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In 2022, over 50% of bear related property damage can be linked to improperly secured trash DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife received 4,282 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears in 2022, which was a 16% increase from 2021, but a 1.3% decrease from the previous two years.  In 2019, CPW launched a new bear reporting system to help wildlife managers track and quantify bear activity and conflicts across the state. The data collected is used to see overall trends and identify sources of conflict on a localized, regional and statewide level. Since its implementation in April 2019, CPW has recorded 18,351 reports of sightings and conflicts with bears, of which nearly one-third are traced back to bears getting into trash. [WATCH] Progression map shows reported bear activity across Colorado in 2022 The data from the annual bear cycle informs CPW’s wildlife managers where bears are at and what they are up to, helping CPW identify sources of conflict and make educated management decisions. If you see a bear causing trouble in an urban area, call CPW to report it. In 2022, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB 21-1326 with the goal of reducing human-bear conflicts. This bill provides funding for the Colorado Department of Natural Resources and CPW, including $1 million for native species conservation, to be distributed to local communities. “We need help from local communities to develop strategies to secure garbage and other attractants across bear habitat,” said Kristin Cannon, deputy regional manager for CPW’s Northeast Region. “Ultimately, it will also require individuals to take some responsibility and follow proper guidelines on living appropriately with bears to protect them.” Learn more about human-bear conflict reductions grants here and find out if your community is eligible.  Recapping bear reports from 2022 Bears attempting to access trash continues to be the leading cause of conflict. Other constant sources of conflict include birdfeeders, livestock, bears accessing open garages and other human-originated items that are left unsecured. These conflicts could all easily be reduced if the public takes some simple steps around their homes and properties to prevent bears from accessing them. Drought conditions and other factors that may influence the availability of natural food crops for bears varies across the state, as does the behavior of people when it relates to human-bear interactions. Those all play a role in the bear activity that we see annually. On the eastern side of the state, conflicts were relatively low despite a spring freeze that had CPW officials worried the wild berry and nut crop might be impacted. Fortunately, freezing temperatures were followed by a good amount of moisture, leading to plenty of natural forage for bears east of the Continental Divide. Compared to 2020 and 2021, CPW’s Southeast Region saw an 18% decrease in bear calls while the Northeast Region saw a 6% decrease. Colorado’s West Slope, especially CPW’s Northwest Region, was less fortunate. The late freeze held in that side of the state, leading to a food failure in most areas with natural berry and acorn crops being almost nonexistent. Compared to 2020 and 2021, CPW’s Southwest Region saw a 3% decrease in bear reports, but the Northwest Region, where much of the region was in severe drought, saw an increase of 9%. Report bear sightings and conflicts to CPW One concern CPW is aware of from the public is a reluctance to report bear activity over a belief it will lead to the bear being put down. Data shows that of the 18,351 reports wildlife managers have received on bears in the last four years, only 2.3% led to euthanization.  When CPW is made aware, especially when conflicts first begin, wildlife officers can educate the community, make site visits to homes to help them secure attractants and can haze bears in an attempt to reinforce their natural fear of humans. In some circumstances, wildlife officers can attempt to relocate bears out of conflict areas to alleviate safety concerns or before that animal’s behavior escalates to a dangerous level which may require euthanization. In the last four years, CPW has relocated 272 bears from sites of conflict, but wildlife officers stress relocation is not a fix-all solution. Below is the number of bears euthanized and relocated annually by CPW. The euthanization numbers released in prior years have been updated from what has been previously reported, as internal auditing each spring quantifies all sources of bear mortality in Colorado. 2022: 94 euthanized, 59 relocated 2021: 66 euthanized, 51 relocated 2020: 158 euthanized, 118 relocated 2019: 101 euthanized, 44 relocated 2018: 79 euthanized, 24 relocated  2017: 190 euthanized, 109 relocated 2016: 66 euthanized, 16 relocated 2015: 115 euthanized, 40 relocated Wildlife managers estimate that Colorado has between 17,000 – 20,000 bears and the population is stable and growing. The black bear is the only species of bear in the state, however these bruins can be brown, blond, cinnamon and black in color. 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, 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.

THORNTON, Colo.–Feb. 13, 2023– All Anythink libraries and administrative offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, in observance of Presidents Day. Anythink locations will return to regularly scheduled hours of operation on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

About Anythink^™

Anythink is a new style of library – a place of unlimited imagination, where play inspires creativity and lifelong learning. Anythink serves the residents of Adams County, Colo., with seven libraries and a bookmobile. With a focus on innovation, Anythink’s award-winning approach to library service is recognized by industry leaders and organizations across the globe. For more information, visit anythinklibraries.org.

Roadways are a vital component of infrastructure in the United States. The vast majority of goods are transported by truck, highlighting the economy’s need for reliable roadways to connect supply chains and move goods and services efficiently across borders. Most commuters use roads daily to get to work, and individuals also rely on roadways for crucial access to resources including employment, social, health, and education services.

However, many highways, major roads, and bridges are in need of repair. Hazardous road conditions can negatively impact the economy, contribute to traffic congestion, and impact the safety of Americans. The passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Package) highlights the importance of reliable roads in the U.S., and the commitment to improving America’s infrastructure. The 2021 bill signed by President Joe Biden dedicated $110 billion in funding to repair and update roads and bridges, in addition to supporting major transformational roadway projects across the U.S.

Despite this massive investment, America still has its fair share of hazardous roads. From 2000 to 2020, the share of major roadways in poor condition has remained fairly steady, rising from 11.8% to 13.8% over the course of 20 years. While frustrating for vehicle owners and operators, there’s more promising news: the share of roads in good condition has steadily increased since 2000, rising a total of 8.4 percentage points, from 45.5% in 2000 to 53.9% in 2020.

The share of major roadways in fair condition, or the category between good and poor, was the only category to shrink over the last 20 years, falling from 42.6% in 2000 to 32.3% in 2020—a decrease of over 10 percentage points.

There’s no shortage of roads that need fixing, and total highway expenditures have grown over the past 20 years, highlighting the government’s commitment to improving America’s most common form of transportation. Funds dedicated to capital outlay, or the cost of equipment or expenditures to make improvements including construction, grew the most and secured the most funds, increasing from $87.4 billion in 2000 to $127.7 billion in 2020. Spending on maintenance also increased by nearly $20 billion, climbing from $43.7 billion in 2000 to $61.4 billion in 2020.

Highway costs aren’t isolated to physical improvements. Expenditures in administration, highway law enforcement, and bond interest have also increased in order to maintain orderly and safe roadways. This particular area of spending grew from $36.6 billion in 2000 to $55.1 billion in 2020.

While roads serve as important infrastructure, and investments in roadway improvements are growing, there are still regions where road quality is lagging behind. A surprising amount of East Coast states—where individuals are more likely to commute via public transit—are home to a large share of roadways in poor condition, while Midwest states are more likely to be farther down the list.

The data used in this analysis is from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. To determine the states with the worst roads, researchers at Construction Coverage calculated the share of major roadways in poor condition. In the event of a tie, the state with the lower percentage of roadways in good condition was ranked higher. Major roadways are defined to include interstates, other freeways and expressways, other principal arterials, and minor arterials.

The analysis found that 17.5% of the major roadways in Colorado are in poor condition, compared to 13.8% of roadways across the country. Out of all states, Colorado has the 14th worst roads. Here is a summary of the data for Colorado:

• Share of major roadways in poor condition: 17.5%
• Share of major roadways in fair condition: 41.0%
• Share of major roadways in good condition: 41.5%
• Daily vehicle-miles traveled per capita: 23.4

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

• Share of major roadways in poor condition: 13.8%
• Share of major roadways in fair condition: 32.3%
• Share of major roadways in good condition: 53.9%
• Daily vehicle-miles traveled per capita: 24.4

For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, you can find the original report on Construction Coverage’s website: https://constructioncoverage.com/research/us-states-with-the-worst-roads-2023

Arapahoe County in January completed a $1 million project that improves the Dry Creek Road and I-25 interchange, offering drivers a streamlined experience navigating one of the area’s busiest exchanges.

Work began last September to expand the number of southbound I-25 on-ramp lanes and make safety and operational improvements to the intersection.

Crews lengthened the turn lanes on westbound Dry Creek Road to allow more motorists to turn left onto the southbound I-25 on-ramp. The lengthened turn lanes allow motorists turning left more room to get out of the through lanes on Dry Creek Road, reducing congestion.

The southbound I-25 on-ramp also saw improvements, including an additional third lane to be utilized during peak hours, new metering, signage and striping.

The work also includes new traffic signals at the intersection and upgraded pedestrian ramps that meet American Disabilities Act standards.

The project was funded by Arapahoe County, Colorado Department of Transportation, City of Centennial, Inverness, Panorama and Southgate at Centennial metropolitan districts.

The March 15^th deadline for farmers to make their ARC/PLC decisions for the 2023 crop year is fast approaching. In an effort to provide growers with the most up to date information needed to make this important decision, CSU Extension and the USDA Farm Service Agency have teamed up to conduct a Farm Bill Decisions webinar.

The webinar will be held Tuesday, February 7th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Topics to be addressed are: the mechanics of ARC/PLC and the limitations of ARC-IC for fruit and vegetable producers, the payment outlook in 2023 for ARC-CO/PLC for the major program crops in Colorado and managing the 2023 margin squeeze.

Please preregister for this free webinar here:  https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlduygrDMiGdHZrPz1udlQMAhvPM5eYa_Z

To get a copy of the registration link, contact Brent Young at

 If you want Gatorade or Tea instead of Water or Pop, add a $1.00.

We formally invite you to attend the 5^th Anniversary Memorial Ceremony for Deputy Heath Gumm.

 

Sheriff Gene Claps, former Sheriff Mike McIntosh, Assistant DA Jess Redman, and Jim Gumm will share their remarks.

This day is dedicated to remembering the man, son, friend, brother, husband, and co-worker Heath was.

 

Please join us as 10 a.m. on January 24^th at the Sheriff’s Office Headquarters Memorial Wall as

we unite to honor Heath’s memory and legacy.

 

(4430 S. Adams County Pkwy. Brighton – West side of building)