fbpx

The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: Nature & Science

  • Fish for free this weekend in Colorado, June 4-5

    Fish for free this weekend in Colorado, June 4-5

    Pictured at John Martin Reservoir State Park

    DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife invites resident and nonresident anglers of all ages and skillsets to participate in its annual Free Fishing Weekend on June 4 and 5.

    Free Fishing Weekend is a great way to get outside with family and friends and take advantage of Colorado’s extensive opportunities to fish for a variety of cold and warm water fish species.​

    No license is required this weekend to fish. All other rules and regulations apply. To learn more about fishing season dates and license fees, visit cpw.state.co.us.

    From reservoirs, lakes and ponds to rivers and high-altitude streams, Colorado is a highly-regarded fishing destination. The state features nearly 9,000 miles of trout streams -321 miles of which are designated Gold Medal waters –  and over 1,300 angling locations, all managed for high-quality fishing. Angling in Colorado equals opportunities to catch some 35 species of warm-water and cold-water fish.

    In 2021, over one million fishing licenses were sold in Colorado. The sale of fishing licenses allows CPW to maintain and conserve fish habitat that promotes better fishing in the state.

    For more information on fishing in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/Fishing or read the 2022 Colorado Fishing Brochure – Pesca en Colorado​ (En Español)​​​​​​​

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife shares boating safety tips in support of National Safe Boating Week

    Enjoy the water, but always do so with a life jacket on – they save lives!

    DENVER – As boat ramps open and warmer temperatures entice people to recreate on the water, Colorado Parks and Wildlife urges people to wear a life jacket and boat responsibly this summer.

    In honor of National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, 2022, CPW is promoting safe boating tips to educate outdoor enthusiasts on how to take caution on Colorado waters while enjoying water sports like boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming and fishing.

    With increased visitation in outdoor spaces throughout the state, water-based recreation remains a popular pastime in Colorado. There have already been four drownings in Colorado this year. In 2021, there were 22 total drownings in Colorado, which was down from the 34 drownings in 2020. That 2020 figure is the highest number of drownings on record in the state.

    “We recommend all boaters and passengers wear a life jacket while on the water at all times,” said Grant Brown, Boating Safety Program Manager for CPW. “Regardless of your age or experience level, the data shows that life jackets save lives. We want people to have fun on the water and not be afraid of it, so we encourage you to bring the proper safety gear so you have a positive outdoor experience.”

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

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

    In addition to recreating responsibly on Colorado’s waters, boaters are reminded to help keep state waterways clean from aquatic invasive species. Colorado lakes and reservoirs are free of invasive mussels, but more boats were found with mussel infestations in 2021. Mussels are destructive to aquatic habitats and can seriously damage reservoir infrastructure and cause problems on boats.

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

  • CPW reminds boaters, paddlers to be cautious in windy conditions and to know the dangers of cold water

    A woman sets off on her water outing Friday at Chatfield State Park, wisely with a life jacket on

    DENVER – As Colorado’s weather starts to warm and paddle sport enthusiasts come out of hibernation, Colorado Parks and Wildlife would like to remind them to be careful of the windy and cold water conditions.

    The best safety precaution one can take is to wear a life jacket at all times while out on the water.

    “We see a large increase in requests for help from kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders during windy conditions,” said Kris Wahlers, Park Manager at Chatfield State Park. “It’s not unusual for paddlers to plan to stay close to shore, but get blown across the lake or into spots difficult to get out of when wind comes up.”  

    Getting blown off course can happen very quickly and is difficult to return from because of a headwind and waves. People use a lot of energy paddling and maintaining balance making it harder to paddle in those conditions.  

    What’s worse, it is easy to lose your balance and get separated from your paddleboard or kayak in windy conditions. It’s best to avoid being in those conditions from the get-go, and that plays into the responsibility of the user to know before you go.  

    Check the weather report before you come to the lake and watch the conditions while you are there. 

    “Wind typically moves in from the west in the early afternoon, pay close attention to that direction and time to avoid being caught unaware,” Wahlers added. “If you do get caught, it’s best to wait for conditions to improve or to walk along the shoreline if possible. Anytime you’re paddling, the easiest way to stay safe is to wear your life jacket.”

    Power boaters need to be aware as well.  

    “It’s generally easier for power boats in windy conditions while everything is in good working order,” Wahlers said. “If they lose power, that can change very quickly.”  

    Boaters are asked to make sure their boat is in good working order, bring plenty of fuel, an anchor if they need to keep from moving during a power loss and a paddle if they need to move. A good rule of thumb for anchoring is to have three times more rope than the water is deep, so 150 feet of rope in 50 feet of water. Not having enough rope doesn’t allow the anchor to set well and it could work itself out.

    Take precautions to protect your​self from the heightened dangers of sudden, unexpected cold water immersion while on early and late season boating outings, especially on small boats.

    “Anglers, swimmers, paddlers and all boaters must be aware of the risks of cold water,” Wahlers said. “Paddlers and any boater on the water can take precautions and prevent being suddenly thrown overboard, swamped or stranded in cold water.”

    Sudden immersion in cold water can cause gasping and inhalation of water and hypothermia, resulting in unconsciousness or swimming failure as muscles become numb. Wearing a life jacket will keep your head above water and support your body should your swimming ability fail or you become unconscious.

    CPW officers have noticed a lot of people overestimate their ability to ‘swim out of a problem.’ Because of this, CPW recommends anyone out on the water wear a life jacket.

  • Visitors to public lands strongly encouraged to #KnowBeforeYouGo this summer

    Visitors to public lands strongly encouraged to #KnowBeforeYouGo this summer

    Federal, state and county agencies remind everyone to plan ahead when visiting public lands, know the specific conditions and regulations, and bring what’s necessary for a safe experience.

    DENVER – With visitation to northern Colorado Front Range trails expected to increase over the holiday weekend and beyond, a group of eight federal, state, and county land managers remind visitors to plan ahead before heading to public lands. Visitors are encouraged to have safe, enjoyable outdoor experiences while helping to preserve natural areas for future generations.

    Public land agencies with lands along northern Colorado’s Front Range remind visitors to “Know Before You Go” and prepare for your visit over Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer, including:

    • Anticipate what you will need for your activity and know your limits. Local public land agencies continue to see sustained high numbers of rescues. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Wear appropriate clothing for cold, wet, or changing weather conditions and look at the weather forecast and trail information for your specific destination. Tell people where you’re going and when you plan to return. Make sure to bring food and water.

    • Know which public lands allow dogs on trails, and which don’t.  Know when leashes are required, and always pack out waste. Pack extra water for your pup; dogs can suffer from heat stroke just as humans do. Dog waste does not biodegrade and negatively impacts water quality. Be prepared to pack out all dog waste when receptacles aren’t available.

    • Know how to handle wildlife encounters. Understanding how to coexist with wildlife is an important part of a safe recreation experience. Be aware if you will be visiting areas with wildlife and learn ahead of time how to safely manage encounters for you and the animal. Always keep your distance.

    • Plan for where you will park and have alternatives. Be flexible and have an alternate plan in case the parking lot is full. Look at park information ahead of time to see whether a reservation is required. Take shuttles to popular recreation areas and check parking lot cameras if available. Be aware that illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed.

    • Stay on the trail. Walk through mud to avoid widening the trail and damaging resources. If you need to step off trail to let others pass, avoid stepping on vegetation. Help protect sensitive wildlife habitats by staying on trail and out of wildlife closure areas.

    • Be careful with fire. Know that a fire can start from the smallest spark or prolonged heat on dry tinder. Remember to check local fire bans or restrictions.

    • Know and follow all rules and regulations. Review agency rules and regulations before heading to the trailhead as individual areas may have special restrictions or guidelines. Note that higher elevations can still have snow this time of year, and some roads may still be closed. For areas or activities requiring reservations, check far in advance.


    Watch Video: Tips from Colorado Front Range Public Land Managers: Know Before You Go 
    Listen: Colorado Outdoors podcast discussing the NoCo PLACES 2050 collaboration

    The group of public land agencies who participated in this joint release remind visitors to view critical advisories and trail maps BEFORE planning visits to public lands:


    Visitors can also download the following trail apps developed with support from local municipalities, counties, the State of Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and Great Outdoors Colorado:


    Media Contacts:


    These messages are part of a broader effort by eight agencies collaborating on ways to address the challenges of high visitation and a growing population in northern Colorado’s foothills and mountains. Called NoCo PLACES 2050, this collaboration is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of public lands in Colorado and the quality of the visitor experience. Learn about NoCo PLACES 2050.

  • Get outside and celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day on May 21

    Get outside and celebrate Colorado Public Lands Day on May 21

    DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife, along with partners from federal, local and state agencies, are all celebrating Colorado Public Lands Day on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Free events, stewardship projects and outdoor adventures are being offered across the state to highlight the importance of our public lands. 

    Colorado Public Lands Day is an annual opportunity to give back to our lands and connect communities across the state. 

    “Not only do public lands conserve critical habitat for fish and wildlife, but they also sustain a vibrant economic engine for Colorado,” said CPW Acting Director Heather Dugan. “Whether it’s tourism, hunting, fishing, camping, hiking or dirt biking, our public lands are a vital part of Colorado’s allure and natural beauty.”

    Colorado became the first state in the nation to establish its own public lands day in 2016 when Governor Hickenlooper signed the bipartisan bill into law. The purpose of this holiday is to celebrate the significant contributions that national, state and local public lands within Colorado make to wildlife, outdoor recreation, the economy and to Coloradans’ quality of life.

    Some Colorado state park events on May 21 include:

    • Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area: Annual Cleanup Greenup
    • Lathrop State Park: Colorado Public Lands Day Geology Hike
    • Mueller State Park: Hike to Dynamite and Cahill Cabins
    • Barr Lake State Park: Park cleanup

    For event information, visit cpw.state.co.us/copubliclandsday. 
    Additional events can also be found at copubliclandsday.com.

  • May in the Mile High City: Heavy snowfall forecast for Denver area

    May in the Mile High City: Heavy snowfall forecast for Denver area

    AccuWeather meteorologists expect a general 3-6 inches of slushy snow to accumulate on non-paved surfaces around downtown Denver, while the foothills to the west and the Palmer Divide to the south could pick up a foot or more on non-paved surfaces from Friday night to early Saturday.

    AccuWeather Global Weather Center – May 20, 2022 – The calendar may read mid-May but parts of Colorado, including the Denver metro area, are bracing for a storm that would make winter proud. AccuWeather forecasters say the 93-degree AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperature that roasted the Mile High City on Thursday will be a distant memory by Friday and into the early part of the weekend.

    Winter storm watches and warnings were in effect across a large section of Colorado and northward into Wyoming, and for good reason. AccuWeather meteorologists are calling for 3-6 inches of accumulation in downtown Denver and some places on the southern and western side of the Denver metro area could see as much as a foot of snow pile up, enough to potentially result in widespread power outages.

    Red flag warnings were in place for much of eastern Colorado on Thursday — a sign of how changeable the spring weather can be in Colorado at this time of year.

    A rush of cold air will bring an end to temperatures in the 70- to 90-degree range, and it will also allow rain to transition into accumulating snow from Montana to Colorado as a storm arrives from the Northwest. In some locations, snowfall totals could even surpass a foot.

    Denver will plummet at least 50 degrees from high of 88 Thursday to the mid-30s Friday morning. In fact, the temperature fell by 21 degrees in just 7 minutes between 7:37 p.m. and 7:44 p.m. MDT on Thursday evening when the cold front moved through Denver. Temperatures may struggle to rise more than a few degrees Friday before dipping to the upper 20s Friday night with snow in the forecast. The old record low of 31 that was set in 2019 is poised to fall.

    May in the Mile High City: Heavy snowfall forecast for Denver area (Full Story) >>

  • After an exhaustive search for a missing party, Cherry Creek State Park will re-open to boating Friday

    After an exhaustive search for a missing party, Cherry Creek State Park will re-open to boating Friday

    AURORA, Colo. – The recovery operation in the search for the missing 29-year-old male victim in the reservoir at Cherry Creek State Park continues. The reservoir will re-open to boating on Friday at 6 a.m.

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife, South Metro Fire Rescue, Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and volunteers from Tightline Outdoors participated in the five-day recovery operation while the reservoir was closed. They utilized specialized underwater equipment, drones and personnel to search and support Cherry Creek State Park.

    During the six-day closure everyone involved maximized technology and personal resources to the fullest. The reservoir bottom has been thoroughly searched with specialized equipment to the extent they were designed for. CPW will continue searching difficult areas with an underwater drone that is not impacted by lake traffic and will continue to search shorelines and utilize equipment on daily patrols.

    Now that the specialized equipment has been provided a search environment without boaters and has been maximized to the fullest extent, CPW will re-open the lake. CPW will maintain an investigation into all possibilities regarding the report of the missing victim.

    CPW sincerely thanks all participants for their dedication and continued time with the search. The goal has been and will continue to be to bring closure for all impacted by this tragic event.

    If you have any information regarding this incident please contact CPW’s Denver office at 303-291-7227.

    Stay up to date on the latest in the search and the status of the reservoir as it pertains to boating by following CPW’s Northeast Region Twitter account,@CPW_NE.

  • Dangerous winds, wildfire conditions returning to New Mexico

    Editors Note UPDATES: Recasts, updates throughout with strong winds returning, hampering efforts to battle blaze, fresh quotes. Links additional AP Photos. With AP Photos.

    By CEDAR ATTANASIO and BRIAN MELLEY
    Associated Press

    LAS VEGAS, N.M. (AP) _ After a few days of calm that allowed some families who had fled wildfires raging in northeast New Mexico to return to their homes, dangerous winds picked up again Sunday, threatening to spread spot fires and complicate work for firefighters.

    More than 1,500 firefighters were on the fire lines at the biggest blaze east and northeast of Santa Fe, which grew another 8 square miles (20 square kilometers) overnight to an area more than twice as large as the city of Philadelphia.

    A red-flag warning was in effect Sunday, kicking off what fire officials predicted would be another “historic, multi-day wind event that could result in extreme fire behavior.”

    A few helicopters were able to gather new information from the air on the spread of the flames early Sunday “but they won’t be up there very long because of the winds out there,” fire spokesman Tom Abel said.

    “The wind is incredible. It is precedent setting, the amount of wind we are going to have and the duration we are going to have it,” he said at a morning briefing.

    “They are predicting the wind to blow all day today, through the night, all day tomorrow so that is a long time for our fire,” he said.

    Thousands of residents have evacuated due to flames that have charred large swaths of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in northeastern New Mexico _ a total of 275 square miles (712 square kilometers).

    The good news, Abel said, is additional fire crews continue to arrive from around the West.

    For many California firefighters backing up local units, the winds in New Mexico are puzzling. Unlike the sustained Santa Ana winds in southern California, the air around the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fires in New Mexico have swirled around and been redirected in complex and changing interactions with the mountains.

    “We’ll see what happens,” said fire battalion chief Ryan Lewis, of Ontario, California, on a rare break with his firefighters at a local hotel that’s serving hot meals to fire workers and evacuees.

    The worst of the thick wildfire smoke had blown out of some areas on Saturday, allowing residents of rural Las Vegas, New Mexico, to recapture a sense of normalcy Saturday as their rural neighbors hunkered down amid predictions of extreme fire conditions.

    Shops and restaurants reopened, the historic center was no longer just populated by firefighters, but there was a widely felt sense of anxiety, loss, and wariness of what lay ahead.

    “It’s literally like living under a dark cloud,” said Liz Birmingham, whose daughter had persistent headaches from the smoke. “It’s unnerving.”

    Nationwide, close to 2,000 square miles (5,180 square kilometers) have burned so far this year, with 2018 being the last time this much fire had been reported at this point, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. And predictions for the rest of the spring do not bode well for the West, where long-term drought and warmer temperatures brought on by climate change have combined to worsen the threat of wildfire.

    The New Mexico fire’s main threat was now to the north, where flames burning vegetation clogging the forest floor threatened several small rural communities, fire spokesman Ryan Berlin said.

    The threat to Las Vegas, a city of 13,000, was reduced after vegetation was cleared to create containment lines. Local officials on Saturday allowed residents of several areas on the city’s northwestern outskirts to return to their homes, Berlin said.

    The city looked like a ghost town earlier in the week, with businesses shuttered, schools closed and the tourist district empty but for resting firefighters. By Saturday, it was in a partial state of recovery.

    National Guard troops carried cases of water, people lined up to sign up for relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the state’s Democratic U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich met with local officials and toured the shelter housing some of the displaced.

    “We don’t know if our houses are getting burned, or if it’s gonna stop,” said Domingo Martinez, an evacuee from rural Manuelitas northwest of Las Vegas. “I hope it dies down so we can go home.”

    Martinez, who is staying with his son on the east side of town, visited an old friend and neighbor who had been living in the middle school shelter for 15 days.

    Outside the school, Martinez got a free haircut from Jessica Aragon, a local hairdresser who volunteered her time.

    “I love that everyone is coming together,” Aragon said. “I think a smile is worth a thousand words.”

    ___

    Melley reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Susan Montoya Bryan, Felicia Fonseca in Flagstaff, Arizona, and Paul Davenport and Michelle A. Monroe in Phoenix contributed to this report.
  • CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team searches for missing man in the water at Cherry Creek State Park

    CPW’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team searches for missing man in the water at Cherry Creek State Park

    AURORA, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Marine Evidence Recovery Team (MERT) was called out to Cherry Creek State Park Saturday evening for a recovery search of a 29-year-old male victim missing in the reservoir.

    Due to the ongoing search, the reservoir will be closed to boating on Sunday. The rest of the park will remain open Sunday.

    The man was on a tube being pulled behind a boat when he became separated from the tube and went missing in the water at approximately 6:45 p.m. The victim was not wearing a life jacket.

    First responders from South Metro Fire Rescue and Park Rangers at Cherry Creek State Park began an immediate search using sonar of the area, which was approximately 300 yards east of the marina on the west end of the reservoir.

    Unable to locate the victim in the first 90 minutes of the search, the rescue effort turned to a recovery mission and was turned over to CPW’s MERT program. Five members of the MERT team arrived on scene to begin their search in two vessels at 8:46 p.m.

    The MERT Team utilizes underwater ROV’s (remote-operated vehicles), which uses sonar, lights, video cameras and a manipulator in searches. They searched the reservoir until 4 a.m. Sunday. 

    South Metro Fire resumed searching the water at sunrise Sunday and the CPW resources will resume searching at 10 a.m.

    The drowning comes nearly one year to the day of another one in the reservoir at Cherry Creek State Park. On May 2, 2021 a kayaker drowned near the East Shades parking area that is by the east boat ramp after being flipped over in the water. That drowning was classified as a survivable accident if a personal floatation device had been worn.

    This is the second drowning in Colorado this year. The first was a 24-year-old male on Jan. 26 at Chipeta Lake south of Montrose. In 2021 there were 22 total drownings in Colorado, which was down from the 34 drownings in 2020. That 2020 figure is the highest number of drownings on record in the state.

  • Take a Friend Fishing and reel in great prizes!

    Take a Friend Fishing and reel in great prizes!

    Mentor Gregory Geiger and mentee Roy Romero, winners of the 2021 Take a Friend Fishing contest, show off Roy’s first catch ever!

    DENVER – For the fourth consecutive year, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and our partner Colorado fishing companies are encouraging anglers to take a friend fishing. As a reward for sharing your expertise and love of fishing, we’ve created a contest for mentors who take the time to pass on their knowledge. We are now offering prizes for the mentor as well as the mentee!

    “Fishing is something a person can enjoy their entire life. When you teach someone how to fish, you can literally change their life forever,” said CPW Angler Outreach Coordinator Andre Egli. “We’ve received some truly inspiring stories about fishing in Colorado over the past few years. I’m excited to see what kind of photos and stories our anglers will send in this year.” 

    Mentors, take a beginner angler out or mentees encourage an experienced angler to teach you how to fish and enter to win some great prizes by submitting a photograph and brief story of your time on the water. Submissions will be judged by their ability to inspire. 

    Winners will be selected at three different times throughout the year (July, October and February). Both the mentor as well as the mentee will receive a prize. All prizes retail between $300 – $900!

    Prizes include:

    • six-hour guided boat fishing trip for two provided by Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters – $475
    • Full-day guided fly fishing trip for two on the Platte River near Denver provided by Trouts Fly Fishing – $550
    • Cooler package: Soft-sided YETI cooler and 60-quart polar cap cooler from Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s – $600
    • Full beginner fly fishing set up (rod/reel combo, tippet, leaders, tools, and fly box with 60 flies) from Ascent Fly Fishing – $400
    • Full beginner spin-casting set up (rod/reel combo, net, and tackle box with over $300 worth of gear and lures) – $400
    • Full ice fishing set-ups including; sled, auger, rods/reels, and pop-up shelter – $600
    • Premium fly fishing set-up: Orvis rods with Ross Reels – $900
    • Tenkara rods from Zen Tenkara – $300
    • Belly boat with accessories (fins & pump) – $300

    Each winner will also receive a year subscription to Colorado Outdoors Magazine.

    • Mentor and mentee must be at least 21 years of age.
    • Mentees must meet one of these criteria:
    • Never had a fishing license until 2022
    • Only had a fishing license in 2021 (e.g., a second-year angler)
    • Not had a fishing license in the past five consecutive years (i.e., since 2017)
    • Contest participants must follow all applicable Colorado fishing regulations.
    • Mentor must have had a Colorado fishing license before the start of the contest.

    To learn more, see the official rules and find out more about how to Take a Friend Fishing in 2022.