WHEREAS the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed to minimize the stocking of non‑native fishes (save trout) as part of the program to recover endangered fish species; and
WHEREAS the sport fishing industry has been an important part of the custom, culture, and economy of western Colorado for over a century, and many communities are dependent on this industry and the tourism it generates during much of the year; and
WHEREAS elimination of non‑native fish from western Colorado and the reduction of trout stocking in western Colorado waters would have a devastating impact on the economy of the region, costing millions of dollars and thousands of jobs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that;
- CLUB 20 opposes efforts to completely eliminate non‑native sport fish and efforts to reduce trout populations in the waters of western Colorado, and to eliminate the stocking of such sport fish in this region.
- CLUB 20 supports efforts to require maintenance of the sport fishing industry as a goal of the endangered fish recovery program, similar to the requirement that allows continued development of Colorado’s compact waters.
- CLUB 20 requests that all meetings related to the stocking of non‑native fish in the Colorado River Basin be held within the Basin, so affected communities, businesses, and individuals can attend.
Adopted 9/6/1996
Amend 9/11/2009
Amended 3/27/2015
(Formerly 96-9 NR 3)