Clearing the Way: Partnering to Save Rare Trout

​It was May when Trails for All started hearing that the Cottonwood Creek Trail needed to be a high priority for clearing. Several of our intrepid local volunteers scouted the little-used drainage in between tempestuous spring storms. The snow took its time retreating, but a hardy crew of three finally made it almost to 11,000 feet -- cutting through deadfall and daylighting other growth -- clearing the way for people and mules.

​The reason for the high priority was a special fish-stocking mission that required the coordination of several agencies and organizations, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Forest Service. July 1, Trails for All volunteers were also on hand for the “big event,” the re-homing of rare native Greenback trout rescued in 2016 from the Hayden Creek Fire. 

​Media from Colorado Springs and Denver covered this event and told the full story of the fish. And while Trails for All didn't get mentioned in the news, we are still very proud and grateful to have played some small part of getting these fish to their new home in the Sangre de Cristos.

​Watch the KOAA report below. Read the Colorado Sun story, too.