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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Colorado News

  • CPW urges the public to wear life jackets following deadliest year on Colorado waters

    Life jacket requirements apply not only to power boats, but kayaks and stand-up paddleboards as well. This couple safely enjoys kayaking at Cherry Creek State Park.

    Photo courtesy of Wayne D. Lewis/CPW

    DENVER – As boat ramps open and warm temperatures entice people to get outdoors and recreate on the water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges people to wear a life jacket and boat safely following the deadliest year on Colorado’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs.

    In honor of National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26, 2023, CPW is promoting safe boating tips to educate outdoor enthusiasts on how to take caution on Colorado waters while enjoying water sports like power boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and fishing. 

    With increased visitation in outdoor spaces throughout the state, water-based recreation remains a popular pastime in Colorado. There have already been three drownings in the state this year. In 2022, there were 42 water-related fatalities in Colorado, which was up from 22 in 2021, and 34 in 2020.

    In 2022, the majority of fatalities occurred from people swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking or using an inflatable of some kind, and the vast majority were not wearing a life jacket. CPW wants to remind the public that paddle boards and kayaks are considered vessels, and life jacket requirements apply. 

    “We recommend all boaters and passengers wear a life jacket while on the water,” said Grant Brown, Boating Safety Program Manager for CPW. “Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives.” 

    “Wearing a life jacket is especially important when boating during cold water conditions when water temperatures are below 70 degrees,” Brown said. “Cold water immersion shock coupled with the lack of a life jacket were contributing factors in the majority of drownings in Colorado in recent seasons. We want people to have fun on the water and not be afraid of it, so we encourage you to bring the proper safety gear so you have a positive outdoor experience.”

    In 2022, CPW soft-launched a new Boating Safely in Colorado Program at Lake Pueblo State Park, Colorado’s most visited state park. The program mobilizes a group of passionate volunteers to engage directly with the public to discuss and reinforce the importance of boating and water safety as well as the rules and regulations related to boating in Colorado.

    This year, the program will be expanded at Lake Pueblo to include more dates and locations at the 47,000 acre reservoir consisting of 60 miles of shoreline. The hope is this program will serve as a model for additional lakes and reservoirs to implement in future years. 

    Volunteers are a vital component to the future and expansion of this program and many other CPW programs. To learn more about volunteer opportunities with CPW, go to our website.

    Before heading out on the water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises the following boating safety tips:

    It is important that boaters take into account the risks that weather can present while recreating on the water. Dangerous weather conditions that raise concerns are unpredictable strong wind gusts that can knock a paddle boarder or kayaker into the water, and cold water temperatures that exist year-round in Colorado.

    For more information on boating safety, visit cpw.state.co.us.

  • Aquatic nuisance species roadside inspection program expanded after successful pilot year

    ANS inspector uses a flashlight to look into tiny crevices of a boat engine where invasive zebra and quagga mussels attach themselves

    DENVER – CPW is expanding its aquatic nuisance species roadside inspection program to more locations and days in 2023 following a successful pilot year that saw 26 boats intercepted with highly destructive invasive mussels.

    Year-to-year increases in mussel-fouled watercraft entering Colorado led CPW, through HB21-1226, to experiment with expanding its watercraft inspection and decontamination program to include temporary roadside inspection stations. In 2022, CPW, in collaboration with Colorado State Patrol Port of Entry Staff and the Colorado Department of Transportation, led three inspection events at the Loma Port of Entry, which were highly successful. A total of 138 watercraft were inspected, 60 were decontaminated and 26 were confirmed to have adult mussels.

    “While the vast majority of mussel-fouled boats entering Colorado are coming from Lake Powell, there are an increasing number of waters in surrounding states infested with invasive mussels,” said Robert Walters, CPW’s ANS program manager. “Recent detections like those in western South Dakota have only heightened the risk of mussel-fouled watercraft entering the state.”

    Invasive zebra and quagga mussels are destructive to both fisheries and water infrastructure because fish do not typically eat them and they attach themselves to docks, rocks, shorelines and boats and clog pipes and pumps that supply fresh water to cities and towns across the state. 

    “For year two of this pilot program, CPW is looking towards other ports of entry and welcome centers to implement single-day check stations similar to the first year of the pilot program,” Walters said. “The intent of this effort is to provide valuable data that will broadly inform the future application of this roadside ANS inspection program in Colorado.”

    CPW will be expanding roadside ANS inspection operations to seven additional locations in 2023, with operations occurring in two different locations on each event date. 

    ANS Roadside Check Stations in 2023

    • May 19 – Cortez Port of Entry & Julesburg Welcome Center
    • June 23 – Dinosaur Welcome Center & Lamar Port of Entry
    • July 28 – Alamosa Welcome Center & Trinidad Port of Entry
    • August 25 – Dinosaur Welcome Center & Burlington Welcome Center
    • September 22 – Cortez Port of Entry & Julesburg Welcome Center

    About the ANS Program
    The Colorado ANS Program was authorized by the Colorado Legislature in 2008 utilizing severance tax funds and in 2018 the Colorado General Assembly provided funding to the program through SB17-259, funding the program through boating registration fees from residents and non-residents. 

    Since CPW’s ANS inspection program started in 2008, 6.5 million boats have been inspected and 199,465 boats have been decontaminated. The agency is aided in the program by Colorado counties, municipalities, water districts, federal agencies and private companies that also conduct inspections. CPW also works proactively looking for aquatic nuisance species by sampling waters throughout the state. In 2022, crews sampled 180 standing waters and fourteen flowing waters and the National Park Service provided 56 water samples; these intense sampling efforts resulted in the early detection at Highline and emphasize the importance of this program.

    CPW has also been instrumental in establishing the Water Inspection and Decontamination (WID) protocols which are now used by states throughout the nation. Agency staff also are active with the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Committee.

    Walters said that CPW will always remain vigilant in the fight against mussels.

    “Mussels aren’t going away. However, by continuing our preventative watercraft inspection program Colorado can continue to set an example in the West and keep our waters clear of highly destructive invasive species.”

    For more information about aquatic nuisance species and CPW’s ANS program, visit our website or read the Boater’s Guide to ANS Inspections.

     

  • Bears are awake and looking for food; do your part to remain ‘bear aware’ in 2023

    Residual grease and fats from outdoor grilling can be an enticing smell to a bear. Be sure to clean your grill after each use to discourage bears from coming to your yard in search of food.

    DENVER – With spring upon us, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds citizens and visitors that bears have emerged from hibernation and are beginning their search for food.

    CPW has already received 173 reports of bear activity in 25 Colorado counties this year. Wildlife officials are urging residents to secure any and all attractants. Bears should NOT be eating from trash receptacles, bird feeders or other human-provided food sources around homes or businesses.

    “Every time a bear gets a treat, a bird feeder, a hummingbird feeder, or trash, it teaches the bear that people mean food,” said Matt Yamashita, CPW’s area wildlife manager for Area 8 covering Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Eagle and Pitkin counties “People who think that it’s one time, no big deal, are totally wrong. It is a big deal when you compound that ‘one time’ with how many ‘one timers’ they get from your neighbors, too. It adds up.”

    The first bears to emerge from their winter dens are typically males (boars) followed by females (sows) that did not give birth to cubs over winter. The last bears to emerge from winter dens are the females who gave birth to this year’s cubs, usually in late April. 

    “Over the past several years, Area 8 in particular has seen a high number of bears inhabiting municipalities across both valleys and a subsequently high number of human-black bear conflicts,” Yamashita said. “Even with a lack of natural food sources, bears continue to have large litter sizes of three to four cubs, indicating they are receiving supplemental food from humans.”

    Early season natural food sources for bears include grasses, aspen buds and other vegetative matter that is beginning to sprout. Those gentle food sources, which are the first crops available to them, help a bear’s digestive system and metabolism adjust back to normal after not consuming anything for months.

    “Their bodies are needing to adjust to the fact that they haven’t consumed anything for sometimes six months,” said Mark Vieira, Carnivore and Furbearer Program Manager for CPW. “So there is this phase that is referred to sometimes as walking hibernation, where they are out on the landscape moving slowly and eating what tends to be more vegetative material that starts to pass through their system to get their bodies ready for early summer food sources. That is when they will move back into the typical omnivore diet that we see bears eating the rest of the year.”

    Over 90 percent of a bear’s natural diet is grasses, berries, fruits, nuts and plants – native crops all dependent on moisture. Wildlife officials monitor weather patterns in the spring and summer to help determine what natural forage will be available in the summer and fall. 

    In years where there is good moisture and natural food sources are abundant, human-bear conflicts and interactions are down. 

    Though most human-bear interactions occur in the late summer and fall months, a late frost or prolonged dry weather could lead to localized natural food failures and a rise in conflicts. A lack of natural food availability pushes black bears to be more persistent in their search for human-food sources. Being bear aware not only protects your home and property, but it can save a bear’s life.

    Starting with proper bear aware practices in the spring may help prevent bears from discovering your home or neighborhood as a food source that it will return to throughout the year.

    Become Bear Aware
    Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers a reminder that by taking some simple precautions, you can avoid human/wildlife conflicts and help to keep bears wild. 

    Bear-proofing your home:

    • Keep garbage in a well-secured location. Only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.
    • Clean garbage cans regularly to keep them free of food odors: ammonia is effective.
    • Keep garage doors closed. Do not leave pet food or stock feed outside.
    • Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster.
    • Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts. Attract birds naturally with flowers and water baths. Do not hang bird feeders from April 15 to Nov. 15.
    • Don’t allow bears to become comfortable around your house. If you see one, haze it by yelling at it, throwing things at it and making loud noises to scare it off.
    • Secure compost piles. Bears are attracted to the scent of rotting food.
    • Clean the grill after each use, and clean up thoroughly after cookouts.
    • If you have fruit trees, don’t allow the fruit to rot on the ground.
    • Talk to your neighbors and kids about being Bear Aware.

    Cars, traveling and campsites:

    • Lock your doors when you’re away from home and at night.
    • Keep the bottom-floor windows of your house closed when you’re not at home.
    • Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors of your vehicles.
    • When car-camping, secure all food and coolers in a locked vehicle.
    • Keep a clean camp, whether you’re in a campground or in the backcountry.
    • When camping in the backcountry, hang food 100 feet or more from the campsite; don’t bring any food into your tent.
    • Cook food well away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.

    Protecting your chickens, bees, livestock:

    • Keep chickens, bees and livestock in a fully covered enclosure, especially at night.
    • Construct electric fencing when possible.
    • Don’t store livestock feed outside.
    • Keep enclosures clean to minimize animal odors.
    • Hang rags soaked in ammonia and/or Pine-Sol around the enclosure as a scent deterrent.

     

  • Spotlight on Health Department Programs for National Public Health Week

    During its inaugural year, the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) is centering and celebrating cultures in health to advance the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, and play in Adams County. As part of National Public Health Week (April 3-9), ACHD is spotlighting its multi-pronged and community-driven approach to increasing access to safe, affordable, and culturally relevant food for all residents.

     

    One in eight residents and one in five children in Adams County faces food insecurity, which is a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. Persons of color and persons experiencing low-income or poverty in Adams County are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and are more likely to face structural barriers to food access. ACHD responds directly through innovative, programmatic approaches, policy work, and community-driven solutions.

     

    ACHD, which opened its doors in January, is distinct amongst its peers in Colorado for having dedicated staff to address food security and food systems in the county. Tessa Cushman, a registered dietitian, is ACHD’s Food Security Specialist and works closely with community partners to oversee food access programming to support local agriculture, economic stability, and health equity while ending hunger in Adams County.

     

    “When ACHD heard from community members that access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods was an ongoing need, we knew we needed resources to address this complex issue,” said Monica Buhlig, Director of ACHD’s Health Equity and Strategic Initiatives Division. “We have diverse communities, and the systems to address food access are complex. We are working to address food security holistically to meet our communities’ diverse needs.”

     

    A prominent example of ACHD’s efforts is the Healthy Farmers Markets program. The multi-agency, coalition-led initiative exemplifies impactful, culturally relevant public health in action by providing monetary vouchers to community members to purchase Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables. In 2022 through coordination that occurred under the banner of Tri-County Health Department, over $40,000 worth of fresh produce was provided to community members at no cost while supporting local farms and producers. For 2023, the initiative is being resourced and supported through the new county health department. Intentionally hosted in areas that lack adequate access to fresh foods, the markets also convene free community resources, health services and screenings, local startup businesses, and entertainment into one hub to bolster community connections and ultimately improve health equity. ACHD intends to replicate this food access farmers market model in other areas in the county.

     

    ACHD is also unique in its cross-programmatic approach within the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. ACHD’s WIC program provides nutrition education and food benefits to over 9,000 individuals in Adams County and the surrounding area. The program provides dual enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to help individuals and families access additional resources for which they qualify. ACHD’s Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, which is a support program of breastfeeding moms from the community, has provided services to over 1,000 families since opening.

     

    “Having a collaborative and coordinated approach allows us to reach more participants to connect individuals and families to multiple programs and customize support around their needs to ultimately increase families’ access and utilization of healthy foods to improve participants overall health and nutrition outcomes,” said Michelle Harris, MPH, RDN, Director of Nutrition and Family Health for ACHD.

     

    Other food access work at ACHD includes the WIC Produce Box program, which delivers weekly boxes of fresh produce to the doorsteps of WIC-qualified families; the Healthy School Meals for All school-based program; expansion of community garden plots; and the COVID-19 Outreach and Support program, which delivers free food boxes to community members testing positive for COVID-19. Additionally, ACHD has provided formal testimony and public comment on food access policy at the state and federal levels to elevate voices of the community around food access issues experienced in Adams County.

     

    In the near future, ACHD would like to expand the reach of state programming, like Double Up Food Bucks and the Summer Food Service Program, and is looking to form and facilitate an Adams County food policy coalition. The coalition would shape the future of ACHD’s food access efforts by bringing together community members and food systems stakeholders to align work and shared goals.

     

    “This work requires the collaboration from the contributors of all parts of the food system – from production to consumption – and should be driven and owned by community,” says Cushman.

     

    As the end of the federal Public Health Emergency nears, ACHD and Adams County Human Services are preparing for the downstream impacts on food access and public health, such as the significant reductions in monthly SNAP dollars for recipients that went into effect in March. In response, the Healthy Farmers Markets will increase the voucher dollar amount and expand voucher eligibility criteria to increase access to fresh produce. Adams County Human Services provides a free, monthly food and resource drive-through in Thornton, as well as regular outreach sites across the county to increase access to enrollment in federal benefits.

     

    This work would not be possible without the collective efforts of community partners such as the American Heart Association, Anythink Libraries, Bondadosa, East Denver Food Hub, and Nourish Colorado. Other salient partners include Adams County Human Services, the City of Thornton, the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Nutrition Department, St. Anthony’s North Family Medicine Program, and the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

     

    For more assistance or to donate or volunteer time, find a local food bank or pantry.

     

    Questions on the above information can be directed to , and the programs can be contacted at the following:

     

    Adams County Health Department

     

    • WIC

    Bennett: 303.439.5990
    Brighton: 303.659.2335

    Commerce City: 303.439.5990
    North Broadway: 303.426.5232
    Westminster: 303.255.6254

    ACHD’s WIC website

     

    • COVID-19 Outreach and Support Food Box Delivery

    720.200.1445

     

    • Healthy Farmers Markets and other Food Access Programming

    720.769.7582

    adcogov.org/outreach-events

     

    • Adams County Human Services SNAP/Food Assistance

    720.523.2700

    adcogov.org/snapfood-assistance

    adcogov.org/outreach-events

    800.816.4451 or Colorado.gov/PEAK for real-time information about benefits and case status

  • Social Security Goes Furthest in These Colorado Counties – Study

    To determine the places where Social Security lasts longest, SmartAsset compared Social Security income in each county against the local cost of living. Counties where the average Social Security funds greatest exceeded living expenses were the places which ranked highest in the study.

    For a look at the top counties in Colorado, check out the table below:

    Rank County, State Cost of Living Annual Social Security Social Security Taxed? Social Security Goes Further – Index
    1 Custer, CO $19,211 $24,317 Yes 92.95
    2 Grand, CO $21,123 $22,833 Yes 79.22
    3 Rio Blanco, CO $20,574 $22,170 Yes 78.87
    4 Ouray, CO $21,870 $23,283 Yes 77.91
    5 Sedgwick, CO $18,836 $19,618 Yes 76.00
    6 Gilpin, CO $24,028 $24,817 Yes 75.05
    7 Chaffee, CO $19,722 $20,102 Yes 74.25
    8 Huerfano, CO $19,962 $20,098 Yes 73.24
    9 Pitkin, CO $26,418 $26,619 Yes 72.28
    10 Phillips, CO $19,647 $19,477 Yes 72.09

    The full study results, methodology and interactive map can be found here: [LINK]

  • Cherry Hills Village is among the top Safest Cities in Colorado for 2023 – SafeWise study

    According to a new report from Safewise, Coloradoans worry less about their safety than the average American. But in what Colorado cities can state residents feel the most safe?

    After analyzing the latest violent and property crime data from the FBI, SafeWise just released its 9th annual “Colorado’s 20 Safest Cities of 2023” report .

    We found that Cherry Hills Village ranked #6 for safest cities in Colorado this year. 

    Here are the cities that made the top 5 safest cities in Colorado:

    1. Severance
    2. Milliken
    3. Frederick
    4. Windsor
    5. Eaton

    To see what cities rounded out the rest of the rankings, click here:  https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-colorado/

    Key stats about Colorado:

    • This year’s safest city in Colorado—Severance—was in fourth place last year.
    • Severance, Milliken, and Cherry Hills Village reported zero violent crimes for the 2023 reporting year.
    • With the exception of Lamar, which reported 2, each of Colorado’s safest cities reported zero murders.
    • Of the cities that were repeats from last year’s rankings, only 7 experienced a decline in both violent crime and property crime rates: Milliken, Eaton, Cherry Hills Village, Erie, Firestone, Castle Rock, and Avon.
    • 7 cities reported 50 or fewer property crimes: Severance, Milliken, Frederick, Eaton, Gypsum, Estes Park, and Carbondale.
    • Frederick also ties for thirteenth place in our latest report on the 100 Safest Small Towns in America and landed in forty-fourth place in our list of the 100 Safest Cities in America.

    Use these resources to help your coverage  on web and on air :

    • A media kit with infographics available upon request.
    • SafeWise security and safety expert Rebecca Edwards will be available for interviews and to provide quotes
    • Any other information or resources you need!

    Read a full breakdown of our methodology   here .

    Who is SafeWise?  SafeWise is the leading online resource for all things safety and security. We are real people seeking the best products to help you live your safest, smartest life. We believe simplifying home security and safety helps bring peace of mind to you and your family.

  • Colorado had 6th highest rate of increased credit card usage to cope with inflation

    Recent data suggests that efforts to tame inflation are starting to have an effect. After nearly a year of steady interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve, year-over-year growth in the Consumer Price Index slowed to 6.0% in February 2023. This figure was the lowest since September 2021.

    While inflation might have finally reached its peak, many Americans continue to struggle with high prices. Nominal wages have grown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic amid the Great Resignation and ongoing labor market tightness, but this rate of growth has trailed the rate of price increases for most workers. This cuts into household budgets and makes it more difficult for consumers to maintain their standard of living.


    One of the factors that has made the recent run of inflation especially challenging is the fact that the spending categories with the greatest price increases are necessities. Inflation has taken place throughout the economy, but over the last three years, the biggest spikes have occurred in the categories of transportation (+23.8%), food and beverages (+21.5%), and housing (+16.4%). These categories are difficult for households to cut back on, and the rate of inflation for each has exceeded the average 16% price increase across all items.


    Faced with these circumstances, U.S. households are feeling the pressure of inflation. More than 90% of adults in every age group express that they feel stressed about recent price increases. The most stressed age group is people aged 18 to 24, who are early in their careers and may not have savings, investments, or credit to fall back on. Inflation-related stress is also a widespread concern across income levels. In every income bracket below $75,000, more than 95% of people report feeling stressed about inflation. Even among the highest earners making above $200,000, more than 80% feel stress about recent price increases.


    Consumers are adopting a variety of strategies to cope with the effects of inflation. Most commonly, shoppers look to cut costs: more than two-thirds of adults say they look for lower prices or discounts when making a purchase, more than half are eating out less and delaying major purchases, and nearly half are switching from name brand to generic products.

    Inflation has also pushed 21% of adults to use credit cards, loans, or pawnshops to help pay their increased costs. Reliance on credit can be a quick way to help make ends meet in the short term, but doing so can be a risky move financially. People who carry balances on their credit cards or pay off loans slowly will ultimately pay more in interest—a risk exacerbated by the fact that interest rates have risen dramatically.

    U.S. households are not turning to credit cards in equal measure, however, as there are geographic differences in where adults have started using cards more frequently. States in the Midwest, like Wisconsin and South Dakota, and in the South, like Georgia and Mississippi, have the fewest adults reporting an increased reliance on credit cards to cope with inflation. In contrast, Western states like Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and California have all seen nearly one in four adults using their cards more often. But one New England state—Maine—sits at the top of the list, with 24.6% of adults reporting an increased reliance on credit cards due to rising prices.

    To find the states where inflation is driving increased reliance on credit cards, researchers at Upgraded Points analyzed data collected in early January 2023 from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Census Household Pulse Survey. Researchers ranked states according to each state’s share of adults that increased their use of credit cards, loans, or pawn shops to cope with price increases.

    The analysis found that 40.8% of adults in Colorado relied on credit cards to meet their spending needs, and 23.4% have increased their credit card usage due to recent price increases. Out of all states, Colorado experienced the 6th highest rate of increased credit card reliance due to inflation. Here is a summary of the data for Colorado:

    • Share of adults that increased their use of credit cards due to prices: 23.4%
    • Share of adults that relied on credit cards to meet spending needs: 40.8%
    • Share of adults stressed about recent price increases: 93.3%
    • Share of adults concerned about future price increases: 94.9%

    For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

    • Share of adults that increased their use of credit cards due to prices: 20.9%
    • Share of adults that relied on credit cards to meet spending needs: 37.3%
    • Share of adults stressed about recent price increases: 94.4%
    • Share of adults concerned about future price increases: 95.8%

    For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Upgraded Points’s website: https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/inflation-related-credit-card-use-by-state/

  • Sharing the Outdoors: The Cycle Effect, a Story of Empowerment from an Outdoor Equity Grant

    The Cycle Effect heads out on a ‘fat biking’ session. A ‘fat bike’ is an off-road bicycle with oversized tires that are capable of traversing snow, sand, mud, pavement and traditional mountain biking trails.

    Sharing the Outdoors: The Cycle Effect, a Story of Empowerment from an Outdoor Equity Grant

    By Ryan Jones, CPW visual content specialist

    DENVER, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grants are investing in Colorado community organizations. By investing in programs that offer outdoor opportunities for underserved communities, CPW’s Outdoor Equity Grants help create more equal access to the benefits of spending time outside.

    The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program was created for outdoor organizations focused on creating opportunities for youth and their families from communities who have been historically excluded, so that they have equitable opportunities to get involved in recreational activities and experiencing Colorado’s open spaces, state parks, public lands and other outdoor areas. The program is funded through a redistribution of lottery money that is allocated to CPW’s general fund.

    Programs or projects given grants help solve some of the challenges that Colorado youth face while trying to explore the outdoors, whether youth are from an urban, inner-city environment or a rural community. The goal of CPW’s grants are designed to reduce barriers for all Coloradans and make valuable strategic investments that improve the lives and well-being of our local youth and their families.

    In 2022, The Cycle Effect received $25,000 from CPW which was used to help bolster their junior coach positions, expand their coaching staff, cover equipment expenses and provide scholarship opportunities. The Cycle Effect’s mission is to provide young women equal opportunity and access to the sport of mountain biking, and they aim to foster 70 percent of participants who identify as Latinx and/or Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) while working to remove financial barriers and supporting their social-emotional well-being.

    Most would never guess it from my given name, but I’m half Vietnamese. Growing up and finding a place of acceptance in the world’s eyes, let alone my own as a young person, was a challenge that I’m only now learning to truly process. It’s a challenge that I know so many others — particularly young people of color — are facing day to day. 

    In February, a coworker and I were able to witness the positive impacts of the Outdoor Equity Grant funding firsthand. After coordinating and comparing schedules since early January with CPW’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program Manager Andrea Kurth, the two of us set out for an afternoon of fat biking in Frisco, a session put together by staff from The Cycle Effect. We joined The Cycle Effect’s Summit County Manager, Isidra “Isi” Luna, and four other participants for a ride around Rainbow Lake. 

    While it had been some years since riding any type of bike, this was my first time on a fat bike and, having grown up mostly in the Florida panhandle, certainly my first time riding anything in the snow. Although a couple of more practice sessions wouldn’t hurt, I’m glad to say muscle memory kicked in and I was able to avoid any major accidents — only having to lay the bike down once in a pile of snow before a conveniently placed pine tree at one of the trail’s sharper downhill corners.

    While in attendance that afternoon, we asked staff and participants to share some of their stories and experiences with us.

    Isidra Luna / Summit County Manager, The Cycle Effect

    “I find myself getting lost in the abundance that surrounds me, knowing that everything around me is alive. Whether I am on my bike or just taking a walk, being outdoors brings me gratitude for being alive. As I explore, I like to be mindful of how much nature nurtures my mind, spirit, and wellbeing.

    Improving access to the Colorado outdoors for young women of color is important for them to truly familiarize themselves with the place they call home. Changing the narrative for them to believe that they belong in these beautiful spaces and empowering them to take up the space. There is nothing more valuable than the gift of experience. Creating accessibility to normalize people of color outdoors is something that will take time but worth all the effort.” 

    “My name is June. I’m 15 years old and live in Frisco, Colorado. I’ve been a member of The Cycle Effect for almost a year after joining in May of 2022. 

    My parents found out about TCE when they saw the bike van in the middle school parking lot. The program appealed to me because it was a good way to get better at mountain biking and to meet other girls with similar interests. 

    The program is meaningful to me because it’s taught me not only to be a better mountain biker, but has also made me a better person in other aspects of life. I’ve faced fears on my bike, and because of the support and kindness of my coaches, I’ve found confidence and happiness in other activities when I’m off my bike.

    One of my favorite memories with the group was going on a ride at Keystone Ranch in a light rain. We had climbed a massive hill and I remember going down this mountain with mud beads sticking to my skin and thinking it was so amazing that I got to ride in the rain while biking with my friends. My favorite memory of a person was when I talked to Coach Kristen about music when we went snowshoeing and her giving me advice on pursuing my passion. It was so cool to talk to a fellow music lover and to gain some insight and advice.”

    After spending the afternoon with The Cycle Effect’s crew and hearing the passion and motivation behind the work they’re doing, it was impossible to get back on the road home to Denver and not feel uplifted. There’s something special happening at The Cycle Effect. They’re making room for people. They’re making room for change. They’re making room for the future.

    The management of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grant program falls under the direction of the Outdoor Equity Grant Board, composed of 11 members who are tasked with overseeing the program. The board is authorized to allocate funding to eligible applicants with the objective of reducing barriers to Colorado outdoors and promoting engagement among eligible youth and their families. The next Outdoor Equity Grant Cycle will open in August 2023. Organizations interested in applying for the 2023 Outdoor Equity Grant should review the gr​ant ​g​u​ide for instructions on how to apply. ​​

    TCE Co-founder Brett Donelson (left photo) and TCE coach Melissa Baumann (right photo)

    (more…)

  • Colorado’s Unemployment Rate Returns to Pre-Pandemic Levels, Among Lowest in the U.S.

    January marks the ninth straight month Colorado’s unemployment rate has been below 3.0%


    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced Colorado’s unemployment rate has continued to decline and has returned to pre-pandemic levels at 2.8% in January. 


    “With Colorado’s unemployment rate dropping below three percent, it is clear that Colorado is the best place to live, work, and do business. More entrepreneurs are starting businesses in our state and we are outcompeting other states for businesses and jobs,” said Governor Polis. “As we continue to grow our strong economy, I am committed to saving people money, cutting red tape, and expanding opportunities to help support our workforce.”


    Colorado’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) increased to 68.1%, just under the pre-pandemic level of 68.6%. Annually, Colorado had the 4th highest LFPR in 2022. Under the Polis administration, Colorado recently outcompeted Georgia and Texas for company expansion. 

  • New law changes aims to simplify vehicle registration

    LAKEWOOD, Friday March 17, 2023 — A new law aims to streamline various vehicle registration and title processes in an effort to simplify the vehicle registration process for Coloradans.
    Under the Vehicle Registration And Certificate Of Title Act (HB22-1388), vehicle owners who have more than one vehicle can now register one of the vehicles for less than a year so that all the owner’s vehicles can expire at the same time. This optional process will help better serve Coloradans by allowing them to have only one expiration date to remember. 
    The new law also allows vehicle owners to keep their specialty license plates when transferring to another vehicle. A previous law which went into effect December 2021, made license plates expire upon transferring the vehicle to another owner. Specialty license plates are now exempt from the previous law.
    The Vehicle Registration and Certificate of Title bill also includes these changes:
    • Lowers the weight on vehicles for recreational registration fees that are based on weight from 10,000 to 6,000 pounds.
    • Removes language that says that vehicle lien filings are public records and removes the requirement that a lienholder must certify the copy of lien documents.
    • New documents accepted in lieu of scale tickets. Authorizes a vehicle owner to present a manufacturer’s certificate of origin, certificate of title, certified scale ticket, or other documents (instead of a scale ticket) or systems as determined by rule (previously they could only present a certified scale ticket showing the weight for trucks 4,500-10,000 pounds).
    • Dealer title fee increase. Increases the dealer title fee at the counties from $7.20 to $25; if paid to the county clerk, the county retains $21.80 and the rest goes to the division.
    • Notarization change for specific vehicles. The bill of sale is no longer required to be notarized when obtaining a title in lieu of a bonded title on a collector’s item, street-rod vehicle or horseless carriage of 25 years or older.
    • Clarifies that surcharges are pro-ratable.
    • A one-time late registration fee of $10 for utility trailers, trailers with an empty weight of 16,000 or less, camper trailers, multipurpose trailers and trailer coaches that have not been registered since before July 1, 2010.
    • Creation of an inoperable decal. Any owner of an inoperable vehicle undergoing maintenance, repair, restoration, rebuilding or renovation must pay an annual specific ownership tax. When the taxes are paid, the owner will receive a decal as proof of registration. No surcharges or fees will be charged if the owner keeps the vehicle on private property for the purposes of maintenance, repair, restoration, rebuilding, or renovation.
    • Trailer coach surcharge change. The road safety surcharge is set at $16 for trailer coaches (minimum of 26 feet long used for temporary living quarters).
    • Bridge safety surcharge change. Sets the bridge safety surcharge at $13 for trailer coaches.