- Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) sent a team of 11 staff to rescue 103 Uncompahgre cutthroat trout from Nate Creek due to the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County.
- On July 7, a fire engulfed the barn at Kiowa Valley Organics, destroying critical equipment.
- Peace estimates over $200,000 in damages to equipment and supplies, not including rebuilding the barn.
- The Denver community mobilized via a crowdfunding effort by City Park Farmers' Market, raising over $40,000.
- The rescued trout possess unique genetics that do not exist anywhere else and are an “irreplaceable remnant” of native cutthroat populations.
- CPW aquatic biologist Eric Gardunio said the trout “represent a living part of the history” and fill a unique role in the ecosystem.
- The team faced falling trees and still-burning roots in the active burn area.
- The trout were taken to CPW’s Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery in an isolation unit, with space limited due to other rescues from the Willow Fire in Lake County.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) successfully rescued 103 unique cutthroat trout from Nate Creek, which was threatened by the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County. The trout possess unique genetics, making them an irreplaceable remnant of native populations historically found in the Uncompahgre River system.1237
A team of 11 CPW staff ventured into the active wildfire zone, navigating dangers like falling trees and smoldering roots. They netted trout ranging from 3 to 7 inches in length, with aquatic biologist Eric Gardunio expressing satisfaction with the rescue: “I am happy with the number of fish we were able to rescue.” The trout were transported to CPW’s Rifle Falls Fish Hatchery for safekeeping, as many hatchery isolation units were occupied due to other wildfire threats.8910
Meanwhile, Kiowa Valley Organics is grappling with the aftermath of a barn fire that destroyed critical infrastructure, leading to an estimated $200,000 in damages. The farm, known for its asparagus and produce, has received overwhelming community support, raising over $40,000 through crowdfunding efforts. Farm owner Peace stated, “I cannot even express how thankful we are for it.” The fire has left the farm's future uncertain, but the community's rallying support offers a glimmer of hope.4
“The Denver community has raised over $40,000 for Kiowa Valley Organics after a barn fire destroyed critical equipment, with damages estimated at over $200,000. Meanwhile, the rescued trout possess unique genetics that do not exist anywhere else, representing an 'irreplaceable remnant' of native cutthroat populations.”
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