Who are the Real Heroes Of The Denver South Platte?

Last night at the Denver Trout Unlimited meeting they gave me an award for "Hero Of The Denver South Platte" for finding and reporting the Sand-Creek oil-spill.  It was an odd feeling.  On one hand I feel weird for getting an award relating to something that I consider a terrible event.  I also feel like Gregg Martin is in large part the hero for making the call that triggered a call that finally triggered the response.  When I first got word of  the possibility of getting an award it made me a little uneasy.  Time has passed however, and I now find that I really am proud to have made a difference and extremely pleased that all the hard work I have put into giving this blog a voice contributed.

They gave me a really nice plaque to hang on my wall and show my son.  Feels good to be able to show your son something with "Hero" printed on it.

 
In all honesty though, the real award should go to the hard-working guys at Denver Trout Unlimited.  It was only through my relationships with DTU and it's board that I had any idea of what to do.  As a matter of fact it was in a DTU newsletter last spring where I first learned that there are people to call! 

Trout Unlimited plays a critical role across the country on big issues but the local chapters do much more that goes unnoticed.  The chapter boards and members are constantly working on local projects that raise awareness, and Sand Creek shows that this awareness can add up to make a big big difference.

Here is a prime example.  When I was on the bank of Sand Creek it was difficult to figure out what to do and who to call.  I had a vague notion that maybe DTU could make some emergency wallet cards, and they took off with the idea.  Introducing the DTU Spill-Or-Kill reporting card, which they distributed at the meeting and will be available at various fly shops and chapter meetings on the front range. 

You might not get one unless you live on the front-range but I am asking you to please put the number to the NRC (800-424-8802) in your phone RIGHT NOW!  The NRC number works for reporting environmental issues across the entire USA.  Additionally, if you find yourself in an emergency please do not hesitate to call 911. 

.