If you're not familiar with our Trout in the Classroom program, it's a program that provides the resources to a willing teacher to raise a tank full of trout. Well, last week there was a great success story out of Summit High School in Dillon, CO where they finally passed the required tests and received approval to release their trout into the Blue River. Read the article in the Summit Daily News about the Trout in the Classroom program's recent release into the Blue River where our very own Sharon Lance was in attendance.Summit High students the first class in Colorado to release trout into a Class A watershed
Dream Stream Seeding Effort Success
My wife dropped me off at the Dad Clark Park N Ride at Oh Dark 15. After a few sips of my fufu coffee, I realized that as the sky was turning azure, there was not a single cloud to be seen, no breeze, and all indications were for a perfect day. Another truck was waiting, then Jim's Banana Cruiser came along with a small parade of pickups. Fishermen love their trucks.Lists were checked, Release Forms signed, and we all saddled up for the Dream Stream. The trip went quickly and the scenery just kept smiling back - including Cow Rock.The group totaled about 25. The Ranger briefed us on the project, we picked up a rake and bucket and hiked downstream for what seemed like a mile - stealing ganders at the stream and occasionally seeing fish. The Ranger drove the ATV with the precious cargo: $2500 worth of prairie seed.
We worked our way back to the parking lot just in time to share a great meal put together by Jim Klug. Jason Agin handed out the new CCTU Conservation T-Shirts. Beautiful green with the CCTU logo on the front and a modified (improved) NTU logo on the back. It has purple!Everyone was well-fed. Even the cows were escaping through the fence to see what we were up to. Sub sandwiches, condiments, fruit, chips, cookies, and drinks. Plenty for seconds. No grumbling in this crowd. Plenty of photo ops.
A Ranger with a horse showed up to patrol the area and another ranger showed up wondering why we had a crowd of people and asked if we were all there to fish. Not often you see 25 people show up together to go fishing. She was excited to hear about our project, but still checked our fishing licenses. Actually, word was out that we had food.Sadly, some left to go home but most donned waders to stalk the stream for large trout. Results were mixed. Some caught a couple small rainbows. We saw a few people catch 24 inch fish, and most watched fish tease, but not take a fly. The rainbows had already spawned and the water level was low. Still it was a beautiful day shared by wonderful folks helping preserve a true Coloradan legacy.Y'all join us! Your name goes in to the raffle bucket for each project you help with. The prizes are pretty grand, but the bragging rights for the accomplishments are better when you return to each site to go fishing with your friends and family.
Springer Gulch, 11-Mile Canyon Erosion Control Project with CUSP, June 15, 2013
Work Date: Saturday, June 15th, 2013
Project Location: above the South Platte at the Springer Fire Burn Area
Project Time: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with a lunch break around noon
Volunteers needed: up to 40
Project Meeting Location: CUSP Office, 38000 Cherokee, Lake George, Colorado, 80827. Group will travel from the CUSP office to the site of the Springer Fire – off of FS 246. Due to the restricted access and location it is essential you arrive promptly as no directions will be given to the work location. Four wheel drive vehicles are preferred.
Please bring a backpack lunch and water to carry with you.
Workday Description:Work will occur in the approximate 1,200 acre Springer Fire area. Work will include installing erosion control structures in ephemeral drainages to reduce downstream impacts within the Eleven Mile Canyon area and South Platte River. This is a joint project with CUSP and the Cutthroat and Cheyenne Mountain Chapters of Trout Unlimited.Important notes:
- CUSP will provide materials and necessary tools to complete project work.
- A restroom will not be available on site.
- You may register by contacting Jim Klug at 303-953-8046, jjklug1@comcast.net or Jason Agin at 303-653-6057, jagin2023@msn.com
Mandatory Requirements of Volunteers:All volunteers must complete a CUSP liability release form and submit to CUSP on the day of the project. At CCTU Liability Waiver is also required. Jim Klug will provide copies of these forms to complete on Saturday morning.Please Bring:
- Any applicable medicines (including epi-pen and inhalers, if needed).
- Sunscreen
- Sun glasses or safety glasses
- Layered clothing appropriate for outdoor work
- A container for water, the use of reusable containers is encouraged
- Work gloves and shoes
Weather:Events may be canceled or rescheduled due to bad weather, which could create hazardous conditions for volunteers and staff. Any changes will be posted at: www.uppersouthplatte.org/Volunteer 719-748-0033 ALSO….We will be carpooling from the Dad Clark RTD Lot in Highlands Ranch at University and Dad Clark right off 470. Please be there by 6:15am as we will leave at 6:30am sharp.For additional information or car pool arrangements please contact Jim Klug or Jason Agin, Cutthroat Chapter TU at the above numbers.Hope to see you there,CUSP_Lake_George_ortho (1)Jim Klug, Director for Conservation, Cutthroat Chapter, Chapter, TUCell: 303-565-7504 Email: jjklug1@comcast.net
CANCELLED! Springer Fire Burn Area Conservation Project May 11, 2013
PROJECT CANCELLED DUE TO TOO MUCH MOISTURE
RAKING AND SEEDING WILL NOT BE FEASIBLE
Call Jim Klug @303-953-8046 with any questions.
Our next Conservation Project is Scheduled for June 15, 2013
with CUSP
Mine Reclemation at Buckskin Gulch (Alma)
Pending NEPA Approval
Jim Klug, Director for Conservation, Cutthroat Chapter, Chapter, TUCell: 303-565-7504 Email:jjklug1@comcast.net
2013 CCTU -- UPDATED -- Conservation Project Listing
Cutthroat Chapter Trout Unlimited
2013
Conservation Projects
UPDATED!
Dates and Activities
April 27>>>>>>>>>>>>>Re-seed certain areas of the Dream Stream COMPLETE!CANCELLED! May 11>>>>>>>>>>>>>Joint project with Cheyenne Mountain Chapter Re-seeding Springer Gulch Fire Area 11 Mile Canyon CANCELLED!June 15>>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP / Joint Project with Chyenne Mountain Chapter, Installing Erosion Control Structures in the Springer Gulch Fire Area in 11 Mile CanyonJuly 13>>>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP Deckers South Platte Clean UpAugust 10>>>>>>>>>>>CUSP 11 Mile Reservoir Deer Island Noxious weed removal/restoration Needs USFW approvalSeptember 7 >>>>>>>>Clear Creek Clean Up, Idaho Springs. Ray Carney Is heading up this project.October 12>>>>>>>>>>CUSP South Platte Wildcat Canyon Stream clean up. (Tough hike but good fishing) Plan B>>>>>>>>Mine Reclamation Buckskin Gulch ( Alma) Needs NEPA ApprovalAnd, we will continue to do our monthly River Watch activities and our quarterly temperature monitoring on the South Platte near Deckers. Please call Jim Klug at 303-565-7504 or Jason Agin at 303-653-6057 If you have any questions or would like to join us on a project.May 21, 2013
Temperature Profile Project March 21, 2013 by Allen Adinoff and Jim Rasmussen
Once again, many of our members volunteered their time for an important project on March 21, 2013. The Cheesman Canyon, Temperature Profile, campaign has been one that has been ongoing since 2010. The purpose is to measure temperature of the river, in four locations and pass this information to the Colorado Parks and Recreation aquatic biologist, in charge of the upper portion of the South Platte River.
The biologist uses the information gathered as a tool to manage the fishery. How is the data used? One example deals with the spawning of Rainbow trout. Rainbow trout begin the spawning process after periods of 46 degree water temperature. When does that happen above the Wig Wam Club?
You can see (sorry, the computer would not let me make it larger!) from the above graph that in 2011 the temperature started pushing above 46 degrees F about April 15th. So far our little project has provided three years’ worth this data.
We monitor the South Platte River at four locations from Cheesman dam to below Deckers. Jim Rasmussen has championed this effort. Submerged temperature loggers sample data every twenty minutes over the year. These monitors are retrieved and downloaded twice a year. The results are downloaded to a data shuttle and later transferred to a computer for further analysis. Critical to the retrieval process (LOL) is the hydroscope, which allows the workers to visualize what they’re doing under water. This is required as the monitors are secured to steel rods embedded into the riverbed. The hydroscope is a large plastic jar that is inverted in the water, providing a clear view beneath the surface. The jar was originally filled with pretzels, requiring Jim and Bill to eat all of them along with consuming several beers. They then generously donated the hydroscope to CCTU. Thanks guys for your sacrifice and generosity.
Rasmussen and Wiebesiek using Hydroscope to view nuts on clamps holding data logger to bottom of river.

Freeing the Temperature Sensor from its protective housing.

Temperature sensor in its protective housing.

Temperature sensor and housing mounted on re-bar in the river.
Many others joined the effort including Jim Klug, Allen Adinoff, Bill Wiebesek (chief hydroscope technician), Greg Ledges. It was a cool crisp sunny day, and all enjoyed the experience. Although flow rates were a bit lower than usual at 40 cfs, plenty of nice fish were landed. Everyone appreciated the fun, experience, and camaraderie. Projects like these are a great way to fulfill the mission of TU, spend some time with other Chapter members, and enjoy some fishing.
Consider joining us for one of our many CCTU conservation projects in the future. Jim Klug jjklug1@comcast.net and Jason Agin jagin2032@msn.com lead our conservation program for CCTU. The schedule of conservation projects can also be found on our web site. Our next project is May 11th. at 11 Mile Canyon where we will be reseeding burned areas in Springer Gulch.
See you on the river!
Allen Adinoff and Jim Rasmussen,
CCTU Membership Chair and Temperature Profile Project Leader
Photos by Jim Klug,
Conservation Director
April 27th is an Important Conservation Project
Come join us on the Dream Stream - we Need 40 Energetic VolunteersStart the fishing season off right and make a real difference in Colorado on a very important stretch of water.The Dream Stream is about 3 miles of impressive fishing water between 11 Mile and Spinney Reservoirs. The trout use the Dream Stream as their spawning grounds. In Spring the Rainbows head into the Dream Stream and in Fall the Browns take their turn. These are the more mature (read that BIG) fish. Just do NOT disturb fish on their redds. Here is a good description of the Dream Stream: http://www.coloradotrouthunters.com/dreamstream.htmlThe Dream Stream project is an important project. We will be reseeding areas that have been damaged or had noxious weeds removed. With a good turn out of volunteers the work will go fast, lunch will be provided, and you get the afternoon to fish. If that's not enough you will also receive one of CCTU's new Conservation T-shirts. WE NEED 40 VOLUNTEERSPlease call Jim Klug at 303-565-7504 or Jason Agin at 303-653-6057 If you have any questions or would like to join us on a project. THIS IS IMPORTANT so we can plan for Lunch and T-shirts. It takes about 2.5 hours to get there. We will meet at the ParkNRide at Dad Clark and University at 0615 to leave promptly at 0630. The project begins at 0900. We MUST car pool as parking is limited.• Take Hwy 285 southwest through Fairplay.• Just past Fairplay turn left, (south) on Hwy. 9, travel approximately 17 miles.• Hwy. 9 will intersect with Hwy. 24, turn left (east), travel approximately 11 miles.• At County Road 23/San Juan Rd. turn right (south) at sign: "Eleven Mile and Spinney Mtn. State Parks".• Travel approximately 2.8 miles to County Road 59, turn left (east) at the "T" intersection.• Travel approximately 2.4 miles until County Road 59 makes a 90 degree turn to the right (south).• Continue to the Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area parking lot on your right. The project site will be on the east side of County Road 59.• Wear long-sleeved shirt, work pants & boots. Bring sun block, hat, water bottle, work gloves, and sun glasses. Check the weather and dress accordingly – layers is a good thing.• Bring your fishing gear.
RIVER WATCH
The Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited is a member of River Watch. River Watch is a statewide volunteer water quality-monitoring program operated by the non profit 501©3 Colorado Watershed Assembly in cooperation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The mission is to work with voluntary stewards to monitor water quality and other indicators of watershed health and utilize this data to educate citizens and inform decision makers about the condition of Colorado’s waters. The program is unique in its statewide focus and frequency of data collection. The Cutthroat Chapter has one collection site, West Denver Chapter has three, and the Cheyenne Mountain Chapter has a site on Bear Creek. The Cutthroat Chapters site is located on the South Platte River, upstream from Deckers, opposite Lone Rock campground. We take water samples at this site every month. Usually the water sample and water temperature, are taken about 10 AM. We have never been prevented from taking a sample because the river was frozen. This is because the water usually comes off near the bottom of Cheesman Dam. Once a year we take a macroinvertebrate sample at our site. Yes -- We take a sample of all the bugs, scuds, worms and other creepy crawly things that live in the South Platte River near Deckers and send it to a lab. The creatures are identified and counted.The water samples are tested for a variety of properties; Disolved oxygen, pH, Alkalinity, Hardness. Additionaly, the water samples are tested, in a laboratory, periodicaly throughout the year, for nutrients (not e coli), and metals. Our station is Lone Rock CG and can be viewed at; http://wildlife.state.co.us/LandWater/Riverwatch/Data/Pages/DataSummaryStations.aspx 
Bug Hunting
THANK YOU to our 2012 Conservation Volunteers!
Our Project at Happy Meadows marks the end of our Conservation Projects for this year. The 11 volunteers deserve a hearty thank you since this was one of the more difficult work days of the year. Despite the frozen ground, they persevered and succeeded in leveling and preparing the ground, disturbed by heavy equipment used for bank stabilization, for planting with Riparian seed custom mixed for the South Platte drainage. Several hundred native willow shoots were harvested and planted strategically to prevent erosion.After the work was completer there was time to fish the Happy Meadows area. All who fished caught fish!
Our conservation for 2012 work focused on the restoration of the Upper South Platte River drainage system damaged by the Hayman fire.This year, in addition to our monthly River Watch and Quarterly Temperature Monitoring in the South Platte we completed 4 Restoration Projects, 1 Fish Rescue , 2 River Clean Up Projects,Over 6000 Willow shoots and 160 Ponderosa Pines were planted along Trail Creek, West Creek and the South Platte River.18 miles of stream banks were cleaned up along the South Platte near Deckers and along Clear Creek at Idaho Springs.To accomplish this, 86 hard working Volunteers contributed over 1400 hours of their valuable time.Thank you Volunteers, the work you do is import and and much appreciated!I would like to acknowledge and send a special thanks to the following individuals who assisted me during the year.Jim Rasmussen, my mentor and back up who also leads the temperature monitoring project, andBill Honeyfield who heads up River Watch,Ray Carney who leads the Clear Creek Clean Up every year. Be sure to attend the Conservtion Auction on November 13th. at the Highlands Ranch Mansion. Volunteers, remember we will have a Conservation Awards raffle, your earned your raffle tickets, come collect them and see if you will win a nice prize.This year you could win: A full day fishing raft trip down the Colorado River donated by Ray Carney , a box of super flies tied and donated by Richard Pilatzke, Orvis rod case, Orvis fly line or Orvis fully equiped lanyard. Hope to see you there and thank you again for your hard work this year.Jim Klug
2012 Annual Conservation Auction
The Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited (CCTU) is holding its annual Conservation Auction on November 13, 2012 (6-9 pm). This year’s Auction will be held at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion in—you guessed it—Highlands Ranch (9900 S. Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130).The HR Mansion has some interesting and colorful history and architecture. After you’ve walked through the Mansion, settle in for some good food, drink and conversation with your friends!As is CCTU’s custom, the evening will include a Silent and Live Auction. Auction items include fly fishing equipment, guided fishing trips, sports memorabilia and outdoor themed art work. Special Auction offerings this year include:
Bamboo Rod: Renowned rod makers Sweetgrass Rods (Twin Bridges, MT) have generously donated a 7’9” hex 4 wt bamboo rod (2 piece w/ extra tip). All Sweetgrass Rods are hollow built using a special “fluting” process that lightens the rod and gives it the “sweet” action as the name implies. This Sweetgrass series of rod has a retail value of $2000 and would take approximately 1 year to order. CCTU’s Auction represents a unique opportunity to acquire a Sweetgrass classic. Get more details here.Trophy Brook/Lake Trout Fishing (Labrador, Canada). Three Rivers Lodge is offering a special fly fishing trip for 2 anglers to chase trophy brook trout and lake trout in Labrador during mid-August to September 1, 2013. The trip includes 7 days of fishing and includes lodging, food and guides. Make some memories and come buy this trip at the Auction!Broncos Memorabilia. This year’s Auction includes a fully framed Broncos jersey signed by #7, John Elway, along with a Broncos helmet signed by Denver’s newest favorite son, Peyton Manning.
The Auction will also feature valuable door prizes including: a brand new 4 wt rod (donated by Clear Creek Outdoors) plus a new Ross reel and Rio 4WF line (total retail value in excess of $400; a Simms Dry Hip/Chest pack (retail value $110); and a surprise or two.Please come to the Auction and show your support for CCTU’s ongoing conservation, youth education, scholarship and community education programs! Advance tickets are $15. Tickets sold at the door are $20. For advance tickets please contact Gary Wiehrauch, 303.349.5461 (gsweihrauch@comcast.net) or Cam Chandler, 303.956.5140 (camntraci@comcast.net).