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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Colorado News

  • Letter to the Editor

    Letter to the Editor

    Dear Editor,

    Gov. Jared Polis was wise to declare March 20 as “MeatOUT Day” and urge people to eat vegan foods rather than animal-based ones.

    Animals are made of flesh, bone, and blood, just as humans are. They form friendships, feel pain and joy, grieve for lost loved ones, and value their lives. They’re horrified by the sight and smell of the slaughterhouse and are afraid to die. Fortunately, each vegan spares nearly 200 animals every year.

    No one needs to eat animal-based foods, and studies show that people who don’t are less likely to suffer from heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other life-threatening illnesses. Eating vegan foods also helps conserve resources and combat climate change and other environmental problems.

    That’s partly why the number of American vegans increased by 300%—about 9.6 million people—in the past 15 years. And newer vegans have been sprouting up left and right since the pandemic began.

    PETA is happy to provide everyone with free vegan recipes, product suggestions, information about vegan-friendly delivery services, and more. Seewww.PETA.org to learn more.

    Sincerely,

    Heather Moore

    The PETA Foundation

    501 Front St.

    Norfolk, VA 23510

    941-330-6430

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  • Arapahoe County reopens Small Business Relief Fund Grant applications

    Arapahoe County reopens Small Business Relief Fund Grant applications

    State statute adds $2.9 million to the County’s funding pool

    Arapahoe County is reopening the application process for its Small Business Relief Fund to support the most vulnerable small businesses throughout our communities. These businesses are at the very heart of our thriving economy but have been hit especially hard during the pandemic. This additional allocation is authorized by the State of Colorado under recent legislation SB20B-001.

    The total amount of funding available is $2,908,397, and the reopened application window runs from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, March 10 through Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 5 p.m.

    Details:

    All businesses must meet the criteria and eligibility requirements

    All applications must be complete and correct when submitted. Due to the time constraints placed on this program, inaccurate applications or applications missing any information will not be considered

    Pending the application volume and the available funding from the state, businesses with receipts less than $500,000 will be prioritized to receive grant funds first

    To see a complete list of requirements and apply, visit www.arapahoegov.com/SBRF.

     

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  • Water World COVID-19 Testing Site to Close March 25

    Water World COVID-19 Testing Site to Close March 25

    The Water World COVID-19 testing site, located at 8801 N. Pecos St., Federal Heights, will close operations Thursday, March 25. The last day for testing will be Wednesday, March 24, at 7 p.m.

     Visitors who get a COVID-19 test the week of March 21 will still receive their test results in approximately two to four days, by creating a Luminate account, where they will receive their results.

     “We are so grateful for the partnership with the Governor’s Office, Federal Heights, and MAKO,” said Eva J. Henry, Adams County Commissioner and Board Chair. “This group quickly came together during a crisis and provided a critical service to our community, at no cost, and regardless of insurance status.”

     In the past six months, nearly 250,000 people have been tested at the Water World site. Initially, approximately 300 tests were administered per day, and at its peak, 4,300 tests were administered per day.

     “This iconic landmark was the perfect location for one of the largest and busiest COVID-19 testing sites across the state,” said County Manager Raymond H. Gonzales. “This site continually ramped up operations to meet the needs of the community, ultimately serving 250,000 people across Adams County and the metro area.”

     If you need a free COVID-19 test, you can call your healthcare provider to make an appointment or visit one of the following locations in Adams County.

     

     Make your appointment and view hours of operation for each testing site at COVIDCheck Colorado. For additional assistance, email their customer support,submit an inquiry online, or call 720.419.1087.

     For additional free COVID-19 testing sites in the Denver metro area, visit Tri-County Health Department’s website.

     

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  • Colorado lakes, reservoirs are free of invasive mussels; but more boats found with mussel infestations in 2020

    Colorado lakes, reservoirs are free of invasive mussels; but more boats found with mussel infestations in 2020

    DENVER – More boats requiring decontamination because of infestations of destructive mussels entered Colorado in 2020 compared to previous years; but the statewide inspection program coordinated by Colorado Parks and Wildlife again succeeded in keeping invasive mussels out of the state’s lakes and reservoirs.

    Thanks to CPW’s comprehensive Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) prevention program, all waters in the state are now officially free of evidence of mussels. In 2017, veligers, the microscopic larval stage of quagga mussels, found at Green Mountain Reservoir showed that mussels might exist there. But three years of subsequent water testing were negative for mussel species.

    “Colorado Parks and Wildlife continues to meet the challenge of protecting the state’s waters and infrastructure from aquatic nuisance species,” said Robert Walters, CPW’s ANS program manager. “But as boating season approaches we continue to ask for help from boat owners in maintaining our mussel-free status.”

    Mussels are destructive to aquatic habitat, can seriously damage reservoir infrastructure and cause problems on boats.

    As usual, Colorado’s ANS inspectors were plenty busy during 2020. Staff conducted a total of 647,325 inspections and decontaminated 24,771 boats suspected of carrying mussels, other aquatic invasive species or standing water. That was a huge increase of 34 percent in inspections from 2019 when 481,253 boats were inspected and 22,947 were decontaminated. Most concerning is the continued increase in the number of boats fouled with mussels. In 2019, 86 boats were found to be fouled with invasive mussels and in 2020 that number jumped to 100. Only 16 boats with mussels were found in 2017.

    Contaminated boats come into Colorado from neighboring states, especially Utah and Arizona because of our proximity to Lake Powell which has been mussel-infested for years. Other neighboring states with mussel infestations include Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota. Most Midwestern and East Coast states also have infested waters.

    Some of the increase in inspections can be attributed to the large influx of outdoor recreation Colorado has experienced since the start of the pandemic. Colorado Parks and Wildlife understands that outdoor recreation is important to everyone’s physical and mental health and the state made a commitment to keep state parks open during the pandemic.

    Since CPW’s ANS inspection program started in 2008, 5.6 million boats have been inspected and 144,000 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 2020, crews sampled 175 standing waters and four flowing waters. The National Park Service provided CPW with 14 water samples.

    CPW has also been instrumental in establishing the Water Inspection and Decontamination (WID) protocols which are now used by states throughout the West. 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 we can keep Colorado’s waters free of invasive mussels.”

    Boat owners are reminded to “clean, drain and dry” boats after every use. Boaters should also inspect their trailers and look in hard-to-reach spots on boats and engines for evidence of mussels. Anyone who has used a boat in waters outside of Colorado should tell boat inspectors. Boat owners can also call any state park or wildlife office if they have questions or concerns.

    For more information about aquatic nuisance species and CPW’s program, visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/ISP-ANS.aspx or read the Boater’s Guide to ANS Inspections.

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  • Field Notes of a Colorado Sportsperson

    Field Notes of a Colorado Sportsperson

    HASTY, Colo. – Although many of the birdwatching festivals that occur in Colorado this time of year have either been cancelled or moved online, the birds don’t know it.

    So grab your binoculars and field guide and head to your local state park or wildlife area. It’s a great time of year for birding. And birding is a fantastic pandemic activity. It’s naturally socially distanced and you can get out and enjoy Colorado right now. 

    Never gone birding? Let me help you get started. Below I’ve compiled a list of good spots in Colorado for this time of year. I gathered these tips from experts including CPW Area 14 Wildlife Biologist April Estep, District Wildlife Manager Steve Keefer and Barr Lake State Park Manager Michelle Seubert.

    But before I get into their specific recommendations for hot birding opportunities, I want to share my own recent birding experience. 

    After talking to the experts, I was convinced John Martin Reservoir State Park was a must-see, so my girlfriend, Jamey, and I headed to the reservoir located along U.S. Highway 50 between Lamar and La Junta and we started watching for birds. 

    We drove slowly as we approached the park because Estep had told me to keep an eye out for burrowing owls. 

    “We’ve seen them as early as March 1 at John Martin,” she said. “They’re usually on private property as you’re driving into the park from Hasty. They’re in the prairie dog burrows and most of the time they’re standing at a burrow entrance. They also sit on fence posts, barbed wire and on the electric wire on the power poles.” 

    We saw plenty of prairie dogs, but no owls on this day.

    At the park Visitor Center, we picked up a couple brochures on birding then drove across the dam and found a pull-off where we could step out and enjoy the view. We stepped out with our binoculars and were greeted with a 360-degree view of the reservoir, the Lake Hasty campground area and the attached John Martin Reservoir State Wildlife Area beyond. 

    The John Martin Reservoir SWA includes the entirety of the reservoir and adjacent marshes, riparian forests and upland habitat west nearly to Las Animas.

    Immediately above us we saw what were either two juvenile bald eagles or two golden eagles soaring. 

    Keefer, the CPW wildlife officer for the area, had told me I was likely to see raptors.

    “This area has one of the highest concentrations of birds of prey in the state,” Keefer said. “Bald eagles are really common at John Martin and other lakes along the river. 

    “We’ve counted over 100 at John Martin at times, although 50 to 60 is more common.”

    Keefer told me they also see plenty of other birds of prey like red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, ferruginous hawks, sharp-shinned hawks and kestrels. 

    Jamey and I drove down off the dam and went to the reservoir’s north shore, near the Hasty Campground, where our duck identification skills were put to the test. 

    We definitely saw redheads and northern pintails, although there were a great many more that left me scratching my head as I scrolled through my copy of The Sibley Guide to Birds.  

    While we were in the area, we walked quietly around the campground. The park closes 70 campsites from Nov. 1 to March 31 each year because bald eagles like to “roost, loaf, hunt and/or rest” in the tall trees here. The park was preternaturally quiet and beautiful but we didn’t see any bald eagles. 

    Next, Jamey and I set out to hike what we could of the 4.5-mile Red Shin Hiking Trail. It begins below the dam near the stilling basin and circles the Lake Hasty area through riparian, short-grass prairie and wetland environments. The trail then proceeds to the Santa Fe Trail marker on the north shore of John Martin Reservoir. After only a few minutes of hiking, we were rewarded with the sight of a bald eagle circling further out along the trail. 

    For our next trip out east, Keefer provided lots of knowledge of birding opportunities in this sometimes overlooked area of Colorado. And he insisted the watchable wildlife opportunities in southeast Colorado are fantastic. 

    “This area has an incredible diversity of resources,” Keefer said. “You can see a lot of deer and pronghorn and, if you’re lucky, an elk on occasion. You might see a bear. If you hit it right, you can even see bighorn sheep. We do have them in this area. 

    “Once things warm up a bit, in prairie dog towns you’ll get burrowing owls. Yesterday I went into canyon country to check on some campers and had a coyote run in front of the truck. And earlier this week I saw a golden eagle yesterday take off with a jackrabbit in its talons.” 

    Now, I want to share the recommendations of the CPW experts. Don’t forget, you need a hunting or fishing license to access Colorado’s state wildlife areas. 

    From Barr Lake State Park Manager Michelle Seubert: 

    Barr Lake State Park

    For those wanting to stick closer to the Front Range, Barr Lake State Park is a fantastic spot for birders. 

    “It’s still a good time to see eagles,” Seubert said. “Go to the southwest corner of the lake for eagles. In general, for birding, go to the Niedrach Nature Trail. We’ve had lots of songbirds and black capped chickadees. We have a bird feeding area and birdbath by the nature center and it’s a great place to come in the winter. You’re sitting inside and you can see and hear the birds in the outside area from speakers our volunteers installed.” 

    Seubert said there were also lots of red wing blackbirds, and “many photographers come out for our northern harriers. The northern harriers have been very prevalent.

    Lots of photographers come out for the kestrels as well.” 

    We offer guided bird walks. Check out our website or Facebook where folks can register. We do two per month and bird walks are always on Saturdays.

    The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies at Barr Lake does family guided bald eagle hikes on Fridays. Folks can sign up for those as well. They’ll need to go to the bird conservancy’s website or Facebook to sign up for those. They’re taking single families out right now during the pandemic.

    Our Eagle Express and Osprey Express shuttles are by reservation only right now and we’re taking individual families. We also Trackchairs now, which allow visitors with limited mobility to explore designated trails in the park. To book those, folks can call the nature center at 303-659-6005

    From Northeast Region Public Information Officer Jason Clay:

     

    St. Vrain State Park

    Lots of raptors are out enjoying St. Vrain State Park this winter. They have already seen about a dozen bald eagles, a couple red-tailed hawks, Northern Harriers, Great Horned Owls and American Kestrels. 

    Osprey and Great Blue Herons will start coming back soon to set up their nests for the spring, though; so no matter what weather we get, it should be a great time for birding.

    They have even had two trumpeter swans visiting the park on and off this month, they can typically be found here on Blue Heron Reservoir early in the day.

    From Area 14 Wildlife Biologist April Estep:

    Fishers Peak State Park

    Estep said Fishers Peak, the state’s newest state park located near Trinidad, was so new to her, she didn’t know all the songbirds there yet. 

    “But that’s a great undisturbed forest there,” she said. “There has to be a lot of birds. I’ve only been monitoring peregrine falcons, but there’s also golden eagles and red-tailed hawks. We don’t have trails set up yet to get to see peregrine falcons, but they nest there on the peak. You’ll need a scope to see them.” 

    Lathrop State Park 

    Lots of waterfowl like gadwall, bufflehead, common goldeneyes and redheads. A lot of gulls and western bluebirds at Lathrop, Colorado’s original state park located near Walsenburg. And did you know you can golf at Lathrop State Park?  

    South Republican SWA

    Lots of red-headed woodpeckers and great-horned owls, a variety of waterfowl, and lots of turkey in the South Republican SWA (the old Bonny Reservoir) near Burlington in the far eastern edge of the state. 

    And if you shoot north and go to Yuma County, toward Wray, you can see greater prairie chickens. There’s a watchable wildlife site called “Wray” and leks just off the side of the road you can see.

    Jamey Hastings scans the sky and water at John Martin Reservoir State Park for birds on a recent birdwatching trip. Photo by Travis Duncan.
    A Great horned owl sits in a tree. Photo by Carol Delynko.

    main photo — American kestrel at St. Vrain State Park. Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife / Jason Clay

    Chico Basin Ranch

    This fabulous birding location is a private ranch south of Colorado Springs, but birders pay a minimal fee and spend the day birding. You’ll see golden eagles, mountain plovers, burrowing owls, shrikes, prairie falcons, Cassin’s sparrows, and lark buntings. 

    Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge 

    Go to Monte Vista on the western edge of the San Luis Valley for the sandhill cranes in March and April. They have a whole lot of waterfowl, too. This year’s festival features online viewing due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

    Eleven Mile State Park

    Eleven Mile is in South Park, not far west of Woodland Park. They have nesting bald eagles and nesting golden eagles. There are white pelicans that nest on an island in the middle of the reservoir. You’ll also see Clark’s nutcracker and mountain bluebirds. And I always see a peregrine falcon when I’m out there. 

    James M. Robb Colorado River State Park 

    This area reports lots of birds in the eBird list online. James M. Robb, located east of Grand Junction along Interstate 70, has a lot of waterfowl and Gambel’s quail, which I have not seen, as well as black-crowned night herons. 

    Red Lion SWA

    The Red Lion SWA is in the northeast and it has snow geese and waterfowl. Large numbers of cackling goose and greater white-fronted goose. The cackling goose looks like a Canada goose, but much smaller. Greater white-fronted are big and white with orange bills and they’re meaner than all get-out. They’re neat to see in large numbers. 

    Waunita Watchable Wildlife Site 

    You can watch Gunnison sage grouse at the Waunita site from April 1-May 1. It’s private property, but they allow the public to visit. There’s an Audubon group that leads it.  

    Southeast Colorado birding ideas from DWM Steve Keefer:

    Two Buttes SWA

    Keefer said Two Buttes State Wildlife Area has some great viewing areas, “especially down around Black Hole.”

    Queens Reservoir 

    Great for waterfowl viewing. Queens Reservoir is part of a group of reservoirs located off U.S. Highway 287 north of Lamar in Kiowa County.

    Ordway 

    The Lake Henry and Lake Meredith will often have eagles in winter

    Rocky Ford State Wildlife Area

    Lots of diversity at Rocky Ford SWA. You’ll see turkey, upland game birds like pheasant and quail, songbirds, and dove throughout the summer and into fall. You’ll also see deer and an occasional elk. 

    Find information and directions to these and many other birding areas on the Colorado Birding Trail website at https://coloradobirdingtrail.com, It’s a fantastic resource with tips for seeing birds across the state.

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  • Vaccination Phases

    Vaccination Phases

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The following is a summary of the vaccination phases and eligibility according to the Colorado Department of Health & Environment:

    Phase 1A : Now vaccinating:

    Highest-risk health care workers and individuals: 

    • People who have direct contact with COVID-19 patientsfor 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. 
    • Long-term care facilitystaff and residents.

     

    Phase 1B.1: Now vaccinating:

    Coloradans age 70+, moderate-risk health care workers, and first responders:

    • Health care workerswith less direct contact with COVID-19 patients (e.g. home health, hospice, pharmacy, dental, etc.) and EMS.
    • Firefighters, police,  COVID-19 response personnel, correctional workers,and funeral services.
    • People age 70 and older.

     

    Phase 1B.2: Now vaccinating:

    Coloradans age 65-69, PK-12 educators and child care workers in licensed child care programs, and state government:

    • People age 65-69.
    • Child care workers in licensed child care programs, teachers (full-time and substitutes), bus, food, counselors, administrative, safety, and other support services offered inside the school.
    • Select members of the executive and judicial branches of state government(members of the legislative branch have already received access to the vaccine).

     

    Phase 1B.3: Now vaccinating:

    People age 60 and older, frontline essential agricultural and grocery store workers, and people age 16-59 with two or more high-risk conditions:

    • People age 60 and older.
    • Frontline essential workers in grocery and agriculture:The intent of this classification is to prioritize current workers who cannot maintain physical distance from others at their place of employment, who work in close contact with many people, especially indoors, and in places with poor ventilation including meatpacking workers; grocery store workers; and agricultural processing workers.
    • People age 16-59 with two or more of the following high-risk conditions:Cancer (defined as patients who are currently receiving treatment or have received treatment within the last month for cancer), chronic kidney disease, COPD, diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2), Down syndrome, specific heart conditions (heart failure, cardiomyopathies or coronary heart disease, and severe valvular/congenital heart disease), obesity (BMI of 30 or more), pregnancy, sickle cell disease, solid organ transplant, individuals with disabilities who require direct care in their home, and people with disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks.

     

    Phase 1B.4: Vaccinating beginning March 19:

    People age 50 and older, frontline workers, people with high risk conditions, and the continuation of operations for state government and continuity of local government:

    • People age 50 and older.
    • Frontline workers in the following fields:
      • Higher education:The intent of this classification is to prioritize current educators who work in close contact with many people especially indoors, including all student-facing staff in community colleges and colleges. Student-facing staff includes instructors, professors, vocational educators and staff providing safety and other support services offered inside the school.
      • Food/restaurant services: The intent of this classification is to prioritize current workers who cannot maintain physical distance from others at their place of employment, who work in close contact with many people, especially indoors, including but not limited to restaurant cooks, dishwashers, servers, and other workers in restaurant settings; and food pantry/assistance workers.
      • Manufacturing:The intent of this classification is to prioritize workers in manufacturing settings who cannot maintain physical distance from others at their place of employment and workers who work in close contact with many people, especially indoors and in places with poor ventilation.
      • US postal service:The intent of this classification is to prioritize current workers who work for the US postal service in positions where they cannot maintain physical distance at work and work in close contact with many people, especially indoors. This includes post office clerks and mail sorters.
      • Public transit and specialized transportation:The intent of this classification is to prioritize current workers in public transit and who have specialized transportation staff who cannot maintain physical distance from others at their place of employment, workers who work in close contact with many people especially indoors including but not limited to bus drivers, specialized transportation staff who work in our tunnels, specialized transportation staff such as air traffic controllers, train conductors, pilots, and airline stewards.
      • Public health:The intent of this classification is to prioritize current workers in governmental public health agencies with public facing duties and heightened risk of exposure. This includes public health and environment staff, including inspectors, engaged in direct public health service delivery.
      • Human service workers:The intent of this classification is to prioritize current workers who cannot maintain physical distance at their place of employment in the course of their work, such as those who work in close contact with other people, especially indoors. This includes but is not limited to social workers, community health workers, those who work in client homes, in community locations, and at human services work locations, and others who provide direct or in-person services to elderly and disabled populations, at domestic violence advocacy organizations, or in-person resource providers.
      • Faith leaders:The intent of this classification is to prioritize those who in the course of leading faith services cannot easily maintain physical distance and must come into close contact with other people indoors. This includes current faith leaders who must enter hospitals or other care facilities to perform last rites, who officiate life rites such as weddings and baptisms, and who lead worship services.
      • Direct care providers for Coloradans experiencing homelessness:The intent of this classification is to prioritize workers who work in close contact with many other people, especially indoors, including but not limited to those who work and provide direct services in shelters for people experiencing homelessness.
      • Journalists:The intent of this classification is to prioritize journalists who in the course of their work cannot easily maintain physical distance and come into contact with the public in the course of their work while conducting interviews or covering live events, especially indoors.
    • Continuity of local government:The intent of this classification is to ensure the continuity of county, municipal and other local governments. It includes select executives of those governments and a limited amount of essential support staff needed to provide for continuity of government, including members of the judicial branch who regularly come into contact with the public (e.g. state and county court trial judges, court administrators, public defenders and probation staff.)
    • Continuation of operations for state government:The intent of this classification is to ensure the continuity of essential state government services. It includes select staff needed to deliver essential services to the people of Colorado , as identified in the agencies’ continuity of operations plans.
    • People age 16 to 49 with one of the following higher risk conditions:The intent of this classification is to vaccinate Coloradans who have risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. It includes Coloradans with one condition listed in 1B.3 or asthma (moderate-to-severe), Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain), Cystic fibrosis, Hypertension or high blood pressure, Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines, Neurologic conditions, such as dementia, Liver disease, Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues), Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder). 
    • Adults who received a placebo during a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial.

     

    Phase 2: Vaccinating anticipated to begin in mid-April:

    The general public.

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  • CPW urges parks, camping customers to exercise extreme caution ahead of major storm

    CPW urges parks, camping customers to exercise extreme caution ahead of major storm

    DENVER – In response to the Winter Storm Warning and anticipated heavy snow conditions over the Front Range this weekend, Colorado Parks and Wildlife asks Coloradans and out of state travelers with recreation plans to exercise extreme caution and/or consider rescheduling weekend camping reservations or planned park excursions. 

    It is very likely that the storm will create significant impacts to travel and a high likelihood that some CPW offices and state parks may need to be closed at times until the storm passes.

    At Golden Gate Canyon State Park, manager Todd Farrow said the park is planning for three-plus feet of snow over the weekend. It reminded him of the 2003 blizzard when they had to evacuate campers and visitors from the park.

    “Obviously the safety of our visitors is our No. 1 concern, so with that in mind we are happy to offer any refunds if people feel they are ill-prepared or don’t have the equipment necessary to weather out the storm,” Farrow said. “If we get as much snow as we are expecting, we may not have parking lots for people to park in if they come up. If you do, please only park in designated areas so emergency vehicles are not blocked from accessing other areas if they are needed.” 

    “In that 2003 blizzard, everyone wanted to come up and snowshoe because we got seven feet of snow in three days, but we didn’t have any place for them to park. People started parking on the road and it hindered our operations when we had to get people out by snowmobile.”

    For those with camping reservations or other recreation plans in the Front Range this weekend, CPW suggests that you consider rescheduling your visit for a later date. Forecasted snow totals may mean road closures, whiteout conditions, or the potential for being stranded at, or on the way to, your destination.

    Because of the predicted magnitude of this storm, CPW is waiving all cancelation and change fees for the affected areas. 

    For camping customers that may already be onsite at affected state parks, please consider ending your stay early and requesting a refund of any remaining days on your reservation. If you are unable to do so, you must plan to shelter in place until the storm ends and the park property and surrounding roads are safe and passable. 

    “We encourage those that are planning to travel to or through the Front Range this weekend to instead stay home, stay safe, and know that our parks and trails will be waiting for you to explore once the storm passes and conditions are safer,” said Farrow. 

    Impacts from this weekend’s storms may have residual impacts on other upcoming park plans, such as the opening of boat ramps, ANS inspection stations/hours, etc. To stay informed, follow CPW’s social media accounts or visit cpw.state.co.us.

     

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  • Governor Polis Joins Transportation and Public Safety Leaders to Provide Update on Upcoming Winter Storm

    Governor Polis Joins Transportation and Public Safety Leaders to Provide Update on Upcoming Winter Storm

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis provided an update on steps Colorado is taking to prepare for the upcoming winter weather. Governor Polis was joined by Director Shoshanna Lew of the Colorado Department of Transportation; John Lorme, Director of Maintenance and Operations, CDOT; and Chief Matthew Packard, Colorado State Patrol. 

     “Please, do the right thing this weekend and keep yourself and others safe by staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary, especially during the peak of this storm. It’s critical that we let our state’s snow crews do their work to keep roads clear for our emergency and essential workers,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

     Governor Polis today authorized the Colorado National Guard to assist with search and rescue requests through the State Emergency Operations Center from 12:00 p.m. on Friday – 12:00 p.m. on Monday. 

     “If you can stay safe in your home or in another location, especially during the peak of this storm, our crews will have a greater ability to do their jobs, keep essential travel possible as much as possible, and return our state roadways to a safe and clear condition,” said Director Shoshanna Lew of the Colorado Department of Transportation.

     “This storm forecast is different from the typical high country- mountain passes that typically see 2-3 foot totals. Instead of directing our resources to those passes as we usually do, we have  shifted some resources throughout the state so that extra crews and equipment will work the highways and interstates that see the worst of the storm,” said John Lorme, Director of Maintenance and Operations, CDOT.

     “We ask that you do everything you can to stay home and stay off the roads. However, if you must drive, be cognizant of the changing conditions and take a slow, cautious approach,” stated Colonel Matthew Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The Colorado State Patrol is adjusting schedules to optimize our staffing levels in areas anticipated to be most impacted by the storm. If you need help in an emergency, please call 9-1-1 and be prepared to shelter in your vehicle as first responders may have longer than usual travel times to your location.”  

     For more winter travel information, we have comprehensive resources at: codot.gov/travel/winter-driving 

     View today’s press conference. 

     

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  • Some community testing sites closed this weekend due to Winter Weather Advisory

    Some community testing sites closed this weekend due to Winter Weather Advisory

    REMOTE, Colo. (March 12, 2021): Multiple state-managed and partnered community testing sites will be closed this weekend due to intensifying winter weather advisories in effect across Colorado, in part to limit the number of people driving in hazardous conditions.

     

    Here is a list of closures and delays: 

     

     

     

    Closed: Saturday, March 13 and Sunday, March 14

    • Del Mar – Aurora Center for Active Adults (30 West Del Mar Circle, Aurora, CO 80011)
    • Centennial Center Park (13050 E Peakview Ave , Centennial, CO 80111)
    • Lone Tree – Canvas Credit Union (10000 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree, CO 80124)
    • Water World – Federal Heights 8801N. Pecos St., Federal Heights, CO 80260)
    • Westminster – Fat Cats (10685 Westminster Blvd, Westminster, CO 80020)
    • Bennett Community Center (1100 W Colfax Ave, Bennett, CO 80102)
    • Mountain Range High School (12500 Huron Street Westminster, CO 80234)
    • Ethiopian Evangelical Church (445 South Lansing Street Aurora, CO 80012)
    • Stutler Bowl Stadium (9300 East Union Ave, Greenwood Village, CO 80111)
    • Abraham Lincoln High School (2285 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219)
    • Northeast Colorado Health Department (228 West Railroad Ave Fort Morgan, CO)

    Closed: Monday, March 15 

     

    • Del Mar – Aurora Center for Active Adults (30 West Del Mar Circle, Aurora, CO 80011) 

     

    Delayed start: Monday, March 15

    • Lone Tree – Canvas Credit Union (10000 Park Meadows Dr, Lone Tree, CO 80124), Open noon – 4 p.m.
    • Abraham Lincoln High School (2285 S Federal Blvd, Denver, CO 80219), Open 2:30- 5 p.m.
    • All City Stadium South (1495 S Race Street, Denver, CO 80210), Open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
    • Aurora Public Schools (15771 E 1st Ave, Aurora, CO 80011), Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Echo Park Stadium (11901 Newlin Gulch Blvd, Parker, CO 80134), Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • George Washington High School (655 South Monaco Parkway, Denver, CO 80224), Open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
    • Instructional Support Facility (5416 S. Riviera Way, Aurora, CO 80015), Open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Littleton Park and Walk (190 E. Littleton Blvd, Littleton, CO 80121), Open 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
    • North High School (3125 Eliot Street, Denver, CO 80211), Open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
    • Red Rocks Community College (5444 Miller Street, Arvada, CO 80002), Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • SOAR Academy (4107 S. Federal Blvd, Englewood, CO 80110), Open 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Westminster High School (6933 Raleigh St, Westminster, CO 80030), Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

     

    Some local public health agencies may choose to make alternative arrangements. Please check with your local public health department for available options. 

    There are numerous state-sponsored community testing sites across the state, as well as dozens of locations offered by private providers. They are free, convenient, and do not require a doctor’s note, identification, or insurance. The state’s website has a list of locations. 

    While testing is an important tool in the COVID-19 response, the state cautions that a negative test doesn’t mean it’s OK to meet in large gatherings or bypass other public health orders, like wearing a mask. All Coloradans need to mask up, physically distance, limit gatherings, and stay home while sick.

    In addition, as winter weather and hazardous driving predictions for this weekend intensify, the state has urged vaccine providers to send a message to individuals scheduled for vaccine appointments Friday night through Sunday a message letting them know when and how they will be notified if their appointment gets canceled if necessary, as well as details about how to reschedule those appointments. We’ve asked vaccine providers to notify individuals by Friday if their appointments on Saturday and Sunday are canceled.

    Our top priority is ensuring everyone stays safe. Individuals who have scheduled an appointment but cannot make it due to adverse weather should call their provider with as much advance notice as possible to reschedule. We also are requiring providers to accommodate those requests and reschedule appointments so they can occur as soon as possible. 

    For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, please call 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926). The call center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

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  • State updates dial public health order

    State updates dial public health order

    Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) released an amended public health order that provides updates to the COVID-19 dial framework on Sunday. 

    The new changes, effective as of March 7, include:

    • A new disease incidence metric buffer allows counties to exceed their Dial level’s disease incidence metric and remain in that level as long as they do not exceed the minimum of the next more restrictive Dial level’s incidence rate by more than 15% for five consecutive days. This creates more predictability with Dial moves and prevents counties moving back and forth unnecessarily by ensuring a consistent trend is present first.
    • Restaurants and seated indoor events (including at casinos) in Level Blue may expand capacity to 225 people without using the distancing space calculator.
    • Restaurants and seated indoor events (including at casinos) in Level Yellow may expand capacity to 150 people without using the distancing space calculator.
    • Seated indoor events in Level Red may calculate distancing without using the distancing space calculator.
    • Last call to order alcohol at restaurants has been expanded from levels Blue to Red:
      • Level Blue: 2 a.m.
      • Level Yellow: 1 a.m.
      • Level Orange: 12 a.m.
      • Level Red: 10 p.m.
    • Masks may be removed in a school classroom setting for the purpose of playing a musical instrument that cannot otherwise be played while wearing a mask, but students must continue to physically distance. Performers with masks can be 12 feet away and without masks 25 feet — and instrument players with bell covers could be 12 feet apart and without 25.
    • Performers at events who are wearing masks may be a minimum of 12 feet away from spectators. Performers not wearing masks must remain a minimum of 25 feet away.
    • 5 Star-certified businesses in Level Blue may expand capacity limits by 50 people above the Level Blue caps.
    • Review the full summary of changes. 

    The Colorado COVID-19 dial is a tool that allows Colorado to balance the urgent need to contain the virus with the need for localized guidance during the pandemic. Learn more about the dial.

    Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

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