News articles – February, 2017

Lyse Dzija artist 2016 artist Nat. Res. - Reporter-Herald 2/16/17

Bison - Reporter-Herald 2/16/7

Deadline nears for visual artist of the year - Reporter-Herald 2/11/17

Northern does not approve boat inspection funds - Reporter-Herald 2/10/17

Lawmaker kills bill to sell off public lands - Coloradoan 2/9/17

Emerald ash borer - Reporter-Herald 2/9/17

Funding needed for boat inspections - Reporter-Herald 2/9/17

Fire crews rescue dog in Carter Lake - Reporter-Herald 2/7/17

Proof being outside is good - Coloradoan 2/3/17

Learn about parks conditions - Reporter-Herald 2/2/17

Land deal adds to Coyote Ridge - Reporter-Herald 1/28/17

Department of Natural Resources - Open Lands ProgramSMALL GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERING

Applicant Project Title Project Location Project Description Specific Items Funded Small GrantsDollars Awarded

Audubon Rockies Audubon Rockies-Habitat Hero Loveland/I-25 Install a Healthy Hero Demonstration Garden at the Loveland Visitor's Center Native plantings and fabrication of a 24" x 36" duraframe sign as

part of a Healthy Hero Demonstration garden at the Loveland Visitor's Center.

$2,000

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Larimer County Bluebird Project

Devil's Backbone, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space and other

locations throughout Larimer County. To recruit volunteers and provide supplies to expand artificial nest sites for suitable habitat

to increase Mountain Bluebird and Western Bluebird populationsHardware for nest boxes, metal posts, supply boxes, travel

expenses, and salary expenses. $1,200

Colorado Youth Outdoors Charitable Trust Swift Ponds Invasive Weed Project Fort Collins/Windsor Noxious weed mitigation, roughly 36 acres, primarily along waterways at Swift Ponds Weed sprayer to help eradicate noxious and invasive weeds at

Swift Ponds. $1,000

Estes Land Stewardship Assoc

Estes Land Stewardship Assoc (ELSA) Weed Booklet Estes Valley Weed identification and management guide to help promote awareness of invasive plans

and their impacts, through education and outreach efforts in the Estes Valley. Printing costs of 1,000 guides for public outreach and education $1,300

Estes Valley Community Garden

Estes Valley Community Garden Gathering Area Estes Park The creation of a gathering area at the community garden to host educational workshops

and provide a rest area for community gardnersProvide benches, fruit trees, shrub and perennial plantings, lattice

vines, signage and corner posts at the gathering area of the communitiy garden.

$1,300Glacier View Meadows Subdivision Crellin Canyon Weed Mitigation Project Livermore Noxious weed mitigation at Greenbelt #20 within Crellin natural area at Glacier View

Meadows SubdivisionTwo weed backpack sprayers and herbicide to help eradicate

noxious weeds in Crellin Canyon $423.29

Kate WilkinsEffects of Bison reintroduction to grassland birds, manmmals & vegetation in the Laramie Foothills

Evaluate the effects of bison reintroduction to Red Mountain Open Space and Soapstone Natural Area on Colorado grassland bird and mammal habitat use, species interactions and

vegetation composition and structure.Labor costs for undergraduate assistant to monitor and maintain wildlife cameras at Red Mountain Open Space and Soapstone

Prarie Natural Area$1,994.00

Overland Mountain Bike Club Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol Throughout NorthernLarimer County

Provide First Aid/Wilderness trainings for more Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol volunteers and to support Overland's general outreach and patrol supplies needed to assist,

inform and educate trail users on public open lands trails.Basic First Aid/CPR Medical trainings, patrol supplies and patrol

events $2,000Red Feather Lakes Community Library Library in the Landscape Red Feather Lakes Provide mountain ecosystem interpretive graphics and signage that will be displayed year-

round in the new garden and natural play area adjacent to the library.Educational graphic design for two to four mountain ecosystem

interpretive signs $2,000Rocky Mountain Cat Conservancy Communities, Cameras, and Conservation Hermit Park & Chimney Hollow Continuation of camera wildlife monitoring at Chimney Hollow and Hermit Park and

summary report including the comparisons between 2016 and 2017 monitoring data.Purchase of up to four cameras and associated camera suplies for

wildlife monitoring at Hermit Park and Chimney Hollow $1,000

The Growing Project Young Farmer Training Program Fort Collins To support the new Youth Farmers Training Program to provide 8 teens, ages 14-17, with part-time work at The Growing Project's Educational Garden for two months in the summer.

Development of Young Farmer Training curriculum and associatedprinting costs, educational and training supplies, and special

income generating projects.$2,000

Trails at Vista Bonita Homeowners Association Baker Lake Improved Access Project Fort Collins Regrade the slope and add mason sand to the northern access point of Baker Lake to

improve recreational safetly and minimize floodingPurchase of mason sand to help improve the northern access

point of Baker Lake $1,000

Wildland Restoration Volunteers

North Fork Big Thompson River Revegetaion Project

County Road 43(Between Drake & Glen Haven)

To support a site reabilitation and restoration project along a section of the North Fork Big Thompson River to help restore and ehance the river's fishery, water quality, physical

stability and aesthetic value. Specifically, to provide two different types of soil amendments, crucial to the sucess of the project, in an area completely devoid of organic matter and

nutrients

Spreading of compost soil and application of nutrient fertilizer along a section of the North Fork Big Thompson River $2,000

$19,217.29

BOCC Awards

Small Grants for Community Partnering2017 Awards Presentation

Special thanks to our Subcommittee Members!

• Suzan Fritchel• Carl Sorrentino• Sherri Valentine

Applications received 16

Total amount requested $28,377

________________________________

Awarded Projects 13

Funding Awarded $19,217

Small Grants for Community Partnering2017 Awarded Projects

2017 Project Locations

Audubon RockiesHabitat Hero Demonstration Project at the Loveland Visitor CenterAwarded: $2,000

Bird Conservancy of the RockiesLarimer County Bluebird ProjectAwarded: $1,200

Existing Nesting Boxes: 

• Horsetooth Mountain Open Space 

• Soderburg Open Space

• Soaring Eagle Ecology Center at Red Feather

• Devil’s Backbone Open Space

Colorado Youth OutdoorsSwift Ponds Invasive Weeds ProjectAwarded: $1,000

Canada thistle

Scotch thistle Russian knapweed

Leafy spurge

Estes Land Stewardship Association (ELSA)ESLA Weed BookletAwarded:  $1,300

Hermit Park

Estes Valley Community GardenCommunity Garden Gathering AreaAwarded: $1,300

Glacier View Meadows SubdivisionCrellin Canyon Weed Mitigation ProjectAwarded: $423.29

Crellin Canyon is one of several hiking trails within the Glacier Meadows Subdivision. The canyon has a perennial stream with small waterfalls bordered on both sides by significant slopes. It is full of botanical specialties from sedges and ferns to wildflowers and home to an abundance of wildlife. Musk thistle

Bull thistle Canada thistle

Overland Mountain Bike ClubDiamond Peaks Mountain Bike PatrolAwarded:  $2,000

Estes Park: East Crosier, Homestead Meadows, Johnny Park Road, Lion Gulch, Pierson Park road & West CrosierFort Collins/Loveland Foothills: Bobcat Ridge, Coyote ridge, Devil’s Backbone, Foothills Trail, Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Lory State Park, Pineridge/Maxwell Natural AreasPoudre Canyon: Hewlett Gulch, Old Flowers Road, Jack Gulch & Dadd GulchRed Feather Lakes:  Killpecker, Mt. Margaret, Molly Lake/Granite Ridge, Lady MoonRed Mountain & Soapstone Prairie: Red Mountain Open Space and Soapstone Prairie Natural Area

Red Feather Lakes Community LibraryLibrary in the LandscapeAwarded: $2,000

To provide educational graphic design for 2‐4 mountain ecosystem interpretive signs, which will be displayed year‐round in the natural play area.

The Growing ProjectYoung Farmer Training Program Awarded: $2,000

Trails at Vista Bonita HOABaker Lake Improved Access ProjectAwarded: $1,000

Wildland Restoration VolunteersNorth Fork Big Thompson River Revegetation ProjectAwarded: $2,000

Project LocationCounty Road 43, between Drake and Glen Haven

Rocky Mountain Cat ConservancyCommunities, Cameras, and ConservationAwarded: $1,000

Hermit Park Chimney Hollow

Kate Wilkins ‐ CSUEffects of bison reintroduction on grassland birds, mammals, and vegetation.Awarded: $2,000

5-Year Summary of Open Space Distribution by Year

Fort Collins Loveland Estes Park Berthoud Wellington Windsor Johnstown Timnath Larimer Co Total

2012 3,554,623$ 1,740,460$ 288,754$ 124,545$ 155,336$ 113,641$ 75,886$ 73,910$ 4,485,954$ 10,613,109$

2013 3,814,069$ 1,904,910$ 309,913$ 133,751$ 167,553$ 124,097$ 74,129$ 81,646$ 4,777,403$ 11,387,472$

2014 4,289,731$ 2,229,709$ 347,758$ 151,014$ 190,388$ 141,199$ 82,150$ 94,508$ 5,388,708$ 12,915,164$

2015 4,555,811$ 2,368,947$ 366,203$ 160,117$ 202,065$ 151,192$ 88,500$ 99,958$ 5,718,927$ 13,711,721$

2016 4,782,069$ 2,500,949$ 358,253$ 174,706$ 222,412$ 173,376$ 105,250$ 130,089$ 6,021,597$ 14,468,701$

Total Dist

1996-2016 69,855,426$ 31,780,440$ 5,270,311$ 2,556,123$ 2,185,479$ 1,045,482$ 693,361$ 642,257$ 82,186,107$ 196,214,985$

Department of Natural Resources - Open Lands

Capital Development & Acquisition Summary 2015 - 2018Prepared 2-15-17

DNR FUNDS ONLY (NOT TOTAL PROJECT COST)PROJECTED

SALES TAX (See Note) AVAILABLE 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 TOTAL

BALANCE

REMAINING 2015 2016 2017 2018 TOTAL

BALANCE

REMAINING Total Project

GRANTS &

PARTNERS PARTNERS

Available Funds 12,015,110$

Inter-Departmental Loan-2016 7,584,827$

ACQUISITION & DEVELOPMENT

57th Street and Taft -$ 200,000$ 1,300,000$ 1,500,000$ Loveland 1,300,000

Colorado Front Range Trail Property 45,000$ 244,442$ 289,442$ 289,442$ 925,924$ 1,215,366$ $3,703 Ft Collins, $122,221 Loveland, $350,000 State Parks, $450,000 CDOT

Green CE partnership 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000$ 75,000$

Hermit - Kruger Equestrian Campground 1,997$ 1,997$ 107,500$ 13,000$ 120,500$

$10,000 Roundup Riders, $2,000 Horseman, $1,000 Friends, $1,000 (in kind)

Backcountry Horsemen

Hermit - Pavilion Upgrade 7,444$ 7,444$ 188,000$ 188,000$

Keyhole Parcel at DBB -$ 270,000$ 270,000$

Longview Request Trail Property 20,000$ 459,463$ 479,463$ 479,463$ 3,552,851$ 4,032,314$ $982,430 Ft Collins, $570,871 Loveland, $999,550 GOCO & $1,000,000 CDOT

Horsetooth Complex Redevelopment 10,000$ 1,770,594$ -$ 1,780,594$ 1,780,594$ 3,759,649$ 5,540,243$ $198,462 Bureau,$1,365,061 Lottery, $2,196,126 Parks

Park Project - Pinewood/RSOS -$ 100,000$ 768,156$ 868,156$

Parks 149,627, Bureau 243,417, Lottery 185,965, GOCO 154,739 and 33,908,

Friends Group 500

Poudre River Corridor Acquisition 100,252$ 100,252$ 154,500$ 222,900$ 377,400$ 222,900 GOCO contribution

Poudre River Corridor Development 138,946$ 138,946$ 137,779$ 587,215$ 724,994$ 231,572 Timnath, 355,643 GOCO

PRT Timnath partnership at Brunner 40,000$ 40,000$ 40,000$ 40,000$ 80,000$ partnership with Timnath on their project

Beierwaltes 375,000$ 375,000$ 375,000$ 2,647,000$ 3,022,000$ Loveland: $2,325,000, GOCO & Berthoud requested

Devil's Backbone trail Head 10,000$ 232,000$ 242,000$ 242,000$ 121,500$ 363,500$

Loveland: $118,500, Overland Mtn Bike Club Grant: $3,000. ($232,000

previously approved)

Hermit Trail & Trailhead Development 234,950$ 234,950$ 234,950$ 401,138$ 636,088$ FEMA $381,138, VOC in-kind Labor $20,000

Lions Park 160,000$ 160,000$ 230,000$ 332,000$ 562,000$ FEMA $182,000, CWCB $150,000. LC = $70,000 LTM+160,000 A&D=$230,000

IDENTIFIED PROJECTS -$

Big Thompson Recreation and Conservation

Assessment 30,037$ 30,037$ 20,000$ 58,000$ 78,000$

GOCO $ 33,000, City of Loveland $15,000, Big Thompson River Restoration

Coalition $ 10,000 (in-kind)

Big Thompson River Restoration Coalition

Partnership -$ 10,000$ 250,000$ 260,000$

Colorado Water Conservation $ 140,000, Comm Fdn of Northern Colorado $

30,000, Larimer County Planning Department $ 21,700, No Front Range WQ

Plan Assoc $ 2,000, City of Loveland $ 40,000, Northern Water $ 4,347, New

Belgium $ 3,100, Other $ 8,853

Master Plan Update & Regional Study 1,653$ 1,653$ 84,735$ 121,102$ 205,837$

Regional Study - 27,185 Fort Collins, 13,872 Loveland, 75,265 GOCO, 1,080

Berthoud, 1,520 Estes Park, 500 Johnstown, 100 Timnath, 500 Windsor, 1,080

Wellington

School Initiatives 30,000$ 30,000$ 50,000$ 50,000$

Small Grants 20,800$ 20,800$ 40,289$ 40,289$

Trust for Public Land Citizen Opinion Survey -$ 23,000$ 10,000$ 33,000$ Trust for Public Land $ 5,000, Legacy Land Trust $5,000

Historic Assessment II 43,170$ 43,170$ 43,170$ 43,170$

Cascade Cottages Partnership 50,000$ 50,000$ 50,000$ 50,000$ RMNA requested $100,000

Colorado Water Conservation Board Project 20,000$ 20,000$ 20,000$ 178,425$ 198,425$ CWCB

Seigfreid CE Project -$ 10,600$ 10,600$ 10,600$ 10,600$ EVLT transaction fee for Seigfreid CE project

Malchow 8,393,944$ 8,393,944$ 8,393,944$ 8,393,944$

Ward CE partnership 250,000$ 250,000$ 250,000$ 2,407,070$ 2,657,070$ GOCO $500,000, Loveland $1,907,070

Soderberg 15,147$ 15,147$ 15,147$ 31,802$ 46,949$ $46,948.96 total. LTM: $22,933.86, Parks: $8,867.90

Spring Canyon Ranch 1,250,000$ 1,250,000$ 1,250,000$ 2,096,000$ 3,346,000$ Fort Collins

Stegner $400,000 400,000$ 400,000$ 400,000$

River Bluffs OS- Poudre River Restoration &

Resiliency (Implementation) $360,000 360,000$ 360,000$ 1,311,158$ 1,671,158$ Pending DOLA

-$ -$ -$

OTHER ADJUSTMENTS -$ -$ -$

Repayment of LTM Loan as required 760,000$ 18,352$ 1,559,648$ 561,640$ 2,899,640$ 2,899,640$ 2,899,640$

Bond Debt Service Reserve Release -$ -$ -$

LTM Adjustment (1,660,594)$ -$ (1,660,594)$ (1,660,594)$ (1,660,594)$

USEAGES IN FUTURE YEARS

Totals 1,404,299$ 10,503,898$ 2,809,648$ 561,640$ 15,279,485$ -$ -$ 760,000$ -$ 760,000$ 17,164,159$ 21,134,890$ 38,299,049$

Remaining Balance 4,320,452$ 3,560,452$

Annual Spending Limit 2,653,082$ 539,695$ 1,127,675$

Total available if prior year unencumbered: 2,653,082$ 3,192,777$ 4,320,452$

NOTES:

Lottery funds may be used for acquisition, development, maintenance, or capital equipment on any public land for park, recreation, open space, or similar purpose. It may not be used for personnel (except maintenance) or activities.

Parks Fund Balance may be used only for expenses incurred at the four BOR reservoirs.

Sales Tax may be used for acquisition, development, and long term management of open space; and up to 15% may be used for improvements to existing parks.

Total Project Cost

additional request

FINAL REVIEW Stegner

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES • Parks & Visitor Services • Open Lands • Weed Management & Forestry

1800 South County Road 31 Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 679-4570/ (970) 679-4574 FAX www.larimer.org/naturalresources

Date: February 14, 2017 Staff Assigned: Johnson

Values (shown in bold): Scenic Significant Plants/Natural Agricultural Buffer Communities Geological/Paleontological Wildlife Habitat Outdoor Recreational Educational Wetlands Historic/Archaeological Other (explain in narrative)

Property Description: This 51.46 acre agricultural property is location near LaPorte and is situated north of CR54G and south of the Hwy 287 Bypass as it leaves Fort Collins. Access to the property is from Taft Hill Road (CR19) through the Poudre Acres subdivision via Poudre Drive which is a 60’ wide publicly dedicated right of way. Along the north side of the property is the Terry Lake Inlet Canal. Along the south boundary of the property is the Little Cache La Poudre Ditch from which the property receives its contract water.

The contract water is available for agricultural and domestic purposes when water is present in the Little Cache La Poudre Ditch and provides 1 share worth of water which amounts to 2 CFS, or about 4 acre feet per day. The water is limited to the property’s location and cannot be sold, moved, or changed to another location.

Colorado Open Lands now has the lead with the Stegner project and has successfully applied for and receive a Great Outdoors Colorado Grant in the amount of $600,000 for the purchase of a conservation easement from the Stegner’s. Poudre Valley Community Farms (PVCF) will purchase the residual fee value (full value less the CE value) for $288,000. PVCF’s mission is to own farm ground and lease their land to the next generation of food producers thereby increasing the availability of local food. This transaction represents the first fee purchase by PVCF’s. Upon closing, PVCF’s will lease the land to Nic & Kathie Koontz owners of Native Hill Farm who will operate a Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) facility on the property. Native Hill Farm is a small local vegetable farm striving to provide Fort Collins residents with fresh produce.

This partnership consisting of the Stegner’s, Colorado Open Lands, Larimer County Natural Resources, Great Outdoors Colorado, Poudre Valley Community Farms and Nic & Katie Koontz is precedence setting in terms of a unique partnership for the preservation of irrigated agricultural lands, enabling community supported agriculture, as well as the promotion of local food for the community.

Quadrangle LaPorte Short Legal Parcel in Section 28 T 8N-R69W Acreage: 51.46 Acres Current Zoning: Rural Estate

FINAL REVIEW Stegner

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES • Parks & Visitor Services • Open Lands • Weed Management & Forestry

1800 South County Road 31 Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 679-4570/ (970) 679-4574 FAX www.larimer.org/naturalresources

Adjacent Zoning: FA1-Farming Water Rights: Contract Water Mineral Rights: Partially severed Liens: None Value: $1,000,000 CE value

Evaluation Criteria: Values Staff Assessment

Environmental/Ecological N/A Scenic/Aesthetic/Sense of Place N/A Outdoor Recreation N/A Historical/Archaeological N/A Agricultural High Community High Geological/Paleontological N/A Information/Education N/A

Context N/A Political Factors N/A Price High

Ownership Information:

Partners: GOCO CE Financial Colorado Open Lands (non-financial) Hold CE (lead partner) Larimer County Natural Resources CE Financial only Poudre Valley Community Farms Fee Owner ($288,000 purchase of the fee) Nic and Kathie Koontz Agricultural Lessee for a CSA

Property Rights Involved: Conservation Easement held by Colorado Open Lands

Purchase Price: $1,000,000 Price Per Acre: $19,433 for CE Financial Terms: N/A

FINAL REVIEW Stegner

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES • Parks & Visitor Services • Open Lands • Weed Management & Forestry

1800 South County Road 31 Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 679-4570/ (970) 679-4574 FAX www.larimer.org/naturalresources

Conservation Easement Funding Sources: Amount

Larimer County Natural Resources $400,000 GOCO $600,000

Total: $1,000,000 Closing Date(s): March 31, 2017

Open Lands Advisory Board Recommendation: Request approval

Board of County Commissioners Approval: Awaiting OLAB Review to Request

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES • Visitor Services • Open Lands • Weed Management & Forestry

1800 South County Road 31 Loveland, CO 80537

(970) 679-4570/ (970) 679-4574 FAX www.larimer.org/naturalresources

BUDGET INFORMATION

DATE: February 16, 2017

PROJECT: Poudre River Restoration and Resiliency Project – River Bluffs Open Space

STAFF CONTACT: Danielle Levine, Zac Wiebe

HISTORY/BACKGROUND : DNR recently completed a state funded planning effort to develop a conceptual plan to restore approximately 1 mile of the Poudre river through River Bluffs Open Space. The project will return a channelized and heavily eroding section of the river to a more natural state by reconnecting it to the floodplain, stabilizing banks, adding sinuosity and in-channel features, and creating wetlands. It will create much improved wildlife and vegetation habitat and complete a major objective of the River Bluffs Open Space Management Plan.

SUMMARY OF ANTICIPATED COST TO LARIMER COUNTY (LC): The total project cost is estimated to be $2,957,354 and is anticipated to be completed in phases as grant funding becomes available. The current anticipated cost to Larimer County is $360,000 to complete phase 1 pending a successful grant application to DOLA. Staff will attempt to leverage Larimer County’s contribution and any successful grants through multiple future grant requests.

ESTIMATED COST & BUDGET BREAKDOWN

For Cost Partner/ Inkind

Larimer County

Phase 1 $1,671,158 $1,311,158 $360,000 Future phases $1,286,196 $1,286,196

ANTICIPATED FUNDING $2,957,354 $2,597,354 $360,000

PROS CONS • Improved river health and resiliency• Opportunity to leverage tax dollars• Major step towards completion of River Bluffs planning

• Cost•

LINKS TO PERTINENT DOCUMENTS & WEBSITES

2010 River Bluffs Open Space Resource Management and Implementation Plan http://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/RiverBluffsManagementPlan2010.pdf

Big Thompson District Area Report – 01-31-2017

General:

Ranger Tahoes have finally had their radio issues corrected after a yearlong process to identify the problem and have it fixed. Huge thanks to LCSO Sgt. Vanhook for his assistance and persistence in addressing this officer safety issue, as well as to Vic for coordinating the fixes with our vendor!

The FEMA grant money for training and equipment finally got signed off. Chris will be working closely with Ken, Vic and Steve on ordering equipment and scheduling trainings for swift water rescue, wildland fire and low angle rope rescue, as well as various equipment such as new radios (ours are 8-10 years old), fire shelters, rescue helmets and ropes.

Chris continues to work to schedule and coordinate all ranger trainings with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office. We are attempting to have our entire annual training calendar completed with facility locations pinned down by the end of the month.

We’ve started the seasonal hiring process again and should have a lot of return staff this year!

Staff has been working on updating our AORs (Areas of Responsibility), as well as IPOs (Individual Performance Objectives) for the year.

Devil’s Backbone:

Busy on nice days

Rangers are still getting acquainted with the new NoCo Trail Report – excited about the possibilities and working with Teddy to further streamline our public outreach processes.

Shane has been working with the electrician and Xcel to finalize the power upgrades to our gate and coordinate adding the webcam and pole to the parking lot.

Staff has been working with Joel on tweaking the new trail – extended a fence to prevent bikers from cutting the corners and still working on adding in the turn styles.

Hermit Park:

Park is closed but work continues on the caretaker’s house remodel. It’s still on budget and slated to be completed by April 15.

Bid should go out for the Saddle Trailhead soon. Environmental Assessment was just completed.

Big T Canyon:

Chris is working with Meegan, Gary and Ken with re-engaging Loveland on future management plans with Viestenz-Smith Park, which is tentatively slated to open this fall.

Canyon remains closed.

Calls of Notes:

Rangers have assisted on several accidents on Hwy. 36. Winter weather always makes for some excitement on this busy highway.

Red Mountain District Area Report – 01-31-2017

Rangers:

• Attended the Department Safety Training to help coordinate trainings for the year• Rangers assisted in the Fort Collins volunteer appreciation dinner held at the Lincoln Center.• Closure of Nomad and Blue Sky trails due to muddy conditions• Rangers responded to a disturbance between a motorist and a pedal bike on C.R. 38 E near Blue

Sky Trailhead. Nothing criminal and both parties warned.• Ranger responded to a suspected drunk driver on Highway 287. After stopping the driver, it was

determined not to be a drunk driver, but a distracted driver. Driver was warned.• Search for person who wanted to commit suicide in the Horsetooth area – unable to locate• Ranger responded to a motor vehicle accident in the Buckhorn area where driver went off the

road. Driver was deceased and coroner called. Ranger collected witness statements and assistedinvestigations.

• Ranger responded to assist Sheriff’s Office in a neighborhood west of Horsetooth Reservoir for adomestic violence call. Nothing criminal found.

• Welfare check on disabled veteran that was having trouble with his medication• Schizophrenic male was observed burglarizing a residence west of the Horsetooth area. Rangers

assisted Sheriff’s Office deputies during investigation and arrest.• Ranger found new golden eagle nest on Mill Creek Trail at Horsetooth Mountain.• Rangers attended many trainings including: CPR/AED, Field Sobriety, Domestic Violence and

Wilderness First Responder/First Aid class.• Horsetooth Falls is completely frozen over and getting lots of visitors to it.

• Rangers have been cutting out many blown down trees across trails at Horsetooth Mountainwith the high winds.

Maintenance/Projects/Leases:

• Established maintenance plan calendar and project list for the year• Worked on Malchow Farm lease• Attended Ag Advisory Board meeting• Cut out ash trees and treated stumps at Horsetooth Mountain Trailhead

• Installed new pipe gates at Gallegos water gaps at Red Mountain Open Space to help preventtheir cattle getting out

• Bison checks at Red Mountain/Soapstone; broke up iced -over water trough• Pumped out vault toilets at Horsetooth Mountain• Staff led the department safety meeting, planning out the year’s following safety meetings• Maintenance staff attended Wilderness First Aid class