GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - A popular camping and fishing destination west of Paradox will close this summer as it undergoes improvements.
A Manti-LaSal National Forest official says Buckeye Reservoir will be closed while crews reconstruct campsites, build a boat ramp, install new toilet facilities, improve roads and thin ponderosa pines to reduce the threat of wildfire.
Moab-Monticello Ranger District recreation manager Brian Murdock says that once work is completed around the reservoir, boat traffic will be limited to five-horsepower motors or less on the reservoir, which is shared by boats and swimmers.
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Information from: The Daily Sentinel, http://www.gjsentinel.com
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Grand Junction-area reservoir closing this summer for upgrades
Buckeye Reservoir is a popular camping and fishing destination west of
2010-03-07T13:32:00-06:002010-03-07T13:32:00-06:00
Controversial Hidden Gems Wilderness cut to 625 square miles
Conservationists whittling down the plan after opposition from recreat
2010-03-04T12:51:00-06:002010-03-04T12:51:00-06:00
DENVER - Conservationists trying to designate about 625 square miles of public land in central Colorado as wilderness areas are still whittling down the plan to address opposition from recreationists and the Colorado Army National Guard.
Four years ago, the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign's proposal included about 650,000 acres in Pitkin, Eagle, Gunnison and Summit counties. The proposal is now at nearly 400,000 acres and could continue to shrink, the group said.
The Wilderness Act of 1964 aims to create lands "untrammeled by man." It allows for non-motorized recreation, livestock grazing and scientific research. Mineral development, logging, ATVs and mountain bikes are forbidden.
The organization has to push a bill through Congress to achieve its goal, and hopes to get Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Polis on board first.
The wilderness campaign still wants to find alternative ways to prevent oil and gas development in the lands being removed from the proposal, such as th
Four years ago, the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign's proposal included about 650,000 acres in Pitkin, Eagle, Gunnison and Summit counties. The proposal is now at nearly 400,000 acres and could continue to shrink, the group said.
The Wilderness Act of 1964 aims to create lands "untrammeled by man." It allows for non-motorized recreation, livestock grazing and scientific research. Mineral development, logging, ATVs and mountain bikes are forbidden.
The organization has to push a bill through Congress to achieve its goal, and hopes to get Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Polis on board first.
The wilderness campaign still wants to find alternative ways to prevent oil and gas development in the lands being removed from the proposal, such as th
Unexpected twist for the Hidden Gems
Environmentalists, motorized forest users explore compromise
2010-02-27T20:13:00-06:002010-02-27T20:13:00-06:00
CARBONDALE - Relations between the granola heads and motor heads are thawing.
After spending the last half of 2009 attacking one another, conservationists promoting the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign and an umbrella organization for forest users who oppose the plan are now exploring compromise.
Representatives of Carbondale-based Wilderness Workshop and other environmental groups have been meeting with representatives of the White River Forest Alliance for about six weeks. Neither side is making promises.
Even if it doesn't yield an agreement on a Wilderness proposal, the process has been valuable for building trust and opening communication, said Sloan Shoemaker, executive director of Wilderness Workshop and Jack Albright, vice president of the White River Forest Alliance.
"It's a great thawing of what was very polarizing before," Shoemaker said.
Wilderness Workshop and other environmental groups want to place Wilderness protection on additional publi
After spending the last half of 2009 attacking one another, conservationists promoting the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign and an umbrella organization for forest users who oppose the plan are now exploring compromise.
Representatives of Carbondale-based Wilderness Workshop and other environmental groups have been meeting with representatives of the White River Forest Alliance for about six weeks. Neither side is making promises.
Even if it doesn't yield an agreement on a Wilderness proposal, the process has been valuable for building trust and opening communication, said Sloan Shoemaker, executive director of Wilderness Workshop and Jack Albright, vice president of the White River Forest Alliance.
"It's a great thawing of what was very polarizing before," Shoemaker said.
Wilderness Workshop and other environmental groups want to place Wilderness protection on additional publi
Vail rec offers kids camps
Vail rec camps cover a wide variety of sports
2010-02-25T16:51:00-06:002010-02-25T16:51:00-06:00
VAIL - The Vail Recreation District will host a variety of youth sports camps this summer including volleyball, baseball, sports training, soccer, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, tennis, sand volleyball and gymnastics.
The camps, which will begin in early June and last through August, offer young athletes an opportunity to learn new sports, develop new skills and refine existing skills. This summer also will include the addition of three new camps, the TetraBrazil Soccer Camp a sand volleyball camp and tennis camps.
For more information, visit www.vailrec.com.
The camps, which will begin in early June and last through August, offer young athletes an opportunity to learn new sports, develop new skills and refine existing skills. This summer also will include the addition of three new camps, the TetraBrazil Soccer Camp a sand volleyball camp and tennis camps.
For more information, visit www.vailrec.com.
New Eagle ball fields may have artificial turf
Work will start on the new Eagle fairgrounds fields this year, and the
2010-02-23T14:24:00-06:002010-02-23T14:24:00-06:00
EAGLE - A plan to replace the ball fields at the Eagle County Fairgrounds could be a winner for everyone involved.
A contract signed by the Eagle County Commissioners Tuesday gives LaFarge the right to mine gravel under the existing ball fields. In exchange, the company will pay a one-time fee of $3.9 million to move the fields to the site of the company's existing gravel mine, adjacent to the existing fields.
Work will start on the new fields this year, and they'll open for play in 2011. No game time will be lost in the move.
Steve Russell, the director of the Western Eagle County Metropolitan Recreation District, said the new fields give the district, and local players some exciting opportunities.
The biggest potential change is if the district decides to use artificial turf at the fields. Russell said using artificial turf would save money on maintenance, irrigation and chemical use at the fields. Using artificial turf would also extend the season at the fields, and
A contract signed by the Eagle County Commissioners Tuesday gives LaFarge the right to mine gravel under the existing ball fields. In exchange, the company will pay a one-time fee of $3.9 million to move the fields to the site of the company's existing gravel mine, adjacent to the existing fields.
Work will start on the new fields this year, and they'll open for play in 2011. No game time will be lost in the move.
Steve Russell, the director of the Western Eagle County Metropolitan Recreation District, said the new fields give the district, and local players some exciting opportunities.
The biggest potential change is if the district decides to use artificial turf at the fields. Russell said using artificial turf would save money on maintenance, irrigation and chemical use at the fields. Using artificial turf would also extend the season at the fields, and
Vail Mountain Trail Running Series announced
Vail race series begins withLa Sportiva Summer Solstice Twilight race
2010-02-17T15:08:00-06:002010-02-17T15:08:00-06:00
VAIL - The Vail Recreation District's schedule for the 2010 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series is set and will offer runners a total of 45 miles and 13,500 vertical feet in elevation gain on Vail and Beaver Creek mountains this summer.
This summer's six-races series will mark its 13th season and take place Saturdays and Sundays. Distances will range from 3.2 mile) to 14.5 miles.
The race series will kick off its season with the third annual La Sportiva Summer Solstice Twilight race on June 19 as a benefit for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. The Twilight race will begin at 5 p.m. and include a 5k and 10k trail run, plus a kid's run.
The race will end with free food and feature live music. Costs for the race are $35 pre-registration and $45 on race-day with proceeds benefiting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.
The Twilight race will be followed by the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb on July 3, the La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon on July 18 and the La S
This summer's six-races series will mark its 13th season and take place Saturdays and Sundays. Distances will range from 3.2 mile) to 14.5 miles.
The race series will kick off its season with the third annual La Sportiva Summer Solstice Twilight race on June 19 as a benefit for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. The Twilight race will begin at 5 p.m. and include a 5k and 10k trail run, plus a kid's run.
The race will end with free food and feature live music. Costs for the race are $35 pre-registration and $45 on race-day with proceeds benefiting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.
The Twilight race will be followed by the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb on July 3, the La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon on July 18 and the La S
Vail Valley: Meadow Mountain parking to be rearranged
Lot fills beyond capacity every day with a variety of users
2010-02-08T15:15:00-06:002010-02-08T15:15:00-06:00
MINTURN - The parking lot at the Meadow Mountain Trailhead will be arranged by the U.S. Forest Service. The lot will be closed Feb. 23 and 24 and maybe Feb. 25. This lot is next to the Forest Service office in Minturn, near the Interstate 70/US Highway 24 interchange.
The original intention of the lot was to provide parking for users of the Meadow Mountain Trail. Currently, the parking lot fills beyond capacity every day with a variety of users, including bus riders, construction workers, skiers, forest visitors, and others. The U.S. Forest Service has determined that this situation is unacceptable. Existing regulations for the lot prohibit overnight parking, parking vehicles for other than recreational use in sites designated for such, and parking in front of gates.
With the redesign, there will be 12 parking spaces for bus riders. These spots will be located closest to the bus stop. Thirty spaces will be allocated to local, free parking. Forty-three spaces, including trai
The original intention of the lot was to provide parking for users of the Meadow Mountain Trail. Currently, the parking lot fills beyond capacity every day with a variety of users, including bus riders, construction workers, skiers, forest visitors, and others. The U.S. Forest Service has determined that this situation is unacceptable. Existing regulations for the lot prohibit overnight parking, parking vehicles for other than recreational use in sites designated for such, and parking in front of gates.
With the redesign, there will be 12 parking spaces for bus riders. These spots will be located closest to the bus stop. Thirty spaces will be allocated to local, free parking. Forty-three spaces, including trai
Colo. lawmakers trying to protect river rafters
Bill would allow rafters to pass over or through private property
2010-02-08T12:23:00-06:002010-02-08T12:23:00-06:00
DENVER - Wearing life vests and carrying paddles, commercial Colorado river rafters vowed Monday to fight for their right to navigate the state's whitewater rivers after a Texas development company threatened to shut them down.
At a rally at the state Capitol, Duke Bradford, owner of Arkansas Valley Adventures, said his company guides about 23,000 tourists a year down five Colorado rivers. He is worried that a threat by Lewis Shaw II, president of Jackson-Shaw developers of Dallas, to file a civil suit would shut down a $142 million industry.
Bradford said Colorado law reserves the use of Colorado rivers for the people, not for landowners. The state attorney general has ruled commercial rafters cannot be prosecuted for trespassing, but that didn't settle the civil dispute.
"He says we're compromising his property rights. He's coming to Colorado from another state and disputing our historical use of the river, threatening to shut us down," Bradford said.
In December, t
At a rally at the state Capitol, Duke Bradford, owner of Arkansas Valley Adventures, said his company guides about 23,000 tourists a year down five Colorado rivers. He is worried that a threat by Lewis Shaw II, president of Jackson-Shaw developers of Dallas, to file a civil suit would shut down a $142 million industry.
Bradford said Colorado law reserves the use of Colorado rivers for the people, not for landowners. The state attorney general has ruled commercial rafters cannot be prosecuted for trespassing, but that didn't settle the civil dispute.
"He says we're compromising his property rights. He's coming to Colorado from another state and disputing our historical use of the river, threatening to shut us down," Bradford said.
In December, t
Off-limits area of Pikes Peak could open to public
Camping, motorized all-terrain vehicles and hunting would not be allow
2010-01-26T08:52:00-06:002010-01-26T08:52:00-06:00
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - A remote area on the south slope of Pikes Peak could open to the public for the first time in more than a century.
Colorado Springs Utilities has proposed to allow hiking, picnicking and some fishing and bicycling in the 15,000-acre area. The land is home to several reservoirs built from 1878 to 1912.
In a plan released Monday, the utility suggested no new roads into the remote area. Instead, the plans call for building two new trails, plus a picnic area.
Camping, motorized all-terrain vehicles and hunting would not be allowed. The utility has not said how the construction would be paid for or when it would be complete.
"This is just what we're putting out there to get public feedback on," Kirsta Scherff-Norris, a Utilities wildlife biologist, told The (Colorado Springs) Gazette.
Pikes Peak is believed to be the second-most visited mountain behind Japan's Mount Fuji. But much of the south slope of the mountain is off-limits to visitors. At
Colorado Springs Utilities has proposed to allow hiking, picnicking and some fishing and bicycling in the 15,000-acre area. The land is home to several reservoirs built from 1878 to 1912.
In a plan released Monday, the utility suggested no new roads into the remote area. Instead, the plans call for building two new trails, plus a picnic area.
Camping, motorized all-terrain vehicles and hunting would not be allowed. The utility has not said how the construction would be paid for or when it would be complete.
"This is just what we're putting out there to get public feedback on," Kirsta Scherff-Norris, a Utilities wildlife biologist, told The (Colorado Springs) Gazette.
Pikes Peak is believed to be the second-most visited mountain behind Japan's Mount Fuji. But much of the south slope of the mountain is off-limits to visitors. At
World-class ice adds to Vail's cool factor
By Derek Franzdfranz@eaglevalleyenterprise.com
2010-01-16T00:05:00-06:002010-01-16T00:05:00-06:00
VAIL VALLEY, Colorado - Colorado's Vail Valley a popular destination for ice climbers from nearby and faraway. Many of the area's ice features are found in the most ideal locations - places that never see the sun and benefit from a regular melt-freeze cycle.
With both beginner and cutting-edge terrain, world-class climbers have honed their skills in the area for decades. Pillars of ice 130 feet tall drip down from overhanging rock, where new challenges continue to be found. There also are easy and moderate ice climbs in the area.
There is something else that makes the place popular for people wearing sharp, metal points - the ice forms relatively early and sticks around, sometimes into April.
Scott Smith, a guide for Apex Mountain School, has been ice climbing East Vail for 15 years. Tony Angelis, 48, has been stabbing ice there at least 12 years. The two men seem to have a pretty good idea which climbs form first and stay longest.
Early Ice
"The mixe
With both beginner and cutting-edge terrain, world-class climbers have honed their skills in the area for decades. Pillars of ice 130 feet tall drip down from overhanging rock, where new challenges continue to be found. There also are easy and moderate ice climbs in the area.
There is something else that makes the place popular for people wearing sharp, metal points - the ice forms relatively early and sticks around, sometimes into April.
Scott Smith, a guide for Apex Mountain School, has been ice climbing East Vail for 15 years. Tony Angelis, 48, has been stabbing ice there at least 12 years. The two men seem to have a pretty good idea which climbs form first and stay longest.
Early Ice
"The mixe
Eagle County commissioner wants wilderness task force
Two campaigns aimed at increasing amount of land designated as wildern
2010-01-12T16:04:00-06:002010-01-12T16:04:00-06:00
EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado - In response to at least two campaigns aimed at increasing the amount of land designated as wilderness in Eagle and other Colorado counties, Eagle County Commissioner Peter Runyon this week announced he would lead an effort to establish a task force to review all wilderness proposals.
A letter has been sent to representatives of Archuleta, Chafee, Custer, Delores, Delta, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson, La Plata, Lake, Mesa, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel and Summit counties. It asks the U.S. Congress to fund a special, Colorado-led task force to evaluate all of the wilderness proposals that might affect the western part of the state.
Currently, two large efforts are underway, including a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D - Denver) that could create 850,000 acres of new wilderness in 18 counties, and the "Hidden Gems" campaign tha
A letter has been sent to representatives of Archuleta, Chafee, Custer, Delores, Delta, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson, La Plata, Lake, Mesa, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Rio Blanco, Routt, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel and Summit counties. It asks the U.S. Congress to fund a special, Colorado-led task force to evaluate all of the wilderness proposals that might affect the western part of the state.
Currently, two large efforts are underway, including a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D - Denver) that could create 850,000 acres of new wilderness in 18 counties, and the "Hidden Gems" campaign tha
Colorado State Parks to raise some fees Jan. 1
Fees at Colorado state parks for camping, reservations and boat regist
2009-12-30T15:28:00-06:002009-12-30T15:28:00-06:00
DENVER - Fees at Colorado state parks for camping, reservations and boat registrations will increase Friday.
But daily entry fees and the cost of annual passes will stay the same.
Camping fees will rise by $2 per night and reservation fees will go up $2. Boat registration fees will rise by $10 to $25, depending on the size of the boat.
The Colorado State Parks Board approved the increases to help cover a $3 million funding shortfall. The parks will rely more on fees to finance operations.
State Parks Director Dean Winstanley says the fees have stayed the same for at least three years. He says Colorado's fees will be comparable to or lower than other states' fees even after the increases.
Colorado's 42 state parks draw nearly 12 million visitors each year.
But daily entry fees and the cost of annual passes will stay the same.
Camping fees will rise by $2 per night and reservation fees will go up $2. Boat registration fees will rise by $10 to $25, depending on the size of the boat.
The Colorado State Parks Board approved the increases to help cover a $3 million funding shortfall. The parks will rely more on fees to finance operations.
State Parks Director Dean Winstanley says the fees have stayed the same for at least three years. He says Colorado's fees will be comparable to or lower than other states' fees even after the increases.
Colorado's 42 state parks draw nearly 12 million visitors each year.
Vail Valley trails group backs most of Hidden Gems
ECO Trails says some Vail Valley lands should get lower level of prote
2009-12-23T17:31:00-06:002009-12-23T17:31:00-06:00
VAIL VALLEY, Colorado - A committee that advises Eagle County officials on trails in Colorado's Vail Valley has weighed in on Hidden Gems.
The ECO Trails Committee recently endorsed 88 percent of the proposed wilderness areas in Eagle County, or about 173,521 acres, according to a recent news release.
For the remaining 12 percent of the land, the committee called for less restrictive level of protection that would allow mountain biking.
Hidden Gems is a proposal to designate as wilderness about 400,000 acres of federal lands in Summit, Eagle, Pitkin and Gunnison counties. If passed, it would close those lands to motorized and mechanized recreation, like snowmobiling and mountain biking.
Although the final decision on Hidden Gems would rest in Washington, the Hidden Gems campaign has asked Eagle County and other local governments in the region to support the plan. No date has been set for the county commissioners to offer a recommendation on Hidden Gems, Commissioner Peter Run
The ECO Trails Committee recently endorsed 88 percent of the proposed wilderness areas in Eagle County, or about 173,521 acres, according to a recent news release.
For the remaining 12 percent of the land, the committee called for less restrictive level of protection that would allow mountain biking.
Hidden Gems is a proposal to designate as wilderness about 400,000 acres of federal lands in Summit, Eagle, Pitkin and Gunnison counties. If passed, it would close those lands to motorized and mechanized recreation, like snowmobiling and mountain biking.
Although the final decision on Hidden Gems would rest in Washington, the Hidden Gems campaign has asked Eagle County and other local governments in the region to support the plan. No date has been set for the county commissioners to offer a recommendation on Hidden Gems, Commissioner Peter Run
Aspen Skiing Co. wants 50 miles of new Snowmass trails
SNOWMASS VILLAGE - Aspen Skiing Co. would like to develop up to
2009-12-22T11:19:00-06:002009-12-22T11:19:00-06:00
SNOWMASS VILLAGE - Aspen Skiing Co. would like to develop up to 50 miles of new hiking and biking trails on the west side of Snowmass ski area, some of which could be open by next summer, Snowmass General Manager Steve Sewell told elected officials on Monday night.
It's part of an overall "summer activities plan" that has been in the works since the mid-1990s, Sewell said. He went on to add that the trails, potentially coupled with activities such as a climbing wall, children's play area, bungee tramp, fishing pond and an extensive disc golf course, will "provide summer visitors and locals alike with a memorable experience."
It's believed that most visitors could gain access to the new attractions through the Elk Camp Gondola, though there would also be the option to reach them through foot or pedal power. The gondola is proposed to operate daily from June 20 through Labor Day weekend.
Skico is also looking at operating the Elk Camp quad chair thr
It's part of an overall "summer activities plan" that has been in the works since the mid-1990s, Sewell said. He went on to add that the trails, potentially coupled with activities such as a climbing wall, children's play area, bungee tramp, fishing pond and an extensive disc golf course, will "provide summer visitors and locals alike with a memorable experience."
It's believed that most visitors could gain access to the new attractions through the Elk Camp Gondola, though there would also be the option to reach them through foot or pedal power. The gondola is proposed to operate daily from June 20 through Labor Day weekend.
Skico is also looking at operating the Elk Camp quad chair thr
Hidden Gems wilderness campaign, climbers reach deal
CARBONDALE - The Roaring Fork Climbers Coalition and the Hidden Gems W
2009-12-16T16:25:00-06:002009-12-16T16:25:00-06:00
CARBONDALE - The Roaring Fork Climbers Coalition and the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign said Wednesday that they have reached agreement to maintain access to popular climbing areas in the Roaring Fork Valley while ensuring protection of the environment around those climbing areas, the two groups said in a statement.
The Hidden Gems Campaign will make seve
The Hidden Gems Campaign will make seve
Vail Valley wilderness plan being trimmed
VAIL VALLEY, Colorado - The Eagle County commissioners don't ha
2009-12-15T00:05:00-06:002009-12-15T00:05:00-06:00
VAIL VALLEY, Colorado - The Eagle County commissioners don't have the authority to create new wilderness. But they're being asked to support a plan to do just that.
Backers of the "Hidden Gems" wilderness proposal have asked local governments in Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties to endorse the plan, which would create roughly 400,000 acres of new wilderness in the region. Those local governments - as well as local ranchers, mountain bikers and other interest groups - have also been asked to provide advice about water rights, forest management, trail use and other issues.
Hidden Gems supporters this week provided the Eagle County Commissioners with an update of their work over the last few months.
And a lot of work has apparently gone into the proposal. Campaign representatives Susie Kincaid and Steve Smith told the commissioners they've talked to local residents and governments, and adjusted the proposed wilderness boundaries in response to q
Backers of the "Hidden Gems" wilderness proposal have asked local governments in Eagle, Summit, Pitkin and Gunnison counties to endorse the plan, which would create roughly 400,000 acres of new wilderness in the region. Those local governments - as well as local ranchers, mountain bikers and other interest groups - have also been asked to provide advice about water rights, forest management, trail use and other issues.
Hidden Gems supporters this week provided the Eagle County Commissioners with an update of their work over the last few months.
And a lot of work has apparently gone into the proposal. Campaign representatives Susie Kincaid and Steve Smith told the commissioners they've talked to local residents and governments, and adjusted the proposed wilderness boundaries in response to q
Visitors paying up voluntarily at Aspen's Maroon Bells
ASPEN - Revenues from entrance fees to the Maroon Bells near Asp
2009-12-01T12:32:00-06:002009-12-01T12:32:00-06:00
ASPEN - Revenues from entrance fees to the Maroon Bells near Aspen were up 15 percent this year, thanks in large part to visitors who paid up voluntarily, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The popular and scenic attraction, located southwest of town, is operated as a national recreation fee area throughout the summer and fall. The Forest Service charges $10 per vehicle at certain times when buses aren't running to the Bells; visitors must pay to ride the bus when it is operating. The revenues go to maintenance and staffing at the Maroon Bells Recreation Area.
The agency did not reveal the total amount of money taken in at the Bells.
New this year was a self-pay station where visitors could pay the fee during hours when the Forest Service-manned entrance station wasn't staffed - particularly during the month of October. The month saw a spate of warm weather that continued to draw visitors to Maroon Lake and the Bells after the entrance station had closed for the
The popular and scenic attraction, located southwest of town, is operated as a national recreation fee area throughout the summer and fall. The Forest Service charges $10 per vehicle at certain times when buses aren't running to the Bells; visitors must pay to ride the bus when it is operating. The revenues go to maintenance and staffing at the Maroon Bells Recreation Area.
The agency did not reveal the total amount of money taken in at the Bells.
New this year was a self-pay station where visitors could pay the fee during hours when the Forest Service-manned entrance station wasn't staffed - particularly during the month of October. The month saw a spate of warm weather that continued to draw visitors to Maroon Lake and the Bells after the entrance station had closed for the
Colorado parks managers urge giving gift of outdoors
DENVER, Colorado - Colorado parks managers are recommending holiday gifts that might be hard to wrap, but easy to give: scenic views, wildlife watching, rock climbing and hiking.
Annual park passes top the list of gift recommendations from Colorado State Parks and Rocky Mountain National Park.
The annual pass to Rocky Mountain National Park is $40. Officials say 80 percent of the revenue from fees stays in the park.
A state pass costs $60 per year and covers admission to 42 state parks. The state agency manages more than 4,000 camp sites and 57 cabins and yurts.
__________________
On the Net: Colorado State Parks: http://www.parks.state.co.us
Rocky Mountain National Park: http://www.nps.gov/romo
DENVER, Colorado - Colorado parks managers are recommending holi
2009-11-30T20:05:00-06:002009-11-30T20:05:00-06:00
DENVER, Colorado - Colorado parks managers are recommending holiday gifts that might be hard to wrap, but easy to give: scenic views, wildlife watching, rock climbing and hiking.
Annual park passes top the list of gift recommendations from Colorado State Parks and Rocky Mountain National Park.
The annual pass to Rocky Mountain National Park is $40. Officials say 80 percent of the revenue from fees stays in the park.
A state pass costs $60 per year and covers admission to 42 state parks. The state agency manages more than 4,000 camp sites and 57 cabins and yurts.
__________________
On the Net: Colorado State Parks: http://www.parks.state.co.us
Rocky Mountain National Park: http://www.nps.gov/romo
Debate continues over off-road vehicle use
FRISCO - Depending on who's talking, off-road vehicle use in Col
2009-11-21T09:03:00-06:002009-11-21T09:03:00-06:00
FRISCO - Depending on who's talking, off-road vehicle use in Colorado is either part of a multi-use utopia on public lands, or a looming disaster for wildlife and other natural resources.
The Colorado State Parks board will try to sort through divergent testimony offered Friday at a hearing in Frisco as it tries to decide whether to revamp the way it allocates funds from off-highway vehicle registrations.
A coalition of conservation and outdoor user groups wants to earmark specific portions of the $3.2 million pot for restoration and law enforcement, but some regional public land administrators, along with representatives of motorized groups, advocated the status quo.
According to Glen Graham, president of the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle coalition, the entire discussion is framed by "a subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle bias" against motorized users.
"There are problems and issues that need to be addressed. But the reality is not as bad as the perce
The Colorado State Parks board will try to sort through divergent testimony offered Friday at a hearing in Frisco as it tries to decide whether to revamp the way it allocates funds from off-highway vehicle registrations.
A coalition of conservation and outdoor user groups wants to earmark specific portions of the $3.2 million pot for restoration and law enforcement, but some regional public land administrators, along with representatives of motorized groups, advocated the status quo.
According to Glen Graham, president of the Colorado Off-Highway Vehicle coalition, the entire discussion is framed by "a subtle and sometimes not-so-subtle bias" against motorized users.
"There are problems and issues that need to be addressed. But the reality is not as bad as the perce
Vail Resorts wants more summer options
VAIL, Colorado - Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz i
2009-11-05T16:35:00-06:002009-11-05T16:35:00-06:00
VAIL, Colorado - Vail Resorts Chief Executive Officer Rob Katz is interested in seeing a bill pass through Congress that would make it easier to get more summer activities approved at his company's ski resorts.
Katz testified before he U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Thursday in Washington to tell members to back the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2009, or House Bill 2476, sponsored by Colorado's Rep. Diana DeGette.
Katz told the committee there were 57.8 million skier and snowboarder visits on average throughout National Ski Areas Association resorts over the last five years.
"Ski areas are the perfect place to accommodate these large numbers of forest visitors, and not just in the winter," Katz said during his testimony.
While ski areas "inspire appreciation for the natural environment," they're also developed areas that are accessible and convenient for visitors, he said.
Katz testified before he U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Thursday in Washington to tell members to back the Ski Area Recreational Opportunity Enhancement Act of 2009, or House Bill 2476, sponsored by Colorado's Rep. Diana DeGette.
Katz told the committee there were 57.8 million skier and snowboarder visits on average throughout National Ski Areas Association resorts over the last five years.
"Ski areas are the perfect place to accommodate these large numbers of forest visitors, and not just in the winter," Katz said during his testimony.
While ski areas "inspire appreciation for the natural environment," they're also developed areas that are accessible and convenient for visitors, he said.
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