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Think Tank: Brook trout, brown trout and why they rarely coexist
And... why ammonia levels are important for trout survival The trout in our virtual trout tank at the Trailside Museum are starting to feel the stress of the rising ammonia levels. Without a healthy bacteria colony in the tank, the nitrogen cycle will not work to neutralize the ammonia resulting in a high trout mortality.…
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Unwrapping genetic gifts that tell meaningful stories of trout
Lately I’ve been ruminating about why I love genetics, a wonky field of numbers and theory where a true understanding of results only happens long after the field season — in an office, on a computer at that. Every time I get new genetic results it’s like receiving a surprise gift. So many processes — all this history we can’t see — shape the genes of all organisms, including fish. The genetic patterns we uncover, then, tell us real and important things about the conservation needs of these fish. …
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Responsible oil and gas development can happen
Colorado TU and national TU worked in harmony to pass groundbreaking changes to Colorado’s oil and gas drilling regulations. Starting in 2014, Trout Unlimited initiated conversations with the oil and gas industry and conservation partners to establish more robust protections for Colorado’s most important fisheries. The idea was simple: prohibit stream-side oil and gas development and require spill protection…
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Wisconsin project shows it’s not always about the money
By Chris Collier Working with the Town of Beaver and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Trout Unlimited recently helped replace a fish passage barrier on the North Branch Beaver Creek located in the middle of a state fishery area. Surveys at the site indicated fish passage and flood risk concerns associated with the existing, four-culvert…
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The ‘lame duck’ session is here
In just over a month, the results of the 2020 elections will take effect. That means the clock is ticking for the 116th Congress. Outgoing legislators will leave D.C., and newly elected members will take their seats, each with a fresh list of priorities and promises to fulfill for their constituents. Leadership positions will change, creating entirely new dynamics of power in the House and Senate. Elected…
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A wet road is no place for wild trout
By Mark Taylor During her hundreds of days wearing an electrofishing backpack in Pennsylvania, Kathleen Lavelle has searched for trout in just about every kind of stream, from tiny trickles to plunging, boisterous mountain rivers. But on a day in August 2019, she experienced something new. Lavelle and her crew were shocking fish in a road. …
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Old trout don’t need a mirror
Unlike humans, trout only grow more beautiful with age. I know, I know, beauty’s on the inside, but come on. We are all aware of growing older and should be able to admit to being bothered by it sometimes.
There are billions of reasons to love trout, their fickleness bordering on intelligence, their powerful reluctance to surrender in battle, and their impeccable taste in house and lot. The way trout look is enough by itself. This latter attribute expresses itself throughout a trout’s life. Baby trout are like jewels, their scales and inquisitive eyes shooting sunshine in every direction. The…
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