Gunnison Basin Adopt-A-Trout 

Adopt-A-Trout (AAT) is an environmental education program that combines several disciplines to promote awareness of local watersheds to youth. Started in 2015 the mission of AAT is to promote healthy and resilient watersheds. The AAT program supports the dual goals of youth education and fisheries research that will contribute to the understanding of local aquatic ecosystems. AAT is a national Trout Unlimited sponsored program. The AAT program represents an inclusive approach to repairing and maintaining a healthy watershed that combines education, research, and on the ground restoration. While on their own each focus is valuable to a watershed but combined they illustrate the benefits of a cooperative approach to natural resource management. These benefits include better trout habitat and recreational fishing opportunities; healthy ecological systems that are better able to handle the impacts of drought and climate change; and a more informed and aware community that makes conscious decisions. There are considerable opportunities to expand the program beyond the initial study area in the Upper Gunnison Basin and to other river basins in the Colorado.