TU’s Sportsmen's Conservation Project focuses on three program areas:

• Restoration of watersheds degraded by abandoned hard rock mines
• Keeping public backcountry roadless lands intact
• Oil, gas and coal bed methane development impacts on fish and wildlife in the interior West

Abandoned Hard Rock Mines

Abandoned hard rock mines have left a legacy of acidification and metals pollution in streams throughout the western United States, and Peru Gulch - in Summit County's Snake River drainage - is no exception.  Liability under federal laws has been a deterrent for many "good Samaritans" who consider mine site remediation projects, including at the Pennsylvania Mine along Peru Creek.  TU is partnering with the Snake River Watershed Task Force to move remediation forward for the Pennsylvania Mine.  Working with the model for an administrative consent order with the Environmental Protection Agency developed by TU for the American Fork Canyon in Utah, TU is seeking protection from liability, which would allow the partners to move forward with mine remediation efforts.  These efforts offer hope for enhanced water quality and fishery resources in the Snake River drainage.

Roadless Area Protection

TU is working with other sportsmen to promote protection of Colorado's key backcountry watersheds, areas addressed by the Clinton-era "Roadless Rule".  To help inform debate on the value of these lands and how they should (or should not) be protected, TU published a report - "Where the Wild Lands Are" - highlighting the ecological importance of these roadless area habitats.  The report is available by clicking here.

Energy Development

Rapidly-advancing energy development in the Rocky Mountain west has raised growing concern for water quality and fisheries in the affected watersheds.  Key areas - like the Roan Plateau, which supports unique populations of the native Colorado River cutthroat trout - have become focal points for the debate on how to balance energy production and protection of habitats on public lands.  TU offers a credible and effective voice for trout in these debates.