Duane's presentation will discuss how to systematically approach a fickle tailwater that receives a large amount of angling and recreational pressures, has a very diverse insect population, and has substantial fluctuations in flows and water temperatures. The presentation will also delve into the latent effects of the Hayman burn that occurred nearly ten years ago, including how the river is improving, suffering, and changing.More About DuaneDuane Redford, a professional fly fishing guide, spends the majority of his days guiding on the South Platte River below Deckers, Colorado. That stretch of the river can be difficult to guide because of the constant changes in river conditions. The conditions range from high angling and recreation pressure to undesirable water clarity due to the erosion of a few feeder creeks.Since the Hayman Fire nearly ten years ago, the South Platte River has battled several obstacles in its recovery. One large obstacle to recovery has been the persistent erosion of Horse Creek into the South Platte. Duane is very passionate about the health of the river, and has prepared a presentation to help bring this issue forward.When he’s not guiding, Duane spends his time teaching fly fishing classes, and recently published his first book on fly fishing. When he’s not teaching, writing or guiding, you’ll find him on the river.To order Duane’s book visit www.FlyfishersPlaybook.com .For guide services or other information feel free to email Duane at lonearcherguideservice@yahoo.com.Also, you can hear an archived nationwide broadcast at www.askaboutflyfishing.comFollow his blog at: www.flyfishersplaybook.wordpress.com
Final Conservation Project for 2102, South Platte River Restoration at Happy Meadows
South Platte River Restoration, 2012
Please join us.......this is our last conservation project for 2012 and your last chance to earn another raffle ticket for the Conservation Volunteer Recognition Awards Raffle to be held at our Conservation Auction on November 13, 2012. We have five great prizes including a full day rafting trip on the Colorado River donated and guided by Ray Carney, a box of custom killer flies tied and donated by Richard Pilatzke and a selection of must have ORVIS fishing gear!Carpooling will be available from the Park and Ride lot at Dad Clark and University Avenue (Just off 470) in Highlands Ranch. We plan to leave at 8:00 am sharp, plan to be at the lot by 7:45 am. Please contact Jim Klug at 303-953-8046 or jjklug1@comcast.net to sign up and arrange carpooling. This is a joint effort with the Coalition for the Upper South Platte. We would like a good turnout for this effort to finish the year with another successful project. Details are outlined below.
The fishing has been good at Happy Meadows and the work completes at 2:00 pn leaving time to cast for your favorite species of Trout!
Workday: Saturday, October 27th, 2012Project Location: Happy Meadows, directions belowProject Times: 10:00 am to 2:00 pmVolunteers Needed: 25 Workday Description: Following major in stream restoration, we will be raking and seeding disturbed areas of reconstruction. Depending on the progression of work, the project may also include transplanting native vegetation, sedges and/or willows along the river’s edge. Important Notes:CUSP will provide materials and necessary tools to complete project work. A USFS outhouse is available nearby.Events may be canceled or rescheduled due to bad weather, which could create hazardous conditions for volunteers and staff. Staff will monitor weather and notify you of any changes in a timely fashion. Mandatory Requirements of Volunteers: All volunteers must complete and submit: a CUSP liability release form, CCTU liability release form and volunteer sign-up sheet (for the group). Please Bring:Any applicable medicines (including epi-pen and inhalers, if needed)Sun block and sun glasses (or safety glasses)Layered clothing appropriate for outdoor workWaders – if you have themA container for water, the use of reusable containers is encouraged, refills will be providedWork glovesLunch Directions to Happy Meadows from Hwy 24 (from the east): Take Hwy 24 west through Lake George About one mile west of Lake George, turn right on county rd. 77 (towards Tarryall Reservoir)Turn right at CR 112, (appx. 1.4 mile), then turn right at the T Meet at the first large pullout, before Happy Meadows campground – signs will mark the site
Coalition for the Upper South Platte
Post Office Box 726
Lake George, Colorado 80827
719.748.0033
Clear Creek Clean Up Thank You!
On September 8, 2012, the Cutthroat Chapter and the Cherry Creek anglers Chapter of Trout Unlimited co-sponsored our annual Clear Creek Clean Up in Idaho Springs. Ray Carney and I send a hearty THANK YOU to the 28 hard working volunteers who spent their Saturday morning removing trash from along 10 miles of Clear Creek stream side. A special thanks to Ray Carney for all his time and effort in organizing this important conservation event. Ray claims he cannot remember how many times he has lead this endeavor.Coffee and doughnuts were provided to get the morning started on the right foot. After the work was finished, Pizza lunch was enjoyed as was a raffle of gifts provided by both chapters and local merchants. Clear Creek County provided safety vests, the giant orange trash bags and roadside trash pickup.Gift certificates were donated by Colorado Skies Outfitters in Parker, Clear Creek Outdoors in Idaho Springs, Mile High rafting in Idaho Springs and Beau Jo’s Pizza also in Idaho Springs. The local Starbucks provided the coffee and fixens and Beau Jo’s provided the Pizza at a generous discount. Clear Creek Outdoors also supported the raffle with a new fly rod! When you are in the area, please stop by these merchants and let them know you appreciate what they do to make this event a success.This annual event and Ray is already planning for 2013! 
National Public Lands Day, South Platte River Restoration at Happy Meadows
The Coalition for the Upper South Platte is sponsering a restoration project at Happy Meadows on Saturday, September 29th., National Public Lands Day. Our Chapter is not officially participating in this project, however if you can help out, please register on line or contact Lisa Patton at 719-748-0033. Details to follow........... Thank you, Jim KlugWorkday: Saturday, September 29th, 2011Project Location: Happy Meadows, directions belowTimes: 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with a lunch break around noonVolunteers Needed: up to 40 Workday Description: Following major in stream restoration, we will be raking and seeding disturbed areas of reconstruction. Depending on the progression of work, the project may also include transplanting native vegetation, sedges and/or willows along the river’s edge.Important Notes:CUSP will provide materials and necessary tools to complete project work.
- A USFS outhouse is available nearby.
- Please register at: http://www.uppersouthplatte.org/Volunteer/
Mandatory Requirements of Volunteers: All volunteers must complete and submit: a CUSP liability release form for each volunteer and volunteer sign-up sheet (for the group).Please Bring: Any applicable medicines (including epi-pen and inhalers, if needed)SunscreenSun glasses or safety glassesLayered clothing appropriate for outdoor workA container for water, the use of reusable containers is encouragedA sack lunchWeather:Events may be canceled or rescheduled due to bad weather, which could create hazardous conditions for volunteers and staff. Staff will monitor weather and notify you of any changes on the volunteer link at the CUSP website. Directions to Happy Meadows from Hwy 24 (from the east): Take Hwy 24 west through Lake George About one mile west of Lake George, turn right on county rd. 77 (towards Tarryall Reservoir)Turn right at CR 112, (appx. 1.4 mile)At the T and turn rightMeet at the large pullout, appx. ½ mile past Happy Meadows campground – signs will mark the site
Coalition for the Upper South Platte
Post Office Box 726
Lake George, Colorado 80827
West Creek Restoration Project Successfully Completed!
Trout Unlimited and Coalition for the Upper South Platte West Creek Restoration Project Successfully Completed!
On September 25, 2102, a group of 16 energetic volunteers from the Cutthroat Chapter and the Coalition for the Upper South Platte added the finishing restoration touches to a reconstructed stretch of West Creek. I just six hours time, approximately 1500 willow shoots were planted along the stream edges. What makes this amazing is that the group locally harvested native willow branches and prepared them for planting by stripping the leaves and cutting them into 24 inch long willow shoots. This is a proven process as shoots planted a month ago are already sprouting new growth.
Thanks to all the volunteers for a great days work and thanks to CUSP for providing direction and equipment to get the job done. 
This work supports recent major river restoration in the Trail Creek corridor, greatly impacted from the Hayman burn, which includes: stream channel narrowing, and placement of natural materials such as burned trees and boulders (in stream structures) to raise the height of creeks and stabilize steep eroded banks. Efforts will re-create more natural flows and fight erosion, benefiting downstream fisheries and water supplies from sedimentation. 
September Meeting Features Jeff Spohn of CO Parks and Wildlife
Jeff Spohn is Colorado Parks and Wildlife's aquatic biologist for the Upper South Platte River Basin. The Upper South Platte River is the Cutthroat Chapter’s “home waters”. Jeff knows more about this section of the state than anyone you’re likely to meet. Jeff will spend the first part of his presentation discussing the biology, management, and current issues with the fishery in the Spinney, Cheesman and Deckers areas after which he will take questions and topics from the floor.Jeff graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BS in Limnology & Fisheries and a second degree in Aquatic Biology.Don’t miss this chance to hear him talk about what’s going on in our own “backyard”. Surely, he'll mistakenly reveal some hot spots you haven't heard of yet!Additionally, CSU PhD Student Adam Schwindt on Effects of Human Birth Control on Fish PopulationsAdam completed his undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Colorado conducting research on the disruption of the stress response in brown trout subjected to metal pollution. He then completed his Masters in Fisheries Science at Oregon State University with research focused on stress induced gene expression in the brain of juvenile Steelhead trout. Following this, Adam served as a project leader in the Western Airborne Contaminants Assessment Project, a multi-disciplinary study investigating the deposition and effects of airborne contaminants in sub-alpine and Arctic aquatic ecosystems in western US national parks. He is currently working on his PhD in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University as well as serving as an independent contractor for the US EPA.”Really looking forward to the meeting… I also appreciate the funding assistance from the Cutthroat TU chapter it's been instrumental to my work.”
Annual Clear Creek Cleanup - September 8th
The Cutthroat Chapter, in conjunction with the Cherry Creek Chapter will be conducting a stream cleanup along Clear Creek Saturday, September 8th. We have been doing this for several years and it has yielded very worthwhile results and community appreciation. It is almost unbelievable the things we pull from the banks and the stream itself. Our efforts really do make a difference as the stream is in a high traffic area vulnerable to lots of trash pollution.We will meet at 9:00 a.m. at Courtney-Ryley-Cooper Park @ 2331 Colorado Ave. in Idaho Springs. Have a doughnut (or two!) along with coffee (provided by the local Starbuck's) and get our stream section assignments. We'll then work for two or three hours and have lunch provided by the Chapter.Here's a follow up post from last year's event that appeared on the Cutthroat website so you can read about what they accomplished and the fun they had doing it.After lunch, plan to spend a few hours fishing or hiking in the area.Courtney-Ryley-Cooper Park is easy to find, just take the first exit into Idaho Springs from I-70. Follow the street-Colorado Ave. - to the park.Please plan to support this rewarding conservation/fishing event, sign up by calling Ray Carney at (303) 972-2976 or calling Jim Klug at (303) 953-8046.
Trout Unlimited and CUSP West Creek Restoration Project
This project will focus on replenishing/replacing vegetation (Willows and grasses) in an area of West Creek just above the reservoir across from the Fire Station. The creek has been restructured, but we need a good volunteer crew to plant willows and reseed grasses. If you can help, please e-mail or call Jim Klug at jjklug1@comcast.net or 303-953-8046. Our chapter will be providing BIG sandwich LUNCH and refreshments! Please read on for complete details.Workday: Saturday, August 25th, 2012Project 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.We will car pool from the RTD parking lot at Dad Clark and University just off 470 in Highlands Ranch. Departure is 7:so AM sharp, please plan to be there by 7:15 AM.Volunteers Needed: 25 Description: Project work is greatly dependent on environmental factors –unpredictable weather, fire or floods often create changes and new areas of concern or need. Project work may include:
- Ø re-vegetation of sites of major restoration: transplanting willows and/or planting native seed; and installing erosion control matting
- Ø re contouring and obliterating access routes and/or damaging roads or trails
- Ø Restoration of ephemeral draws: re-establishing the general structure of stream systems prior to disturbance, including reshaping stream beds to a more natural state, and installation of structures such as log steps and cross vanes
- Ø Mitigating areas of noxious weeds that spread in post-fire areas and near moving water
- Ø Re-purposing burned or thinned timbers to construct temporary log fencing to provide areas of respite for re vegetation
This work supports recent major river restoration in the Trail Creek corridor, greatly impacted from the Hayman burn, which includes: stream channel narrowing, and placement of natural materials such as burned trees and boulders (in stream structures) to raise the height of creeks and stabilize steep eroded banks. Efforts will re-create more natural flows and fight erosion, benefiting downstream fisheries and water supplies from sedimentation. Important Notes:
- Ø CUSP will provide all necessary materials, hardhats and tools
- Ø CUSP will provide on-site portable restrooms
- Ø Please carpool to maximum capacity to reduce impact to restoration area
- Ø Weather which could create hazardous conditions may cause projects to be canceled or rescheduled; staff will monitor the weather and notify you of any changes in a timely fashion
- Ø Lunch will be provided by Trout Unlimited Cutthroat Chapter
Please Bring:Any applicable medications (including epi-pen and inhalers)Sun blockSun glasses or safety glassesLong sleeved shirts and pants are highly recommendedWork glovesShoes with good treadWater containers for hiking; water is provided. CUSP encourages the use of reusable containers.What to Expect: These projects occur in an exposed mountain environment, at significant elevation. Please drink plenty of water before and during the project to avoid dehydration. All participants should wear the appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor work - please wear clothes that can get dirty. Directions from Denver to Mountain Community (West Creek) Fire Station: From C470 take US Hwy 285 south approximately 21 miles to Pine JunctionTurn left on Jefferson CR 126, go 25 miles to Deckers Continue south on CO 67 for 9 milesTurn right on ABBEY RD (CR 73), aapproximately 0.8 miles past mile marker 92Turn left at the T intersection on to West Creek Road, travel less than one mileMeet at the fire station on the right, at the intersection of West Creek and Stump Roads. Directions from Colorado Springs to Mountain Community (West Creek) Fire Station:
From I-25 in Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 (Cimarron Rd.) to Woodland Park
Turn right on to CO Hwy 67, travel north towards Deckers
Turn left on ABBEY RD (CR 73) about 0.2 miles south of mile marker 91
Turn left at the T intersection on West Creek Road, travel less than one mileMeet at the fire station on the right, at the intersection of West Creek and Stump Roads
After meeting, we will caravan to the work site.
Please note that GPS systems are often inaccurate in mountainous areas.
Cell phone service will be inconsistent.
Cutthroat Chapter South Platte Cleanup 2012
Thank you to all Trout Unlimited members and others who turned out for SOUTH Platte Cleanup 2012, at Deckers, on July 14th. Over twenty volunteers showed up to collect; beer bottles, plastic water bottles, shoes, cans, broken auto body parts, signs and everything else. We collected trash from Night Hawk Hill to the NO TRESPASSING sign, strung accross the river, up the S Y Camp Road. Special thanks to Greg Ledger for using his truck to deliver water and pick up trash bags up and down the river. Special thanks also to Lisa Patton and her crew from The Coaliation for the Upper South Platte for organizing the event, getting us access to the lunch room (it was COOL inside) and hauling away the trash. Lisa also, gave an enlightening view into the future with her talk on how noxious weeds take over after a wildfire. The Springer Gulch fire burned hot in Eleven Mile Canyon.There really wasn't that much trash this year. The two guys that went up the S Y Camp Road to the wire, found only one bag of trash in that mile and a half. This years trash was better quality however. I personelly found a whole six pack of Avalanch Ale bottles, scatttered and some broken.
A Different Sort of Fishing
A Different Sort of FishingBy Jocelyn MertensOn July 11, the Colorado Division of Wildlife and the Cutthroat Trout Unlimited Crew collaborated to rescue fish on 4 Mile Creek above Deckers. Water levels are down, and water temperatures are up, making for rough conditions for the fish. Jeff Spohn, aquatic biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW), hatched a plan to use our TU manpower to help move the fish to the Platte for safety. 
CPW technicians "Electrofishing" Spohn, our fearless Division of Wildlife leader, divided 4 Mile Creek into upper and lower sections above and below the bridge. The first group on the lower creek had great success under CPW technician Scott. CPW technician Andrew's group followed Scott’s with the “Second Pass” doing just as much work for a lot less fish n’ glory. Spohn led the Upper group to the greatest numbers of baby HoferCrosses and other species. Paul from CPW led the “Second Pass”. The whole process was certainly noisier than fly-fishing and yet hypnotic in a similar way: The sweep of the electrode, the constant lookout, the pursuit, the net, and a fleeting thrill with each little glinting fry.Our CPW guys led the charge with their “shock backpacks”. They looked strangely like Transformers and we half expected them to lift off the ground into the sky. We were all glad we didn't have to heft those loads but we didn't hear any complaints from them. The motors sound like a weedwacker on caffeine. Each Fish Stunner had two TU Bucket Mates trailing to accommodate the netted fish. The terrain was varied, the creek narrow. There was some thrashing through the willows, paired with mosquito swatting. Sometimes the banks were pretty steep which is always a calamity in waders. Rasmussen was kind enough to lend me his hip boots. He’s a size 10 and my feet are 7.5 ladies so I felt oddly like a clown, especially since I was carrying a bucket of water (think Fireman Clown…). Until recently, fishing has not been known for high fashion but I was, literally, stunning.Jim Rasmussen and Kris Buros were at the helm of our lower creek truck, ferrying buckets of cool water from the tank. They were the keepers of the count from each bucket. Most of the take were 1-3 inch fish, but a few larger browns were netted. When the Browns were placed in the tank with the fingerlings, we saw first hand the meaning of the phrase “small fry”! We were all intent on rescuing the young HoferCrosses, a strain of Bavarian trout crossed with a Cutthroat, that’s resistant to Whirling Disease. They’re kind of like Piscean prodigal sons, starting as American rainbows and evolving on farms in Germany only to return to their homeland.Aside from fish the day was interesting from a naturalist’s standpoint. One bucket brigand whose name will go unmentioned ( John) was munching raspberries. Then, I wondered why I suddenly wanted a Mojito when I realized the wild mint scent was surrounding us as our boots tromped through. The foe of poison ivy rested innocently here and there, waiting for a brush with unwary skin. Stinging nettles: self-explanatory. Flowers greeted us at every bend, as the fingerlings darted under rocks and cress. Insects, some silent, some obnoxiously buzzing, added to the summer bounty. A different kind of fishing trip, indeed, with the same perils and beauties we remember over time. And we can brag that we caught over 3,000 fish. 
Cutthroat Chapter members participating in days work; Jocelyn Mertens, Bill Wiebesiek, Dereck Hankins,Kriss Buros, John Roenfeldt, Adam Beede, John Aaron, Jim Long, Duane Van de Venter, Andrew Medina, Jim Rasmussen