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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Nature & Science

  • Keeping a safe distance from wildlife in national parks

    Keeping a safe distance from wildlife in national parks

    As the national parks brace for throngs of summer visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of wildlife, Colorado State University faculty and students are improving the way parks keep people from getting too close to wild animals.

    Katie Abrams, assistant professor in the Department of Journalism and Media Communication, and Tara Teel, professor in the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, teamed up with the National Park Service to tackle the issue from a communications standpoint: What’s the most effective way to warn people about the dangers and problems posed by getting too close to animals in the parks?

    kids with deerPeople want to have an exciting wildlife experience and get a picture of it. But that doesn’t mean you have to get close. Some people think they have to zoom in with their feet, and they don’t know what a safe distance is. — Abrams says

    The campaign

    The duo developed a communication campaign and evaluated how well it worked in four national parks from June to October 2017. They targeted Assateague Island National Seashore, Grand Canyon National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Shenandoah National Park. The materials and methods that Abrams and Teel developed successfully increased the number of people keeping a safe distance from wildlife by at least 16 percent in three of the four parks.

    In addition to helping train park staff on key messaging, they worked with several CSU graduate students and a local marketing agency to develop a host of printed and digital materials around the theme “Sometimes the best relationship is a long-distance relationship.” The materials provide tips on things like how to estimate safe distances using the length of a bus, and stabilizing one’s arm to take good photos with a smartphone’s zoom feature.

    Graphic of findings

    One graphic shows a deer with the phrase, “Look, I’m really fawned of you, but I think we need space.” Another shows a close-up of a bear’s face with the statement, “Don’t make it awkward, we bearly know each other.” At Assateague, which is famous for its wild ponies, catchphrases included “You can’t foal us” and “Whoa, hold your horses!”

    Deer in forestGuidance for parks

    Abrams explains that messages like “Keep wildlife wild” are simply too broad; parks have to be more specific about preferred visitor behaviors. Another of the team’s recommendations for the parks’ messaging is to focus more on personal benefit rather than fear, and offer tools to concretely visualize safe wildlife distances.

    Abrams adds that when advised to not feed wildlife, some people think that just refers to packaged or “human” food. Plucking apples from nearby trees to feed animals is not OK either, because it emboldens animals and makes them comfortable approaching people.

    Grand Canyon tweetSeveral of the parks have incorporated the CSU team’s recommendations. On May 17, Grand Canyon officials tweeted an image developed as part of the campaign: a cat appearing to take a selfie with a charging elk, accompanied by the message “I’ll just turn my back to this wild animal. What could go wrong?” The tweet links to several safe wildlife distance tips that the CSU team advised:

    • Follow the rule of thumb: if you can cover the entire wild animal with your thumb you’re at a safe distance. This distance is usually 25 yards from most wildlife and 100 yards from large wildlife.
    • Use binoculars or a camera with zoom to view animals from a safe distance. To steady your shot, rest your elbows on your ribcage or knees.
    • Stay quiet and still on the safe side of railings — noise and quick movements can make wildlife feel threatened.

    Bear in woodsWord spreads

    Other national parks have now contacted Abrams for assistance. Glacier National Park used the CSU team’s input to develop trading card-sized handouts with tips on wildlife safety.

    Abrams will present a paper on the project at a conference in August before submitting the research for journal publication.

    The CSU graduate students involved in the project were Caitlin Evans and Heather Young of journalism and media communication and Ashley Gramza of the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology.

     

     

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  • 2018 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program RFP cycle ends June 15 – Submit Proposals Now

    2018 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program RFP cycle ends June 15 – Submit Proposals Now

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds landowners to submit proposals for the 2018 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program

    DENVER – Nine days remain for private landowners to submit proposals for the 2018 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program (CWHP) RFP managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The CWHP is a state-wide program that supports CPW’s mission by offering funding opportunities to private landowners who wish to voluntarily protect important wildlife habitats on their property, and/or provide wildlife-related recreational access to the public.

    Approximately $11 million in funding is available through the 2018 Colorado Wildlife Habitat Program. Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. on June 15.

    Funding for this year’s cycle is approximately $11 million, and is made possible through a conservation partnership with Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) and revenue generated through the sale of habitat stamps.

    The CWHP is an incentive-based and voluntary program which uses Conservation Easements, Access Easements, and in limited circumstances, Fee Title purchases to accomplish strategic wildlife conservation goals and/or public access goals. Priority is given to proposals for Conservation Easements and Public Access Easements over Fee Title purchases (per CPW Policy and Title 33-4-102.7 C.R.S.).

    To Apply:
    To apply, a landowner, or his/her designee, must complete a project proposal form (“Proposal”) that addresses one or more of the following Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission (“Commission”) priorities:

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

    All application materials, including the Proposal Instructions and the Proposal Form, are available now on the agency’s CWHP webpage:http://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/LandWaterCWHP.aspx. 

    Proposals will be accepted until 5:00 pm on Friday, June 15, 2018

    Please email completed Proposals to . You will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your Proposal. 

    A landowner may request a land trust, local government, or other conservation organization (collectively, “Third Party,”) to submit a Proposal on his/her behalf. If the Proposal involves a conservation easement to be held by a Third Party, the entity must be qualified to hold conservations easements under federal and state law. 

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  • Electric vehicles that charge as you drive? CSU gets support for study

    Electric vehicles that charge as you drive? CSU gets support for study

    Imagine never needing to stop at a gas station or wait hours while your electric car battery charges. Instead, you’d simply drive your electric vehicle, like a Nissan Leaf or Toyota Prius, and watch as your battery maintains charge. Retrofitted with a special receiver pad, your vehicle would communicate with the inductive coiled roadway beneath your car as you drove. Using the same technology to wirelessly charge a cell phone, your car’s battery would maintain charge.

    Gone would be worries about how far you can drive, or finding the next charging station. The technology for this type of hassle-free driving of electric vehicles exists – and is ready to be tested further.

    DOE support

    An electric vehicle drives on a test track. Photo courtesy of SELECT

    To further explore the idea, a joint team composed of Colorado State University, Utah State University and Purdue University researchers, and infrastructure development firm AECOM, has been awarded $500,000 from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy(ARPA-E). They received the support under the IDEAS program – Innovative Development in Energy-Related Applied Science.

    The diverse team of researchers and private businesses will evaluate how best to roll out in-motion charging technology for electric vehicles, and look at the benefits from both a cost and environmental standpoint. They will use lower Los Angeles County as a test bed.

    “Electric roadways could revolutionize how we think about transportation,” said CSU Energy Institute researcher and mechanical engineering assistant professor Jason Quinn. “Looking at the feasibility of adoption, cost and emissions savings will help us understand what it actually takes to implement this exciting new technology.”

    Interdisciplinary methods

    Quinn is working with mechanical engineering associate professor Thomas Bradley, using detailed computer models of traffic in lower Los Angeles to evaluate the potential of the new technology. They’ll also look at the cost of implementation, and potential emission reductions once adopted.

    ARPA-E’s IDEAS program provides rapid support of early-stage applied research to explore pioneering new concepts that have the potential to be transformative in energy technology. “This program identifies potentially disruptive concepts in energy-related technologies that challenge the status quo and represent a leap beyond today’s technology,” explains the ARPA-E website.

    The project’s lead is Professor Regan Zane of Utah State University and will be initially awarded $500,000 over one year, but may be considered for future funding.

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  • Marijuana Annual Data Report for 2017 Released

    Marijuana Annual Data Report for 2017 Released

    DENVER, CO — The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) released its 2017 annual update, which includes several new sets of data, specifically the pounds and units of concentrates sold monthly, the average life cycle of a plant, and pounds of harvested marijuana cultivated throughout 2017. The data analysis showed that adult use (formerly referred to as retail) edible sales increased 29 percent from 2016, while medical edible sales dropped 14 percent during the same time period. Additionally, the adult use market saw significantly more concentrates sold than the medical market in 2017.

    Colorado’s Marijuana Plant Cultivation Report 2017

    A total of 11,400,752 plants were harvested in 2017, averaging 950,063 per month. This adds up to an additional 121,197 plants cultivated on average per month in 2017 compared to 2016, producing a 14.6% annual growth rate in the number of plants being cultivated. The total amount of usable marijuana reports to be 999,022 pounds (including flower, shake/trim, and whole plant).

    In an effort to track data year-over-year, 2017 information specific to licensing data, number of cultivated plants, volume sold to customers, testing data and investigation information were once again tracked and summarized.

    The Department of Revenue always strives for transparency. This annual update is the culmination of our team’s ongoing data collection and analysis in an effort to provide the public with accurate information about Colorado’s marijuana industry. — Mike Hartman, Executive Director of the Department of Revenue

    In this year’s update, MED also reported that the majority of new licenses were issued in the adult-use marijuana industry, which accounted for 77 percent of all new business licenses in 2017. While MED saw a 20 percent net increase in active occupational licenses, only 32 percent of all occupational licenses were renewed. MED also found that the percentage of licensees passing underage sales checks rose to 95.1 percent in 2017 as compared to 94 percent in 2016.

    While we’re pleased that the percentage of licensees passing underage compliance checks increased from 2016, that number still isn’t good enough. We’ll continue to increase the frequency of our enforcement efforts and further educate marijuana licensees on their operational requirements vital to protecting public health and safety. Importantly, business licenses are subject to discipline, including revocation, if management is not diligent about underage enforcement and associated employee training. — Jim Burack, MED Director

    Volume Sold to Consumers Report for 2017

    Pounds of flower Sold: 411,143

    Edible Units Sold: 11,146,427

    Flower Sales
    The margin of Adult Use flower sales and Medical flower sales has increased from 24% in January to 44% in December, 2017.

    Edible and Concentrates
    477% more concentrate units were sold in the Adult Use market compared to Medical in 2017.

     

    MED uses data included in this summary to inform its regulatory and enforcement efforts. The update helps to drive discussions during the annual rulemaking process and is one tool that helps inform topics for MED compliance tips and industry bulletins issued throughout the year. To view MED’s 2017 annual report and all previous mid-year and annual reports.

    For additional information on this detailed report please click here.

    Colorado Department of Revenue ·1375 Sherman Street · Denver, CO 80203· www.Colorado.gov/revenue

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  • A message from our President, and more, while we remember our veterans this Memorial Day weekend…

    “>

    …along the I-70 Corridor

    Saturday, May 26th

    • Tri-Valley VFW and Jess-Yaich American Legion Memorial Day Services. 10 a.m., Corridor of Honor Military Memorial, Bennett Civic Center Park.

    Monday, May 28th (Memorial Day)

    • Bennett Memorial Day services. 10 a.m., Mountainview Cemetery.
    • Deer Trail services. 11 a.m., Evergreen Cemetery.
    • Byers services. 12 p.m., Byers Cemetery.

    The Weekend with Colorado Parks and Wildlife

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds outdoor enthusiasts that our wealth of outdoor activities also come with responsibilities.

    Our staff takes pride in seeing so many people getting outdoors and enjoying the many kinds of summer recreation in the state. We ask that people who are getting outside this holiday weekend and over the course of the summer remember that a bit of preparation goes a long way. Knowing the rules and maintaining proper equipment is a big part of a having safe and fun summer. — Dan Prenzlow, Southeast Regional Manager for CPW

    Boating Requirements and Safety:

    • In Colorado, anyone operating a motorboat, including a personal watercraft or sailboat, must be at least 16 years old. However, youths 14 and 15 years of age can operate a motorboat, jet ski or sailboat if they successfully complete the state’s Boating Safety Course. The course is offered throughout the state and is open to adults as well as teens; though adults are not required to take the course, doing so may qualify owners for a discount on boat insurance.
    • US Coast Guard-approved safety equipment is required on all boats. Though some activities such as water skiing require additional equipment, every boat must minimally have a personal flotation device for every person on board. Our Boating Regulations brochure details the specific requirements for all boating and PWC activities in Colorado.
    • Never operate any watercraft while under the influence. Drinking and boating can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than drinking and driving. Not only will operators experience the negative effects on judgment, vision, balance, coordination and reaction times associated with alcohol consumption, but they may also be affected by “Boater’s Hypnosis.” Boater’s hypnosis, or boater’s fatigue, is caused by exposure to noise, vibration, sun, glare, wind and motion experienced on the water. In Colorado, a BUI can be punishable by a year in jail, a loss of boating privileges for 3 months, fines up to $1000 and 96 hours of community service.
    • Boat owners must participate in mandatory state-certified boat inspections to help prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels and other aquatic nuisance species (ANS) in Colorado lakes and reservoirs. These invasive species are a serious threat to Colorado waters, negatively affecting the food chain and endangering key infrastructures. To help prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels, boaters should remember to follow these steps: Clean, Drain, Dry.

    Living with Wildlife:

    This young sheep has not been abandoned; young wildlife rarely need human intervention.
    • Colorado is fortunate to count over 900 species of wildlife among our residents. Respecting wildlife while enjoying our state’s natural treasures is all of our responsibility! Most dangerous encounters occur because people fail to leave wild animals alone. Wildlife should not be harassed, captured, domesticated or fed. Intentional or inadvertent feeding is the major cause of most wildlife problems, not to mention it is illegal to feed deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, pronghorn, bears and elk in Colorado.
    • Spring and early summer is the season for young wildlife and it’s important to remember that wildlife does not operate the same way domesticated animals do. They frequently leave their young to find food sources or even distract predators. If you see a young animal alone, never try to take matters into your own hands – it is best to let nature take its course without human intervention. If an animal is clearly injured or remains alone for more than 24 hours, then call your nearest CPW office.
    • Remember when planning hiking and camping trips that much of the state is also bear country. Before heading out for your adventures, brush up on how to enjoy the outdoors in bear countrywithout unintentionally creating problems or potential conflicts with these amazing animals. Black bears are not naturally aggressive with humans, but they are strongly motivated by food, garbage and anything else that smells like a meal. Once they learn to find an easy meal at a campsite or in a car, they can damage property or even injure humans when returning to find additional food.

    Trails for All:

    • Review and respect trail signage. Many multi-use trails have right-of-way indicators, as well as displaying alternating days or directions for different types of traffic; obeying the signs and rules make the trails safer for everyone. Additionally, wildlife warnings may be posted at trailheads or online, so ensure you are prepared with the right clothing and equipment and learn about closures before you go.
    • Follow the rules and the law by keeping your dogs safe and secure. Dogs should be kept on a 6’ or shorter leash unless in a specified off-leash area. This keeps the dog on the trail, close to its owner and away from inadvertent wildlife encounters. If you bring your dog camping or hiking, follow posted signs about where they are – and are not – allowed to walk and swim. Always bring appropriate waste bags to pick up dog waste and carry it out with you in case a trash can is not located nearby.
    • If using motorized vehicles on our state’s trails, remember that off-highway vehicles must be registered and/or permitted with Colorado Parks and Wildlife . Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) include motorcycles, dirt bikes, three-wheelers, ATVs, and dune buggies that are operated on public land or trails in Colorado. As with all motorized vehicles, do not operate under the influence!

    We expect a busy summer at all of our parks, and on water and trails across the state. Before packing for your trips, check in on local water conditions, fire bans or other issues that might affect your plans. Know before you go and enjoy your summer. — Prenzlow

    TIP OF THE WEEK from Adams County Fire Rescue

     Grill Safely during Memorial Day gatherings 

    As thousands of people prepare for Memorial Day weekend celebrations, Adams County Fire Rescue would like to remind the public to practice these safety recommendations when planning outdoor grilling activities.

    • Use caution when cooking on outdoor grills to prevent painful burn injuries and inhalation of smoke and gases.
    • Never use gasoline in place of charcoal lighter fluid.
    • Never reapply charcoal lighter fluid after the fire has started; the flames can ignite the vapors and travel up to the container causing an explosion.
    • Outdoor grills should never be used in confined spaces, such as inside homes, campers or tents, or any other area that is not properly ventilated.
    • Residents living in apartment complexes have regulating laws on the usage of outdoor grills, whether charcoal or gas, under a covered combustible walkway, combustible decks or covered combustible balconies. Charcoal burners and other open- flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction. Exceptions are if the building, balcony and/or deck are protected by an automatic sprinkler system. Another exception is LP-gas cooking devices having an LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 2.5 pounds. A citation can be issued to the person, owning or operating the grill being used at the time within the prohibited area. ACFR allows the storage of outdoor grills on balconies, decks or walkways only if they do not have an attached propane tank.

     

    …A Message From the President

    Gov. Hickenlooper orders flags lowered to honor Memorial Day 2018

    DENVER — Gov. John Hickenlooper today ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings statewide on Monday, May 28, in recognition of Memorial Day, and as proclaimed by President Donald J. Trump. Flags should be lowered from sunrise to noon.

    A PROCLAMATION HONORING MEMORIAL DAY 2018
    BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

    On Memorial Day, we pause in solemn gratitude to pay tribute to the brave patriots who laid down their lives defending peace and freedom while in military service to our great Nation.  We set aside this day to honor their sacrifice and to remind all Americans of the tremendous price of our precious liberty.
     
    Throughout the history of our Republic, courageous Americans have purchased our cherished freedom with their lives.  Our 151 national cemeteries serve as the final resting place for millions of people, including veterans from every war and conflict, many of whom died while serving our country.  We remain duty bound to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf and to remember them with thankfulness and unwavering pride. The fallen — our treasured loved ones, friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens — deserve nothing less from a grateful Nation.
     
    We must safeguard the legacies of our service members so that our children and our grandchildren will understand the sacrifices of our Armed Forces.  As a part of this effort, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is working to keep the memories of our fallen heroes from ever fading away. The National Cemetery Administration’s Veterans Legacy Program challenges our youth, from elementary school through college, to research and share the stories and sacrifice of their hometown veterans, who are forever honored at VA National, State, and tribal veterans cemeteries.  To further ensure that our veterans’ legacies are remembered and celebrated, this program is developing an online memorialization platform that will amplify the voices of families, survivors, and Gold Star parents and spouses as they honor our beloved veterans and fallen service members.
     
    Today, and every day, we revere those who have died in noble service to our country.  I call upon all Americans to remember the selfless service members who have been laid to rest in flag-draped coffins and their families who have suffered the greatest loss.  The sacrifices of our hallowed dead demand our Nation’s highest honor and deepest gratitude. On this day, let us also unite in prayer for lasting peace in our troubled world so that future generations will enjoy the blessings of liberty and independence.
     
    In honor and recognition of all of our fallen heroes, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, as amended (36 U.S.C. 116), has requested the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer.  The Congress, by Public Law 106-579, has also designated 3:00 p.m. local time on that day as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance.
     
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 28, 2018, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer.
     
    I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
     
    I also request the Governors of the United States and its Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control.  I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period.
     
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second.
     
    DONALD J. TRUMP

     

     

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  • CSU hosts Master Gardener & Plant Sale — May 19 & 20

    CSU hosts Master Gardener & Plant Sale — May 19 & 20

    Colorado State University Denver Extension will host its 13th-annual Master Gardener Plant Sale at Denver’s Harvard Gulch Park, 888 E. Iliff Ave., Denver, on Saturday, May 19 (8 a.m.-3 p.m.), and Sunday, May 20 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.). The sale includes tomatoes, flowers, chiles, herbs, and vegetables, grown from seed by CSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers.

    The Denver Master Gardener CSU Extension Plant Sale is not to be missed if you are interested in gardening. We have everything you need, from flowers to vegetables to perennials, that thrive in our crazy Colorado climate. — CSU Denver Extension horticulture agent Dan Goldhamer

    Plants are available while supplies last. Gently-used gardening containers, tools, hanging baskets, and books will also be on sale. Proceeds support the CSU Denver Extension programs, including youth development, nutrition education, and Master Gardener training.

    Event Features

    Master Gardener volunteers will be available on-site to assist attendees with plant selection and answer gardening questions.

    CSU will host a hospitality booth with refreshments. Attendees will have the chance to win door prizes, including CSU Athletics tickets, regardless of whether they purchase anything at the sale. CSU cheerleaders will also be available for photos. Attendees wearing CSU gear will receive $5 off their purchase.

    RSVP NOW

      

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  • CPW OFFICERS KILL BEAR SUSPECTED OF INJURING GIRL IN SUNDAY MORNING ATTACK

    CPW OFFICERS KILL BEAR SUSPECTED OF INJURING GIRL IN SUNDAY MORNING ATTACK

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers killed a bear overnight, believed to have been the bear responsible for injuring a young girl in an early Sunday morning attack in East Orchard Mesa. CPW officers will transport the bear’s carcass to the agency’s Wildlife Health Laboratory in Fort Collins for a full necropsy. Wildlife officers placed three traps in the area overnight, actively monitoring them and continuing the investigation, when they observed the bear walking up to a residence approximately a half-mile away from the location of the attack. Officers killed the bear before it entered the trap. Based on the description of the bear and its behavior, wildlife officers are confident the dead bear is the same bear involved in the attack on the girl.

    The necropsy, along with DNA results will provide the confirmation, but we are confident we have the right bear. However, we will leave all three traps in place for the time being out of an abundance of caution. — Area Wildlife Manager Kirk Oldham

    CPW will release the results of the necropsy when they become available. In addition to the traps, CPW officers and USDA Wildlife Services personnel will continue searching the area for any additional bears. Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises the public to avoid attracting bears, and all wildlife, to their residences by removing attractants, including trash, bird feeders and other potential sources of food.

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  • Ag Secretary Perdue Begins “Back to Our Roots” Tour

    Ag Secretary Perdue Begins “Back to Our Roots” Tour

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue embarks on his fourth “Back to Our Roots” today to hear ideas and concerns from local farmers, ranchers, producers, foresters, agriculture students, business owners, community leaders, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees. The tour will last through Thursday and include stops in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. During different segments of the tour, Secretary Perdue will be joined by Governor Susana Martinez (NM), Governor John Hickenlooper (CO) Governor Pete Ricketts (NE), Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte (NM), Agriculture Commissioner Don Brown (CO), Agriculture Director Doug Miyamoto (WY), Director of Agriculture Steve Wellman (NE), and American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) President Zippy Duvall.

    This tour is another great chance to escape Washington and meet face-to-face with America’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and foresters. We want to take our message directly to the American people and give them an opportunity to express their ideas and concerns. As Congress and the Administration continue their work on important issues like rural infrastructure, trade, and the Farm Bill, USDA stands ready to give the agriculture community a voice. — Secretary Perdue 

    Background

This is Secretary Perdue’s fourth “Back to Our Roots” tour since taking office just over a year ago. On his first tour in August of 2017, Secretary Perdue toured Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. In September of 2017, Secretary Perdue traveled on his second tour to Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Most recently, Secretary Perdue visited Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky during his third tour in early April.

    The Schedule

    MONDAY, May 14th

    NEW MEXICO

    Secretary Perdue Visits Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue will participate in a meet and greet with Santa Fe National Forest employees and cooperators during the annual Forest Management Plan consultation meeting.

    WHEN: MONDAY, May 14th at 10:15 a.m. MDT

    WHERE: Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters, 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508

    Secretary Perdue and Governor Martinez Tour Santa Fe Watershed

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue will meet Governor Martinez for a briefing and tour of the Santa Fe Watershed and forest treatments.

    WHEN: MONDAY, May 14th at 11:00 a.m. MDT

    WHERE: Santa Fe Water History Park, 1209 Upper Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM 87501

    Secretary Perdue, Governor Martinez, and Secretary Witte Participate in Roundtable Discussion with New Mexico’s Agriculture Leaders

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue, Governor Martinez, and Secretary Witte will visit the New Mexico State Capitol for a roundtable discussion with the state’s agriculture leaders.

    WHEN: MONDAY, May 14th at 12:30 p.m. MDT

    WHERE: New Mexico State Capitol, 490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM 87501

    COLORADO

    Secretary Perdue Visits Hirakata Farms

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue will tour Hirakata Farms with owner Michael Hirakata.                       

    WHEN: MONDAY, May 14th at 5:30 p.m. MDT

    WHERE: Hirakata Farms, 22161 County Road CC, Rocky Ford, CO 80906

    TUESDAY, May 15th 

    COLORADO

    Secretary Perdue Visits Food Maven

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue will tour the food distribution center with Patrick Bultema, CEO of Food Maven. The Secretary will then participate in a roundtable discussion with the Food Maven board and its partnering producers and restauranteurs. Following the roundtable discussion, Secretary Perdue will hold a media availability.

    WHEN: TUESDAY, May 15th at 9:30 a.m. MDT

    WHERE: 218 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

    Secretary Perdue, Commissioner Brown, and AFBF President Duvall Participates in Town Hall Luncheon at the Colorado Department of Agriculture

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue, Commissioner Brown, and AFBF President Duvall will join a town hall luncheon hosted by the Colorado Ag Council.

    WHEN: TUESDAY, May 15th at 12:00 p.m. MDT WHERE: San Juan Room, Colorado Department of Agriculture, 305 Interlocken Parkway, Broomfield, CO 80021

    Secretary Perdue and AFBF President Duvall Attend Labor Roundtable at Sakata Farms

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue and AFBF President Duvall will participate in a roundtable conversation with fruit and vegetable growers to discuss labor issues. Following the roundtable discussion, Secretary Perdue and Governor Hickenlooper will hold a media availability.

    WHEN: TUESDAY, May 15th at 2:15 p.m. MDT

    WHERE: Sakata Farm Conference Room, 384 East Bromley Lane, Brighton, CO 80601

    Secretary Perdue and AFBF President Zippy Duvall Tour Leprino Foods

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue and AFBF President Zippy Duvall will meet Mike Durkin, President and CEO of Leprino Foods, before touring the Greeley Facility. The Secretary will hold a media availability after the tour; however, press will not be allowed to tour the facility due to the facility’s food safety protocol.

    WHEN: TUESDAY, May 15th at 4:00 p.m. MDT (Tour) and 5:00 p.m. MDT (Media Availability)

    WHERE: Leprino Foods: Greeley Facility, 1302 1st Avenue, Greeley, CO 80631

    WEDNESDAY, May 16th

    COLORADO

    Secretary Perdue Visits National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation & National Seed Storage Lab

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue will meet with USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) employees before touring the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation & National Seed Storage Lab. Following the tour, the Secretary will hold a media availability.

    WHEN: WEDNESDAY, May 16th at 10:15 a.m. MDT

    WHERE: National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation & National Seed Storage Lab, 1111 South Mason Street, Fort Collins, CO 80512

    Secretary Perdue Visits the APHIS National Wildlife Research Center

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue will visit the APHIS National Wildlife Research Center to hear an overview of the National Feral Swine Damage Management Program and Feral Swine Research Program. The Secretary will then tour the facility to observe the Genetics Lab, Toxicology Lab, a Drone/ Unmanned Aircraft Systems Demonstration, Rabies Research, and a Remote Darting Demonstration. Following the tour, the Secretary will hold a media availability.

    WHEN: WEDNESDAY, May 16th at 12:00 p.m. MDT

    WHERE: Wildlife Science Building, 4101 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80512

    WYOMING

    Secretary Perdue Visits Climb Wyoming

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue will tour Climb Wyoming before participating in a roundtable discussion with program graduates, employer partners, training providers, and other stakeholders. Following the event, the Secretary will hold a media availability.

    WHEN: WEDNESDAY, May 16th at 3:20 p.m. MDT

    WHERE: Climb Wyoming, 1001 West 31st Street, Cheyenne, WY 82001

    Secretary Perdue and Director Miyamoto Participate in Roundtable at Wyoming Stock Growers Association

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue and Director Miyamoto will participate in a roundtable discussion with Wyoming Stock Growers Association and other Wyoming agriculture stakeholders. Following the roundtable, the Secretary will hold a media availability.

    WHEN: WEDNESDAY, May 16th at 5:10 p.m. MDT

    WHERE: Wyoming Stock Growers Association Office, 113 East 20th Street, Cheyenne, WY 82001

    THURSDAY, May 17th

    NEBRASKA

    Secretary Perdue, Governor Ricketts, and Director Wellman Visit Ackerman Ag Service and Supply

    WHAT: Secretary Perdue, Governor Ricketts, and Director Wellman will tour Ackerman Ag Service and Supply before the Secretary and Governor participate in a discussion on various rural issues with local leaders. After the event, the Secretary will hold a media availability.  

    WHEN: THURSDAY, May 17th at 10:30 a.m. MDT

    WHERE: Ackerman Ag Service and Supply, 115 Cody Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301

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  • Bennett Tractor Supply will Feature Local Goods at Spring Market Day — Saturday, May 12

    Community Invited to Shop Homemade, Homegrown Items May 12

    Bennett, CO — Tractor Supply Company in Bennett is showcasing the talents of local craft makers, artisans and growers during its spring Market Day event Saturday, May 12. Community members are invited to celebrate spring by shopping local, homemade and homegrown goods at the Bennett Tractor Supply from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Crafters and growers will display their goods for sale in tented areas in front of the Tractor Supply store.

    Market Day allows us to provide a space for the Bennett community to come together to shop local, support their neighbors, and highlight the incredible talent that’s right here in our own backyard. You never know what you might find at this one-day event—or how it might inspire your family’s next crafting or growing adventure. — Anthony Fouse, manager of the Bennett Tractor Supply

    Tractor Supply’s Market Day will take place Saturday, May 12 at 200 Marketplace Drive. Contact the Bennett Tractor Supply store at 303-644-5110 for more details or information about participating in the event!

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  • Ag Secretary Perdue in Colorado TOMORROW — April 27

    Ag Secretary Perdue in Colorado TOMORROW — April 27

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue will be in Colorado TOMORROW, Friday, April 27th to speak at the Water in the West Symposium hosted by Colorado State University. Secretary Perdue will be joined by former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for a conversation on issues surrounding food production and water use. 

    Secretary Perdue to Speak at Water in the West Symposium and Hold Media Availability 
    WHAT: Secretary Perdue and former Secretary Vilsack will participate in a discussion on the challenges and opportunities of agriculture and water conservation. Following the event, the Secretary will hold a media availability. 
    WHEN: TOMORROW, Friday, April 27th at 11:15 a.m. MT 
    WHERE: McNichols Civic Center Building, 144 W. Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO 80202

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