The wearing of the green is history, but orange is in at Capitol Hill. That would be blaze orange, the hunter's fluorescent fashion and safety statement.

Anyone who'd rather make a fishing statement can substitute a fore-and-aft flats cap. Anything to identify yourself as a hunter and/or angler.

The occasion, Thursday under the golden dome, will be Sportsmen's Appreciation Day, an opportunity for Colorado to salute hunters and anglers for their contributions to the state's economy, cultural values and conservation.

Sporting and conservation groups and the Colorado Division of Wildlife will preside at display booths in the rotunda and north and east wings of the Capitol, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Colorado Bowhunters Association, Colorado Wildlife Federation, Hawking Club, Colorado Outfitters Association, Colorado Trappers Association and Colorado Sportsmen's Wildlife Fund will be there.

At 10 a.m., Gov. Bill Ritter will address hunters and anglers in the west wing of the main floor and proclaim Thursday as Sportsmen Appreciation Day.

"We need as many sportsmen as possible there at this time, with your blaze orange hats," said Kent Ingram, president of the Colorado Wildlife Federation and co-chair of the Sportsmen's Advisory Group.

The reason for the fanfare, Ingram said in a statement, is to celebrate "the importance hunters and anglers provide to Colorado in their stewardship of wildlife management, hunting and fishing heritage, protection and preservation of wildlife habitat and providing $2 billion in economics to Colorado."

Wet water

Warm weather has melted ice so quickly that the two largest and most popular metro-area reservoirs already have opened to boating.

Boats were permitted to launch Saturday at Cherry Creek Reservoir. Park officials say the lake is ice-free and both boat ramps are open. Chatfield Reservoir opened to boating Monday morning.

Both state parks are warning visitors about the dangers of cold water. Boaters are urged to wear life jackets.

Division of Wildlife teams also have begun their annual spawn- taking operations at three reservoirs. Gill nets are placed evenings and removed in the mornings at Cherry Creek, Chatfield and Pueblo reservoirs.

The nets are the reason fishing is prohibited from the three dams and within 100 feet of the dams through April 15.

Banquet for trout

Colorado Trout Unlimited will host its annual fundraising buffet and auction of fishing trips, angling equipment and artworks Wednesday at the Denver Performing Arts Complex to raise money for 2007 conservation projects.

This year, CTU will be working on stream restoration at Buffalo Peaks Ranch in South Park, stream flows in the upper Colorado and Fraser rivers and other projects.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Donald Seawell Grand Ballroom. Tickets are available at COTrout.org. The $35 price of admission covers auction, dinner and a year's membership in TU for non-members.

Gobbler tips

It's never too late to talk turkey. With the April 14 opening of spring gobbler hunting in mind, the Division of Wildlife's Hunter Outreach Program will give its popular turkey hunting seminar from 6:30-9:30 p.m. March 27 at the Hunter Education Building, 6060 Broadway.

The seminar covers turkey hunting techniques, laws, safety and equipment. It's free, but you'll need to call 303-291-7545 to make reservations.

dentrye@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5481