A Wednesday orientation meeting will introduce Denver area military personnel to the delights of fly-fishing through Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Inc. The 1:30 p.m. event at VA Medical Center, 1055 Clermont St., will feature fly-tying and casting demonstrations while showing how the project has helped veterans in their healing process.
The event is open to active duty, National Guard or reserve members and veterans who have been injured or disabled in active duty.
Project Healing Waters began in 2005 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and this is the first such program at the Denver VA Medical Center. Front Range Fly Fishers, a Federation of Fly Fishers club, will help with the orientation. For information, 303-393-5171.
Fort Collins derby.
The CSU Student Chapter of the American Fisheries Society will conduct its annual fishing derby Saturday at Fort Collins’ College Lake.
The fishing for northern pike and bass is restricted to flies and lures and reflects a project by the chapter to study the fish population with an eye toward developing a strategy for improving the lake. The study not only provides valuable student training, but could augment work and strategies of the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
The 100 tickets available for the derby cost $30 apiece. Proceeds will be used to fund the research project, a scholarship fund and assist the chapter’s participation in cleanup projects along the Poudre River and other waterways.
Elk foundation grants.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has awarded $182,647 for 2008 habitat enhancement projects for Colorado. An additional $43,449 worth of grants will be announced later this year.
These grants involve Clear Creek, Dolores, Grand, Jackson, Las Animas, Mesa, Montrose, Park and Rio Blanco counties.
Most involve clearing, thinning or burning vegetation to improve forage for elk or other wildlife.
Money for the grants was raised from foundation banquets across the state.
