San Luis Valley Chapter #303
Our Native TroutThe cutthroat trout is the most diverse trout species in North America. The historical distribution of cutthroats covers the broadest range of any stream-dwelling trout in the Western Hemisphere. The rugged topography of their range has lead to isolation, which in turn has given rise to fourteen recognized subspecies. Four of these species evolved in Colorado: the Colorado River cutthroat trout west of the Continental Divide, the Greenback cutthroat trout in the South Platte River drainage, the yellowfin cutthroat trout (now extinct) in the Arkansas River drainage, and the Rio Grande cutthroat trout in the Rio Grande River drainage in the San Luis Valley and northern New Mexico. The Rio Grande cutthroat was the first New World trout encountered by Europeans in 1541, by Spanish explorer Francisco de Coronado.
Annual work-day on Jim Creek Update
June 13 was our annual SLV TU workday at Jim Creek. Several volunteers from our chapter and Running Rivers planted willows and sedges in the riparian areas of the three exclosures at the creek. Other volunteers repaired fence, and with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, conducted electroshocking surveys in the stream. More than 300 brook trout were relocated out of Jim Creek into La Jara Creek, to reduce competition with native Rio Grande Cutthroat trout. A couple of photos above this story show the planting work. Thanks to all who helped!
Chapter News
We had a good turnout for last month’s meeting! Prof. Rob Benson gave an excellent program on the trip of a lifetime to the Yellowstone ecosystem! We learned about fishing on the Madison and Lamar Rivers, Henry’s Fork, and Hegben Lake. Those who were present also got a tip about the successful use of two strike indicators when fishing nymphs deep in the water column. Thanks, Rob!
Member News
Thanks to our renewing members and contributors: Bankshot Sports Bar, Scott Brady, Duane Bussey, Fran Clark, Bob Irvine, Dennis Ortiz, Steve Shawcroft, Ron Simpson, Trevor Sutherland, Jon Treibly and Kay Watkins!
If your name appears here, your membership is about to expire or has recently expired and we encourage you to renew soon: Cody Caudill, Keith Cerny, Kelly Motl, and Kevin Terry.
Colorado Trout Unlimited News
A note from Chris Wood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trout Unlimited: We are all adapting to the new realities of the COVID-19 virus. Because of our concern for the health and well-being of our employees, we are closing all of TU’s offices and have requested all TU staff to work from home. We have also canceled all travel.
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