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2023

Alex Krebs BHA Member of the Month: June 2023

(Colorado BHA Southwest Group Assistant Regional Director)

During the spring of 2022 Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Southwest Group Assistant Regional Director Alex Krebs got wind of a proposed mountain bike trail system in the Jackson Mountain area north of Pagosa Springs. Alex is an elk hunter and knows the Jackson Mountain area includes critical habitat and migration corridor for elk and deer. And with increasing development and pressure on the landscape, Jackson Mountain serves as an important wildlife refuge.

“I actually sat down and met the with Pagosa Ranger district team on a teams call in August of 2022,” Alex explained. “We dove into some of the proposed miles of trails … It seemed like the momentum was there and the trails were going to be constructed.” “This trail proposal, if approved, sets precedent that the USFS not only allows illegal trail construction but encourages and accepts it as a legitimate means of bypassing proper planning procedure,” Alex stated in a letter to Forest Service District Ranger Josh Peck.[1]

During March 2023 Alex—with input from multiple other southwest Colorado BHA leaders and others—submitted Colorado BHA comments on the “Jackson Mountain Proposal,” detailing some of the many problems associated with this proposed trail system. In particular, there seemed to have been no serious consideration regarding the impact on big game and other regional wildlife.

“Interestingly, it sounded very much like there would be little in the way of NEPA alternatives that fully alleviated the concerns I was hearing from biologists,” Alex added. “This led me to believe this would get rubber stamped, but then the exact opposite happened.” During April 2023, the San Juan National Forest Pagosa Ranger District completed the scoping phase of the Jackson Mountain Landscape Project and decided not to move forward with the proposed mountain bike trail system.

“Concerns over the probable impacts of a trail system on an important big game migration corridor have led me to conclude that we would be in error in proceeding with the analysis of the trail proposal as currently envisioned,” said District Ranger Josh Peck.[2] “Outreach is also really important I think,” Alex added. “My wife coaches mountain biking and a lot of our members are mountain bikers, hikers or otherwise. We all must be stewards. It’s the only way multi-use forests can be sustainable in the long run. Awareness of our impacts as users is a critical component to future conservation from all user groups in my opinion.”

To help protect elk and other wildlife habitat from the growing impact of illegal trail building the Colorado BHA chapter increased its reward from $500 to $1,000 for reports or information leading to a conviction of those responsible for building illegal trails on public lands.[3]

For additional/related information see:

-“Member of the Month: Alex Krebs.” Backcountry Beat: June 2023.

-“Proposed Jackson Mountain (CO) Mountain Bike Trail System Withdrawn.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 6/12/23.

-“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Increase Reward For Illegal Trail Construction (Help Stop Trail Building ‘Free-For-All’).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/10/23.

[1] Reuben Schafir. “Forest Service reverses course on Jackson Mountain trails north of Pagosa Springs: Ranger district removes proposed construction of 40 miles of trail from project.” Durango Herald: 4/24/23.

[2] Lorena Williams. “Jackson Mountain Landscape Project Proposal Under Revision: Some proposed project components halted following scoping period.” Forest Service-San Juan National Forest News Release: 4/17/23.

[3] “Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Increase Reward For Illegal Trail Construction (Help Stop Trail Building ‘Free-For-All’).” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 4/10/23.

Vice Chair Ivan James Receives Award

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recognized chapter Vice-Chair/Legislative Liaison Ivan James for “Decades of Selfless Leadership and Untold Contributions of Time and Effort To Wildlands and Wildlife Preservation Efforts.” After retirement Ivan spent 13 years on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Bowhunters Association, the last 11 as Vice-Chairman for Legislation. Each of these years he worked on from seven to eleven bills.

Ivan was also an early BHA member and attended the first BHA North American Rendezvous in Missoula during 2012, where he was one of four distinguished panelists—including BHA founder Mike Beagle, future BHA President and CEO Land Tawney, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuge Manager Rick Potts—sharing insights on “How to Present at Legislative and Fish & Wildlife Meetings.” During 2017 Ivan joined the Colorado BHA chapter Board/Executive Leadership Team as Vice-Chair/Legislative Liaison

John Chandler, Colorado Chapter’s Gunnison regional director - BHA Member of the Month

John brought the idea for a large-scale stewardship event to the chapter coordinator in the summer of 2022. He had the drive and motivation to do something BIG, and with the help of BHA staff and a team of chapter leaders, his vision exploded into something even he couldn’t have imagined.

The extremely successful Colorado Public Lands Day Weekend Bash was his brainchild. Without him, this event would not have happened, and those 5.25 miles of fencing would still be on the landscape. John secured high-level sponsors and an out-of-this-world venue along with facilitating connections with local businesses and nonprofits to increase volunteer turnout. He was instrumental in the organization and execution of the biggest stewardship event the Colorado chapter has ever seen. The Colorado chapter is lucky to have him.

Don Holmstrom - Sigurd F. Olson Award

The Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Sigurd F. Olson Award recognizes outstanding effort conserving rivers, lakes or wetland habitat. Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Co-Chair Don Holmstrom is the 2023 recipient. Don was recognized at a ceremony during the BHA North American Rendezvous in Missoula on March 18. For additional information see: “Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Co-Chair Receives Sigurd F. Olson Award.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/21/23.

2021

Kassi Smith - October Member of the Month

Kassi Smith has proven herself to be the Swiss Army knife of the Colorado Chapter, capable of tackling any effort and as dependable as they come. From representing the chapter in stakeholder policy conversations to cultivating leaders from within our community – often driving across the state to do so – Kassi has gone above and beyond, and we are grateful to have her as part of our team. Since July Kassi has almost singlehandedly organized three separate Women in the Woods Weekend Workshops that included an elk hunting camp, a fly-fishing camp and a waterfowl and upland game bird camp. Kassi embodies BHA’s ethos and is a rising star in our ranks, consulting with chapter leaders across North America to help grow the Women in the Woods Program. “Member of the Month: Kassi Smith, Colorado Board Member.” Backcountry Beat: October 2021.

Craig Grother - February Member of the Month

Colorado is in the middle of a recreation renaissance that has resulted in more people spending more time on our public lands than ever before. Colorado BHA has been paying close attention to the associated impacts to wildlife and habitat thanks in large part to the leadership and expertise of Craig Grother, Colorado chapter board member. Craig has led Colorado BHA efforts on this issue for some time, weighing in on concerns for specific trails projects, recommending policy changes at the state level, participating in working groups, commenting on administrative planning processes, and most recently developing a GIS analysis for the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison Forest Plan. For the past six months CO Board Member, Craig Grother has been hard at work developing this GIS analysis and report for the Grand Mesa Uncompahgre Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. This tool has been designed to bring wildlife management needs to the forefront of a decision-making process that will shape the management direction and priorities of the GMUG for the next 20-30 years. Craig's efforts have resulted in a tool that will allow Colorado BHA to build a strong coalition of support, educate the public, and shape the management direction of the GMUG to the benefit of wildlife. This tool is a giant step forward for the Colorado chapter, and we are confident that Craig's efforts will elevate our ability to engage on these issues moving forward. You can see the report here. “Craig Grother: Member of the Month.” Backcountry Beat: February 2021.

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE COLORADO CHAPTER LEADER

Colorado BHA Legislative Liaison Ivan James was recognized in The Holton Recorder (see: “Wildlife Habitat Award” in the 2/10/21 issue, p. 6A) for establishing wildlife habitat on his land near Circleville, Kansas. - “Wildlife Habitat Award-James honored for establishing wildlife habitat on his land near Circleville.” The Holton Recorder: 2/10/21, p. 6A.b

COLORADO BHA CHAPTER LEADER RECOGNIZED AT RENDEZVOUS

Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Central West Slope Assistant Regional Director, Adam Gall, was the recipient of BHA’s Jim Posewitz Award, presented at the 2021 BHA North American Rendezvous in Missoula during June. Excerpts from the BHA press release (“BHA Honors Conservation Warriors With Annual Awards,” 6/22/21) below emphasize Adam’s second-to-none commitment to ethical hunting and our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.

2020

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE WEST SLOPE CHAPTER LEADER

“Leslie Kaminski: BHA Chapter Leader of the Month!” Backcountry Beat: August 2020.

“Leslie Kaminski is a West Slope chapter leader based in Montrose, Colorado. Leslie is a rising star in the Colorado chapter and was the top fundraiser in the Hike to Hunt Challenge, raising $2,125.00 and hiking 87 miles along the way. Leslie's contributions extend well beyond this recent achievement, and from day one as a chapter leader, she has elevated our work and advanced our mission in meaningful ways, from hosting a series of fly-tying workshops engaging women to supporting Hunting for Sustainability programming efforts, fostering relationships with important allies, representing BHA as a panelist at a major conference, and helping to shape the chapter's strategic plan and direction. We can’t thank Leslie enough for her dedication, and we're excited to announce that she's our BHA Chapter Leader of the Month!”

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE COLORADO CHAPTER

Colorado BHA was recognized in the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 2020 Policy Roundup, “State And Provincial” section. As stated there: “The Colorado Chapter helped secure the addition of public access to 200,000 acres of state trust lands that were previously not open to public hunting and angling. The chapter also was instrumental in lobbying the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission to include regulatory provisions that protect riparian areas, wildlife habitat and create opportunities for consideration of migration corridors in state leasing and permitting processes.” See: “2020 Policy Roundup.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/18/20.

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE WEST SLOPE BOARD MEMBER

Central West Slope Regional Director Craig Grother was recognized as BHA’s Member of the Month for February 2021. See: “Colorado BHA Chapter Leader Recognized.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 3/1/21.

“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recently recognized Colorado BHA Central West Slope Regional Director and board member Craig Grother as BHA’s Member of the Month for February 2021. Craig’s accomplishments are included in BHA’s February 2021 Backcountry Beat. Craig is a retired U.S. Forest Service wildlife biologist with 33 years of public service. Since joining BHA, Craig has spent countless days and weeks working to protect public lands habitat from motorized overuse and abuse and other threats in the Norwood and Ouray Ranger Districts of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests and elsewhere in the state. During January 2015, Craig was recognized as BHA’s Volunteer of the Month. In addition, during 2013 he was the recipient of BHA’s Aldo Leopold Award. This award is presented by the BHA North American Board and recognizes significant contributions towards preserving wildlife habitat.”

2019

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZES DAVID LIEN WITH MIKE BEAGLE-CHAIRMAN'S AWARD

At the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 8th Annual North American Rendezvous in Boise, Idaho (on May 4, 2019), chapter co-chair David Lien received BHA’s Mike Beagle-Chairman’s Award, presented by Land Tawney, BHA president and CEO, “for outstanding effort on behalf of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.” See: “BHA Bestows Top Honors at Rendezvous: Hunters, anglers recognized for contributions to North America’s public lands, waters, wildlife.” The Outdoor Wire: 5/22/19.

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE COLORADO CHAPTER

“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Recognized as BHA’s Chapter of the Month.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 8/5/19. 

“For years, the Colorado chapter has been a leading voice advocating for improved access on state trust lands in Colorado. Thanks in part to the chapter’s sustained efforts, the quality work of CU graduate student Liz Rose, and our dedicated members and partners, Colorado hunters will have access to an additional 500,000 acres in the coming years, with 100,000 acres becoming accessible to hunters this fall. This is a big victory and it would not have happened without the leadership from the Colorado chapter.”

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE SE CO BOARD MEMBER

“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Regional Director Recognized as BHA’s Member of the Month.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 9/3/19.

“Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Southeast Regional Director, Ty Woodward, was recognized as BHA’s Member of the Month for August 2019. BHA’s Backcountry Beat newsletter detailed some of Ty’s contributions to protecting and perpetuating our great public lands estate and wild public lands, waters and wildlife. One of Ty’s most notable accomplishments is the team he has built and the culture that he has fostered in the SE region. Ty has helped identify leaders, partners and businesses that have helped advance BHA’s mission. In more ways than one, Ty has taken the growth of the chapter in the SE region on his shoulders and carried it forward.”

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE WEST SLOPE COLLEGIATE CLUB

“Western Colorado University BHA Collegiate Club Recognized.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/11/19.

“The Western Colorado University (WCU) Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) Club was recognized as College Club of the Month for October 2019. As detailed in BHA’s October Backcountry Beat, Club leaders and members have been organizing and/or hosting a seemingly non-stop series of events and activities in support of our wild public lands, waters and wildlife.”

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE COLORADO CHAPTER

Colorado BHA was recognized in the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 2019 Policy Roundup, “State Accomplishments” section. As stated there: “Years of hard work by BHA was recently rewarded in Colorado when the state approved the expansion of public recreational access on 500,000 acres of state trust lands that were previously closed to public use, with 100,000 acres opened immediately to the public in 2019.” See: “Backcountry Hunters & Anglers 2019 Policy Roundup.” Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: 12/23/19.

2018

BACKCOUNTRY HUNTERS & ANGLERS RECOGNIZE U.S. ARMY VETERAN AS MEMBER OF THE MONTH

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recognized Colorado BHA chapter leader, Russell Bassett, as their Member of the Month for November 2018. Russ joined the Colorado BHA Chapter Leadership Team (CLT) in December 2017, volunteering as the CLT’s Front Range Sponsor-Events Coordinator. He immediately took the bull by the horns and organized a Pint Night in Fort Collins and has been going nearly non-stop ever since. BHA’s November 2018 Backcountry Beat summarized Russell’s efforts (below) on behalf of wildlands and wildlife.

“Russell Bassett is a U.S. Army veteran and was born in the Panama Canal Zone when it was a U.S. territory. He was raised in Missouri and Nebraska and shipped all over the country and world by the Army. He completed a tour in Iraq, following in the footsteps of his father who served in Korea, then spent ten years in Oregon before moving to Colorado during 2014 to be near family in western Nebraska.”

“As the Colorado BHA Front Range Sponsor-Events Coordinator, Russ has organized many great events, including a successful membership drive in partnership with Upslope Brewing Company … ‘When I was in Iraq, it was memories of hunting and fishing our public lands and looking forward to doing so again that kept me going,’ Russ said. ‘It’s an honor to serve with other BHA members in protecting and enhancing the wild places and wildlife that bring me so much peace and happiness.’”

As alluded to in the Backcountry Beat, Russ recently took lead in fostering a Colorado BHA relationship with Upslope Brewing Company that resulted in Upslope sponsoring a month-long BHA membership sweepstakes (November 1-28: Pints for Public Lands) and Pint Night (on Nov. 28) that brought in over 100 new BHA members!

“This recognition should really go to all of BHA’s volunteers in Colorado,” Russ said. “I’m blessed to be part of an awesome team of dedicated public land owners doing outstanding work for wildlife habitat and hunting and fishing access. We’ve also got the best sponsors in the world. In the past couple years, some of the state’s biggest (and best) craft brewers have gotten involved with BHA in a big way and are rocking the events we do with them.”

Russ also started the chapter’s “Hike to Hunt and Fish” (H2HF) program, which facilitates group hunting and fishing activities for Colorado’s Front Range BHA members. In Russell’s words: “Join the H2HF group to get invites to fish, hunt and give back to the resource with fellow BHAers.” Most recently, on December 15, he organized a H2HF “Holiday Hard Water Fishing” excursion.

In addition, Russ reconnoitered and recommended the location for Colorado BHA’s 2018 Rendezvous, at the Lakeview Campground in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest—we’ll tentatively be at the same location for our 2019 Rendezvous. He also organized a Beer & Gear for Backcountry event in partnership with Rep Your Water, helped develop and recruit new chapter leaders, assisted at several successful membership recruitment events—the Trout Clave at Anglers All and Pint Nights at New Belgium and Upslope—and has helped push chapter merchandise sales to another level.

“Russ has been a one-man juggernaut from the start!” chapter co-chair, David Lien (a former U.S. Air Force officer), said. “His take-charge, lead-from-the-front efforts have been instrumental in spreading the word about BHA’s work to protect and perpetuate our great public lands hunting and angling heritage here in Colorado. Russ absolutely personifies BHA’s boots-on-the-ground mantra and get-’er-done attitude. Wildlands and wildlife need many more like him!”

“We’ve got to fight for our right to hunt and fish, or we could lose it, and I am very thankful to BHA, and particularly the BHA volunteers I work with on the Front Range of Colorado, for making that fight fun,” Russ added. “We really do have a blast for a great cause, whether it’s meeting for a planning session over all-you-can-eat wings, organizing a Pint Night or sharing a duck blind together, the BHA Front Range crew makes volunteering fun.”

Founded by Mike Beagle, a former U.S. Army field artillery officer, and formed around an Oregon campfire, in 2004, BHA is the sportsmen’s voice for our nation’s wild public lands, waters and wildlife. With over 25,000 members spread out across all 50 states and 13 Canadian provinces and territories, including chapters in 39 states and two international chapters—in Alberta and British Columbia—BHA brings an authentic, informed, boots-on-the-ground voice to the conservation of public lands. Since the Colorado BHA chapter was founded by David Petersen (a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot) in 2005 (the first official BHA chapter), they’ve grown their boots-on-the-ground presence to over 1,900 dedicated hunters and anglers.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Recognize U.S. Army Veteran Russell Bassett as February Member of the Month

Russell Bassett, Colorado Front Range Sponsor/Events Coordinator, BHA

The Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) recognized Colorado BHA chapter leader, Russell Bassett, as their Member of the Month for February 2018. Russ joined the Colorado BHA Chapter Leadership Team (CLT) in December 2017, volunteering as the CLT’s Front Range Sponsor/Events Coordinator. He immediately took the bull by the horns and organized a Pint Night in Fort Collins (at New Belgium Brewery) on January 17. “What a great crowd at the New Belgium Brewing Fort Collins Pint Night,” Russ said. “About 80 folks and 30 members. Thanks to everyone who came out!”

Russ also volunteered at BHA’s Backcountry Olympics at Tivoli Brewing in Denver after the Outdoor Retailer trade show on January 27. Taking the initiative is nothing new for Russ. He’s a U.S. Army veteran. His service included a tour in Iraq, following in the footsteps of his father, who served in Korea. Even before joining the CLT, Russ started the chapter’s “Hike to Hunt and Fish” (H2HF) program, which facilitates group hunting and fishing backcountry activities for Colorado’s Front Range BHA members. In Russell’s words: “Join the H2HF group to get invites to fish, hunt and give back to the resource with fellow BHAers.”

In addition, Russ reconnoitered and recommended the location for Colorado BHA’s 2018 Rendezvous (June 1-3) at the Lakeview Campground in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest. “When I was in Iraq, it was memories of fishing our public lands and looking forward to doing so again that kept me going,” Russ said. “It’s an honor to serve with other BHA members in protecting and enhancing the wild places and wildlife that bring me so much peace and happiness.” Russ has also organized/assisted with multiple other Colorado BHA events, including:

• A Pint Night in Boulder at Upslope Brewing on Wednesday, March 28
• A Hike to Hunt and Fish (H2HF) ice fishing trip (April 7), co-hosted by Don Holmstrom and Russ Bassett.
• Colorado BHA held a booth at the annual “Trout Clave” at Anglers All Fly Fishing in Littleton on Saturday, April 21.
• A Public Lands Day celebration in Fort Collins at New Belgium Brewery on May 19. More information to follow.
• A Gear & Beer for Backcountry event (i.e., Colorado BHA Front Range gear sale and swap) in Erie (at Rep Your Water: 2546 S. Main St.) on June 9. More information to follow.

“Russ has stepped up as one of the most ardent, engaged Colorado BHA members and chapter leaders,” chapter chairman, David Lien (a former U.S. Air Force officer), said. “Given his boots-on-the-ground military background and lifetime of hunting-angling experiences, Russell’s contributions to protecting and perpetuation our nation’s great public lands estate seems to come as natural as breathing to him. Wildlands and wildlife need many more Russ Bassetts!”

2017

Colorado BHA: Chapter of the Month (May 2017)

It would seem the great state of Colorado has it all: a slew of fourteeners, the most elk of any state in the union, giant mule deer—and a team of butt-kicking BHA volunteers. The Colorado Chapter is full of super active and passionate leaders working hard to represent BHA, educate sportsmen and protect our wild public lands and waters. Here’s the short list of great accomplishments, but if you want to learn more about the outstanding work they’re doing, go to the Colorado chapter page:

 -CO BHA board member Adam Gall gave a presentation on the value of public lands at Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Partners in the Outdoors Program; 

-CO BHA coordinated two separate shooting range clean-up days on BLM and USFS lands in honor of Colorado Public Lands Day;

-David Lien published a slew of op-eds in defense of the Antiquities Act–part of a broader effort that led Rep. Tipton and Sen. Gardner to follow Sen. Bennet’s lead in publicly issuing a statement urging the Trump administration to maintain protections for Canyon of the Ancients;

-George Robison coordinated CO BHA’s 3^rd Annual Wild Game Cook-Off, raising more than $1,500 for CO BHA;

 And over thirty Colorado BHAers attended the annual chapter rendezvous and campout during the first week of June, which included Habitat Watch Volunteer (HWV) training coordinated by Central West Slope Regional Director, Craig Grother, and Habitat Watch Volunteer Program Coordinator, Don Holmstrom.

 For additional information on the efforts/issues addressed above see:

-“Antiquities Act protects hunting and angling on public lands.” Greeley Tribune: 4/26/17. http://www.greeleytribune.com/news/opinion/lien-antiquities-act-protects-hunting-and-angling-on-public-lands/

-Colorado BHA’s 3rd Annual Wild Game Cook-Off Report (6/2/17):http://www.backcountryhunters.org/_colorado_bha_s_3rd_annual_wild_game_cook_off

-Colorado BHA Spring 2017 Update:http://www.backcountryhunters.org/colorado_bha_spring_2017_update

-Colorado BHA Rendezvous (June 2-4, 2017) Report:http://www.backcountryhunters.org/colorado_bha_rendezvous_white_river_nat_forest

Rick Seymour, Member of the Month, May 2017

Since joining BHA in 2016, Rick Seymour, a U.S. Air Force veteran, has been a veritable whirlwind of activity. Last year he singlehandedly coordinated Colorado BHA’s participation in the Train to Hunt Challenge, held in Eagle, Colorado, and accepted an appointment to Colorado’s Forest Health Advisory Council as the sportsman organization representative. He also organized a Beers for the Backcountry gathering in New Castle, and in June he became Colorado BHA’s first Sponsor & Events Coordinator.

However, this was just a warmup for 2017! So far this year Rick has manned a BHA table at the Hunting Film Tour in Grand Junction, organized Beers for the Backcountry gatherings in New Castle and Grand Junction, and is leading multiple Colorado Public Lands Day events: assisting the BLM in cleaning up areas northwest of Rifle, near Grand Junction and northeast of Newcastle. Rick also teamed up with the BLM’s Colorado River Valley Field office to post ATV/OHV enforcement signage on 10 trails where the BLM has detected illegal motorized access.

If that’s not enough, Rick has penned a dozen letters to the editor that have been published in a half-dozen regional papers covering topics ranging from supporting the Continental Divide Wilderness and Recreation Act to opposing Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz’s bills to sell 3.3 million acres of public lands and to terminate the law enforcement functions of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. As Rick said in one of his letters, “Please keep in mind … that none of Colorado is suitable for disposal and all of Colorado needs law enforcement.” And our wild public lands, waters and wildlife need many more hardworking, selfless, boots-on-the-ground hunter-conservationists like Rick!

2016

Steven Chormanski (of Roxborough Village) is a BHA Life Member who was recognized for leading Colorado BHA’s push to get “smart rifles” and “life-action game camera’s” banned for use in Colorado by the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission.[2] In Steven’s words (to the CPW Commission), “The Colorado Chapter of the Backcountry Hunters & Anglers enthusiastically supports the two proposed regulations regarding the prohibitions on using Smart Rifle and Live Action Game Camera technologies for their use in hunting … We encourage you to approve these regulations, which will preserve the hunting traditions of Colorado, along with continuing the traditions of fair chase, woodsmanship and marksmanship.”[3] The Commission approved the bans during November 2015. Steven also prepared Colorado BHA’s comments in support of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission’s proposed Fair Chase Policy, which was adopted during the Commission’s March 2016 meeting.

Rick Seymour, of Silt, was recognized as BHA’s Volunteer of the Month (May 2016). Rick (who’s also a life member of BHA) singlehandedly coordinated the chapter’s participation in the Train to Hunt (TTH) Challenge that was held in Eagle, Colorado, June 18-19, 2016. He lined up multiple sponsors and donations for the event and was the point of contact for Colorado BHA’s involvement. Rick’s efforts were a whirlwind of nonstop action. Wild lands and wildlife need many more like him!

Matt Anderson, BHA Member of the Month (for September 2016), took the bull by the horns during August when he hosted a Full Draw Film Tour event in Longmont, Colorado. With little time to plan, Matt turned the small event into a big success. Signing up 15 new members and rallying a crowd of more than 60 Full Draw fans, Matt introduced the BHA mission to an optimistic and fun-loving bowhunting crowd. And if that wasn't enough, Matt also hosted a Hunter& Angler Happy Hour at the Großen Bart Brewery in Longmont during September. Thank you, Matt, for all your hard work!

2015

Craig Grother, of Norwood, was recognized as BHA’s Volunteer of the Month for January 2015. Craig is a volunteer Habitat Watchman for the Uncompahgre National Forest and has been instrumental in Colorado BHA’s efforts to protect wildlands and wildlife from OHV overuse and abuse. He was also the chapter’s point man on the Norwood Burn Canyon Travel Management Plan (TMP). Thanks, in great part, to Craig’s input and vigilance, this TMP protects high-quality big game habitat by decommissioning unnecessary motorized spur roads while also protecting undisturbed habitat from new motorized routes.

Colorado BHA received BHA’s George B. Grinnell (Chapter of     the  Year) Award. The Colorado BHA chapter (BHA’s first state chapter, founded by David “Elkheart” Petersen) was recognized at the BHA North American Rendezvous (in Spokane, Washington): “For outstanding group dedication and teamwork in grassroots, boots-on-the-ground conservation of America’s backcountry.”

“During the past year, the Colorado chapter worked tirelessly to ensure that policy relating to hunting, fishing and public lands protection represents BHA values,” said Land Tawney, BHA President and CEO. “Colorado BHA members spearheaded a successful effort to ban the use of drones for hunting, developed and successfully implemented guidelines for OHVs and helped enable conservation of more than 130,000 acres through designation of the Browns Canyon National Monument and passage of the Hermosa Creek Watershed Protection Act. They exemplify the positive influence of which a BHA state chapter is capable—as well as the power of a committed group of individuals to effect good works in the name of sportsmen and conservation.”[1] For additional information see: Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Receives George B. Grinnell Award: http://www.ammoland.com/2015/03/colorado-backcountry-hunters-anglers-receives-george-b-grinnell-award/#axzz3VFZdjqfE

Bill Sustrich (of Salida) & Paul Vertrees (of Cañon City) were recognized for their unwavering commitment, spanning ten-plus years, to helping protect low-elevation big game habitat in the Browns Canyon area near Salida, which was designated a national monument in 2015. In Bill’s words: “In the simplest terms, without suitable habitat we will have no game; without game, we will have no hunting; without hunting, a precious heritage of our past will be lost forever.” Paul adds: “Over the years I’ve learned the tremendous potential these types of lower elevation wildernesses hold for the fish and wildlife, the local community, and the state of Colorado as a whole. As a Republican, I’ve also learned that conservation and conservatism do indeed go hand-in-hand … [It’s] what the local communities want. It’s what’s right for Colorado. And it’s most definitely what’s right for the land itself.” For additional information see: “Co. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Recognize Members for Browns Canyon Contributions.” AmmoLand.com: 6/9/15. http://www.ammoland.com/2015/06/co-backcountry-hunters-anglers-recognize-members-for-browns-canyon-contributions/

2014

Scott Willoughby, of Denver, received BHA’s Ted Trueblood Award. This award recognizes a person working in the media world whose efforts have made significant contributions towards promoting BHA’s core values of protecting wildlands and habitat, responsible and scientifically-based wildlife management, and the values and benefits of backcountry hunting and fishing in a fair-chase manner. A reporter for The Denver Post, one of the largest newspapers in the West, Scott brought professionalism and fairness to his millions of readers who care about the outdoors, hunting and fishing. In an era of tight budgets and shrinking newsrooms, Scott worked in overdrive to keep citizens informed about natural resource issues.

David Lien, of Colorado Springs, was recognized by Field & Stream as a “Hero of Conservation.” Lien, a former Air Force officer, created BHA’s Habitat Watchmen program in 2009, which utilizes volunteers to find and eliminate threats to wildlife habitat. “We serve as the eyes and ears of our national forests and other public lands,” says Lien, who manages the program in Minnesota and Colorado, where volunteers have helped identify and protect high-value habitat for deer and elk, among other species. For additional information see: “David A. Lien Recognized by Field & Stream as ‘Hero of Conservation.’” AmmoLand.com: 7/2/14. http://www.ammoland.com/2014/07/david-a-lien-recognized-by-field-stream-as-a-hero-of-conservation/#

Dan Parkinson, of Vallecito, was recognized as BHA’s Volunteer of the Month for August 2014. Dan, in addition to being Colorado BHA’s Southwest Regional Director, regularly volunteers to attend meetings, write/submit comments on public lands management, and actively engages on multiple conservation-related issues. Dan also served as BHA’s representative on the Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) Sportsmen Roundtable Advisory Group. For additional information see: “Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Add Shettel and Parkinson to Chapter Leadership.” AmmoLand.com: 6/24/15. http://www.ammoland.com/2015/06/colorado-backcountry-hunters-anglers-add-shettel-parkinson-to-chapter-leadership/

Dan Martel, of Lakewood, was recognized as BHA’s Volunteer of the Month for December 2014. Dan is a volunteer Habitat Watchmen for the Rio Grande National Forest and has a background in software development. Dan helped guide BHA through part of its website upgrade process and assisted with organizing the annual BHA-Colorado Parks & Wildlife “A Taste of Backcountry Angling Fishing Clinic.”

2013

Craig Grother, of Norwood, received BHA’s Aldo Leopold Award. This award is presented by the national BHA Board and recognizes significant contributions towards preserving wildlife habitat. Craig is a Colorado BHA Habitat Watchman for the Uncompahgre National Forest, and a retired U.S. Forest Service (33 years of service!) wildlife biologist. Since joining BHA, Craig has spent countless hours working to protect public lands habitat from motorized overuse and abuse and other threats in the Norwood and Ouray Ranger Districts of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests. For additional information see:

-“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Recognize Two Conservationists.” Fly Rod and Reel.com: 3/25/13. http://www.flyrodreel.com/blogs/tedwilliams/2013/march/backcountry-cnoservationists

-“BHA’s Craig Grother & David Petersen Recognized For Protecting Backcountry Habitat.” AmmoLand.com: 3/25/13. http://www.ammoland.com/2013/03/bhas-craig-grother-david-petersen-recognized-for-protecting-backcountry-habitat/#axzz2OZN0hH00

David “Elkheart” Petersen, of Durango, received BHA’s Mike Beagle (Chairman’s) Award. This award recognizes significant contributions to raising the visibility and/or growth of BHA.  David, a former U.S. Marine Corps helicopter pilot, founded the Colorado BHA chapter, served on the BHA board of directors, and has worked tirelessly to help promote and build BHA into the rapidly growing national hunter-angler conservation organization that it is today. For additional information see:

-“Guardian of the outdoors: David ‘Elkheart’ Petersen continues his efforts to keep backcountry area pristine.” The Denver Post: 6/12/13, p. 7B. http://www.denverpost.com/outdoors/ci_23439443/david-elkheart-petersen-aims-protect-outdoor-resources

-“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Recognize Two Conservationists.” Fly Rod and Reel.com: 3/25/13. http://www.flyrodreel.com/blogs/tedwilliams/2013/march/backcountry-cnoservationists

-“BHA’s Craig Grother & David Petersen Recognized For Protecting Backcountry Habitat.” AmmoLand.com: 3/25/13. http://www.ammoland.com/2013/03/bhas-craig-grother-david-petersen-recognized-for-protecting-backcountry-habitat/#axzz2OZN0hH00

2012

Robert “Bob” Marion, of Mancos, received BHA’s Aldo Leopold Award. This award is presented by the national BHA Board and recognizes significant contributions towards preserving wildlife habitat. Bob is a Colorado BHA Habitat Watchman for the San Juan National Forest (SJNF). Since joining BHA, Bob has worked diligently to protect big game habitat from motorized overuse and abuse in southwest Colorado’s SJNF.

2010

Robert “Bob” Marion, of Mancos, was recognized for his ever-vigilant and ongoing work to protect the backcountry of southwest Colorado from dirt bikes and other off-road scofflaws. Bob is a Colorado BHA San Juan National Forest Habitat Watchman, and his tenacity and drive to protect his public lands “backyard” is second-to-none.

David “Elkheart” Petersen, of Durango, recognized for his unparalleled lifelong contributions to promoting ethical hunting and wildlands/wildlife conservation both in Colorado and nationwide. David is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and founder of Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (the first BHA state chapter). For additional information see: www.davidpetersenbooks.com

2009

Bill Sustrich, of Salida, recognized for leading Colorado BHA’s campaign to protect 22,000 acres of low-elevation big game habitat in the Browns Canyon area between Buena Vista and Salida as wilderness/a national monument. Bill (a U.S. Navy/WW II veteran) raised a family of four youngsters on deer, elk and trout he shot and caught in wild places like Browns Canyon, and has been one of Colorado’s staunchest advocates for its protection. In Bill’s words: “The fact is, nothing yet created by mankind can offer the degree of wildlife refuge as that provided by wilderness designation.”

Paul Vertrees, of Cañon City, recognized for a history of BHA activism, including attending multiple national forest resource/travel management meetings, writing letters-to-editors and op-eds supporting stronger enforcement of ATV/OHV laws and regulations, and generally working seemingly non-stop to protect public lands habitat from numerous threats. Paul is a U.S. Army veteran, fifth-generation Coloradan, traditional hunter and angler, Colorado BHA Habitat Watchman volunteer (for the Pike National Forest) and a father. In his words, “As a man raising a family, I value our wild and roadless backcountry, not only for myself and my family, but also for what it means for millions of other Colorado residents.”

Paul is also one of only a handful of certified professional Tenkara guides in the state of Colorado. His writing and photographs have appeared online on his personal blog, Tenkara Tracks, with guest articles for Tenkara USA, on Colorado Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, in the Backcountry Journal, and most recently in the book Tenkara Fly Fishing: Insights and Strategies, to which Paul was a contributing writer/angler. For additional information see: http://www.tenkaratracks.com

Tom Sykes, of Cortez, recognized for his tireless, and at times courageous, work fighting to preserve wildlife habitat from growing assaults by ATVs/OHVs and dirt bikes in the San Juan National Forest (SJNF) region of southwest Colorado. Tom is a Habitat Watchman volunteer for the SJNF.