University of Colorado Boulder Provost Russell Moore today named Keith Molenaar dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, effective July 1.
Moore said that in his interviews with the finalists, Molenaar’s approach impressed him on multiple levels.
“I was impressed by Keith’s vision for CEAS, which is grounded in values such as diversity, equity and inclusion, and which is laser-focused on student success,” said Moore.
Molenaar, who has been acting dean since January 2020, is the K. Stanton Lewis Professor of Construction Engineering and Management in CEAS. He received his doctoral and master’s degrees in civil engineering from CU Boulder, and his bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering also from CU Boulder. After a brief and successful appointment as an assistant professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Molenaar returned to CU Boulder in 1999 as assistant professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering.
Author: I-70 Scout
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ADVISORY: Keith Molenaar named dean of the CU Boulder’s College of Engineering and Applied Science
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Local Youth Tackle Conservation Projects in Colorado’s Outdoors
COLORADO SPRINGS and DENVER, CO – June 27, 2022–Applications are open for Mile High Youth Corps’ (MHYC) Land Conservation Fall Trail or Forestry Program. MHYC is searching for positive, hardworking individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 to spend 10-13 weeks this fall serving on environmental stewardship projects throughout Colorful Colorado. During their season, crews will complete more than 30 conservation projects spanning 23 counties and make profound impact on the community, the environment, and themselves.
Mile High Youth Corps’ Land Conservation Program is rooted in the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and is devoted to the improvement and sustainable development of our two most important resources – youth and the environment. Youth participants, called Corpsmembers, are assigned to a crew that works on a variety of conservation-focused projects on public lands. These include construction and maintenance of recreational and safety access trails, habitat restoration, fire fuel mitigation, historical preservation and park development projects. Corpsmembers earn a bi-weekly stipend, and are enrolled in AmeriCorps, earning a scholarship to be used towards advancing their learning after the program. They also receive up to 4 free mental health counseling sessions.
Corpsmembers have opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural source professionals and access to a vast alumni network. Corpsmembers will also receive training in one or more stewardship skillsets, including chainsaw operation, trail building and maintenance and pesticide application. No experience is necessary, MHYC provides hands-on training related to all projects.
Corpsmembers receive industry-recognized certifications that lead to effective service and highly- desirable qualifications and experience that support opportunities for future employment in natural resource management.
“As Corpsmembers complete their terms and move on, often to careers in conservation, the lessons learned remain with them,” said Jesse Roehm, Director: Land Conservation for Mile High Youth Corps. “Their futures are stamped with greater knowledge and understanding of environmental concerns impacting Colorado’s natural resources. These experiences are passed on to friends and family and help to create life- long environmental stewards for generations to come.”
Project partners scheduled for the fall include:
- Adams County Parks and Open Space
- Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space
- Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks
- Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District
- Castlewood Canyon State Park
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety
- Colorado Open Lands
- Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
- Denver Parks & Recreation
- Denver Water
- Fishers Peak State Park
- Green Mountain Falls
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
- HistoriCorps
- Lake Pueblo State Park
- Lakewood Parks, Forestry and Open Space
- Manitou Springs
- Pueblo State Fish Hatchery
- Trinidad
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- US Forest Service: – Pikes Peak Ranger District
- US Forest Service: – San Carlos Ranger District
- Westminster Open Space
If you are between the ages of 18 and 24 and looking to make a difference, please consider joining Mile High Youth Corps for the fall season and earn while you learn. Apply online now at www.milehighyouthcorps.org/apply-now
About Mile High Youth Corps
Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization established in 1992 to give youth ages 18 to 24 a chance to earn an income and learn hands-on job skills while serving in their communities. In its first year, 20 youth served Denver neighborhoods through a single 10-week program. Today, MHYC engages more than 250 youth every year through several comprehensive programs that integrate paid work experience on community service projects with leadership development, career and college exploration, and education. During our 30 year history, Mile High Youth Corps has grown from a small, seasonal, neighborhood-based organization to a comprehensive, year-round, regional program serving 23 counties from two regional offices in Metro Denver and the Southern Front Range of Colorado. Our mission is to help youth make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences.
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Federal Resource Fair-Message from Ken Buck
Hi Friends!I’ll be hosting two Federal Resource Fair events on Tuesday July 12 at 8:00 am MT and 2:00pm MT. This is a great opportunity for Coloradans to meet with federal agencyrepresentatives from the Small Business Administration, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and USDA Rural Development to learn about the resources, services, and jobs available in the community.My district staff will also be in attendance to share with you how they can assist you with federal casework, such as veterans’ benefits, Social Security, and Medicare.
Details for the events can be found below.TUESDAY, July 12th, 2022WHAT: Federal Resource Fair at Trinidad State CollegeTIME: 8:00am-11:00am MSTLOCATION: 600 Prospect St, Trinidad, CO 81082WHO: Open to public and press, including state and regional news mediaTUESDAY, July 12th, 2022WHAT: Federal Resource Fair at Lamar Community CollegeTIME: 2:00pm-5:00pm MSTLOCATION: 2401 S Main St, Lamar, CO 81052WHO: Open to public and press, including state and regional news mediaIf you have questions, please be sure to contact our Castle Rock office at 720-639-9165.God bless,Ken BuckMember of Congress -
Triple-digit temps forecast for the Southwest into next week
An active start to the North American monsoon has helped to keep temperatures relatively in check in the Southwest recently, but AccuWeather forecasters say that the chance of thunderstorms will decrease in the coming days, allowing temperatures to swell across the region.
Much of the monsoon’s moisture has been focused over Colorado, New Mexico and southeastern Utah as of late. Farther to the west, many locations have received very little, if any, rain. When the ground is dry, the sun’s energy is not needed to evaporate moisture. Instead, the ground is heated quickly which results in higher temperatures.
As a ‘heat dome’ shifts to the west this weekend and into next week, temperatures will be on the rise. Underneath a heat dome, sinking air causes temperatures to climb, and precipitation and cloud cover tend to be limited.
“A resilient heat dome that has brought hot weather to the southern Plains this week will spread into the Southwest and park itself there, likely through much of next week,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist La Troy Thornton.
One example of a city that will be under the dome of heat is Las Vegas. The last time Las Vegas had measurable rain was on March 28 when 0.1 of an inch of rain fell. This extended period of dryness will allow for efficient heating, and the mercury will rise to around 110 degrees Fahrenheit by Monday, a few degrees shy of record territory. Similar values are likely on Tuesday and Wednesday.
People planning to visit outdoor destinations, such as Zion National Park and Arches National Park in Utah, should avoid hiking in the afternoon when temperatures are near their peak.
Phoenix received 0.31 of an inch of rain in late June thanks to monsoonal thunderstorms. However, no measurable rain has fallen since, and the ground is fairly dry. Temperatures will rise above 110 degrees as early as the weekend and stay there through much of next week. The highest predicted temperature is 112 degrees on Monday. However, the temperature may be a degree or two lower in some Phoenix neighborhoods thanks to the city’s Cool Pavement Program aimed at reducing the intensity of the urban heat island effect.
As high as these temperatures are expected to be, records are unlikely to be broken.
“Record heat may be hard to come by for many locations because this is already a very warm time of year,” explained Thornton.
Farther north, Salt Lake City has had four days above 100 degrees so far this year. That number may double or triple by the time next week comes to an end. The heat will peak a bit later in Salt Lake City, as the heat dome builds northward throughout next week.
Since normals and records are not as high in Salt Lake City as they are in the Desert Southwest, this may be an exception to records being out of reach. The forecast high of 105 F on Saturday would surpass the correct record for the date of 102 F. The mercury could also challenge the daily record of 107 F on Wednesday, July 13.
With moisture suppressed, the chance of monsoonal thunderstorms will be low outside of New Mexico. However, given the lack of moisture, any thunderstorms that do develop may produce more lightning than rain. These are called dry thunderstorms as most or all of the rain falling from the clouds evaporates before making it to the ground, while lightning from the storm could spark fires in the parched landscape.
The greater focus of any thunderstorms should be on the edge of the heat dome.
“The monsoon’s moisture will shift west and fuel spotty thunderstorms across the mountains of Nevada and California by the middle of next week,” said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Mike LeSeney.
It may take until next weekend for temperatures to lower somewhat as the heat dome finally begins to weaken and shift eastward over the Plains.SPREAD THE NEWS
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Soil Erosion Strategies
Soil erosion from both wind and water can happen nearly anytime in Colorado. When soil leaves a field due to wind or water, the field’s productivity is reduced. Topsoil that leaves a field is the best soil and is high in organic matter. Low organic matter soils experience reduced crop yields. In addition, blowing soil can have consequences on the field the soil is blowing into not to mention a dust storm’s effect on the environment with reduced visibility. Water erosion simply carries top soil off your field and into someone else’s or the topsoil is carried into streams and lakes as sediment. Some weather issues magnify soil erosion potential such as drought, which reduces the amount of crop residue raised and thus the amount of cover protecting a field. Summer flooding due to intense rain storms can create water runoff issues.
The most effective soil erosion control strategy is to leave crop residues in place after harvest. This strategy insures maximum cover during winter dormant periods. Crop residue management includes practices such as reduced till, no-till, stubble mulch, strip cropping and cover cropping. Each of these methods substitutes chemical or cover weed control for tillage. Each one of these practices have advantages and disadvantages but all will help reduce both wind and water erosion potentials in a field. The bottom line is; when soil remains covered from the previous crop’s residue, both wind and water erosion will be reduced, leaving topsoil in place. Tillage, drought and flooding increase soil erosion issues.
What can be done when wind erosion has overtaken a field? Emergency tillage is an option to suppress wind erosion. Emergency tillage strategies should include the following: use a combination of tractor speed, tillage depth, and implement shovel size to achieve the roughest soil surface with the most soil clods. Surface roughness is the number one wind erosion control strategy when wind erosion is the issue. The rougher the soil surface with more dirt clods, the more protected the field will be. This condition becomes more difficult with extremely dry soils. Try to start the emergency tillage on upward wind field locations. Till in a perpendicular direction to prevailing wind direction. Our prevailing winds mostly come from the south making an easterly-westerly tillage direction most effective, when possible. Variations of this tillage direction can still be effective. Try and skip passes (up to 50% of the field) from tillage which leaves some crop residue anchored. Tillage should not be solid. Shovel spacing of 24 to 40 inches can reduce wind erosion, depending on soil type and conditions. If a second tillage is needed later, increase the tillage depth.
The best wind and water soil erosion control strategy is leaving past crop residues in place. However, if soil erosion from wind becomes an issue due to drought, emergency tillage can be a short-term option.
Source: Kansas State University MF2206SPREAD THE NEWS
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PHONES ARE OUT In STRASBURG (updated at 4:41pm)
TDS has informed us that the landline phones may be out until tomorrow. This is also affecting 911 calls, and the Adams County Sheriff has requested residents use the non-emergency number of (303)288-1535 for emergencies.
–TDS is currently working on the problem.
For those needing to contact The I-70 Scout office for immediate assistance, please E-MAIL us at:THANK YOU,
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Top 6 Emergency Relief Program Checklist Items for Eligible Farmers
Farmers.gov sent this bulletin at 07/01/2022 06:52 PM EDT
Top 6 Emergency Relief Program Checklist Items for Eligible Farmers
FSA recently began mailing 303,000 pre-filled applications for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), a new program designed to help agricultural producers impacted by wildfires, droughts, hurricanes, winter storms, and other qualifying natural disasters experienced during calendar years 2020 and 2021.The past few years have been tough to say the least. As producers have dealt with the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have also struggled to recover from more frequent, more intense natural disasters. I am grateful that Congress passed, and President Biden signed into law the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 117-43), which includes $10 billion in critical emergency relief.
After extensive stakeholder outreach, including with producers and groups that have not always been included in USDA programs, our team began work developing a responsive, easier-to-access program that could be rolled out in phases. We’re now rolling out the first phase of ERP, which uses existing Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) data as the basis for calculating initial payments.
By leveraging existing data, we will be able to deliver approximately $6 billion in assistance on a faster timeline; at the same time, my team and I are committed to ensuring that producers who do not have existing data on file with USDA are captured in the second phase of ERP, which will be explicitly focused on filling gaps in previously implemented emergency assistance.
To apply for ERP Phase 1, here’s what you need to do:
Check Your Mailbox
The form being mailed to you includes eligibility requirements, outlines the application process, and provides estimated ERP payment calculations. Producers will receive a separate application form for each program year in which an eligible loss occurred. Receipt of a pre-filled application is not confirmation that a producer is eligible to receive an ERP phase one payment. This application takes about 0.176 hours (that’s less than 15 minutes) for producers to complete, compared to the former Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus application which took several hours for producers to complete and even longer for FSA staff.The deadline to return completed ERP applications to FSA is Friday, July 22, 2022. If you have NAP coverage, you will receive pre-filled ERP applications later this summer. Details on ERP Phase 2 will be forthcoming as well.
Check Your Eligibility
ERP covers losses to crops, trees, bushes, and vines due to a qualifying natural disaster event in calendar years 2020 and 2021. Eligible crops include all crops for which crop insurance or NAP coverage was available, except for crops intended for grazing. Qualifying natural disaster events include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought*, and related conditions.*Lists of 2020 and 2021 drought counties eligible for ERP are available online.
Check Required Forms on File with FSA
Producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities(if applicable).
Form FSA-510, Request for an Exception to the $125,000 Payment Limitation for Certain Programs(if applicable).
A highly erodible land conservation (sometimes referred to as HELC) and wetland conservation certification (Form AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification) for the ERP producer and applicable affiliates.
If you have previously participated in FSA programs, you will likely have these required forms on file. However, if you’re uncertain or want to confirm the status of your forms, contact your local FSA county office.Check Historically Underserved Status with FSA, If Applicable
The ERP payment percentage for historically underserved producers, including beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers, and ranchers will be increased by 15% of the calculated ERP payment.To qualify for the higher payment percentage, eligible producers must have the following form on file with FSA:
Form CCC-860, Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, Beginning and Veteran Farmer or Rancher Certification.
Check Your Future Insurance Coverage
All producers who receive ERP phase one payments are statutorily required to purchase crop insurance, or NAP coverage where crop insurance is not available, for the next two available crop years, as determined by the Secretary.Coverage requirements will be determined from the date a producer receives an ERP payment and may vary depending on the timing and availability of crop insurance or NAP for a producer’s particular crops. The final crop year to purchase crop insurance or NAP coverage to meet the second year of coverage for this requirement is the 2026 crop year.
Check Your bank
Once the completed ERP application for payment is submitted to and signed by FSA, producers who have direct deposit should look for payment within three business days.More Information
We have additional resources, including:
ERP May 16, 2022 New Release
ERP Fact Sheet
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Emergency Relief Webpage
ERP Notice of Funding Availability
In addition to ERP, FSA is also implementing the first phase of the new Emergency Livestock Relief Program. At this time, FSA has made more than $588 million in payments to impacted livestock producers.Bottom line, we take your feedback seriously, and we wanted to deliver this relief as soon as possible. We learned from previous relief programs, and we’re excited to be getting this to you as swiftly as we can.
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USDA To Hold Special Webinar For Farmers Union Members Tomorrow
USDA has provided a link to join the special presentation on Thursday, July 7, from 11 am – 2:30 pm Mountain:
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16118762201
There will be a reminder and a finalized agenda sent out tomorrow.Top staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will be presenting a special webinar designed specifically for Farmers Union staff and leaders to learn more about the many grant and program opportunities. This “USDA 101 Workshop” will be held online on Thursday, July 7th, from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Mountain). Please plan to attend this event as Secretary Vilsack directed his staff to make sure that Farmers Union knows about all the opportunities that are available to the organization through USDA’s Food System Transformation framework.
The event will be a wide-ranging look at USDA’s funding opportunities to access capital, markets, and technical assistance, and will provide specific examples of how funding has been used in the past and how you can access it within your state. USDA will also be available for Q&A. A tentative agenda, subject to change, is available below.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
NFU USDA 101 Workshop
Thursday, July 7, 2022
11:00pm to 2:30pm Mountain
11:00 AM Welcome
1:10 AM Panel 1: Access to Capital
Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program
Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP)
Business and Industry Loan Guarantees (B&I)
Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program
Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)
Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP)
Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG)
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)
12:15PM Break (15 minutes)
12:30PM Panel 2: Access to Markets
Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP)
Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)
Regional Food System Partnerships Program (RFSP)
Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS)
Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
1:20PM Break (10 min)
1:30PM Panel 3: Access to Technical Assistance
Agriculture Innovation Center Program
Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
Rural Cooperative Development Grants (RCDG)
Socially- Disadvantaged Group Grants (SDGG)
Coming Soon: Regional Food Business Centers
2:10PM Final Q & A Session
2:25PM Closing Remarks
2:30PM Finish
Reach out with any questions! Email or call 970 389 2041.SPREAD THE NEWS
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helpful informationCPW renews warning to expect aggressive wildlife as mothers defend their young
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – An incident between a hiker with a dog off-lease and a defensive cow moose with a calf on a Teller County trail prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife to renew its call for caution in the backcountry.
On Thursday, a woman with her dog reported a confrontation with a cow moose and its calf about 45 minutes up the popular Crags Trail, which is off Colorado Highway 67 about 3 miles south of Divide.
The hiker told CPW her dog was running off-leash when a cow moose charged from the brush, chasing the dog. The hiker said she yelled at the moose and it turned and charged her. In her effort to run, she fell and suffered a broken arm.
The hiker told CPW the moose stood over her until it resumed chasing the dog. Eventually the moose and calf wandered off and the hiker and her dog retreated down the trail to her car.
“This incident is a reminder of why we warn everyone to respect wildlife and give them their space,” said Tim Kroening, CPW’s Area Wildlife Manager for the Pikes Peak region. “We know Colorado residents love their dogs. But to keep them safe, we urge people not to take their dogs into wildlife habitat during fawning and calving season and never let them off-leash.
“These confrontations can happen with bears, moose, elk, deer and other wildlife and especially when dogs are involved. They view the dogs as a predator and react in defense of their young.”
CPW officers posted warning signs on the Crags Trail on Friday urging people to avoid the area and, if they proceed, to be especially alert to moose along the trail.
The incident is another in a series of recent moose conflicts that have resulted in injuries to people in Colorado. At least two others also involved cows exhibiting defensive behavior of their nearby calves.
One was on a woman running on a trail in Breckenridge on May 26. The second was on May 31 in Grand Lake when a woman encountered a moose five-feet away in some willows near her home. As she started running away, she fell down and then felt the moose stomp on her back and head.
“This cow moose was exhibiting classic protective behavior of its calf,” Kroening said. “If you are in the backcountry, give wildlife extra space. Especially this time of year when wildlife are raising their young.
“Also be sure to keep dogs on leashes. Better yet, keep them at home.”
As a precaution against run-ins with moose, Kroening urged hikers to avoid thick willow habitat in riparian areas where they are likely to be found eating or resting. Their calves, born in a 3-4 week period from the end of May to mid-June, are often lying in the willows while their mother is off grazing.
Calves, which weigh 26-28 pounds at birth, typically gain about two pounds of weight per day, reaching weights of 385-400 pounds by October.
CPW produced a video illustrating how people can be safe and responsible around moose. The video is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6Qj9K_eJJE&t=2s
Video of a newborn calf with its mother during the May 31-June 1 snow that hit Colorado’s high country: https://youtu.be/B2wk2oHUdas
Kroening said the best thing is to leave young wildlife alone, untouched in their natural habitat so they can grow and thrive in the wild.
“Do not approach, touch or feed wild animals,” Kroening said. “Enjoy wildlife from a safe distance. Keep your dog on a leash and on trails.
“Perhaps most important, if you find a wild animal that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call your local Colorado Parks and Wildlife office and talk to a trained wildlife official for guidance.”
For more information, please visit our website with spring wildlife advice.SPREAD THE NEWS
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