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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Author: I-70 Scout

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife is accepting applications for the Colorado Sportsperson’s Roundtable

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife is accepting applications for the Colorado Sportsperson’s Roundtable

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife is accepting applications for a two-year membership to the statewide Colorado Sportsperson’s Roundtable. The application period is open from Friday, June 10 through Wednesday, June 29, 2022.

    CPW aims to maintain a geographically diverse membership on the Roundtable. Currently, we are looking to fill approximately 6 positions with a preference for residents in the northeast, northwest, and southwest regions of the state. (CPW regions map)

    Responsibilities of members include: 
    1. Participating in a half- to full-day meeting twice a year.
    2. Meetings may be in-person or virtual. Travel to meetings is at the member’s expense. 
    3. Participating in occasional conference calls. 
    4. Sharing information and ideas with Roundtable members and senior CPW staff on pressing issues. 
    5. Sharing your contact information on the CPW Roundtable webpage and being available to sportspersons around the state to share and discuss information pertinent to the Roundtable. 

    The two-year term runs from August 2022 through July 2024. 

    Volunteering for the Sportsperson’s Roundtable is a great opportunity to share information with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on recreation and management issues that are relevant to hunters, anglers, and trappers. Be an integral part of the conversation!

    How to Apply
    Fill out the application available online and linked from the CPW Sportsperson’s Roundtable webpage (cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Roundtable.aspx) by the deadline of Wednesday, June 29, 2022. (A printed version is available upon request). CPW staff will make selections and notify you about whether or not you are selected. For more information about the process, please email Jonathan Boydston at .

    Background on the Colorado Sportsperson’s Roundtable
    Hunters and anglers are vitally important to Colorado Parks and Wildlife and to the successful management of Colorado’s wildlife. Sportspersons are directly affected by the agency’s fish and wildlife management decisions and provide much of the funding for wildlife conservation in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages effective channels for consulting with the state’s hunters and anglers through the Sportsperson’s Roundtable and Regional Sportsperson’s Caucuses. 

    The Sportsperson’s Roundtable is a statewide panel comprised of 16 or more statewide members appointed by CPW and at least two delegates from each of four Sportsperson’s Regional Caucuses. The statewide Roundtable meets in person twice a year to help the agency by sharing information, discussing important topics and identifying emerging issues. Four Regional Sportsperson’s Caucuses also hold meetings twice a year. Caucus meetings are open to all local hunters and anglers to discuss regional issues. Caucus delegates then share this information with the statewide Roundtable. Caucus delegates are selected through a separate process determined by sportspersons who participate in the Regional Caucus meetings. 

    The Colorado Sportsperson’s Roundtable is made up of individual members who represent a broad range of interests related to hunting, fishing and trapping in Colorado. These interests include, but are not limited to, small and big game hunting, sport fishing, outfitting and other sportsperson-dependent businesses. For more information about the Sportsperson’s Roundtable, Regional Sportsperson’s Caucuses and the members of both groups, visit CPW’s website.

  • County Board votes to observe Juneteenth as a County holiday

    County Board votes to observe Juneteenth as a County holiday

    During the June 14, 2022 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board voted to add Juneteenth as an official County holiday following similar legislation by the state.

    In observance of Juneteenth, Arapahoe County administrative buildings will be closed on Monday, June 20. However, Voting Service and Polling Centers located in County buildings at the Administration Building, CentrePoint Plaza and Lima Plaza will remain open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Voters can:

    • Drop-off a voted mail-in ballot
    • Register to vote in-person
    • Update voter registration
    • Request a replacement ballot if your ballot was damaged or missing
    • Request to vote in-person
    • Language interpretation service available
    • Vote on an accessible electronic ballot marking device.

    Visit arapahoevotes.gov for more information on how to vote during the primary election.

  • Emergency Relief Program – Disaster Recovery Assistance for Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers

    To help agricultural producers offset the impacts of natural disasters in 2020 and 2021, Congress included emergency relief funding in the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 117-43). This law targets at least $750 million for livestock producers impacted by drought or wildfires.
    USDA is working diligently to develop the programs, policies and provisions required to equitably distribute these much-needed payments to producers hard-hit by catastrophic disaster events the past two years. Through proactive communication and outreach, USDA will keep producers and stakeholders informed as program details are available.
    Funds will be distributed in two phases through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) and the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). For more details, please visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-relief/index.

  • Updated Information and Request for Witnesses in Fatal Crashes on I-25

    WELD COUNTY – Investigators with the Colorado State Patrol responded to two crashes on Interstate 25 in Weld County on June 13, 2022, which resulted in six lives lost.  They are requesting assistance for any witnesses that have not yet contacted law enforcement regarding the second crash to come forward with any information.

    Shortly before 1:31 PM on I-25 near mile marker 243 a four vehicle crash took place in the northbound lanes, resulting in five fatalities from one vehicle and minor injuries to the driver of another vehicle.  The vehicles involved are:

    Vehicle 1: 1999 Kenworth semi-truck

    Vehicle 2: 2015 Ford Edge

    Vehicle 3: 2013 Ford Focus

    Vehicle 4: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander

    Investigators believe vehicles 2-4 were in the left lane of I-25, slowed for traffic in the area.  The Kenworth semi was also northbound in the left lane and rear-ended the Ford Edge at an unknown speed, pushing it off the left side of the roadway into the center median.  The Kenworth rear-ended the Ford Focus, pushing the Focus into the Mitsubishi.  It is believed the Kenworth struck the Ford Edge a second time before the Kenworth hit the cable rail in the median, coming to a stop.  I-25 was closed with traffic diverted at exit 243.  The interstate remained closed as on scene personnel conducted the investigation, including the use of drones.  All five occupants from the Ford Edge were ultimately declared deceased.   Occupants from each vehicle include:

    Vehicle 1: a 26-year-old male from Denver, CO, not injured.

    Vehicle 2: a 20-year-old male driver from Gillette, WY, declared deceased at Medical Center of the Rockies.

    Vehicle 2: a 20-year-old female passenger from Gillette, WY, declared deceased on scene.

    Vehicle 2: a 47-year-old female passenger from Gillette, WY, declared deceased on scene.

    Vehicle 2: a 3-month-old female passenger from Gillette, WY, declared deceased on scene.

    Vehicle 2: a 51-year-old male passenger from Gillette, WY, declared deceased on scene.

    Vehicle 3: a 45-year-old male driver from Greely, CO, transported to Medical Center of the Rockies with minor injuries.

    Vehicle 4: a 30-year-old female driver from Denver, CO, not injured.

    Vehicle 4: a 30-year-old male passenger from Palmdale, CA, not injured.

    Vehicle 4: a 7-year-old unknown passenger from Brentwood, CA, no injured.

    Identification of all parties is not being released to allow extended next of kin to be notified.  Relationships between occupants of any vehicles is not known.

    Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol, nor speed are factors in the crash.  The investigation is open.  No charges have been filed at this time.

    At approximately 2:22 PM on Interstate 25 near mile marker 235 northbound, a three vehicle crash resulting in one fatality took place.  A 2021 Kawasaki motorcycle was northbound in the left lane.  An unknown semi truck and trailer were northbound in the center lane; a 2001 International semi-truck and trailer were northbound in the right lane.  The Kawasaki changed lanes multiple times and struck the unknown semi-truck’s trailer followed by striking the International’s trailer.  The motorcycle rolled, slid into the middle lane, and was run over by the International semi.  The unknown semi did not stop at the scene; the International came to a controlled stop on the right shoulder of the roadway.

    The rider of the motorcycle, a 30 year old male from Northglenn, CO, was declared deceased on scene.  The driver of the International semi, a 50 year old male from Denver, CO, was not injured.  Drugs and alcohol are not considered factors in the crash but investigators believe the motorcycle was traveling at an unknown but high rate of speed at the time of the incident.

    Investigators are requesting anyone that has not yet contacted law enforcement but is a witness, has information, or dash cam footage related to the motorcycle and semi crash to please reach out.  Witnesses may contact Colorado State Patrol Sgt. Winsett at: 970-506-4999 or Dispatch at: 303-239-4501, reference case number #3A221000.

  • USDA to Allow Producers to Request Voluntary Termination of Conservation Reserve Program Contract

    USDA to Allow Producers to Request Voluntary Termination of Conservation Reserve Program Contract

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants who are in the final year of their CRP contract to request voluntary termination of their CRP contract following the end of the primary nesting season for fiscal year 2022. Participants approved for this one-time, voluntary termination will not have to repay rental payments, a flexibility implemented this year to help mitigate the global food supply challenges caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other factors. Today, USDA also announced additional flexibilities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
  • Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program 2022 Request for Proposals

    Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program 2022 Request for Proposals

    DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is pleased to announce the Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) 2022 Request for Proposals (RFP). The CWHP is a statewide program that supports CPW’s mission by offering funding opportunities to private or public landowners who wish to protect wildlife habitat on their property, and/or provide wildlife-related recreational access to the public.

    The CWHP is an incentive-based program that funds conservation easements, public access easements, and fee title purchases to accomplish strategic wildlife conservation and public access goals.

    Funding for the 2022 cycle is approximately $11 million and is made possible by revenue generated from the sale of the Habitat Stamp, hunting and fishing licenses, and through CPW’s partnership with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO).

    To Apply
    The landowner or a third party representative must complete application forms which address one or more of the following CPW’s 2022 funding priorities:

    • Public access for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing
    • Big game winter range and migration corridors
    • Protecting habitat for species of concern (specifically those Species of Greatest Conservation Need, as identified in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Statewide Action Plan)
    • Riparian areas and wetlands
    • Landscape-scale parcels and parcels that provide connectivity to conserved lands

    2022 funding preferences include working farms and ranches and properties adjacent to wildlife crossings. Application materials will be available on Monday, June 13, 2022 here: https://cpw.state.co.us/cwhp.

    All proposals must be received by 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2022.

    Completed applications are to be emailed to: Wildlife.RealEstateProposals(at)state.co.us.

    Applicants will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt.

    The CWHP funds conservation easements held by CPW or qualified third parties. Third parties may submit a proposal on behalf of the landowner and applications must be signed by the landowner(s). It is strongly recommended that applicants contact the CWHP manager before submitting an application.

    Additional Information
    CPW recognizes that maintaining wildlife-compatible agriculture on the landscape is an important benefit that can be achieved through conservation easements and land management plans. All conservation easements funded through the CWHP will require a management plan. The plan must be agreed upon by the landowner and CPW prior to closing, and may include provisions for the type, timing, and duration of livestock grazing, recreational activities, and overall management of wildlife habitat.

    Landowners are encouraged to develop a clear vision for the future of the property prior to submitting a proposal. Proposals are scored and ranked through a rigorous review process to evaluate strategic conservation impacts, biological significance, public benefits, and project feasibility. Local CPW staff can help describe the wildlife and habitat values accurately. Local CPW office contact information may be found here: https://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Maps/CPW_Areas.pdf.

    Initial funding recommendations will be deliberated in March 2023. Final decisions on which projects will move forward is expected to be determined at the Parks and Wildlife Commission’s May 2023 meeting.

    All conservation easement properties are required by law to be monitored annually. Third Party conservation easement holders will be required to submit to CPW copies of the annual monitoring report for each conservation easement funded through the CWHP.

    Public access is not required for all conservation easement projects, but compensation is available for granting wildlife-related public access to CPW. Landowners are welcome to submit proposals for projects where the sole purpose is to provide hunting or fishing access through a public access easement, without an associated conservation easement.

    Under Colorado law, terms of the transaction become a matter of public record after the project is completed and closed. Additionally, it is important for CPW and major funding partners to provide accurate information to the public regarding the CWHP’s efforts to protect vital habitats and provide hunting and fishing access opportunities. Applicants should be aware that after a project has closed, information about the transaction, including funding amounts, may be used by CPW for internal planning and public information purposes.

    All CWHP real estate transactions are subject to an appraisal and an appraisal review to verify value. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult their legal and financial advisors when contemplating any real estate transaction associated with the CWHP.

    Contact Information
    For additional information about the CWHP or application process, please contact: Amanda Nims, CWHP Manager
    Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Real Estate Section 6060 Broadway
    Denver, CO 80216
    (303) 291-7269

  • Analysis Shows U.S. Corn Outperforms Other Origins In Starch Yields, Offering A Competitive Advantage in the Export Market

    Using Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) funds, the U.S. Grains Council sponsored an industrial starch milling analysis, comparing U.S. corn against corn from competing origins. The analysis looked at the performance of the grain in industrial starch plants and how the different origins affected the overall profitability of the plants. The conclusion found that U.S. corn provides significant additional profitability, worth several million dollars per year depending on the size of the plant.
  • Extended Access to Higher Ethanol Blends Will Save Consumers Money at the Gas Pump

    Extended Access to Higher Ethanol Blends Will Save Consumers Money at the Gas Pump

    A recent decision by the Biden administration to extend access to higher blends of ethanol through the summer month will begin today, resulting in cost savings for Americans at the gas pump.
    “Gas prices are taking their toll on Colorado families,” said Colorado Corn Administrative Committee President Jeremy Fix. “Having access to higher levels of ethanol will save drivers money this summer.”
    Biden’s action came after a 2021 court decision – resulting from oil industry efforts to limit the growth of higher ethanol blends – was set to end full-market access fuel with a 15% ethanol blend this summer.
  • 2022 Renewable Fuel Volume Rule Will Lower Fuel Prices and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

    2022 Renewable Fuel Volume Rule Will Lower Fuel Prices and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

    The final 2022 renewable fuel volumes released today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will support access to higher blends of ethanol, saving consumers money at the pump and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
    For 2022, the final Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volume of 20.63 billion gallons includes an implied 15 billion gallons of ethanol, following the law. EPA also added a supplemental 250 million gallon requirement for 2022, responding to a 2017 Court decision finding EPA improperly waived past volumes. EPA finalized the delayed 2021 volume at 18.85 billion gallons, including an implied 13.79 billion gallons for ethanol, tracking retroactive renewable fuel consumption for the year.
  • CCAC’s Schneider & Colglazier Attend Ag Trade Roundtable with Ambassador Tai and Senator Bennet

    CCAC’s Schneider & Colglazier Attend Ag Trade Roundtable with Ambassador Tai and Senator Bennet

    Colorado Corn Administrative Committee’s Alternate Director Troy Schneider and Executive Director Nicholas Colglazier participated in an Agricultural Trade Roundtable with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and Senator Michael Bennet on June 3, 2022. The meeting was hosted by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
    Ambassador Tai provided an outlook on the goals for trade set by the administration and talked about recent progress on the trade front. Tai spoke of the recent allowance of U.S. potatoes to be imported into Mexico, capping off a 15-year effort, and the recent revisions to an agreement making changes to Japan’s safeguard on U.S. beef, making the safeguard less likely to be triggered. The meeting also offered participants the opportunity to ask the Ambassador questions on trade topics important to Colorado ag.
    Colglazier was able discuss Brazilian tariffs on ethanol, asking how the USTR is working to make the elimination permanent as well as building, maintaining, and defending global ethanol markets, allowing agriculture to be part of decarbonizing the transportation sector across the globe. The Ambassador hit on the many topics impacting global trade that ranged from COVID recovery, supply chain issues and the Russian war in Ukraine.
    Ambassador Tai concluded that further trade progress will not be easy, but she believes that the United States is in a good position for success in the medium and long term. She is looking forward to continuing to listen to Colorado agricultural producers on the issue of trade, and how important it is to our farmers and rancher.