|
CMC Conservation & the Greenback Cutthroat
CMC's Legacy of Conservation
Since its founding in 1912, the Colorado Mountain Club (CMC) has been an advocate for protecting wild, remote, and quiet places. The CMC was instrumental in landmark decisions such as the designation of Rocky Mountain National Park, Dinosaur National Monument, and the passage of the Wilderness Act. Today, the CMC continues to work with organizations and elected officials to protect our region.
The CMC's six-year strategic plan, is "to sustain wilderness, wildlife, and native ecosystems in Colorado for the appreciation and enjoyment by current and future generations." To achieve this, we work within the following program areas:
Preserving Wildness - Over 6.5 million acres of National Forest and BLM lands are still roadless but, without permanent protection. They, are vulnerable to energy development, logging, and off-road vehicles. These untouched areas that ensure our communities can enjoy clean air and water, beautiful vistas, and remarkable recreation experiences.
Restoring the Quiet Experience - The Southern Rockies are changing. In once pristine areas, there are now highways, dirt bike networks, ski resorts, and noise. Natural quiet, remoteness, and solitude, once taken for granted on public lands, are becoming hard to find.
Balancing Recreation and the Environment - Millions of people recreate in Colorado's backcountry every year. Recreation has wonderful benefits, but in such high numbers and varieties it can cause serious impacts to wildlife, vegetation, soils, and other users.
The Greenback Trout Success Story
 |
Colorado's official state fish, the greenback cutthroat trout, were indigenous to Front Range streams. They fell victim to the introduction of non-native fish. By the 1930s, greenbacks were thought extinct. However, small remnants were discovered in isolated streams. Fish managers acted to preserve the species and allow captive reproduction.
As greenbacks reproduced in hatcheries, parts of their former range were cleared of non-native salmonids. Greenbacks were then re-introduced into these waters, primarily in Rocky Mountain National Park. Naturally reproducing populations have emerged. Now, catch and release fishing is permitted.
Our Goal
The Rockies are changing. Pristine places have been replaced by roads, subdivisions, pollution and noise. Our goal is to unite outdoor users – anglers, hikers, hunters and others – to preserve and restore our backcountry before it's too late. Healthy fisheries are integral to the process.
Fly fishers can contribute by practicing catch & release methods, curbing whirling disease and working with like-minded groups. Section members participate in DOW electro-shocking surveys and stream cleanups. The re-introduction of the greenback is one success story. There must be more.
Fly fishers can contribute by practicing catch & release methods, curbing whirling disease and working with like-minded groups. Section members participate in DOW electro-shocking surveys and stream cleanups. The re-introduction of the greenback is one success story. There must be more.