Life & Work with John Egan of Highlands Ranch

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Egan.

Hi John , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
This story is not about me; it is about the work of the Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited (CCTU) (cutthroatctu.org), protecting and restoring coldwater streams south of the Denver Metro Area. I serve as the chapter’s president. Still, our members are the real story, volunteering hundreds of hours to conserve Bear Creek with the City of Lakewood, Bear Creek Canyon with Jeffco Open Space, the South Platte River upstream of Chatfield Reservoir, Cheesman Canyon near Deckers, Colorado, and the river’s headwaters near Alma, Colorado. Conservation work can be challenging and is not free; fundraising requires constant attention to secure donations that support our programs and partners.

CCTU is one of 22 Trout Unlimited (TU) (tu.org) chapters in Colorado and one of 375 TU chapters nationwide. Working with the Colorado TU Council (coloradotu.org) and, at times, partnering with other chapters, we work tirelessly to ensure the cold waters in our region remain healthy for aquatic life, recreational opportunities, and, of course, clean drinking water. Our combined efforts also focus on educating young people in the Denver area and beyond. Working with Colorado TU’s Youth Education Coordinator, we volunteer to deliver trout eggs to schools through the Trout in the Classroom program, help inspire the next generation of conservationists and fly anglers through hands-on educational events, and provide scholarship money to Colorado TU’s annual River Conservation and Fly Fishing Camp each summer. Finally, CCTU members are part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s River Watch program, taking monthly samples from the South Platte River and reporting the results of a disciplined analysis.

The US Forest Service’s (USFS) Gill Trail near Deckers is used year-round by hikers and anglers to access Cheesman Canyon. The 2023 summer rains deteriorated the trail and washed soil down the canyon walls into the South Platter River. The trail was damaged, and the river’s health was affected when decomposed granite eroded and washed into areas where macroinvertebrates live. Beginning in 2025, CCTU partnered with the Rocky Mountain Field Institute and began work under a multi-year agreement with the USFS to complete trail repairs and improvements along the National Forest System Trail, the Gill Trail. Funding for this project was provided by CCTU. Project objectives include reconstructing existing trails and restoring degraded areas along the Gill Trail to improve sustainability, reduce erosion, and enhance public trail safety. Restoration of the old social trail sections (user-created, non-system trails) will occur throughout the project area and will incorporate measures to reduce erosion and support revegetation.

The Cutthroat Chapter of Trout Unlimited gathers monthly on the third Tuesday at the Lone Tree Brewery in Lone Tree. Join us to connect with fellow conservationists and anglers, learn about upcoming projects and volunteer opportunities, and get involved in your local community. You may even find new fishing partners through the many trips and outings we organize!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The chapter is continually fundraising to ensure we can provide resources to our projects and partner projects. While we have done well, grant funding sources can change and dry up over time.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I retired from full-time work after a 22-year military career, followed by 16 years of business leadership. Leading a volunteer conservation organization provides an opportunity to make a difference in our local community. Most of our volunteers are also fly anglers, so the effort they invest yields better fishing for them while ensuring everyone in the community has better water quality. My challenge is finding opportunities that fit into a volunteer’s schedule and skill set.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Cold water conservation will continue be a challenge as we deal with increasing temperatures and persistent drought. The Cuthroat Chapter will focus on South Platte River monitoring through the Colorado River Watch Program and identifying, funding, and executing projects to protect the local streams and rivers that provide the Front Range with drinking water, agricultural water, and recreational opportunities for everyone.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cutthroatctu.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cutthroat.Chapter.of.Trout.Unlimited