2017-Hermosa-Creek-Colorado-Trout-Unlimited

Application for WNTI Funding Application Deadline: 5 pm Mountain time October 7, 2016 Application not to exceed 10 pages total (including the 3 page cover sheet) Cover Sheet Applicant Information Lead Applicant Organization or Entity: Colorado Trout Unlimited Contact Person Name: David Nickum Address: 1536 Wynkoop St. Suite 320 City, State, Zip: Denver, CO 80202 Email: [email protected] Telephone:720‐581‐8589 Website Address: www.coloradotu.org

Project Information Project Title: Hermosa Creek Colorado River Cutthroat Metapopulation Project Project Location State: CO County: La Plata Nearest Town: Durango Congressional District of Project: 3rd Congressional District Watershed/Stream/Lake: Hermosa Creek Watershed ‐ within the Animas River Watershed WNTI native trout and char species/sub‐species Benefitted by Project: Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Total Project Budget: $447,967 Total Amount Requested: $50,000 Total Matching Funds or In‐Kind Support Secured: $390,532 Project Map Coordinates (decimal degrees) Lat: 37.642 Long: ‐107.927 Project Start Date: Summer 2017* * For barrier construction; reclamation and Project Completion Date: Summer 2017* restocking follow as matching efforts in 2018‐ 19. Is there a monitoring plan following Partnership guidelines? Yes If multiyear project, is there a breakdown of tasks, accomplishments, and budget by year in distinct phases? Yes Land Ownership (public or private; if public, specify managing agency): USDA Forest Service Is there a letter of support from the State or Federal fish and wildlife agency or Tribal government? Yes If project is located on private land, please also attach a letter of support from landowner

In which USFWS Region is the project located? (1, 2, 6, 7, 8) _6_ Region 1: Idaho, Oregon, Washington Region 2: New Mexico, Arizona Region 6: Montana, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming Region 7: Alaska Region 8: California, Nevada Is your project currently listed in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife FONS system? No Please indicate FONS Project Number (if applicable): NA Note: Many previously submitted, but unfunded projects have been placed in the Fishery Operational Needs System (FONS). Please check with your local U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office if you are unsure about the question.

Sponsoring Professional (federal, state, or tribal agency resource manager) Name: Clayton Kampf Title: Fisheries Biologist Affiliation: San Juan National Forest, USDA Forest Service

Signature (required): Mailing Address: 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81301 Phone: 970‐884‐1403 Email: [email protected]

WNTI Funds Requested: $___50,000______Total Matching Contributions (cash and in‐kind): $____390,532 (to date)______Match ratio (WNTI:Partner) ____1____ : __7.8____ Total Project Cost: $__447,967 Partner Contribution Detail (List and briefly describe the project partners and their financial contributions.)

Partner Cash In‐Kind San Juan National Forest, USDA Forest $207,500 $30,000 FS Staff time Service (includes Regional Office); cash, planned for barrier construction management & monitoring construction National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Bring $56,000 Back the Natives; cash (USFS grant application approved) Colorado Parks and Wildlife; cash, monitoring, $65,320 $21,000 reclamation and stocking above the barrier following construction Trout Unlimited, 5 Rivers Chapter and $6,000 $4,712 (200 hours at Colorado Council; cash, volunteer support national value of during construction, reclamation, restocking $23.56/hour) Western Native Trout Initiative (requested) $50,000

Trout & Salmon Foundation (requested) $7,500

Budget Totals $334,820 (plus $57,500 $55,712 pending requests)

Note: NFHP funds granted to project applicants are processed through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Offices. These are federal funds, administered on WNTI’s behalf through a federal agency. Grants are paid on a reimbursable basis. A FWS project agreement will be completed with successful applicants through interactions with FWS regional and/or local staff.

Project Partners (list all project partners and contact information)

Partner Organization: U.S. Forest Service, San Juan National Forest Contact Name: Clay Kampf Position: Fisheries Biologist Email: [email protected] Telephone: 970‐884‐1403

Partner Organization: Colorado Parks and Wildlife Contact Name: Jim White Position: Area Biologist Email: [email protected] Telephone: 970-247-0855

Partner Organization: Five Rivers Trout Unlimited Chapter Contact Name: Buck Skillen Position: Chapter President Email: [email protected] Telephone: 970‐382‐8248

Partner Organization: Contact Name: Position: Email: Telephone:

Project Components (select all that apply) Riparian or In‐Stream Habitat Restoration X Watershed Connectivity X Barrier Removal or Construction Monitoring Watershed or Population Assessment Education/outreach In‐Stream Flow Acquisition Planning Watershed Planning

Anticipated Outcomes (fill in values applicable to project) _3_ # Stream Miles Restored or Enhanced ___ # Watersheds or Rivers Assessed 23 # Stream Miles Reconnected or Reopened ___ # Stream Miles Assessed ___ # Acres of Lake/Wetlands Restored/Enhanced ___ # Populations Assessed 1 # Barriers Removed or Constructed _1_ Other: (i.e. number of individuals reached by an educational program, number of presentations given, number of materials produced, etc.) Metapopulation established

Project Narrative Please use 12 pt. font, single line spacing, and standard margins. This portion of your application should not exceed 7 pages.

I. Project Summary ‐ a one paragraph description of what tasks will be accomplished.

The Hermosa Creek and East Fork Hermosa Creek watersheds provide a unique opportunity to re-establish Colorado River Cutthroat Trout (CRCT) to a portion of their native range. This particular project will create a metapopulation by connecting two isolated sub-populations of CRCT. Upon completion of the project, there will be 23 stream miles of interbreeding native CRCT located in the Hermosa and East Fork Hermosa watersheds representing the largest contiguous population of CRCT in the State of Colorado. The final phase of this multi-year project, for which we are seeking WNTI support, will be to install a downstream barrier to protect the metapopulation of CRCT from future invasion by non-native trout, and to reclaim and restore CRCT in the habitat (approximately 3 miles) between the new barrier and two existing upstream barriers. II. Problem the Project Addresses ‐ A description of why the project is important to the resource and which WNTI and NFHP objectives will be met. What are the major factors limiting the healthy function of the watershed/habitat? Describe how your proposed project addresses the causes of degradation rather than the symptoms, and how your project addresses species recovery needs or other species conservation needs. Describe how the project is important to the long‐term persistence of the species.

The Colorado River cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii pleuriticus) (CRCT) is designated by both the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management as a sensitive species, and is recognized as a state-listed threatened species by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). Historically, the CRCT occupied portions of the Colorado River drainage in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Currently, CRCT occupy 3,022 stream miles or approximately 13% of their historic range, located mainly in headwater streams and lakes above 7,500 feet in elevation. Non-native fish introduction has been the main reason for CRCT decline, with the resulting hybridization reducing the genetic integrity of the subspecies.

In the Hermosa Creek watershed specifically, non-native trout had displaced CRCT throughout the basin until restoration efforts began in the 1990s, through which two core conservation populations of CRCT were re- established. A natural fish migration barrier is located on the East Fork Hermosa Creek, isolating approximately 3 miles of stream and protecting a core conservation population in the East Fork Hermosa headwaters that was reclaimed for native trout in 1991. A second barrier was constructed in 2007 isolating 14 miles of the headwaters of Hermosa Creek itself for reclamation and reintroduction with native CRCT. An additional barrier on East Fork Hermosa Creek was completed in 2013, extending the available habitat for that core conservation population by 3 more miles. The current proposal calls for construction of a final, large barrier on the mainstem of Hermosa Creek below its confluence with the East Fork – followed by reclamation and restocking of CRCT into the habitat between the new barrier and the existing upstream barriers. This will allow for interaction between the currently isolated populations and provide a larger, more robust habitat that can better ensure persistence of the CRCT within the basin even in the face of localized disturbances. The final barrier to exclude non-native trout is necessary for the metapopulation to persist over time.

The Hermosa Creek watershed’s habitat is in excellent condition, and enjoys strong and permanent legal protection. Restoration work has already taken place to improve overwintering habitat – identified by agency biologists as a key habitat limitation for the area – on a portion of Hermosa Creek downstream of the existing barrier but that will be reclaimed as part of this project (see photos on following page). Further, in 2014 Congress passed and the President signed legislation establishing the Hermosa Creek basin as the nation’s first “Watershed Protection Area” with the federal landholdings making up the basin managed with an emphasis on protecting the integrity of its watershed values including habitat for native cutthroat trout and associated angling opportunities. In light of this designation and the protection it affords, Hermosa Creek is particularly well- situated to serve as a native trout stronghold for CRCT. Pictures of the Hermosa Creek Habitat Project completed in 2012 showing 2 of the 14 instream structures, a small portion of over 1,000 feet of bank rehabilitation completed and TU and SJNF hand placing a root wad for overhead cover.

By creating a large and stable habitat for CRCT in the southern portion of its native range, the project will significantly advance species recovery beyond the (mostly) more limited and fragmented restoration projects that have been completed previously. Given the risks posed by climate change to CRCT habitat, particularly at lower elevations and southern portions of its range, it is especially important to look at large, relatively intact systems like Hermosa where greater resiliency can be provided than with smaller isolated projects. While smaller tributaries within the watershed may remain at greater risk – for example, from extreme low flow during drought periods – the larger metapopulation will be less vulnerable to extirpation, allowing fish to recolonize following a localized extinction. This provides greater support for long-term species conservation range-wide.

III. Project Objectives/Supporting Documentation ‐ What specifically will be accomplished? How do these objectives support the goals of the WNTI Strategic Plan, existing species recovery plans and conservation strategies, watershed restoration plans, etc.? If possible cite relevant plans and their specific objectives and goals that the project addresses.

This project will directly increase habitat availability for two core conservation populations located in the East Fork Hermosa and Hermosa Creek from approximately 6 miles and 14 miles, respectively, to a connected area of approximately 23 miles of stream habitat upon completion of the project. Just as significantly, the project will restore natural interaction between currently isolated populations as part of a connected metapopulation.

The project supports two goals of the National Fish Habitat Action Plan. First it will “protect and maintain intact and healthy aquatic systems” by excluding non-native fish species from the 23 miles of connected stream in the project area – thereby addressing the primary factor that has led to the loss of CRCT within the Hermosa watershed. By reclaiming 3 miles of habitat, it will also “increase the quality and quantity of fish habitats that support a broad natural diversity of fish.” Finally, the project contributes to restoring natural metapopulation processes, consistent with the Plan’s Objective 1 to “restore natural processes.”

As the primary risk to CRCT in the Hermosa Creek watershed is the impact of non-natives, the strategic framework for WNTI suggests barrier construction, piscicide projects and nonnative fish control and removal – all components of this project – to address threats across the landscape. The Hermosa project is rooted in “the 3 R’s of conservation” emphasized by WNTI. By establishing a stronghold for CRCT in southwest Colorado the project will add to redundancy (more populations) and resilience (more ability to withstand environmental variation), thereby helping ensure adequate representation of a pure lineage of CRCT within its historic range.

The project also serves objectives laid out in the interagency Colorado River Cutthroat Trout Conservation Strategy (https://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/fish/crct/crct_conservation_strategy_jun06.pdf). Specifically – Objective 2 to “Secure and enhance conservation populations” – is served by the proposed workplan. The interagency collaboration among the USFS, CPW, Trout Unlimited, and other local partners – both on the project and on general protection of the area under the Hermosa Watershed Protection Act – advances Objective 7 to “Maximize effectiveness of CRCT conservation efforts by coordinating signatory agency efforts toward achieving a common goal.” Additionally, the interagency Strategy seeks to: Create metapopulations where possible. Where it is possible to protect larger drainages from invasion by non-native species, barriers should be removed to allow the reconnection of habitat within a metapopulations framework. This will ensure persistent gene exchange, as well as allow for the recolonization of habitats following local extinction. (p. 16)

The final stage of the Hermosa restoration project directly advances this sub-objective and will result in the largest connected CRCT habitat complex within Colorado, covering approximately 23 total miles of habitat.

IV. Project Methodology ‐ Describe what you are planning to do. Multi‐year projects must be broken into distinct phases with measurable tasks and accomplishments broken down by year, what year(s) the funding you seek will cover, and how other years of the project will be funded. How will the project be completed, and who is responsible for actually doing the work? Attach photos and map of the project area if possible.

Due to the large size and water volume of Hermosa Creek, the barrier below the confluence must be constructed in a manner that will protect the native CRCT metapopulation above the barrier for many years to come. Design has been completed with this in mind, and bids secured with a contractor for construction of the barrier in summer 2017 at a total contract cost of $392,255. The barrier will be 9.9 feet in height at the lowest point, constructed from colored, textured concrete to mimic surrounding bedrock. The barrier will be curved to direct flow to the center of the stream channel and prevent erosion around the sides. The barrier site is located approximately ¾ mile downstream of the closest maintained road; the USFS is enhancing access to the site for construction equipment in a manner designed to minimize the temporary effects within the watershed.

The planned downstream barrier will be the largest of four barriers in the East Fork Hermosa and Hermosa drainages that protect the proposed metapopulation. A natural fish migration barrier is located on the East Fork

The existing barrier constructed on the main stem Hermosa Creek in 2007, securing 14 miles of stream (above); general design for proposed barrier (at left).

Hermosa isolating approximately 3 miles of stream and protecting the core conservation population in the East Fork Hermosa headwaters since the CRCT reclamation in 1991. A second barrier was constructed in 2007 isolating 14 miles of the headwaters of Hermosa Creek. A constructed barrier was completed in 2013 on the East Fork Hermosa to isolate a particularly difficult section of stream for reclamation, enabling addition of approximately 3 miles of occupied habitat to the East Fork’s conservation population. Completion of the final barrier below the confluence will allow for the interaction of the two populations of protected CRCT in the isolated headwater reaches as well as reclamation of an additional 3 miles of newly reclaimed habitat.

NEPA compliance for the barrier installation is complete and the barrier qualifies for a Nationwide 404 Permit, so this project is effectively “shovel ready” and can proceed once funding is secured. Depending on the timing and magnitude of runoff, we expect to move forward – with the USFS managing and overseeing the construction contracts – on barrier installation in July or August 2017; construction should be completed within about one month. It is this phase of work for which we currently seek WNTI funding.

Following completion of the barrier in 2017, CPW will conduct reclamation on the reaches between the existing East Fork and mainstem barriers and the newly installed fish barrier below the confluence. This work is planned for late summer 2018 – prior to fall spawning season – and will be funded by CPW as “in-kind” match for this grant budget. In 2019 the area will be sampled to ensure the absence of non-native trout (some native fish may Overview map of the Hermosa CRCT Re‐introduction Project showing the largest planned CRCT meta‐ occupy the reclaimed area from population in the State of Colorado. The project will connect two existing core conservation populations from the headwaters of Hermosa Creek and the East Fork Hermosa Creek, including reclamation and the existing upstream CRCT reintroduction within a reach where habitat improvement was completed in 2012. habitats), and assuming that a second treatment is not required CPW will stock CRCT into the reclaimed reach in late summer/early fall 2019, again relying on state resources.

V. Project Monitoring/Evaluation of Success ‐ How will the success of the project be assessed, and who is responsible for long‐term maintenance and monitoring? Has an evaluation/monitoring plan been completed? The benefit(s) should be quantifiable; that is, you can measure or count the amount of habitat and/or species benefited, or the result of your project.

This project will be successful when (1) the downstream fish barrier is installed and functioning as a fully successful block to upstream migration by non-native fish, and (2) all non-native fish species are removed from the waters above the barrier and the native CRCT are re-introduced and persisting above the fish barriers throughout the 23-mile restoration area. After barrier construction and subsequent removal of non-native fish species, the stream reach will be surveyed to ensure the successful removal of the non-native fish species. If non-native fish are found during this monitoring period, additional reclamation treatments will be completed until all non-native fish are removed from the stream. Native CRCT then will be introduced into the reach from the broodstock core conservation population (99% genetically pure) located in the East Fork Hermosa headwaters. Following reintroduction, the population will be monitored by CPW and USFS biologists to ensure the persistence of the CRCT (presence of multiple age classes) and the absence of non-native species. This monitoring will be conducted and funded by the respective agencies as part of their standard population monitoring within the Hermosa watershed. After more frequent (every other year) initial monitoring to confirm natural recruitment following CRCT reintroduction, long-term monitoring of the East Fork and mainsteam Hermosa populations will continue on 3-5 year intervals. Trout Unlimited volunteers will provide assistance as needed for these surveys, working under supervision of the agency biologists. Through this ongoing monitoring, the partners will track long-term success for the project – and if needed, identify any problems that emerge and must be addressed through further conservation actions.

VI. Partnerships for this Project ‐ Briefly describe the project partners’ involvement in planning, implementation, and evaluation of this project. Projects that have secured matching funds or in‐kind support from partners and/or involve diverse stakeholders are highly valued and encouraged.

The collaborative effort between CPW, USFS and Trout Unlimited has been evident throughout this project, and indeed was recognized when the program received a national “Rise to the Future” from the Chief of the USFS in 2015. A shared understanding of and commitment to the ultimate goal of this project between partners has resulted in seamless integration of efforts and pushed the project towards successful completion. Of particular note is that each agency and partner has independently filled their niche and completed their responsibility while offering assistance with other components of the project.

This project is located solely on USFS Lands. The USFS will be responsible for managing contracts for construction of the fish barrier and securing all required construction permits (in-kind contributions exceeding $30,000). The agency is contributing $207,500 cash toward the barrier construction, in addition to $56,000 they secured from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. CPW will be responsible for removal of non-native species within the restoration reach and re-stocking of genetically pure CRCT (in-kind contribution of approximately $21,000). In addition, CPW has pledged $65,320 cash toward the barrier construction. Both agencies will assist with the monitoring and ensuring the persistence of CRCT above the barrier.

Trout Unlimited volunteers through the Five Rivers Chapter have previously contributed both dollars and manpower to the habitat improvements completed in 2012, and have pledged at least $6,000 toward the barrier construction costs. TU volunteers will also provide assistance as needed to the agencies with the monitoring, reclamation, and restocking elements of this project. Finally, TU will serve as the fiscal agent for this WNTI grant, should funding be approved, as well as with a (pending) grant request with the Trout and Salmon Foundation ($7500). Project partners with USFS, CPW, Trout Unlimited getting their hands dirty. Beyond the direct partners involved with the CRCT restoration efforts, the protection of the Hermosa Creek watershed has become a shared priority across the community of interests in southwest Colorado. The Hermosa Watershed Protection Act was the product of local and state government, water user, recreationist, and conservation partner involvement, and those stakeholders have voiced their collective support for a shared vision of conserving the Hermosa watershed. A letter of support from a key local stakeholder, the Southwestern Water Conservation District, is attached with this proposal.

VII. Project Timeline ‐ Please provide an estimated timeline for the project, including major milestones and achievements, including plans and responsible person to prepare and submit a final report with high quality digital photographs.

 Summer 2017 – Construction of the proposed barrier; CPW data collection in preparation for 2018 reclamation project. TU (David Nickum) will submit a report to WNTI on completion of this phase.  Summer 2018 – Reclamation to remove non-native fish between the new and previous barriers.  Summer 2019 – Sampling to determine if additional reclamation is required; if not, stocking of CRCT into the restoration reach will take place later in 2019. Otherwise, a second round of reclamation will take place with stocking postponed to 2020.  Fall 2019 – TU (David Nickum) will submit to WNTI and other partners a final overall project report.

VIII. Supplemental Information Status of Project Design and Environmental Compliance ‐ Identify the stage of project design and when implementation is expected to occur. Identify what environmental compliance documents are needed and the status of completion for these documents.

Design work and NEPA compliance has been completed. Initial consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers has taken place, and an application for a Nationwide Permit will be filed by the USFS this winter in preparation for construction in summer 2017.

Species Present ‐ List all species (including non‐WNTI species) that will directly benefit or be affected by your project, and how. Include special status designations if applicable—ESA status, species of special concern, etc.

The Colorado River cutthroat trout (CRCT) is the target species for this restoration effort, and will benefit from both the expansion of its total occupied habitat and from the connection established between the two existing core conservation populations. CRCT is a USFS sensitive species in Region 2 and Region 4, a BLM sensitive species, and a state threatened species. CRCT is not listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Outreach/Education ‐ Describe any outreach or education efforts associated with this project, including public workshops, tours, signs, newsletters, scientific journal articles, scientific conference presentations, educational forums, etc.

The Hermosa Creek project has received attention in the media in the Denver Post, Durango Herald, Durango Telegraph, and through supporters such as Trout Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Wild, and Hermosacreek.org. The Hermosa watershed is a popular recreation site due to its proximity to Durango, CO and Durango Mountain Resort and attracts mountain bikers, fisherman, hunters, campers and hikers. This project presents an opportunity to communicate the values of CRCT re-introduction on the ground as work is completed. Signage is also in place to reach visitors, and additional signs are planned under the Hermosa Special Management Plan.

In addition, regular public meetings have been held in the Durango area to discuss the various phases of this project and provide information when requested by the public. These meeting have also served to solicit volunteers for fish reclamation projects and habitat work.

Trout Unlimited plans to highlight the Hermosa project through High Country Angler magazine (electronic distribution to approximately 30,000). The USFS and CPW plan to present the project and results through professional conferences – the annual Rangewide CRCT interagency meeting, and with the American Fisheries Society – so that other professionals can benefit from the learning developed in implementing this project.

IX. Budget

Category WNTI Partner Match Total a. Personnel N/A $51,000 $51,000 b. Travel $0 $0 $0 c. Equipment* $0 $0 $0 d. Supplies $0 $0 $0 e. Contractual $0 $0 $0 f. Construction (contract incl. materials) $50,000 $342,255 $392,255 g. Other (volunteer assistance) $0 $4,712 $4,712 TOTAL $50,000 $397,967 $447,967 *Equipment is any individual item over $5,000. Even if an item is tangible, nonexpendable, and having a useful life of more than one year, items costing less than $5,000 should be placed under the Supplies category.

X. Budget Narrative – for supplies and contractual, provide some detail. Explain budget categories and amounts listed above as needed. If a multiyear project, please provide a budget breakdown by year (e.g., Phase 1 – 2016, Phase 2 – 2017).

Construction of the barrier will take place under a flat‐price contract between USFS and its contractor. The total contract price – including equipment and materials – is $392,255. These cash funds will be expended in Summer 2017, along with $30,000 in USFS in‐kind support.

Matching resources for the subsequent reclamation (2018) – personnel and volunteer support along with piscicide costs – will be provided by CPW and TU and are expected to total approximately $19,356.

Reintroduction of CRCT into the reclaimed habitat (2019) is expected to be a total in‐kind contribution (from CPW and TU volunteers) of approximately $6,356.

XI. Project Staff ‐ List names and relevant qualifications of project staff.

Clay Kampf, Forest Fisheries Biologist, San Juan National Forest. SJNF Fisheries Biologist since 2011. Planned, designed and constructed the barrier built in 2013 on the East Fork Hermosa. Planned and designed the final barrier for which WNTI funding is requested. Planned, designed and implemented two bank stabilization and fish habitat improvement projects in the Hermosa Creek CRCT project area. Regularly conduct monitoring on the efficacy of rotenone treatments as well as CRCT health assessments. Assist with the preparation and implementation of rotenone treatments to remove non-native fish.

Jim White, Area Biologist, Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Qualified Supervisors pesticide applicators license with an Aquatics application category (Applicator ID: 20392) from the Colorado Department of Agriculture since 2006. Successfully completed the American Fisheries Society’s “Planning and Executing Successful Rotenone and Antimycin Projects” course. Project lead on 8 chemical habitat reclamation projects using Rotenone and Antimycin over a 20 year career. Responsible for CRCT population and broodstock management in San Juan River Basin Geographic Management Unit lead for CRCT Conservation Team.

XII. Optional Supporting Materials ‐ Includes maps, photographs, letters of support, etc. Project proposals must be supported by the state and/or federal fish and wildlife management/natural resource agencies, or Tribal governments within project‐area jurisdictions. Letters of support and landowner consent letters do not count toward the 10 page application limit. In addition to the required letter of support from the state fish and wildlife agency, and any additional letters of support from federal or Tribal fish and wildlife agencies, the project application cover sheet must include a signature and contact information for a ‘sponsoring professional’ from the relevant management agency.

XIII. Signature of Applicant ‐ An original signature page must be received with the application.

I certify that the above information is true and accurate,

Signature: ______

Print Name: ______David Nickum______

Title: ______Executive Director ______

Organization: ______Colorado Trout Unlimited______

Date: ______10/7/2016 ______

September 30, 2016

Western Native Trout Initiative Steering Committee c/o Therese Thompson 134 Union Boulevard, Suite 665 Lakewood, CO 80228

Re: Grant Application Cutthroat Fish Barrier Hermosa Creek.

Dear Ms. Thompson and Members of the Steering Committee:

Five Rivers Chapter of Trout Unlimited located in Durango, CO has been a dedicated and vital partner with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the United States Forest Service for the last 20 or so years in working to reintroduce the native Cutthroat Trout to the waters of Hermosa Creek.

Thanks to the determined work of CPW and USFS Biologists plans are being finalized for the barrier that will make possible the linking of over 20 miles of native cutthroat water encompassing both Hermosa Creek and the East Fork of Hermosa Creek.

5RTU is in total agreement and support of this effort and has provided many man and woman hours as well as funding for leveraging grant monies to bring this needed and valuable project to fruition. We encourage your Committee to approve the grant application for use on this vital project and collaborative effort.

Thank you for your careful consideration.

Sincerely,

Frank (Buck) Skillen President, Five Rivers Chapter Trout Unlimited.