Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Guiding for Conservation


Show your support for land and water conservation in central Colorado by booking a fly fishing, whitewater rafting or mountain biking trip in the Upper Arkansas River valley through the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas on August 15, 2011, the second annual Guiding For Conservation day. Guides from several local fishing, rafting and biking outfitters will donate their guide fee to LTUA in recognition of the conservation work the Trust undertakes to protect riparian habitat, wildlife habitat, water quality, open space and to enhance access to the river and existing trail systems. In a show of support, participating outfitters will match their guides' contribution.

The Upper Arkansas River, from its headwaters near Leadville to the Pueblo Reservoir, has played an important part in the natural and cultural history of the State of Colorado. The River is the lifeblood of the area, important for agricultural water needs, public recreation, biological diversity, and tourism. As one of the major river systems in the State, the Arkansas is the focus of cooperative efforts to promote public recreation and conservation.

Starting in the early 1990's, various interest groups and organizations joined together out of cooperation and mutual respect to reach a balance in the various water needs and uses on the Arkansas, thus providing additional recreational opportunities. That spirit of cooperation lives on, and is embodied in the second annual Guiding For Conservation day on August 15, 2011.

The event is the brainchild of Greg Felt, owner of ArkAnglers Guide Service in Salida, and Hayden Mellsop, guide and board president of the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas.

"The really great thing about this event is that it is guide driven. These guides are committed to protecting the resource that sustains them. They recognize the importance of nurturing the goose that lays the golden egg" said Mellsop. Added Felt, "From an outfitter's perspective, it makes sound business sense for us to be supporting what the Land Trust does. Our goals for a healthy, sustainable river are very much aligned with theirs."

The event is a fun way for people to get out and show their support, both for these guides and owners who care so much, for the communities along the river that depend on it for their economic and social well-being, and for the important work the Land Trust undertakes to help protect this fragile resource.

This is your opportunity to have a fanatic guided trip while contributing to conservation. We need you to book your trip for August 15th and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Here is a list of current companies participating in Guiding For Conservation. For an up-to-date list, click here.

When making your reservation make sure to mention Guiding for Conservation.

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