Summit Voice: Most-viewed and week in review

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Fishing disasters in Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico and New England may all be linked with global warming.

Fracking, cutthroat trout and Colorado weather …

Environment: Probe of Arctic scientist ends inconclusively

SUMMIT COUNTY —A Kafka-esque federal probe of a polar biologist ended inconclusively this week, as biologist Charles Monnett got a mild slap on the wrist for an alleged breach of policy that was unrelated to the focus of the 2.5-year investigation.

Climate: Ocean temps rising especially fast along coasts

SUMMIT COUNTY — Scientists with the UK’s University of Southampton say they may have documented another unanticipated global warming feedback loop, as sea surface temperatures in coastal regions appears to be rising up to 10 times faster than the global average. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, global warming | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Colorado: Some cutthroat trout mysteries solved

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

What next for Colorado’s state fish?

A Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Photo courtesy Andrew Todd.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — After some genetic sleuthing and intensive scrutiny of historic fish-stocking records, a team of federal, state and university biologists said they’ve pinned down Colorado’s greenback cutthroat trout to just a single population — about 750 fish, all living in a four-mile reach of Bear Creek, a small Arkansas River tributary in the mountains west of Colorado Springs.

Greenback cutthroats — the Colorado state fish — were originally native to the South Platte drainage, but now appear to survive only in that single population outside of the species’ native range.

Biologists say native cutthroats in Colorado declined because of  pollution, overfishing and stocking of native and non-native species of trout. (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, Colorado, endangered species, Environment | Tagged: , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Morning photo: Fishing!

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

Licenses for the 2012-2012 season on sale; state fishery experts warn against ‘bucket biology’

Fishing in glassy water at a "hidden" cove along the shore of Dillon Reservoir.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — Early spring weather might not be the best thing for skiers looking to extend the season, but it could be good news for Colorado anglers looking to get early access to high country lakes and streams.

And with the 2o12-2012 license year just a few weeks away, it could be a good time to make sure you’re ready by buying or renewing your license. The latest fishing brochure, with regulations and other info, is also available where licenses are sold and online at http://www.flipseekpubs.com/publication/?i=99616.

Memorial Day fishing at the Dillon Marina.

(more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, fishing, recreation, seasons, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Global warming to take big toll on western trout

Posted on August 17, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Habitat expected to shrink by 50 percent in coming decades

Anglers may have to climb high to find fish as global warming takes a toll on trout.

By Bob Berwyn

SUMMIT COUNTY — A combination of rising temperatures and changes in the timing of runoff and streamflows could reduce trout habitat in the western U.S. by about 50 percent during the next 70 years, with some populations disappearing completely within just a few decades.

The mechanisms for temperature-driven extirpations are complex, but the bottom line is that an ever-warming world isn’t going to leave much room for cold-blooded fish.

“They operate within a very narrow temperature range,” said U.S. Geological Survey biologist Andrew Todd. Variations in temperature can affect spawning, even if the temperatures don’t reach levels that are directly lethal to the fish, Todd said.

And the hydrology is also important, he explained. Even small changes in the amount and timing of precipitation can have a big impact on smaller headwaters streams. And unlike birds or mammals, trout don’t have the ability to move freely if conditions become unsuitable.

“They can’t just go to Montana,” Todd said. (more…)

Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Environment, global warming, Summit County news | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments »

Morning photo: Gone fishin’

Posted on January 18, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

It’s not always about what you catch …

Boy and dog, keeping cool on a summer day at Trent Park, one of several stocked ponds at neighborhood parks in Summit County, Colorado.

SUMMIT COUNTY — Wow! The many fishing pics in the archives made me realize how much quality time I spent with my son last summer alongside local ponds, reservoirs and streams. Often, Kellen came along, which worked out really well, giving me a chance to work wirelessly, as in the photo above, while the boys caught supper — or not. Enjoy the photoblog from some of our favorite Colorado fishing holes and take your kids outside and fishing this summer. It’s one of the few things I’ve found that can compete with the attractive nuisance of video games. (more…)

Filed under: Colorado, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Colorado State Parks, daily photoblog, Morning photo, photography, Silverthorne, Summit County Colorado | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

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