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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • “Leaf-peeping” season in Colorado is peaking; recreate responsibly

    “Leaf-peeping” season in Colorado is peaking; recreate responsibly

    DENVER – As the aspen trees start to change colors, Colorado’s vibrant “leaf-peeping” season is kicking into high gear. While the stunning display of fall foliage is worthy of the annual crowds drawn to the state’s most scenic trails and parks, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) reminds people searching for autumn gold to peep responsibly and balance recreation with mindful conservation.

    “It’s one of the busiest times of the year at our park, as we head into peak leaf-peeping season,” said Bronwyn Phillips, administrative assistant at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. “We ask that people plan ahead, watch out for people and wildlife crossing slowly on roads and park in designated parking areas to avoid damaging vegetation.”

    When heading out to the vast outdoors to find the perfect scenic view this fall, it’s important to practice the Care for Colorado — Leave No Trace principles to keep our landscapes colorful and clean.

    Know Before You Go
    To help prepare for a more enjoyable outdoor experience, check the weather and foliage conditions for where you plan to visit.

    • If the parking area is full, move on to the next designated parking area.
    • Use the CPW Park Finder to explore Colorado’s 43 state parks and visit the park’s individual web page to learn about any possible park or trail closures.
    • Have a backup plan in case your desired trailhead, park or location is crowded or closed.

    Stick To Trails
    While it’s tempting to find a new and unique spot to photograph, or to move to areas with fewer people, it’s important for our plants, trails and visitors that you stay on the trail.

    • Help natural areas stay natural by sticking to designated trails.
    • Avoid trails closed for maintenance, vegetation projects or wildlife reasons. We all love our flora and fauna, so let’s keep them healthy for future generations.

    Leave It As You Find It
    In this busy season, it’s especially important to park in designated areas — undesignated parking destroys vegetation and encourages those coming up behind you to continue the trend.

    • Leave plants, acorns, leaves, rocks and historical items as you find them so others can experience the same joy of discovery.
    • Carving or hacking plants and trees may kill or disfigure them, and also impacts the experiences of your fellow hikers and leaf peepers for years to come.

    Keep Wildlife Wild
    While you hope to spot the perfect cascade of yellow aspens, part of your experience may include seeing wildlife on roads and trails.

    “We want everyone to have a great time experiencing the vibrant colors and the natural wonders our beautiful state has to offer,” said Phillips. “No matter where you plan to peep, please be respectful of our natural resources, park staff, volunteers and your fellow recreationists out searching for Colorado gold.”

    To learn more about outdoor activities at Colorado state parks, visit cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo.

  • CPW celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day to honor Colorado sportspersons and their contributions to wildlife and habitat conservation

    CPW celebrates National Hunting and Fishing Day to honor Colorado sportspersons and their contributions to wildlife and habitat conservation

    Colorado hunters and anglers are vital contributors to conservation efforts for nongame species

    DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife recognizes the contributions of the state’s sportspeople by celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day on Sept. 24. National Hunting and Fishing Day is observed annually on the fourth Saturday of September, honoring hunters and anglers for their leadership in conserving America’s wildlife and habitats.
     
    “Coloradans have a rich tradition of embracing an outdoor lifestyle and participating in recreational activities in wildlife habitats that hunting and fishing license fees help to conserve,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “Our outdoor resources are the foundation of our strong economy and a key contributor to the Colorado way of life.” 

    In order to ensure that outdoor traditions can be passed down to future generations, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has dedicated itself to protecting critical wildlife habitats so wildlife and recreation can be enjoyed in Colorado for decades to come.

    In Colorado, hunters and anglers fund more than 70 percent of CPW’s wildlife management programs through the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, habitat stamps, as well as taxes paid on hunting and fishing equipment, firearms and ammunition. This generates millions of dollars for conservation programs that benefit both game and nongame species statewide. Recent conservation efforts include reintroducing the greenback cutthroat trout, Colorado’s state fish, to its native waters, and the reintroduction and continued monitoring of black-footed ferrets on the state’s eastern plains.

    Learn more about CPW’s conservation efforts here.

    “Hunters and anglers are one of the biggest reasons Colorado enjoys such abundant wildlife,” said Bryan Posthumus, statewide hunter outreach coordinator for CPW. “While only roughly 40 of the 960 species in Colorado are huntable, the fees from hunting and fishing licenses help conserve all wildlife in the state, including threatened and endangered species.”

    National Hunting and Fishing Day is a great opportunity to acknowledge all that our sportspeople do for conservation, and in turn, recreation in Colorado. CPW remains committed to connecting people to the great outdoors and dedicating funds to sustain state lands. Learn more about Colorado’s Outdoor Principles and how outdoor recreation can be enjoyed and balanced with thoughtful conservation. 

    Please note that National Hunting and Fishing day coincides with National Public Lands Day each year. On Sept. 24, entrance to all National Parks is free of charge, but Colorado State Parks admission will still require an annual or daily parks pass.

  • Adams County Takes Art Experiences Outside

    Explores Wellness Benefits of Art in the Great Outdoors

    To support the urgent mental and behavioral health crisis in the community, Adams County has launched two campaigns to bridge the gap between public art, the outdoors, and wellness – while also bringing access to and highlighting the expanding parks, open space, and trail system available to the public.

    Love Your Trails is a ground mural series dedicated to the natural beauty of the county. Fifteen local and national artists have been commissioned to install murals now through Fall 2022. Artists who have participated in the program have embraced the challenges of working outdoors and finding new ways to draw in audiences. Murals run 18 miles from the Fishing is Fun Pond in Riverdale Regional Park in Brighton along the South Platte River Trail and the Clear Creek Trail all the way to Sheridan Blvd.

    Community Paint Days is an event series providing community members the opportunity to pick up a paintbrush, help paint the community mural, and meet one of the commissioned artists from the Love Your Trails campaign. The community is also welcome to simply watch and enjoy.

    Adams County believes the addition and inclusion of art into local environments plays a significant role in the encouragement of lasting economic growth, creating and sustaining cultural identity, and creating a sense of belonging.

    “Parks are democratic spaces – they are free to all, reflect the demographic diversity of our county, and are places for social and cultural interaction,” said Adams County Commissioner Lynn Baca, chair.

    Participation in cultural activities connects people to each other and to their community institutions, providing pathways to other forms of participation. Thus, arts and culture can create opportunities for expression, community dialogue, and shared cultural experiences.

    “Physical environments connect to mental and emotional well-being in more ways than one,” said Baca. “The spaces where we live and play form the context for our lives.”

    Mental health problems are on the rise in Adams County and are associated with lower quality of life, increased unscheduled care, high economic and social cost, and increased mortality. Nature-based interventions (NBIs) that support people to engage with nature are data-driven solutions that improve mental health for community-based adults and children. While other environmental factors feed into mental disorders, it’s important to not overlook nature and art’s role in our emotional wellness. Studies have also shown those who participate in cultural activities show an increase in overall health. These surveys have also revealed that not only do people who create the art benefit, so do those who consume it.

    “The interplay between art and nature offers bountiful opportunities for rejuvenating cultural encounters and a welcoming environment for all ages,” said Baca. “With the shifts we’ve seen in social interactions, people are craving safe, vibrant outdoor experiences. We’re thrilled to share our accessible and engaging public spaces with the community and to encourage respite and reflection, especially during these challenging times.”

    The Love Your Trails and Community Paint Days series aims to provide free, accessible public spaces and art for all residents and visitors to come appreciate art and provides something for everyone.

    Love Your Trails murals were selected by a unique art panel made up of members of the Adams County Visual Arts Commission and Parks, Open Space & Cultural Arts staff. Learn more about the Adams County Visual Arts Commission: adcogov.org/visual-arts-commission.

    View a map of mural locations and more details about the artists: adcogov.org/cultural-arts-current-projects.

     

    Community Paint Days Date and Time:

    Twin Lakes Park

    Saturday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Sept. 25

    Noon – 4 p.m.

    Artist: Eli Pillaert

    Pronouns: She/they

    Mural Title: Front-range First Light

    Mural Size: 10′ x 150′

    About the design: This knotted alder plant design celebrates the invaluable resources the trail system provides to residents and visitors. The color palette is inspired by the light at sunrise.

  • Announcing the 2nd annual Fall Artist Showcase

    Announcing the 2nd annual Fall Artist Showcase

    Explore landscapes both real and imaginary during the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA) at Anythink Fall Artist Showcase. Reflect on nature, social connections, and both digital and physical worlds through the lens of the diverse landscapes that exist within Adams County. 

    Local artists Cherish Marquez and Eileen Roscina have responded to this theme in their works using both analog and digital formats. Through hands-on workshops and opportunities for public collaboration, the showcase provides avenues for people to connect, create and celebrate our community. Programs will take place at Anythink Bennett, Anythink Brighton, Anythink Commerce City and Anythink Huron Street.

    Join the artists for workshops, drop-in Q&As and more as they create four unique community installations from September to December 2022. Four of the hands-on workshops are listed below. More to be announced soon!


    Solar Art with Cyanotype Fabric
    Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 am–12 pm
    Anythink Brighton

    Sky Seed Sculpture Creation
    Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 am–12 pm
    Anythink Brighton

    Nature Mandalas
    Saturday, Oct. 15, 12-2 pm
    Anythink Commerce City

    The Natura Mural
    Saturday, Oct. 22, 12-2 pm
    Anythink Commerce City

  • Biden-Harris Administration Announces Historic Investment in Partnerships for 70 Climate-Smart Commodities and Rural Projects

    USDA to Triple Commitment with Initial $2.8 Billion Investment Piloting New Revenue Streams for America’s Climate-Smart Farmers, Ranchers and Forest Landowners, with Additional Projects to Come

    DENVER, Colo., Sept. 19, 2022  – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the Biden-Harris Administration through the U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first pool of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding opportunity, including 17 projects that applicants indicate will impact the state of Colorado, with projects from the second funding pool to be announced later this year. Ultimately, USDA’s anticipated investment will triple to more than $3 billion in pilots that will create market opportunities for American commodities produced using climate-smart production practices. These initial projects will expand markets for climate-smart commodities, leverage the greenhouse gas benefits of climate-smart commodity production and provide direct, meaningful benefits to production agriculture, including for small and underserved producers. Applicants submitted more than 450 project proposals in this first funding pool, and the strength of the projects identified led USDA to increase its investment in this opportunity from the initial $1 billion Vilsack announced earlier this year.

    “There is strong and growing interest in the private sector and among consumers for food that is grown in a climate-friendly way,” said Vilsack. “Through today’s announcement of initial selections for the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities, USDA is delivering on our promise to build and expand these market opportunities for American agriculture and be global leaders in climate-smart agricultural production. This effort will increase the competitive advantage of U.S. agriculture both domestically and internationally, build wealth that stays in rural communities and support a diverse range of producers and operation types.”

    Earlier this year, Vilsack announced that USDA had allocated $1 billion for the program, divided into two funding pools. Because of the unprecedented demand and interest in the program, and potential for meaningful opportunities to benefit producers through the proposals, the Biden-Harris administration increased the total funding allocation to more than $3 billion, with projects from the second funding pool to be announced later this year. Vilsack made the announcement from the campus of Penn State University, which is the lead partner on one of the selected pilot projects to implement climate-smart practices, quantify and track the greenhouse gas benefits and develop markets for the resulting climate-smart commodities.

    Funding for Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities will be delivered through USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation in two pools. Projects announced today are from the first funding pool, which included proposals seeking funds ranging from $5 million to $100 million. USDA received over 450 proposals from more than 350 entities for this funding pool, including nonprofit organizations; for-profits and government entities; farmer cooperatives; conservation, energy and environmental groups; state, tribal and local governments; universities (including minority serving institutions); small businesses; and large corporations. Applications covered every state in the nation as well as tribal lands, D.C. and Puerto Rico. The tentative selections announced today reflect this broad set of applicants and geographic scope, and the proposals include plans to match on average over 50% of the federal investment with nonfederal funds.

    USDA will work with the applicants for the 70 identified projects to finalize the scope and funding levels in the coming months. A complete list of projects identified for this first round of funding, including the 17 projects that may impact Colorado, is available at usda.gov/climate-smart-commodities. These projects include:

    • Expanding the STAR Program Across Colorado and the West – This project offers a comprehensive approach that empowers conservation districts and other eligible entities to help build climate-smart markets and provide technical assistance to a diverse range of producers; provides three years of financial and technical assistance to producers; quantifies and verifies climate benefits on behalf of producers; develops a rating as a market signal so participants earn more for products grown with healthy soil practices; and evaluates and validates carbon and soil-water research for the arid West. Lead Partner: Colorado Department of Agriculture
    • The Partnership to Define Climate-Smart Commodities Impact and Unlock Consumer Demand (TSIP Partnership for Impact and Demand) – This project will build climate-smart markets and streamline field data collection and combine sample results with modeling to make impact quantifications accurate and locally specific but also scalable. Targeted farms produce value-added and direct-to-consumer specialty crops as well as the 19 most common row crops in the United States. Lead Partner: The Meridian Institute
    • Transforming the Farmer-to-Consumer Supply Chain with Climate-Smart Agriculture Partnerships – This program will focus on creating end-to-end supply chain partnerships to optimize the value of climate-smart commodities, focusing on dairy feedstock and including a manure management component. Lead Partner:Carbon A List LLC
    • Reducing GHG Emissions and Improving Soil Carbon Sequestration Potential through High-Carbon Soil Amendment – This pilot project will support expansion of climate-smart markets and implementation of climate-smart practices to augment conservation Best Management Practices and generate reference data to support development of regionally optimized ecosystem services models. The geographic focus of this project (CO, NE, WY, MT) has naturally low basal soil organic carbon, which means greater sequestration potential. Lead Partner: The Western Sugar Cooperative

    Spanning up to five years, these 70 projects will:

    • Provide technical and financial assistance to producers to implement climate-smart production practices on a voluntary basis on working lands;
    • Pilot innovative and cost-effective methods for quantification, monitoring, reporting and verification of greenhouse gas benefits; and
    • Develop markets and promote the resulting climate-smart commodities.

    The projects announced today will deliver significant impacts for producers and communities nationwide. USDA anticipates that these projects will result in:

    • Hundreds of expanded markets and revenue streams for producers and commodities across agriculture ranging from traditional corn to specialty crops.
    • More than 50,000 farms reached, encompassing more than 20-25 million acres of working land engaged in climate-smart production practices such as cover crops, no-till and nutrient management.
    • More than 50 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent sequestered over the lives of the projects. This is equivalent to removing more than 10 million gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road for one year.
    • More than 50 universities, including multiple minority-serving institutions, engaged and helping advance projects, especially with outreach and monitoring, measurement, reporting and verification.
    • Proposals for the 70 selected projects include plans to match on average over 50% of the federal investment with nonfederal funds.

    Projects were selected based on a range of criteria, with emphasis placed on greenhouse gas and/or carbon sequestration benefits and equity. The Notice of Funding Opportunity included a complete set of project proposal requirements and evaluation criteria.

    USDA is currently evaluating project proposals from the second Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding pool, which includes funding requests from $250,000 to $4,999,999. Projects from this second funding pool will emphasize the enrollment of small and/or underserved producers, and/or monitoring, reporting and verification activities developed at minority-serving institutions. USDA expects to announce these selections later this Fall.

    More Information

    Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities is part of USDA’s broader strategy to position agriculture and forestry as leaders in climate change mitigation through voluntary, incentive-based, market-driven approaches. Visit usda.gov/climate-smart-commodities to learn more about this effort, and usda.gov/climate-solutions for climate-related updates, resources and tools across the Department.

    Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is engaged in a whole-of-government effort to combat the climate crisis and conserve and protect our Nation’s lands, biodiversity and natural resources including our soil, air and water. Through conservation practices and partnerships, USDA aims to enhance economic growth and create new streams of income for farmers, ranchers, producers and private foresters. Successfully meeting these challenges will require USDA and our agencies to pursue a coordinated approach alongside USDA stakeholders, including State, local and Tribal governments.

    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

  • Invasive Concerns: Zebra & Quagga Mussels

    Invasive Concerns: Zebra & Quagga Mussels

    Invasive Mussels
    A zebra mussel found on a suspended PVC substrate in Highline Lake.

    LOMA, Colo. – State officials have confirmed the presence of an invasive zebra mussel in Highline Lake located at Highline Lake State Park north of Loma, Colorado.

    CPW found a single adult zebra mussel on a piece of substrate (PVC pipe) in the lake during routine invasive species sampling on Sept. 14. Two CPW experts have independently confirmed the identification of the mussel through visual identification methods and genetic confirmation was also made on the sample. 

    CPW has immediately increased monitoring of Highline Lake for all life stages of invasive mussels. Boats launching at Highline Lake are still subject to inspection and decontamination protocols prior to launching. Upon exiting the lake, boaters who intend to return to Highline Lake will be issued a green seal and blue receipt that indicates it was last used on a body of water with a known aquatic nuisance species. If a boater leaving Highline Lake intends to launch in a different water body, their boat must be decontaminated before launching by a certified professional. Due to these additional constraints, boaters can expect decreased ramp hours and longer exit wait times for the remainder of the month. Highline Lake closes to all surface-water activities annually on October 1. 

    “We know this is an extra step for those who have come out to enjoy recreating on the lake, but staying vigilant has proven to be effective throughout Colorado,” said CPW Northwest Region Manager Travis Black.

    This is the first time an adult zebra mussel has ever been found in the state of Colorado, although eight different reservoirs in Colorado have been temporarily suspect or positive for mussel veligers, the larval life stage of the mussel, since 2008.

    “Although this is very troubling, it’s important to keep in mind that the lake is not considered infested, a designation given only to bodies of water that have extensive and reproducing adult populations,” said CPW Invasive Species Program Manager Robert Walters. “At this point, CPW has detected only a single invasive mussel at Highline. We will continue to monitor throughout the fall to get a more complete picture of the species’ presence in the reservoir.” 

    “This is an unfortunate discovery, and something we have been working very hard to prevent,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “It shows why we need a robust inspection program. As more and more people move to or visit Colorado and use our water resources for boating, we must continue to work hard to prevent the spread of these harmful invasive species. We cannot overstate how serious this is.”

    All ballast boats, inboard and inboard/outboard engines must have a green seal in between launches or decontamination may take place prior to launching. Boaters are encouraged to inspect their own boat between every use and make sure it is clean, drained, and dry.

    The State of Colorado requires boats to be professionally inspected if:

    • a boat has been in any body of water that is positive, or suspect for ANS
    • a boat has been in any body of water outside of Colorado
    • a boat will be entering any water body where inspections are required

    “This situation demonstrates the importance of following the law and going through the required inspection and decontamination process upon entering and exiting bodies of water,” said Reid DeWalt, Assistant Director for Aquatics, Terrestrial and Natural Resources with CPW. 

    Cooperation with Colorado’s mandatory inspection and decontamination program has proven successful to stop the movement of harmful invasive species, such as zebra mussels, into new waters. Public awareness and participation is the best weapon in the prevention of invasive species. 

    Please visit the CPW website for more information about zebra and quagga mussels.

  • NoCo PLACES 2050 celebrates conservation and the value of Colorado’s public lands on National Public Lands Day

    Conservation and the Value of Colorado’s Public Lands
    National Public Lands Day inspires visitors to celebrate public lands   
    Denver, Colo. – Colorado is known for outdoor adventures, and with over 2.18 million acres of public land along the Northern Front Range, there are plenty of areas to explore. With increased visitation on public lands, it is clearer than ever that investments to support the conservation of our lands, waters, and wildlife are critical pieces of sustaining this high quality of life for future generations of Coloradans.

    National Public Lands Day on September 24 inspires people to consider the value of conserved lands in Colorado, as shown in this video. The nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort is celebrating its 29th year with the theme “Giving Back Together.” The COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of people to seek recreation, solace, and safety in the outdoors on Colorado’s public lands. The sentiment for this year’s volunteer effort is giving back to the land that has served us during a difficult time.

    Why do Coloradans value public lands? The answer ranges from the health benefits of being outdoors, to the desire to preserve natural spaces for future generations. The connection of people to green spaces is vitally important for communities to have access to the outdoors now and in the future. Additionally, parks and open spaces are valuable as wildlife habitat, for native plants, and for clean water. 

    See the value of Colorado’s public lands through the eyes of visitors and volunteers. 

    “Our public lands are representative of many of the greatest ideals of our country, and our collective appreciation, conservation, and stewardship is necessary to keep them healthy and thriving,” says Aaron Mayville, deputy forest supervisor, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. “I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on how to give back, together, and appreciate how fortunate we are here in Colorado to have such treasured landscapes right out our back doors.” 

    Northern Front Range land management agencies encourage Coloradans to examine how they can value and conserve our public lands, on National Public Lands Day, and every day. Everyone can celebrate the fabric of public lands through volunteerism, stewardship, and conservation activities. Contact the Northern Colorado agencies listed below to explore National Public Lands Day volunteer opportunities.

    These messages are part of a broader effort by eight agencies collaborating on ways to address the challenges of high visitation and a growing population in northern Colorado’s foothills and mountains. Called NoCo PLACES 2050, this collaboration is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of public lands in Colorado and the quality of the visitor experience. Learn about NoCo PLACES 2050.
  • CPW wildlife officers relocate bear from a tree on CSU campus

    CPW wildlife officers relocate bear from a tree on CSU campus

    This sow bear climbed up into a tree on the CSU Fort Collins campus last Friday and was released back into its natural habitat.

    Around 6 a.m. Friday, residents were reporting a bear walking around the Old Town neighborhood in Fort Collins. CPW wildlife officers started monitoring the area and received a call around 7:30 a.m. about a bear on the CSU campus. When officers arrived on the scene they located a subadult sow bear of approximately 200 pounds. Officers tranquilized the bear, lowered it from the tree and released it back into its natural habitat in the afternoon.

    [WATCH] video of the rescue effort

    Wildlife officers did not observe any serious injuries to the bear, other than it being exhausted, and they released the bear far in the backcountry back to its natural surroundings.

    “As bears start to prepare for hibernation and hunt for food, Coloradans may see more bear activity in urban areas,” said CPW Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Brandon Muller. “When bears become too comfortable around humans, they can destroy property or even become a threat to human safety.

    Black bears in Colorado are entering hyperphagia and will spend up to 20 hours a day trying to eat more than 20,000 calories to fatten up for winter.

    Most conflicts between people and bears can be traced to easily accessible human food, trash, fruit trees, shrubs or other attractants with strong odors as a bear’s natural drive to eat can overcome its fear of humans. When bears become too comfortable around humans, they can destroy property or even become aggressive toward humans.

    CPW reminds all Colorado residents to do their part to be bear aware and properly store all trash and lock bear-accessible windows and doors. Below are tips and precautions to help you prevent human-wildlife conflicts that can also save a bear’s life.

    • Put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
    • Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors.
    • Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
    • Remove bird feeders from outdoor areas.
    • Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.
    • Clean the grill after each use.
    • Clean up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck.

    For more information on bears in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/bears.

  • Colorado Air National Guard to conduct major readiness exercise

    BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo.–The 140th Wing, Colorado Air National Guard, will conduct a readiness exercise at BSFB and Pueblo Regional Airport, Pueblo, Colorado, Sept. 22-25, 2022.
     
    Wing personnel will conduct 24-hour training operations in a simulated combat environment, meaning the local community can anticipate an increase in flight activity and noise level during this period to include evening flying operations.
     
    “We have been preparing for this very important exercise over the past several months and plan to continue honing our warfighting skills in late September as we serve our state and nation,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Southard, commander, 140th Wing.
     
    This multi-day exercise is designed to establish a learning environment for Airmen to exercise their plans and procedures for upcoming deployments in an ever-evolving operational environment.
     
    Southard said that the community’s patience and understanding of these necessary training activities is greatly appreciated. The training gained from these exercises will significantly improve the 140th Wing’s ability to prepare and respond to mission-essential functions carried out every day in support of national security.
     
    The wing’s real-world mission and emergency response capability will not be affected and will take priority over exercise actions.

  • AccuWeather Special Report: AccuWeather’s 2022 US fall allergy forecast

    AccuWeather Hurricane Center – September 8, 2022 – Even though the thermometer is still surpassing the century mark in some parts of the country, department stores have stocked the shelves with fall decorations and coffee shops have brought back their famous pumpkin spice lattes. Millions across the United States are likely hoping for the return to cooler weather and fall activities, but the fall allergy season is one thing many Americans would rather put on pause.

    As more and more fall festivities kick off, AccuWeather forecasters say fall allergies will be back in full force across some parts of the country, affecting millions.

    “Allergies really happen all year round, and the fall is different than spring and summer,” Chief Medical Officer at WebMD Dr. John Whyte said to AccuWeather in an interview. “What we see in the fall are allergies to ragweed. It blooms between August and November, so we kind of see that peak pollen actually [occur in] mid- to late September.”

    According to WebMD, mold and dust mites are two other allergy triggers during the fall. Mold spores love wet spots outside, so piles of damp leaves are ideal breeding grounds for mold. When temperatures drop outside, people will turn the heat on for the first time in months, stirring dust mites into the air that have been sitting around all summer.

    AccuWeather Special Report: AccuWeather’s 2022 US fall allergy forecast >>