Join the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Coalition for the Upper South Platte on Saturday, July 14th to pick up trash, and anything else that does not belong along a river, in the Deckers area of the South Platte.We have been performing this cleanup for many years. Lunch will be provided. Please let Jim know if you are going to attend so that we determine how many lunches to provide.We will start about 9 AM behind Flies and Lies in Deckers, work till noon and finish with lunch. If you want to car pool meet me at the RTD parking lot West of University Blvd., South of C-470 and accessed from Dad Clark Drive. We will be departing the parking lot at 7:30 AM. We will also be taking along our big bug net to see what is living in the river this year.Contact Jim Rasmussen via phone (303) 773-2772 or e-mail jiber2@msn.com to sign up.
Field and Stream Hero-for-a-Day Video
Field and Stream has posted a Hero for a Day video on their website documenting our work on Trail Creek. It is titled 'Planting an Erosion Barrier on the South Platte Watershed" and can be viewed at http://www.fieldandstream.com/hero-for-a-day/videos . Please take a moment to check it out! And thanks again to all the volunteers who made it a successful project. 
Field & Stream Hero-For-a-Day Project Completed
Trout Unlimited
And
Field & Stream “Hero-for-a-Day” Project
South Platte Erosion Control
Was successfully completed FRIDAY MAY 18, 2012
Thanks to our 25 hardworking volunteers from three local Trout Unlimited Chapters and the film crew from Field & Stream, the South Platte Erosion Control project at Trail Creek was completed and exceeded expectations for the day. During the six hour work day, 750 native willow shoots were prepared and planted above an erosion control structure located at the confluence of two large ephemeral draws. These hearty willows will quickly root and establish a structure that both absorbs the energy form runoff water and prevents further erosion in the draws. In addition over 100 Ponderosa Pine seedlings were strategically planted along the banks of the draws to further stabilize the soil. These plantings will prevent sedimentation from reaching Trail Creek and ultimately the South Platte River.
This effort was organized in conjunction with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) and the National Forest Foundation and is one of Field & Stream magazine’s ten national Hero-for-a-Day Conservation projects. Video coverage of this program will be posted shortly on the Field & Stream website: http://www.fieldandstream.com/hero-for-a-day.This event was co-sponsored by Field & Stream and Toyota who provided thank you gift bags to all volunteers. In addition, all participants 18 years are eligible for the Hero-for-a-Day Sweepstakes. The winner will receive a trip to the Heroes of Conservation Gala in Washington DC as well as a fishing trip along the Potomac River! Again, I would like to sincerely thank the volunteers who came out on a weekday to work hard and support this program. The Cutthroat Chapter is grateful for the support of the Denver and Cheyenne Mountain Chapters in this effort. The work was not easy but it was very rewarding and in the end makes for many happy fish! 
Thank You,Jim KlugDirector, Conservation, Preservation and RestorationCutthroat Chapter, Trout Unlimited
South Platte Erosion Control Project Rescheduled
With the weather forecast for tomorrows project showing increased chances of precipitation and cold temperatures and due to potential flooding in the area, we’ve decided to err on the side of caution and reschedule the project for Friday, May 18th 2011. The project will take place at the same time and same place. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we must consider the safety of our volunteers first and foremost.Please call Jim Klug at 303-953-8046 if you have any questions or would be able to participate in the project.
Thank You For Volunteering!
A big “Thank You” to the 24 Cutthroat Chapter members who came out to help with our first Conservation project of 2012! With the support of Mr. Lake McGill’s Eagle Scout project, there were a total of 53 folks working to repair the damage caused by the Hayman fire.
The day was very successful as 3700 willows were processed and planted along a ½ mile riparian area adjacent to Trail Creek. In addition, 60 Ponderosa Pines were planted on the repaired stream banks in support of Earth Day.
Overall, it was an eventful day, as it celebrated Colorado Arbor Day, Earth Day and Global Youth Service Day. And at lunchtime we were part of an attempt to break a world record in a Guinness Book of World Records as part of the largest picnic on the planet! We always include some fun with our conservation work. Channel 4 was there to film segments for a documentary on the Hayman Fire Destruction and Restoration.
Please note that we will be doing additional work in the Trail Creek area this Saturday, May 12th. as part of the Field&Stream Hero-for-a Day Program. We are in need of 25-50 volunteers and we are not quite there yet. If you can help, please call Jim Klug at 303-953-8046. See the South Platte Erosion Control article in the events section of this site for the particulars.
May Meeting: Ned Parker of Breckenridge Outfitters
"World Class Fishing in the Colorado High Country" - a presentation from Ned Parker, owner of Breckenridge Outfitters.May 15th, 7pm at South Metro Denver Realtors Association.In Colorado we are blessed to have remarkable fishing available right in our proverbial backyard. Just in time for summer, Ned Parker will take you on a tour of the outstanding fishing that is available within 45 minutes of Breckenridge - including the South Platte above Spinney Mountain Reservoir, the Middle Fork and South Forks of the South Platte, the Blue River from Breckenridge to Lake Dillon and from Silverthorne to Green Mountain Reservoir, and several high alpine lakes and streams.Whether you are looking for ideas for a high-country weekend, or for waters that are close enough for a great day trip into the mountains, you'll hear about some great angling destinations that you'll want to include in your summer plans.
About Ned Parker Ned Parker has been the owner of Breckenridge Outfitters for the past five years, has guided out of Summit County for ten years, and has fished the area for twenty years. He looks forward to sharing some of what he has learned during those years on his home waters with you!
South Platte Erosion Control at Trail Creek
Trout Unlimited
And
Field & Stream “Hero-for-a-Day”
Project
South Platte Erosion Control at Trail Creek
Saturday May 12, 2012
Our Trail Creek Restoration Project, organized in conjunction with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) and the National Forest Foundation has been selected by Field & Stream magazine as one of its ten national Hero-for-a-Day Conservation projects. For more detailed information on this program, please refer to http://www.fieldandstream.com/hero-for-a-day. This special selection provides a great opportunity to focus attention on our volunteer efforts to restore the Upper South Platte watershed on both a statewide and national level. This event is co-sponsored by Field & Stream and Toyota. A film crew and host from Field & Stream will be present to film our work, help out and interview volunteers. In addition, all participants 18 years or older can enter the Hero-for-a-Day Sweepstakes. The winner will receive a trip for 2 to the Heroes of Conservation Gala in Washington DC as well as a fishing trip along the Potomac River! Field & Stream /Toyota gift bags will be available for every volunteer. Here is what you need to know:We are expecting 25 to 50 volunteers for this special project. This will be an educational and fun project requiring a strong team effort. Spouses and kids 8 years and older are welcome! Please come out and help the Cutthroat Chapter heal and preserve our valuable watershed.Workday: Saturday, May 12th, 2012 Project Location: Meet at Mt. Communities (West Creek) Fire Dept., (directions below) Project Times: Meet at 9:00 am, work until 3:00 pm, with a 30 minute lunch break around noon Lunch: Will be provided by the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited! What we will be doing: Crews utilizing natural materials such as burned trees and boulders have already begun raising the height of the creek and stabilizing steep eroded banks to re-create more natural flows, and fighting erosion through retention ponds and in stream structures. Your help is needed to build erosion control structures, plant willows or pine, re-seed native vegetation, mulch and/or build log fencing to protect restoration efforts. Your efforts will help improve the overall health of the Upper South Platte River Watershed as well as preserving and protecting fisheries, aquatic insect and wildlife habitats.What to bring: Hip boots or waders, sun screen, any applicable medicines, sun glasses (or safety glasses), gloves, water bottle, and a jacket are recommended. Long pants are required and long-sleeved shirts are also recommended. Tools, hard hats, willows, other supplies and instructions will be supplied by CUSP.Two ways to get there: (Map below)We plan to carpool from the RTD lot At University and Dad Clark Drive, just off C-470 in Highlands Ranch. We will be leaving by 7:15AM sharp so please plan to be there by 7:00AM.If you drive by yourself, volunteers will meet at the Mountain Communities Fire department at 9:00AM. Please try to be there a little early. We will be consolidating vehicles (preferably high clearance), for the drive to the work site on Trail Creek. Please contact the event organizer, Jim Klug at (303) 953-8046 to sign up or obtain additional information.We plan to complete work by 3:00PM, leaving time to fish on the way home!Hope you can join us!
April Monthly Meeting on Czech Nymphing with Steve Parrott. Special Guest Dave Sweet on the Yellowstone Lake Cutthroat.
Steve will be giving an in-depth presentation on the Czech Nymphing method with rigging instructions, fly placement and ideal waters to fish. The presentation will be at the normal meeting place, South Metro Denver Realtors Association, at 7:00pm, doors open at 6:30pm.Czech Nymphing, also referred to as European Nymphing, is a style of nymph fishing that is readily catching on here in the United States, especially in Colorado. It is a very effective technique that is perfectly suited for the many fast waters of our state. This style of short line nymph fishing often uses longer rods, no yarn or foam strike indicators and a level construction designed to get your heavily weighted flies, often three, down to the bottom quickly. All of the weight used in a Czech Nymph rig is added to the flies themselves not the leader.Steve has spent the last 12 years researching and experimenting with the Czech, French and Spanish Nymphing methods also referred to as the European Methods. Steve is a veteran of the industry with over 17 years of experience guiding clients all over the globe. Steve moved to Colorado in 2006 and has since focused his efforts on learning every facet of the European Nymphing Methods and sharing these through instructional classes and DVD's. Steve is also co-owner of the Blue Quill Angler Fly Shop in Evergreen, Colorado.
Dave Sweet on the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Populations.
Dave Sweet, Yellowstone Lake Project Manager for the Wyoming Council of Trout Unlimited, will present on the devastation being caused to Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout populations in Yellowstone National Park by Lake trout. There is hope and Dave will outline an aggressive plan to help bring back the native cutthroat trout!
Our First Conservation Project for 2012
Hayman Fire RehabilitationTransplanting Native Willows Along Trail Creek
Our first conservation event of the season is scheduled for Saturday April 21, 2012. We are working with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) and supporting Mr. Lake McGill's Eagle Scout Project with the Boy Scouts of America.We will be preparing and transplanting native willow slips in drainages damaged by the Hayman Fire. This project will help reduce erosion and enhance stream bed stabilization in drainages along the main stem of Trail Creek. These sites are part of major restoration efforts to protect the water supply from sedimentation. The project will likewise improve damaged aquatic and wildlife habitat.This will be a challenging project requiring a strong team effort. We need 15 to 25 volunteers, so come out and help the Cutthroat Chapter heal our watershed.
New for 2012! We have brand new Cutthroat Chapter Conservation Volunteer T- shirts complete with the TU logo on the front for project participants. Quantities are limited so get yours while they are still available. Bring your lunch or enjoy the lunch being provided by the Eagle Scouts. Hip boots or waders, sun screen, any applicable medicines, sun glasses (or safety glasses), gloves, water bottle, and a jacket are recommended.. Long pants are required and long-sleeved shirts are also recommended. Tools, hard hats, willows and instructions will be supplied by CUSP.Please contact the event organizer, Jim Klug at (303) 953-8046 to sign up.The project starts at 9AM in the parking lot at the Mountain Communities Fire Department. We plan to carpool from the RTD lot At University and Dad Clark Drive, just off C-470 in Highlands Ranch. We will be leaving by 7:30AM sharp so please plan to be there by 7:15AM.If you drive by yourself, volunteers will meet at the Mountain Communities Fire department at 9AM. Please try to be there a little early. We will be consolidating vehicles (preferably high clearance), for the drive to the work site on Trail Creek.We plan to complete work by 3:00PM, leaving time to fish on the way home!Hope you can join us!Thank you,Jim Klug
2012 Conservation Volunteer Recognition Award Raffle
Come out and support our many Conservation, Preservation and Restoration Project Volunteer Opportunities! This year we will be making several great fishing awards available to our volunteers through a new raffle to be held at our annual Conservation Auction in November.
To be eligible for one of these awards, just participate in Conservation Projects, River Watch and Temperature Monitoring Activities. You will earn one raffle ticket for each event you take part in. The more you volunteer, the better your chances of winning! The raffle will be held at our annual auction and you must be present to participate in the drawing.This year, the first place award will be a float trip on the Colorado River donated by our Cutthroat Chapter member Ray Carney. An additional fishing oriented awards will be announced soon.Come join us!For additional information, please call Jim Klug @ 303-953-8046.