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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Local News

  • Ajay Menon named President and CEO of the Colorado State University Research Foundation

    Ajay Menon, a two-time dean at Colorado State University, has been named the next leader of the Colorado State University Research Foundation, the CSURF Board of Governors announced this week. Menon, who currently serves as dean of CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will step into the new role October 1, following the retirement of long-time CSURF leader Kathleen Henry.

    “CSURF is extremely lucky in that we have had a real superstar in Kathleen, and we are hiring a real superstar in Ajay. We look forward to a dynamic future,” said CSURF Board Chair Don Marostica.

    As President and CEO of CSURF, Menon will be responsible for the protection, management and commercialization of intellectual property resulting from research at CSU and will oversee the services that CSURF provides to both CSU and the CSU System. These services include the coordination and management of non-campus real estate holdings on behalf of CSU, CSU-Pueblo, CSU-Global and the CSU System and the provision of debt financing expertise and capabilities to those entities.

    Menon has served as dean of CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and director of the Colorado Agriculture Experiment Station since July 2015. Prior to this appointment, from 2002 until 2015, he served as the dean of the CSU College of Business.

    From November 2011 to August 2013, as appointed by Governor John Hickenlooper, Menon served in a dual role as the state’s first Chief Innovation Officer. In that role, he helped establish and lead the Colorado Innovation Network to develop an ecosystem in Colorado that cultivates entrepreneurial and innovative activities.

    In his role as Dean of the College of Business, Menon led the college’s transformation to a high-performing and entrepreneurial school within a large land-grant state university. While leading the College of Agricultural Sciences, he was involved in guiding the college toward a vision of unquestioned global preeminence.

    “I want to recognize and thank Kathleen Henry for her outstanding service to CSURF and our University community – and to congratulate the CSURF Board for persuading Ajay Menon to step into the role with her retirement,” said CSU Chancellor Tony Frank. “Ajay is a respected and visionary leader who has a remarkable capacity to work thoughtfully with a wide range of constituents and industries. Having led two of our most publicly engaged colleges and served in the Governor’s Cabinet, his experience, reputation, and deep knowledge of the university and state have prepared him exceptionally well to head up the innovation arm of the University.”

    Menon holds a Ph.D. in Marketing and joined CSU in 1991 as a member of the Marketing Department faculty. His teaching and research expertise lie in the areas of International Marketing, New Product Development and Management and Strategic Market Planning. His research interests lie in the areas of customer loyalty, new product management and strategy implementation. Menon’s research has appeared in numerous preeminent publications in the field, including the Journal of Marketing, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science and Journal of Business Research.

    In addition to his academic and administrative work, Menon has served as a management consultant to local and multinational companies on issues related to customer satisfaction and loyalty. He has also served on the Boards of Directors or Advisors to for-profit and non-profit organizations including the Colorado Innovation Network; Junior Achievement – Rocky Mountain, Inc.; Colorado National Bancorp; World’s Fresh Waters, Chile; Convera Corporation; Women’s Vision Foundation; Envirofit Corporation; and the Better Business Bureau of Northern Colorado.

    Menon has received numerous teaching awards, including “Professor of the Year” from the CSU College of Business.

     

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  • Algae blooms: what to know and what you can do

    Algae blooms: what to know and what you can do

    DENVER — Late summer is the time of year when we see the majority of algae blooms in Colorado. Algae is naturally occurring, we do have blooms across the state and there are public health guidelines to be followed. Be Algae Aware, arm yourself with knowledge and know the options on how you can help be apart of the solution.

    What should a person watch for?

    People and their pets should avoid ingesting or swimming in water with heavy accumulations of algae.

    Are some lakes more susceptible to algae than others?

    Most algae is harmless and an important part of the aquatic food chain. Lakes with high nutrients are more susceptible to blue-green algae, which is the specific type of algae that is capable of producing toxins.

    What conditions cause high algae levels?

    High nutrient levels (nitrogen and phosphorus in particular) are the biggest factor. Warm temperatures, and calm conditions also contribute.

    What can you do?

    Don’t feed the algae: Nitrogen and phosphorus in excess grow scummy algae in a lake. The public can help with water quality of our lakes, reservoirs and streams by using phosphorus free fertilizers and picking up after their dog.

    How do they test for it?

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife goes through several steps when an algae bloom occurs. We identify the species to determine if is a blue-green algae, and if that species is capable of producing toxins. If it is potentially toxic, we use strip tests that can tell if toxins are present. The strips take about one hour to run. If the strip is positive, we work with WQCD and CDPHE for further lab testing.

    Is there a safe level for algae?

    Most algae is safe and cannot produce toxins. It is an integral part of the aquatic food chain.

    Who is in charge of the inspections?

    Each lake owner is responsible for their own lake. CPW monitors blooms in our State Parks and State Wildlife Areas, and in partnership with the Water Quality Control Division in CDPHE. WQCD monitors lakes statewide, not just CPW lakes.

    What prompts an inspection, is it routine?

    CPW does routine visual monitoring for blooms. If we see a suspicious bloom, we identify the algae. If the algae is capable of producing toxins we do further testing in partnership with WQCD and CDPHE.

    Does it take a death to prompt an inspection?

    No, the presence of an algae bloom at a CPW lake prompts further investigation.

     

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  • Public Health and Safety Advisory

    Public Health and Safety Advisory

    August 16, 2019 – The Colorado Department of Revenue (DOR), in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), is issuing a health and safety advisory due to the identification of potentially unsafe levels of microbial contamination on medical marijuana and retail marijuana produced by Herbal Wellness LLC. CDPHE and DOR deem it a threat to public health and safety when marijuana is found to have levels of microbial contaminants above the acceptable limits established in MED Rule M 712 and R 712. The DOR has also identified harvest batches of medical marijuana and retail marijuana produced by Herbal Wellness LLC that were not tested in accordance with MED Rules M 1501 and R 1501. Consumers who have these affected products in their possession should return them to the retail store from which they were purchased so they can be properly disposed of. All affected marijuana has a label affixed to the container that, at a minimum, indicates the license number of the medical or retail marijuana business that cultivated the marijuana as well as the Harvest Batch number assigned to the marijuana. Consumers should check the label of their medical marijuana or retail marijuana for the following License Numbers and Harvest Batch Numbers. Any inconsistencies in the Harvest Batch Number formats are a result of the licensee labeling procedures. Look for this specific language on the label of your marijuana product. Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facility License 403-01050 and/or Medical Marijuana Center License 402-00698

    Contaminated Harvest Batch numbers:

    • Lemon Train (07/09/19)

    • King Jack (07/01/19)

    • Chernobyl (07/01/19)

    • Sunburn (6/28/19)

    • Jesus OG (6/28/19)

    • Bruce Banner (5/23/19)

    • Wedding Cake (5/23/19)

    • King Jack (5/21/19)

    • Cookies & Dream (5/21/19) •

    Sour Diesel (5/13/19)

    • Black Medallion (5/13/19)

    • Lemon Train (05/06/19)

    • Jesus OG (3/18/19)

    • The Animal Untested Harvest Batch numbers:

    • Wedding Cake (05/06/19)

    • Sour Diesel (04/17/19)

    • Pandora’s Box (3/18/19)

    • Black Medallion 3/5/19

    • Deep Purple 2/5/19

    • Qleaner 2/5/19

    • Gorilla Glue #4 2/5/19

    • Lemon Train 2/5/19

    • Commerce City Kush 1/18/19

    • Cotton Candy X Sour Diesel 1/2/19

    • Pineapple Express 12/31/18

    • Chocolopez 12/31/18

    Contaminated Harvest Batch numbers:

    • Chocolopez (7/16/19)

    • Bruce Banner (7/16/19)

    • Lemon Train (7/15/19)

    • Chernobyl (07/02/19)

    • Jesus OG (07/01/19)

    • King Jack (07/01/19)

    • Chernobyl (07/01/19)

    • Wedding Cake (06/28/19)

    • Lemon Train (06/27/19)

    • Commerce City Kush (06/26/19)

    • King Jack (6/26/19)

    • Chernobyl (6/26/19)

    • Jesus OG (06/26/19)

    • Pineapple Express (6/25/19)

    • Jack The Ripper (06/25/19)

    • King Jack (6/25/19)

    • Lemon Train (6/4/19)

    • Lemon Train (5/30/19)

    • Biesel (5/24/19)

    • Chernobyl (5/24/19)

    • King Jack (5/23/19)

    • Cookies & Dream (5/21/19)

    • Lemon Train (5/21/19)

    • Dairy Queen (5/20/19)

    • Black Medallion (5/13/19)

    • Wedding Cake (5/14/19)

    • Commerce City Kush (04/17/19)

    • Chocolopez (04/03/19)

    • Tribal Delight (3/27/19)

    • King Jack 2/26/19

    Untested Harvest Batch numbers:

    • Wedding Cake (6/5/19)

    • Blueberry Snow x Brutha Hood (5/24/19)

    • Jesus OG (5/22/19)

    • Sour Diesel (5/14/19)

    • Jack Skellington (05/06/19)

    • Jacks Cleaner (05/06/19)

    • Sweetest Peach (05/06/19)

    • Jack Skellington (04/30/19)

    • Sunburn (04/29/19)

    • Jack The Ripper (04/29/19)

    • Lemon Train (04/29/19)

    • Boss Hog (04/18/19)

    • Cinderella 99 (04/18/19)

    • Chem Thai (04/18/19)

    • Jack The Ripper (04/18/19)

    • Sunburn (04/18/19)

    • Tangberry Blue (04/18/19)

    • Boss Hog (4/17/19)

    • Jack The Ripper (04/12/19)

    • Ripped Bubba (04/04/19)

    • Red Headed Stranger 3/5/19

    • Lemon Train 2/26/19

    • Agent Orange 2/26/19

    • Commerce City Kush 2/26/19

    • Jack the Ripper 2/26/19

    • Sour Diesel 1/16/19

    • Red Rocket 1/15/19

    • Sour Diesel 1/15/19

    • Gorilla Glue 1/15/19

    • Pineapple Express 1/15/19

    • Jack the Ripper #10 1/10/19

    • Pre 98 Bubba 1/10/19

    • Grape Inferno #1 1/10/19

    • Jesus OG 1/9/19

    • Agent Orange 1/9/19

    • Durban Poison 1/9/19

    • Grape Inferno 1/9/19

    • Pre 98 Bubba

    • Jack the Ripper 1/9/19

    • Chernobyl 1/9/19

    • Brightberry Cookies 1/8/19

    • Sunburn 1/3/19

    • Cotton Candy X Sour Diesel 1/3/19
     

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  • Record-challenging heat to surge, bake southwestern US again next week

    Record-challenging heat to surge, bake southwestern US again next week

    By Alex Sosnowski, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

    A lack of moisture associated with the North American monsoon will continue to play a role in surges of above-average and record-challenging temperatures in the southwestern United States next week.

    Following recent record-challenging heat, temperatures are forecast to throttle back into Saturday, before challenging record highs once again next week in the southwestern United States.

    Temperatures peaked in the 110s F over many of the desert areas of the Southwest on Wednesday and Thursday. In many cases, highs were within a degree or two of the record.

    A northward bulge in the jet stream, combined with high pressure at the surface, has been responsible for the recent surge in heat.

    When the jet stream bulges northward over a particular region, the air aloft is warm and it is easier for temperatures to soar near the ground as opposed to when the air aloft is chilly.

    SW This Weekend

    The jet stream is forecast to flatten southward for a time this weekend.

    As a result, temperatures will trend toward seasonable levels for the second half of August on Sunday, which is generally in the upper 90s to lower 100s.

    However, the jet stream is forecast to bulge northward once again next week.

    Record highs may again be challenged on Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs in some locations such as Phoenix, Las Vegas and Palm Springs, California, to name a few, are likely to be in the 110s.

    At this level, temperatures are about 10 degrees above average.

    West Next Week Heat

    While humidity levels are typically substantially lower than that of the Central and Eastern states, dehydration can sneak up on individuals who do not keep a steady intake of fluids in the extreme heat in the Southwest.

    A lack of shower and thunderstorm activity over the region is also contributing to the heat.

    While rainfall is typically lean year-round over much of this region, Phoenix has barely received 0.25 of an inch of rain since June 1.

    Flagstaff, Arizona, typically receives 4.50 inches of rain by this point of the summer months but has only picked up about 1 inch since June 1.

    9j(1).jpg

    On average, the North American monsoon delivers scattered downpours on a daily basis over the summer months. However, the monsoon this year has been late, generally weak and inconsistent.

    The monsoon season begins on June 15 and ends on Sept. 30 and is associated with a northward expansion of tropical moisture that is brought on by a light southerly breeze.

    Looking ahead, there are no signs of widespread shower and thunderstorm activity for the next one to two weeks.

    This spells good news for hikers across the region that are planning to summit exposed mountain peaks or hike though slot canyons.

    However, there may be a few storms that erupt over parts of the southern Rockies which may spread to a few desert locations during the middle to latter part of next week.

    In the meantime, areas of abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions are likely to continue to expand over the region. Only heavy rain and mountain snow from this past winter and resultant runoff into streams and rivers are holding back more serious conditions at this point.

    People are urged to be extra careful with campfires and power equipment anywhere the vegetation has dried out. Sparks or heat from the exhaust system of vehicles can easily start a blaze.

     

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  • Vaccination clinic event

    Vaccination clinic event

    DENVER — Back-to-school time is a busy, but critical, time for parents to get their children up to date on vaccinations. Join Aurora Fire Rescue, the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition, Tri-County Health Department, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment for a Shots for Tots and Teens vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Aurora Fire Station No. 2, 12600 Hoffman Blvd. in Aurora.

    Shots for Tots and Teens Clinics offers low- and no-cost Saturday vaccination clinics throughout the year in Aurora, Denver, and Arvada. The goal of the program is to ensure children and families — no matter their income or insurance status — receive the vaccines needed to keep them healthy. This particular clinic is held at an Aurora fire station in the heart of the city’s Hoffman Heights neighborhood. The location is ideal for many families who live nearby and need access to convenient and low-cost immunizations. The clinic is popular with children because it’s at a fire station with fire trucks, lights, and sirens!

    In addition to these great visuals, vaccination experts from Tri-County Health Department and the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition will be on hand to answer your questions, and there may be opportunities to talk directly to parents about why they vaccinate. State elected officials also have been invited to the event.

     

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  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife preparing for leftover license sales beginning August 6

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife preparing for leftover license sales beginning August 6

    DENVER, Colo.— Colorado Parks and Wildlife locations statewide are preparing for Leftover Day on Tuesday, August 6, beginning at 9 a.m. Mountain time. For those new to Leftover Day, the first Tuesday in August, this year August 6, is the date CPW begins selling licenses that have gone through the draw process but still have a quota remaining.

    Licenses offered during the draw but not yet claimed often represent prime hunting opportunities and become available on a first come, first served basis on Leftover Day. In the past, lines have accumulated long before our office doors open as hunters try to get the first shot at prime hunting licenses left over from the draw. However, hopeful hunters may also opt to avoid the crowds by purchasing their license online at cpwshop.com. Hunters may also purchase by phone at 800-244-5613, at CPW offices and parks, and CPW sales agents.

    The 2019 Leftover List is available on CPW’s website, allowing sportspersons to find the specific licenses they hope to purchase on Leftover Day. Tips for purchasing online or at CPW offices are provided below.

    Online Purchase Prep

    Hunters are encouraged to make sure their account is valid at cpwshop.com. Be prepared for Leftover Day by completing the following checklist BEFORE purchases begin on Tuesday, August 6 at 9 a.m MDT.

    1. Validate or create your customer account.

    If you are an existing customer, log in to cpwshop.com to confirm that you can access your account. If you forgot your password, click the “forgot your password” link to have a new one sent. If you are experiencing issues logging in to your account, please call CPW at 303-297-1192 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. MT) or Aspira at 800-244-5613 (24/7) for assistance.

    If you are unsure whether or not you are a customer with an account, please use the LOOK UPfunction to see if you have an existing account. CAUTION: Do not create multiple accounts. Purchasing licenses with multiple accounts could potentially invalidate your sale. If you are unable to find an account for yourself, please create an account. If you are experiencing issues looking up or creating an account, please call CPW at 303-297-1192 (Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. MDT) or Aspira at 800-244-5613 (24/7) for assistance.

    2. Confirm account details.

    Check that your contact info is correct, including phone, email, and physical and mailing addresses. You will need to enter your credit card information when you check out (VISA, MASTERCARD OR DISCOVER) or use a CPW gift certificate. Your credit card on file will not be charged automatically.

    3. Advice and best practices for making your online purchase.

    Once license sales begin, the Leftover List will be automatically updated every 5 minutes. All reissued licenses that were processed prior to the creation of the Leftover List will be available on Leftover Day. Any reissued licenses processed after the Leftover List creation will be available beginning August 13.

    Remember, the purchase of a license is not official until you click “Submit Payment” and receive confirmation that your order is complete. Licenses are NOT “held” once added to your cart; the first person to complete a transaction for a specific license will receive the license.

    CPW’s purchasing system functions best on modern, high-speed internet, and is not optimized for dial-up internet. If users will be purchasing a license using dial-up internet, it is possible that the session may be timed out. Please plan accordingly.

    Visit CPW’s Leftover Day tips page for more information.

    In-person Purchase Prep

    Those who plan to purchase leftover licenses at CPW sales agents or CPW offices or parks should be well-prepared before they arrive. This will help the transaction process run as efficiently as possible.

    If you are planning on purchasing a license, be sure to have the following:

    Your driver’s license/state-issued identification card (or valid passport if not a US citizen),

    Proof of hunter education: hunter education card​ or a Colorado hunting license with verified hunter education, 

    Your social security number (anyone 12 years of age and older are required to give their social security number, if not already on file),

    Your customer identification number (CID), if you have previously purchased a license in Colorado,

    Proof of residency​, if you are planning to purchase a resident license,

    A prioritized list of hunt codes for licenses you are interested in.

    ​If purchasing a license for someone else (which can only be done IN PERSON), the buyer must bring the following for the hunter:

    ​A clear copy of both sides of their driver’s license/state-issued identification card, 

    A clear copy of both sides of their hunter education card or a previous Colorado hunting license with verified hunter education,

    Their social security number (anyone 12 years of age and older are required to give their social security number, if not already on file),    

    Their customer identification number (CID), if they have previously purchased a license in Colorado,

    A prioritized list of hunt codes they are interested in.

    ​IMPORTANT: You cannot purchase a license for someone else over the phone. The option to buy for someone else is only available in person. Please call the office or CPW sales agent you plan to visit ahead of time to find out their procedures for Leftover Day, as procedures can vary from location to location.

    If applying by phone please note that there will be longer than usual wait times for both Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Aspira. To expedite the purchasing process, please try purchasing your license online at cpwshop.com.

    Coming August 8: Over-The-Counter & Over-The-Counter with Caps Licenses

    Over-the-counter (OTC) licenses, available to resident and nonresident hunters, are restricted to certain units, seasons, and manners of take. These licenses are not limited in quota, so customers can purchase these licenses at any time until the day before the hunting season begins. After the season starts, these licenses are available at CPW locations only, with the exception of archery elk OTC licenses and plains elk OTC licenses, which can be purchased at any CPW sales agent. Customer bag limits still apply.

    Over-the-counter with caps licenses are licenses with a limited quota only available on a first-come, first-served basis for both resident and nonresident hunters.

    Both over-the-counter and over-the-counter licenses with caps are sold online at cpwshop.com, by phone at 800-244-5613 or at CPW locations and sales agents, starting at 9 a.m. MDT on August 8.

    For more information on OTC and OTC with caps licenses, please see the 2019 Colorado Big Game Brochure.

     

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  • Gardner, Bennet Introduce Bill to Increase Number of Federal Judges in Colorado

    Gardner, Bennet Introduce Bill to Increase Number of Federal Judges in Colorado

    Washington, D.C. — Colorado’s U.S. Senators Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet this week reintroduced legislation to address the Article III judge shortage in Colorado. Colorado has a heavy caseload for its six active judges. Moreover, those judges are all located in Denver, so litigants outside of Denver often travel long distances to attend court. This bipartisan legislation would add two new District Court judgeships for the district of Colorado, and the President of the United States would have the authority to nominate individuals to fill these positions.

    “One of the U.S. Senate’s greatest responsibilities is advising the president on our nation’s courts,” said Senator Gardner. “Colorado’s population has continued to boom over the last several years without a proportional increase in the number of Article III judges. This causes significant logistical problems for the courts, contributes to federal judges in Colorado being overworked, and often forces litigants, jurors, witnesses, and counsel to have to travel across the state just to have a hearing. This bill would help ease the caseload in Colorado and work to ensure Coloradans are not denied their Constitutional right to fair and timely trials.”

    “The number of federal judges serving Colorado has stayed the same for decades, while our state’s population has continued to grow,” said Senator Bennet. “Given the mounting caseload facing our district court, two additional judgeships will ensure each case receives full examination.”

     

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  • Northeast Region Sportsperson Caucus to be held in Fort Collins on Aug. 14

    Northeast Region Sportsperson Caucus to be held in Fort Collins on Aug. 14

    DENVER — The Northeast Region Sportsperson Caucus will meet in Fort Collins to discuss a variety of important issues involving hunting, fishing and conservation. Hunters and anglers are invited to attend and meet with their regional delegates at 7 p.m. on Aug. 14 at the Council Tree Library located at 2733 Council Tree Ave.

    In a continuing effort to provide hunters and anglers with opportunities to comment about a variety of wildlife management concerns, Colorado Parks and Wildlife formed the Sportsperson Caucus in 2012. The caucus consists of elected and appointed delegates from each of the state’s four wildlife management regions. They meet twice annually at the regional level to collect input from constituents. The input is then presented to Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s leadership at the statewide meetings, also held twice each year.

    The agenda for the meeting will be as follows:

    • Update on the 2020-24 Big Game Season Structure
    • Eastern plains rifle deer hunting season
    • Expansion of the Public Access Program by 100,000 acres in time for the fall 2019 hunting season
    • Open forum discussion

    In addition to voicing their opinions at regional meetings, members of the public can contact their local representatives directly at any time.

    Regional Sportsmen’s Caucus meetings are open to participation by any hunter or angler who has an interest in the region. The meetings can include any number of participants; no active hunter or angler will be excluded from the discussion.

    For more information about the Sportsmen’s Roundtable, go to http://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/Roundtable.aspx

    •  What: Northeast Region Sportsperson Caucus
    • When: 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14
    •  Where: Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave, Fort Collins

     

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  • New Mexico man charged after his dog kills fawn

    New Mexico man charged after his dog kills fawn

    MONTE VISTA, Colo. — A New Mexico man who allowed his dog to kill a fawn in southern Colorado has been charged with several wildlife crimes and could lose his privileges to hunt and fish, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has announced 

    Michael Garcia, 36, of Las Cruces, N.M., has been charged with illegal possession of wildlife, allowing his dog to harass wildlife and unlawful manner of take of wildlife. He was issued a citation by a CPW wildlife officer on July 23. The fines for the offenses are $1,372.50 and an assessment of 20 license-suspension points.

    Garcia may elect to pay the fines or appear in court, explained Rick Basagoitia, area wildlife manager for CPW in the San Luis Valley. If he does not pay the fine, he will be required to appear in court on Sept. 16 

    “This is a disturbing case; we’ve heard from many members of the public wanting CPW to investigate,” Basagoitia said. “Information that they’ve provided has been greatly helpful to CPW efforts. 

    According to the officer’s report, the man was in an area near the Conejos River when his dog chased the fawn and killed it. Garcia posted photos of the dog and the dead fawn on social media. Someone saw the post, reported it to Operation Game Thief and CPW began to investigate 

    Garcia was working as a fishing guide on the Conejos River. District Wildlife Officer Rod Ruybalid located him, conducted an interview and issued the citation.

    In addition to the fines, Garcia will also be issued 20 license-suspension points, which means he must appear before a CPW suspension-hearing officer. This is a separate process that could result in the suspension oflicense privileges from one to five years. Only the Parks and Wildlife Commission has the authority to impose suspensions.

    Wildlife crimes can be reported anonymously to Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Those who report are eligible for a cash reward if the tip results in the issuance of a ticket or a conviction.

     

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  • Great whitewater awaits late-season rafters as river levels calm from peak flows

    Great whitewater awaits late-season rafters as river levels calm from peak flows

    SALIDA, Colo. – After weeks of water surging down the Arkansas River at levels not seen for a couple decades, flows have calmed along the 152 miles of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) and rafting conditions are the best they’ve been all season.

    “Flows are fantastic for this time of the year,” said Rob White, AHRA park manager. “And we expect to see great whitewater conditions throughout August and well past the Labor Day weekend.”

    River flow rates, measured in cubic feet per second, or cfs, are trending at or above 1,500 cfs in Salida and anywhere from 1,200 cfs to 1,800 cfs at key checkpoints along the river including Browns Canyon, Wellsville, Parkdale and the Royal Gorge. Those levels are well above historic averages entering August.

    “Right now, whitewater boating in the Numbers, Browns Canyon and the Royal Gorge has never been better,” White said. “These water levels are perfect for enjoying a whitewater trip with an AHRA commercial outfitter.”

    Andy Neinas, owner Echo Canyon River Expeditions which offers raft trips up and down the river, said he can’t recall sustained flows this late in the season in any of his 33 years on the Arkansas.

    “Water levels are in the sweet spot right now,” Neinas said. “The river is spectacular now. It’s sunny and warm and that makes the water feel so cool and refreshing. We have whitewater that’s perfect for families and challenging for the adventure-class of boaters.

    “And we’re going to have great water well into September. It’s incredible how much snow is still up in the mountains.”

    Grant Brown, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s boating safety program manager, said it is a relief to finally be talking about river rafting again after a string of river fatalities statewide with the majority resulting from private boaters.

    “The news this season to date has been about high water conditions,” Brown said. “But now rivers flows have returned to their normal levels and that should make for an exciting and extended floating season.”

    That’s also the message from Bob Hamel, director for Arkansas River Outfitters Association.

    “We’re way past the high flows of runoff,” Hamel said. “But the sustained flows are providing exciting rafting and splashy waves conducive to families while still offering challenges to advanced rafters.

    “We’re expecting a strong finish to the season and that’s good news for residents of Colorado. August and September will be a great time to go rafting for locals as the out-of-staters leave. We should finish the season very strong.”

    Last year, the 50-plus outfitters along the Arkansas River counted about 225,000 rafting customers who challenged the Arkansas River through the AHRA.

    Safety is always a priority when recreating within the AHRA. If you are not familiar with the Arkansas River or current conditions, please contact the AHRA Visitor Center in Salida at 719-539-7289.

     

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