Pressure on affinity groups intensifies as development ramps up
Outdoor affinity groups are known as places to find camaraderie. They spread information and get involved in projects that benefit the entire recreation community. But recently, urbanization, development and politics have elevated the importance of these groups.
As a sportsman, I see constant pressure on access to our outdoor resources. The No. 1 reason people don’t get out to fish, hunt, camp, hike and do other activities is a lack of access. Affinity groups help make sure our concerns are heard, providing a unified voice and putting us at the table when talking about the use of these resources.
David Nickum, the executive director of Colorado Trout Unlimited, joined me on my radio show to update us on the affinity group Colorado TU, explain its support of the recent funding legislation for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and even share a few fishing tips.
My first question to Nickum: What are the benefits of joining Trout Unlimited?
He immediately touted the social gains of being plugged into a local chapter, the sharing of fishing information and, of course, a subscription to Trout Magazine.
But the No. 1 reason, Nickum said, was to give back by supporting the projects and activities of TU through fees and volunteer work.
He gave the example of the Fraser Flats project. TU, CPW, Denver Water and others partnered to take a flat, wide, one-mile stretch of the Fraser River and develop it into more suitable habitat for fish. As a result, the river saw a more than fourfold improvement in the number of fish and opened a nearly half-mile stretch that offers public access.
In addition to projects, Trout Unlimited has an active outreach policy, especially to get youth involved in the outdoors.
As the conversation continued, I started to ask Nickum why TU took a vigorous stand in favor of the Hunting, Fishing and Parks for Future Generations Act ( SB 18-143). The bill, which was signed into law May 4, increased revenue for the parks and wildlife division by raising hunting and parks and recreation fees.
“Sportsmen and women have always taken pride in supporting our state’s outstanding outdoor resources and hunting and fishing opportunities,” Nickum said.
In recent years, the parks and wildlife division has seen its resources increasingly squeezed. The last resident license fee jump took place in 2005. Since that time, expenses have climbed by more than 25 percent. Meanwhile, Colorado’s population has grown rapidly, putting more and more pressure on fish, wildlife and their habitats, as well as on the state’s recreation infrastructure.
Moreover, the tight budget has forced the agency to cut or defund 50 positions and slice $40 million from its wildlife budget — and without new funding, further cuts would be required.
The new law gives CPW the authority to raise hunting and fishing license fees to offset the rising costs of inflation. The modest fee increase ($8 for resident fishing licenses) will begin in 2019, with any future increases tied to the consumer price index. CPW is also looking at other revenue sources to support conservation priorities. None of us wants to pay more, but the alternative is unacceptable.
Finally, I asked him where to go fishing the next couple of weeks considering the low flows and warm water temperatures.
His first suggestion was the Arkansas River. There is a water allocation program on the river that helps keep flows at a rate that is healthy for the fishery, and there is a lot of public access. Gaining elevation would also be a good idea, Nickum added. One of his favorite spots was Zimmerman Lake at the top of Cameron Pass.
If you hunt, fish, hike or do almost any outdoor activity, there is probably an affinity group that can not only enhance your enjoyment but help preserve it for generations to come.