Colorado High School Teacher Wins National Conservation Award

Thanks to his conservation efforts and environmental teaching within the program of Trout in the Classroom, local Summit High School teacher, Jamie Lambrecht is the newest winner of the 2014 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators (PIAEE).

The PIAEE is awarded to 16 different teachers across the country each year. These teachers have dedicated their time and curriculum to teaching their students about the importance of environmental conservation. According the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the award is given to teachers, “to nationally honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms & teaching methods.”

For Lambrecht, winning the award is an honor; but he is most happy with the recognition the award represents. According to Lambrecht, the award shows that, “people are starting to realize the efforts that go into watersheds and conservation.” This is the reason behind his involvement with the Trout in the Classroom program (TIC).

Lambrecht has been involved with the TIC program for the last three years. With a biology degree under his belt, he felt very drawn to the program when it was being offered by Gore Range Trout Unlimited. “I wanted a way for kids to get more involved with some more hands on research,” he said.

The program reaches about 150-200 kids between the ages of 14 and 18 at Summit High School in Summit County, Colorado. “The program is an elective class, [as an extension of the biology department] therefore students have to sign up and want to take it,” said Lambrecht.

His curriculum involves more than growing fish in tanks; it helps students learn all about the aquatic ecosystem. Students learn about the insects in the water, the affects of pH and nitrate towards water quality, and other ways to help improve the river habitat. The kids also learn how these different traits affect fishing. Lambrecht says, “The kids leave the class ready to fish.”

In the future Lambrecht and Gore Range TU are going to continue with the Trout in the Classroom program as well as other conservation projects that will help kids get more involved with watershed conservation.

For more information on the Trout in the Classroom program, check out thearticle on the Stream Explorers Program.

Summer Trout Release and Handling Techniques

The following guidelines for properly landing and releasing trout in summer weather and warmer water temperatures are provided here with the permission of Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout.

I know we are all experienced and aware of how to release trout, however, I thought I would pass these guidelines along. Please read, there are some great tips we can learn and use to keep out trout healthy and alive for the next angler.

Summer Handling and Release Techniques!

Higher water temperatures bring an increased risk to Trophy Trout. (And any sized trout)

Release methods that work well earlier in the year will (and do) kill larger trout. These casualties, usually occur after anglers move on, are typically victims of these 3 common mistakes:

1. Playing the trout too long, leading to exhaustion.
2. Lack of taking time to properly release the trout. Even when using the right methods, releasing the trout too early means it will simply swim off and die.
3. Lack of attention after release. Do not fail to observe the fish after release.

Here are some Guidelines to Practice:

Retrieve Trout Quickly

- Use size 3x or larger tippet. Bring trout in a quickly as possible, do not overplay the fish. Large Trophy Trout can be played to exhaustion resulting in loss of the fish.

Keep Trout IN the Water

- Keep trout in the water as much as possible. Netting and fly removal in the water is the preferred method. If Trout is removed from the water for pictures etc, a good rule to follow is-

Hold your breath when the fish is out of water. When you need air, so does the trout.

If for any reason additional time is required, keep trout netted in the water and upright.

Proper Release

- If Trout is netted, Do NOT simply roll out of net. Hold net so that trout is upright and breathing. When it struggles to get out of net, then release. When net release is not practical, hold trout by the tail, upright, and (A) Still Water: gently move forward and back, with back motion very slow, not forcing water backwards through gills. (B) Moving Water: Hold trout with nose upstream, use gentle side-to-side motion, allow current to revive the fish. Wait until fish struggles to swim on it's own to release.

Take your Time

- Be prepared to take 5-15 minutes to properly release a Trophy Trout. The larger the fish and/or longer the retrieve, the more time necessary to properly release. Warmer water temps dramatically increase the release time.

Follow - Up

- Observe Trout after release. If trout is still sluggish, or begins to roll to one side, retrieve again with net or hand and spend additional time for a proper release.

We appreciate the fact that you are as concerned and conscious about this as we are. Following these guidelines will ensure quality fishing both here at Rainbow Falls and everywhere there are large Trophy Trout waiting for your fly!

THANK YOU, RAINBOW FALLS MOUNTAIN TROUT!

July Meeting: Richard Pilatzke on Damsels and Dragons

Richard Pilatzke (rhpiscator@aol.com) is an expert on all things still water: beetles, ants, hoppers, frogs, damsel flies, dragon flies, dries, nymphs --- you name it.At the July 16th meeting Richard will focus on Damsel flies and Dragon flies. The presentation is guaranteed to improve your fishing and fly tying skills. Richard is an expert fly tier who organizes our annual fly tying demonstration in February. He is particularly skilled with foam flies. Check out his article on Frankenfly.Richard knows many places in Colorado well and has the numbers of fish caught to prove it. Come and learn a few new tricks and join us for another fun evening. Richard may also announce another fishing trip for you to practice what you learn. DO NOT MISS OUT!Please join us at the South Metro Denver Realtor Association building on July 16th to hear Richard's presentation. Doors open at 6:30 PM and the meeting starts promptly at 7:00 PM.

Another Great Success for Trout In The Classroom

Another Great Success for Trout In The ClassroomMore than 50 members of Christopher Lambrecht’s Stream Ecology class have moved on.No, they’re not graduating. In fact, they’re not even students — they’re rainbow trout.The trout, which hatched from eggs donated to the classroom by the nonprofit organization Trout Unlimited, were released into the Blue River Friday.“This is a big day for these guys,” Lambrecht said before the release. “It will be strange not to have the tank in here.”The stream ecology students have been involved with the trout from the very beginning. The class, which requires an application and teacher permission to join, is popular among high school students. Lambrecht said the class is intended to be “a biology class from a fisherman’s perspective,” with the goal of educating the students on the biology and chemistry behind steam and river ecology, as well as its potential for recreational enjoyment. One of the aspects that make the class popular is its hands-on outdoor components. Students regularly visit the river across the street from the high school, gathering insects to study and taking other data-gathering measurements.Through a partnership started last year with Trout Unlimited, Lambrecht is able to have that hands-on component in the classroom as well. The trout donated by the organization live in a large tank at the back of the room, right there within arm’s reach of the students, who all have a hand in feeding, cleaning and general care of the fish.While the first year was mostly a learning experience without any trout released, Lambrecht’s class hit its stride this year.Before any trout could be released, testing was required to make sure the fish were disease-free. While this process is important, it isn’t exactly free. Trout Unlimited’s Gore Range Anglers chapter (Summit County) and Cutthroat Chapter (Littleton) both donated funds for the fish to be tested. At about $30 per fish, the cost came to just around $1,000.One of the diseases tested for is called whirling disease. Caused by microscopic parasites, it attacks most salmon, trout and whitefish, remaining in the environment after the infected fish dies.Fortunately, Summit High’s fish all came back with a clean bill of health, meaning they could release the remaining fish into the wild. The release was the first trout release done by high school students in Colorado into a Class A watershed.“It is a huge success, because trout are very difficult to keep alive in a tank,” Lambrecht stated in an email. “It allowed students to see something through from beginning to end and to learn something about a complex living thing in a more meaningful way than textbook/lecture setting.”With the help of 15 students, Lambrecht and representatives of Trout Unlimited and the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the fish were released at the foot of the four mile bridge along the Blue River near the high school.Lambrecht said his class will certainly be repeating the process next year.“Our level of success will be used as an example of how successful the program can be in a classroom setting,” Lambrecht said. “It also shows how much support there is in the community for these types of projects. More of these learning opportunities need to made available to students.”Sharon Lance, of the Trout Unlimited Board of Trustees, said she’s happy to see young students connecting with the environment and learning to understand the importance of its conservation.“I hope we can foster a conservation ethic through this program,” she said. “They are the next crop of conservationists and if we don’t teach them this, we won’t have anyone to protect Colorado.”Reprinted from the Summit Daily News; Reporter Jessica Smith jsmith@summitdaily.com (970) 668-4633Photos by Mark Lance

Trout in the Classroom Makes a Splash in the Blue River

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

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

Mentors needed for Boy Scouts of America

John Eastman, the Arapahoe District Director for the Boy Scouts of America would like to partner with the Cutthroat Chapter in order to organize a Venturing Program. Venturing is a youth development program for young men and women who are 14 through 20 years of age. This partnership would focus on educating young people on coldwater conservation and share with them the rewards of fly fishing. In order for this program to be successful, four to five mentors from the Cutthroat Chapter would be needed to get this project up and running. Mentors would be required to facilitate meetings with the youth and make sure the young people are on the right track and stay organized. For more information contact John Eastman by email at john.eastman@scouting.org or your chapter vice president, Jim Long at jel@longrangesucccess.com

June Speaker: Robert Younghanz aka, The Bug Guy

Join us at 6:30pm on June 19^th at the South Metro Denver Realtor's Association for a presentation by Robert Younghanz on aquatic entomology. Robert will give us just a small portion of his vast knowledge on the water-borne and stream-side insects that inhabit our home water system of the South Platte River.Robert Younghanz, a.k.a The Bug Guy, is an internationally known Fly Fishing Guide and instructor.  Robert has been involved in the Fly Fishing industry for close to 20 years. Having traveled to over 60 countries, he is an accomplished angler, teacher and guide for fresh, salt, tropical and warm water species. His passion and expertise in the field of Aquatic Entomology ( the study of insects) has enabled him to travel the world collecting Insects, as well as studying, researching, curating and teaching at Colorado State University, and Front Range Community College. In addition, Robert is a published researcher and has described several new species of aquatic insects in Colorado and Oklahoma.  Robert has been a guest lecturer across the Western United States on the topic of Aquatic Entomology.As a contributing writer to Field and Stream’s blog, “Fly Talk”,   “The Bug Guy” offers helpful advice on entomology and fly selection to fly fishers all over the globe.  Robert is a featured presenter at the International Sportsman’s Expo in Denver, CO, a Simms Ambassador and Orvis Endorsed Guide and has conducted entomology classes for both Simms and Orvis guides at their national gatherings, as well as for Trout Unlimited and other local organizations in the Rocky Mountain West.Robert teaches monthly lecture and streamside classes at The Angler’s Covey Fly Shop in Colorado Springs.  Look for Robert on WFN (The World Fishing Network) and on-line where he discusses insects, and well as fly fishing on Southern Colorado numerous rivers,  lakes and reservoirs. Be sure and check out Robert’s newly released 2 set DVD:  The Bug Guy:  Entomology For The Flyfisher.   For more information about Robert check out his websites:www.the-bug-guy.comwww.robertyounghanzflyfishing.com

March Monthly Meeting a Fly Tying Extravaganza

March 20th, 7pm at our normal meeting location, SMDRA.Are you a fly tier or interested in starting? Well, this is the time of year for you. There are a number of places and events where you can watch local legends perform their magic. This month’s membership meeting is just one such place. It’s a great opportunity to sit with some of your favorite tiers and not only learn their flies and recipes but the little tricks you can only get from watching them.The list of talented fly tyers this year includes, but not limited to Pat Dorsey, Al Makkai, Brian Kuchynka, Jay Core, Bud McAllister, Bill Searles, Frank Prekel, Jim Schmidt, Kent Higgins, Jim Neiberger, Bob Dye and event organizer Richard Pilatzke. If you fall into the 'interested in getting started' category, Ross Custer and John Aaron will have a beginners table where you can learn to tie your first fly from experienced and patient instructors.In addition to the fly tying clinic, chapter members are encouraged to dig out your old, but still serviceable, gear and bring it to the meeting. It will be sold at the meeting in a silent auction and the proceeds will be applied to three of the outstanding chapter projects – Trout in the Classroom, Riverwatch, or the Colorado Youth Camp.As a personal attestment, I sat by myself at Jim Neiberger's table and learned a great wire-body technique that I've been using extensively ever since. It's a great opportunity to actually interact with some of our local fly tying talent.Also, thanks to Richard Pilatzke and his team to putting this all together.  See you all there!

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: River Watch on the South Platte River

River Watch sampling and testing for October will be on Sunday the 16th. These events generally occur during the week so this is a great opportunity to see what River Watch is all about.  Also unique to this month's River Watch is the macro invertebrate (bugs) collection.  The report produced as a result of this collection is a great insight into the major food sources available to the South Platte trout.  But why wait for the report? Volunteer and you can get a look at the bugs first hand. We will car-pool for those wanting to share a ride.  Meet at the Park N' Ride at University and E470 at about 8AM. For those wanting to fish later, you will want to provide your own transportation and meet behind the Deckers store at about 9:30AM. Our collection site is across from Lone Rock Camp Ground just upstream about 1/4 mile from the bridge on the dirt road. We will collect water samples for testing and seine for macro invertebrates (bugs) at 2 sites. The collection process will probably take about 3 hours. For those wishing to help with water testing, we will return to Parker. The bugs will be shipped to Ft Collins where a private lab counts and records the various kinds. For further information and to confirm your participation contact Bill at 303-771-1855 (blhoneyfield@comcast.net) ir Jim Rasmussen at 303-773-2772 (jiber2@msn.com).

Update:

Bill Honeyfield sent in some pictures of the day on the river.  Looks like they had a good turn out and a beautiful day to boot!