MORE ALMA RIVER WALK UPDATES

After a very successful Mineral Park Ponds revegetation project on Saturday August 14, 2021, some of CCTU volunteers checked out Alma's River Walk.  We are pleased to report even more progress.  What was just a pile of lumber a short time ago is now an ADA accessible boardwalk and fishing/observation platform.  The boardwalk is constructed such that high water can pass underneath and it has edge curbs to keep wheelchairs in check.  The platform was constructed on a location suggested by CCTU board members in previous meetings with the Alma Foundation.  That location is not only scenic but also is a great fishing spot for able and disabled alike.  The lack of railings along the boardwalk and platform creates an open view and allows easier casting from a seated position.  It is great to see the project continuing to come along.

ALMA RIVERWALK PROJECT UPDATE

On July 23, 2021, three CCTU board members paid a visit to the Alma area.  We were there to confer with representatives from National TU and USFS about a CCTU volunteer project that will be coming up very soon.  Spoiler alert, mark Saturday, August 14, on your calendars to come help us near Alma on an abandoned mine reclamation effort (see separate Mineral Park Project event).  Since we were in the neighborhood we stopped by to admire recent progress on the Alma River Walk.  CCTU has contributed funding and volunteer time to this wonderful effort by the Town of Alma.  Their goal is to conserve and protect a stretch ecologically important wetlands of the Middle Fork of the South Platte River that runs through the center of town.  The River Walk will eventually include ADA accessible trails, educational opportunities, and fishing access, while shielding this sensitive headwater environment from development and abuse.  Jara Johnson of the Alma Foundation gave us a tour of recent work done by the youth of the Southwest Conservation Corps.  The young people are working on a trail spur leading to the interior of the River Walk property.  The first part of the spur is roughed in and will be soon be finished in cinder fines.  The second part of the spur will be a boardwalk that extends into the wetlands ending in a fishing/observation platform overlooking a beaver pond.  This part of the spur has already been cleared of willows, the lumber has been obtained, and a contractor has been hired to start work soon.  This entire spur with trail and boardwalk will be finished this summer.  A new rock garden is coming along well, with native plants like currant and sedge providing both beauty and and educational opportunity.  By fall we will should see the first couple of many interpretive signs and kiosks that will welcome and inform visitors.  When you come up to volunteer with us on August 14, please take time afterwards and check out the River Walk!