Running Waters, also the name of my grandfather’s farm, have haunted me since childhood and, having lived in Colorado the majority of my adult life, water has become ever so important, and the reason I applied to Water Education Colorado for a job. I feel so fortunate to have been hired. I am overwhelmed at the number of people and organizations that are involved in the use, management, conservation and stewardship of Colorado’s most precious natural resource. The numbers are staggering, the efforts have been going on for years and yet the work seems to be only just beginning. I am, though, also overjoyed that so much of the work is being done by dedicated stewards, souls committed to seeing that Colorado’s water is used equitably, wisely and beneficially. Water Education Colorado is on the forefront of those efforts and I am so proud of this small but mighty band of water warriors as they educate, collaborate and, without advocating, spread the word. My joy comes from an awareness of the support we receive from individuals and organizations who are subscribing members. Become a new member or renew your membership and enjoy the many benefits we provide. As summer winds down and the crisp mornings and cool evenings of September roll in, join us for our annual President’s Reception, an evening of celebration, socializing and connecting. Tickets are on sale now. Then in October we are partnering with the Colorado Riparian Association and the Colorado Watershed Assembly to produce the Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference. Join us! Our publications shop is always open. Here you will find recent issues of Headwaters magazine, and the very informative Citizen’s Guides, including our newly published Spanish language edition of "Where Your Water Comes From" – "Guía De La Comunidad De Donde Viene Su Agua". Perhaps we can’t all replicate my good fortune to work for Water Education Colorado but thanks to you and/or your organization for being part of Colorado’s Water Community advancing knowledge, information and news! PPCTU will be holding it's August 22nd Membership meeting: Location: CPW Office Classroom (in the back) 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Time: 6:30pm Social time - Pizza & Soft drinks provided - Bucket Raffles 7:00 pm Meeting Public is Welcome -Free Admission Special Guest speaker: JOHN GEERDES CEO and Executive Director John is a graduate of Colorado State University in Natural Resources Management. In his 34 year career with Colorado State Parks, and later Colorado Parks and Wildlife, John was involved with management and development of Colorado’s most special gems. From Vega State Park to the Arkansas Headwaters, and some time in the regional office, John has touched almost all aspects of natural resource management. CUSP is lucky to have John leading our team following his retirement from Mueller State Park. Work on Lake George Dam Removal Begins Visitors to Eleven Mile Canyon outside of Lake George have seen the lowhead dam at the mouth of the canyon. This fall work will begin to remove the unused and dangerous dam and return the South Platte River stretch to a naturally functioning ecosystem. This project results from many years of planning and fundraising by many partners. The dam was initially constructed in the 1950s by Colorado Springs Utilities as part of their water supply system. System upgrades in the 1990s made this diversion location obsolete, and it was abandoned. The landowner, USDA Forest Service, and Springs Utilities have been discussing what to do about the dam structure ever since. Special Presentation by: Geoff Harlan, Membership and Development Manager at Water Education Colorado PPCTU Membership Meeting July 25th 6:30pm Social time 7:00 Meeting Location: CPW Classroom, 4255 Sinton Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Bucket raffles, Refreshments including Pizza and soft drinks Prior to joining WEco, Geoff served as a development officer for 11 years at Lawrence Academy in Groton, Massachusetts, managing their Annual Fund for seven years before moving into a major gifts role for the past four years. Before his tenure at Lawrence Academy, Geoff served in a variety of educational administrative roles at Hillside School, The Peddie School, and Phillips Andover. Geoff spent the first 19 years of his career serving as a collegiate football coach at Middlebury College, Hobart College, Villanova University, and Saint Anselm College, where he served as the head coach from 1997 to 2005. Geoff attended Middlebury College in Middlebury, VT where he earned a BA in English, with a Minor in German. Geoff enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling and spending time with his wife, Megan, their three Labrador retrievers – Biscuit, Moose, and Jill – and their three adult-aged children – Merritt, Jack, and Grace." Alli Schuch, Executive Director of the Fountain Creek Watershed District, has been in Colorado Springs for nearly 25 years. She grew up in Rochester, MN and obtained a degree in Natural Resource Management with emphasis in Environmental Education from Stevens Point, WI. Her first job was as an educator at the Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo. She spent almost a year as a wildlife guide in AK, returned to the Springs and worked for local governments and as a consultant. She enjoys kayaking, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching and gardening.
The Fountain Creek Watershed District was established in 2009 to protect and enhance the health of the watershed. Come hear about the accomplishments, current projects, and future endeavors of this unique organization. Tuesday, June 27 6:30 PM CPW classroom (rear) 4255 Sinton Rd Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Volunteers needed to help youth Fly Fish
PPCTU has a number of events this summer taking young people fly fishing. Ideally we would have one volunteer per youth but two to one will work. Please volunteer for one or more of the following events. June 17th, 2023 9:30am – 12:30pm Mueller State Park June 24th 2023 10:00 am – 3:00pm Mueller State Park June 28th 2023 9:00am – 2:00pm Catamount Recreation area (Woodland Park) July 8th 2023 10:00 noon – 6:00 pm Troutfest, Coors Field For additional information and to volunteer: E-mail -michele.white@ppctu.org Lady Fly Fishers: Volunteers needed: July 15th Anticline Pond, Pueblo for “Women in the Woods”. PPCTU provides the rods and flies. Bring you gear and nets. Contact: michele.white@ppctu.org |