There’s nothing quite like a massive drought to draw attention to Colorado’s fragile rivers. But if you’re looking for something more visually appealing, drop in for renowned landscape photographer and conservationist John Fielder’s “Colorado Rivers” presentation Thursday at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden.
Presented by the Colorado Mountain Club, Fielder’s exhibit is focused on the conservation issues affecting waterways, with special emphasis placed on Browns Canyon of the Arkansas River, which U.S. Sen. Mark Udall wants protected by having it designated as federal wilderness. Friends of Browns Canyon, the Colorado River Outfitters Association, the Colorado Environmental Coalition and Lifestream Water Systems also will host the event from 6-9 p.m. at CMC’s Foss Auditorium (710 10th St., Golden).
Through his photography, Fielder has worked for decades to promote the protection of Colorado’s open space and wildlands. A longtime whitewater rafter residing in Summit County, he received the Sierra Club’s Ansel Adams Award in 1993 and the Aldo Leopold Foundation’s Achievement Award in 2011. As an original board member for Great Outdoors Colorado, he is now photographing parks, open space, wildlife habitat, rivers and other elements of the Colorado landscape for GOCO’s 20th anniversary celebration this year.
Thursday’s presentation is free, but seating is limited. Registration is encouraged at www.cmc.org/coloradorivers.
You can fly. If you consider yourself a fly-fisherman, consider it worthwhile to sit through a session with “The Bug Guy.” , will be conducting his entertaining and informative presentation on stream-borne and streamside insects found in local waters for the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the South Metro Denver Realtors Association (7899 S. Lincoln Court, Littleton). Don’t let the casual attire fool you. The dude is fly.
Fire closes Lory park, hatchery. The High Park fire in Larimer County is taking its toll, and among the casualties may be Lory State Park and the Bellvue Watson Hatchery operated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Both facilities are closed to the public and won’t be reopened until authorities deem the area safe.
was evacuated Saturday, and moveable equipment was relocated to Boyd Lake State Park. Park manager Larry Butterfield announced Monday that the fire had reached the 2,600-acre park popular among hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers and horseback riders. Spot fires had been seen in adjacent neighborhoods.
Bellvue Watson Hatchery and the research hatchery were intact as of Monday, although the fire was very close to the property boundaries, and evacuation orders were issued.
Let’s Camp! helps out beginners. CPW is accepting registration for its new Let’s Camp! programs designed to introduce families to the great outdoors at and . Designed for first-time campers and families, the programs cover all the fundamentals from setting up a camp to taking it down in a safe, comfortable setting.
Loaner equipment, including tents and cooking gear, is provided by experienced staffers, and volunteers will be on hand to show campers the ropes, along with outdoor games. Campers should bring food, a sleeping bag and personal items.
The programs take place from noon on Sundays to noon on Mondays; dates are July 1-2 and Aug. 5-6 at Chatfield and July 8-9 and Aug. 5-6 at Golden Gate Canyon. Cost is $30 for each group of up to six people at Chatfield and $25 per group of up to six at Golden Gate. That covers the family’s campsite and park entrance fees, plus program activities, instruction and the use of basic camping equipment.
Space is limited, so participants are encouraged to register early. For information and reservations, visit .
Scott Willoughby: 303-954-1993 or swilloughby@denverpost.com
