fbpx

The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Blog

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife K9 Samson has received donation of body armor

    Colorado Parks and Wildlife K9 Samson has received donation of body armor

    LAKE GEORGE, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife K9 Samson has received a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest was sponsored by Troy DeCoux and friends of Pflugerville, Texas and embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love -Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”.

    Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c(3) charity located in East Taunton, Mass. whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States.

    The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 3,400 protective vests in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a value of $5.7 million dollars.

    The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.

    The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $950.00. Each vest has a value between $1,744 – $2,283, and a five-year warranty and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

    For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.

    Samson, a Belgian Malinois, is certified with the National Police Canine Association for handler protection, fugitive apprehension and various wildlife species odor detection, is working hard to help protect Colorado’s natural resources and all of those who enjoy them. Samson’s handler, Ian Petkash, is the wildlife officer for the Lake George District.

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) scheduled to vote on a ballot measure to fund Arapahoe County’s public safety needs.

    Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) scheduled to vote on a ballot measure to fund Arapahoe County’s public safety needs.

    WHAT: At a public meeting on August 27, the five County commissioners will vote on a resolution to ask Arapahoe County voters to approve a property tax increase that would fund important public safety programs, including the construction of a new jail. If approved, the measure would be put to County voters this November.

    This meeting culminates years of research, analysis, and public engagement conducted by Arapahoe County and its Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC). Convened in early 2019, the group of 25 county residents, business leaders and non-profit representatives is helping guide the BOCC in making decisions about the rapidly growing County’s future needs, including transportation, infrastructure, and public safety. Earlier this month the committee unanimously recommended that the Board pursue a new jail and associated new revenue sources to fund the project.

    The public is invited to make comments about the resolution during the August 27 meeting, prior to the Board’s action. Arapahoe County Sheriff Tyler Brown will also outline his department’s position on the need for these new facilities.

    WHAT: Special Board of County Commissioner public meeting to decide whether to refer a measure to the 2019 ballot. To see the agenda, click here. 

    WHEN: August 27, 2019, 1:30 p.m., followed by a media availability session

    WHO: The Arapahoe County Commissioners and Sheriff Brown will be available to answer questions about the decision immediately following the meeting.

    WHERE: Arapahoe County Administration Building, 5334 S. Prince Street, Littleton

    Additional information on the process convened by the county is available at ArapahoeGov.com/CountyConversations
     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Additional mountain lion activity reported in Bailey’s Burland Ranchettes Subdivision, wildlife officials remind community to take steps to mitigate wildlife encounters

    Additional mountain lion activity reported in Bailey’s Burland Ranchettes Subdivision, wildlife officials remind community to take steps to mitigate wildlife encounters

    BAILEY, Colo. – Two mountain lions were euthanized by USDA Wildlife Services Thursday following the killing (depredation) of a domestic goat in the Burland Ranchettes Subdivision. Per Colorado Parks and Wildlife policy, predators that depredate on livestock can be euthanized.

    The two lions were seen by a homeowner after he realized one of his goats was missing. Responding CPW officers and federal Wildlife Services officials were already in the immediate area searching for the mountain lion responsible for attacking an eight-year-old boy the previous day.

    Throughout the day Thursday, CPW wildlife officers received numerous reports of mountain lion sightings in the proximity of the search area that was taking place to look for the attacking lion.

    Following Thursday’s search and removal of the two lions that had killed a domestic goat, CPW received reports of three more mountain lions on the same property. No additional goats had been reported as being predated upon as of Friday morning. CPW also received trail camera photos of multiple mountain lions the day of the attack in close proximity to the attack site. This is why Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials urge residents of the Burland Ranchettes Subdivision to remain vigilant.

    “People need to take mitigating measures to protect their livestock, their pets and talk with their children on what they need to do if they happen to see a mountain lion,” said Area Wildlife Manager Mark Lamb. “We heard from many residents yesterday of the mountain lions that had been in the area, and the activity of them feeding heavily on deer, as mountain lions do. If you have deer hanging around your property, never feed them and we encourage you to haze them or other wildlife off of your property by yelling, blowing an air horn or whatever you need to do to make them go away.

    “We don’t want people to panic, they are very aware of all the wildlife that lives around them, but the proper precautions need to be taken. There are obligations that people must be committed to for living responsibly with wildlife.”

    Of the two mountain lions euthanized, both were sub-adult males, both around 65 pounds and in good body condition. An examination of the canine tooth length suggested an estimated age of 12 months. The stomach contents of these two mountain lions were full of goat tissue, and their intestinal and colon contents suggested they had been eating well prior to depredating on the goats.

    DNA samples from these two mountain lions will be sent to the University of Wyoming Forensics Lab on Friday for testing to see if one of them matches DNA of the mountain lion involved in the attack on the child that occurred in the area on Wednesday night.

    CPW wildlife officers do have one trap set at the attack site, but until DNA test results come back, there are no plans for actively searching for additional mountain lions with a dog team. If a mountain lion is caught in a trap, it will be held alive at a CPW facility while DNA samples are tested. If those come back negative, that mountain lion would be relocated.

    Wildlife officers will continue to monitor lion activity in the Burland area. Officials do encourage residents to keep reporting mountain lion sightings or activity near their homes; they can do so by calling CPW’s Denver office at 303-291-7227 or calling Colorado State Patrol at 303-239-4501 after business hours.

    With the continued increase in Colorado’s population numbers along with healthy wildlife populations it is the responsibility of all Coloradans and visitors to the state to help keep our wildlife wild. We all have a role to play in wildlife management and it is important for residents to play an active role in their neighborhoods and communities to reduce the likelihood of encounters. 

    To reduce the risk of problems with mountain lions on or near your property, CPW urges you to follow these simple precautions:

    – Make lots of noise if you come and go during the times mountain lions are most active: dusk to dawn.

    – Install outside lighting. Light areas where you walk so you could see a lion if one were present.

    – Landscape or remove vegetation to eliminate hiding places for lions. Make it difficult for lions to approach unseen.

    – Planting non-native shrubs and plants that deer often prefer to eat encourages wildlife to come onto your property. Predators follow prey. Don’t feed any wildlife!

    – Keep your pet under control. Roaming pets are easy prey and can attract lions. Bring pets in at night. If you leave your pet outside, keep it in a kennel with a secure top. Don’t feed pets outside; this can attract raccoons and other animals that are eaten by lions. Store all garbage securely.

    – Place livestock in enclosed sheds or barns at night. Close doors to all outbuildings since inquisitive lions may go inside for a look.

    – Encourage your neighbors to follow these simple precautions. Prevention is far better than a possible lion confrontation.

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Wildlife officers seek input on plains deer rifle season

    Wildlife officers seek input on plains deer rifle season

    DENVER — The Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the plains deer rifle season as part of the 2020-24 Big Game Season Structure.

    Currently the plains deer rifle season starts on the Saturday of the last full weekend of October and lasts 11 days (Oct. 26 through Nov. 5 this year).

    All responses are due by Monday, Aug. 26.

    Input will be shared with the commissioners during their meeting on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 5-6.

    For more information, visit www.research.net/r/PlainsRifleDeer2019 or e-mail to . 

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • One confirmed case, one suspected case of sudden and severe lung illness tied to vaping

    One confirmed case, one suspected case of sudden and severe lung illness tied to vaping

    DENVER: There is one confirmed case, and one suspected case of sudden and severe lung illness tied to vaping in Colorado. The initial case was reported Tuesday, Aug. 20, and confirmed today. The second case was reported today, Thursday, Aug. 22, and it has not been confirmed. At least one person has been hospitalized. 

    As of Aug. 19, there have been 120 suspected cases reported in 15 states. Many of the affected people have been hospitalized. All reported vaping liquids or oils that contained either nicotine, marijuana, CBD, synthetic marijuana, or a combination of these. 

    “This is a serious situation, and people who vape should be on high alert, as should medical providers treating patients who vape,” said Dr. Tista Ghosh, chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “Since the department has been actively notifying providers and hospitals of the symptoms, we expect we may get more reported cases.”

    Colorado has an unusually high rate of teen and young adult nicotine vaping. Colorado clinicians, school-based health centers, campus health centers, parents, and people who vape should be aware that this outbreak is occurring and be on the lookout for symptoms. 

    Symptoms include:

    • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing 
    • Chest pain
    • Cough
    • Fatigue
    • Possible fever

    People who vape and currently have a lung illness or may have had one in the past three months should contact their doctor or local health department. 

    Vaping products contain more than just harmless water vapor. The agents causing this illness could possibly be pesticide contamination, residual solvent contamination, additives with unknown inhalation effects, or heavy metals contamination inhaled from vaping products. 

    Health care providers, school based health centers, and campus health centers should:

    • Screen all youth, parents, and caregivers for e-cigarette use and exposure.
    • Counsel children and adolescents about the harms of e-cigarette use and clearly communicate the importance of never using e-cigarettes or other nicotine products.
    • Report suspected cases to CDPHE’s Disease Reporting Line: 303-692-2700 or 303-370-9395 (after hours). This includes potential cases who presented since June 1, 2019. CDPHE personnel will conduct a medical record review and contact the patients to administer a thorough investigation questionnaire.

    Parents should:

    • Talk with your kids about the risks of using e-cigarettes. Get the facts for your conversations at www.tobaccofreeco.org/know-the-facts.
    • Set a smoke- and vapor-free rule for your home and car.
    • Be aware that although vapor products may have the potential to benefit adult smokers who switch completely from cigarettes to vapor products, they are not safe for teens to use. Parents who choose to quit vaping or using any other tobacco product can access free support through the Colorado QuitLine at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or coquitline.org. 

    Youth and young adults who vape should: 

    • Be aware that this illness is occurring and be on the lookout for symptoms. 
    • If you have symptoms of lung illness or may have had symptoms in the past three months, contact your doctor or local health department. 
    • Learn more about free resources available to help you quit all tobacco products at coquitline.org or 1800-QUITNOW.

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Update on sudden and severe lung illness associated with vaping

    Update on sudden and severe lung illness associated with vaping

    DENVER: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will provide updates on the numbers of confirmed and suspected cases of sudden and severe lung illness  in Colorado associated with vaping every weekday, midday, until further notice. 

    Colorado has one confirmed case and three suspected cases of sudden and severe lung illness tied to vaping. Staff members are actively investigating these cases. All the cases involve patients living in the  Front Range area. The confirmed case is a young adult , and all suspected cases are adults.  

    “Confirmed case” means it meets all the criteria for the definition being used nationally and that exposure to vaping products was most likely the cause of the illness based on the review.

    All cases reported using vaping liquids or oils that contained either nicotine, marijuana, CBD, synthetic marijuana, or a combination of these. 

    Colorado has an unusually high rate of teen and young adult nicotine vaping. Colorado clinicians, school-based health centers, campus health centers, parents, and people who vape should be aware that this outbreak is occurring and be on the lookout for symptoms. 

    Symptoms include:

    • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing 
    • Chest pain
    • Cough
    • Fatigue
    • Possible fever

    People who vape and currently have a lung illness or may have had one since June 1, 2019 should contact their doctor or local health department. 

    Vaping products contain more than just harmless water vapor. The agents causing this illness could possibly be pesticide contamination, residual solvent contamination, additives with unknown inhalation effects, or heavy metals contamination inhaled from vaping products. 

    Health care providers, school based health centers, and campus health centers should:

    • Screen all youth, parents, and caregivers for e-cigarette use and exposure.
    • Counsel children and adolescents about the harms of e-cigarette use and clearly communicate the importance of never using e-cigarettes or other nicotine products.
    • Report suspected cases to CDPHE’s Disease Reporting Line: 303-692-2700 or 303-370-9395 (after hours). This includes potential cases who presented since June 1, 2019. CDPHE personnel will conduct a medical record review and contact the patients to administer a thorough investigation questionnaire.

    Parents should:

    • Talk with your kids about the risks of using e-cigarettes. Get the facts for your conversations at www.tobaccofreeco.org/know-the-facts.
    • Set a smoke- and vapor-free rule for your home and car.

    Youth and young adults who vape should: 

    • Be aware that this illness is occurring and be on the lookout for symptoms. 
    • Learn more about free resources available to help you quit all tobacco products at coquitline.org or 1800-QUITNOW.

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Bear responsible for biting restaurant manager in Aspen located, euthanized

    Bear responsible for biting restaurant manager in Aspen located, euthanized

    ASPEN, Colo. — Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials have trapped and killed the bear involved in last Sunday’s attack on a restaurant manager in Aspen.

    Officers located the bear within town limits on Monday, the day after the attack. DNA test results received late Thursday confirmed it was the same bear that bit the restaurant manager after he tried to haze the bear out of the restaurant’s dumpster. A necropsy revealed the male bear weighed approximately 400 lb, was healthy and tested negative for rabies.

    “We had numerous officers and assistance from Aspen PD as we searched for the bear all day on Monday,” said Area Wildlife Manager Matt Yamashita.”We encountered two other bears in town that did not match the description. Those bears were hazed but not captured.”

    Officers then received a report of a large bear matching the description of the offending bear wandering in the same area of Sunday’s attack.

    “We tracked it to a second-story balcony of a business one block from where the attack occurred,” said Yamashita. “At that location, we were able to dart it, then we moved it to our office where it was euthanized.”

    Officers made the field determination that they had found the target bear based on descriptions provided by the victim and bystanders the evening of the attack. Measurements of the bear’s teeth while it was immobilized matched those of the bite wounds sustained by the victim. In addition, the proximity of the bear to the location of the incident contributed to the officers’ confidence that the right bear was located.

    Yamashita says because the bear was so large, had attacked a person and continued to roam in town limits, it was clearly a serious threat to people.

    “A bear this size and unafraid of humans could have easily killed a person with little effort,” said Yamashita. “It’s unfortunate this bear had to die for this reason, especially when you consider it was totally preventable. Based on our experience, there was no chance this bear could be rehabilitated after it bit a person.”

    Aspen and the surrounding areas have endured a busy bear year so far in 2019. In addition to three attacks on humans over the summer, calls to 911 reporting bear encounters have varied between five and 20 a day since mid-June. At least two or three of the daily calls include bears inside homes or attempting to break into homes while frightened residents hide in bedrooms and closets.

    Wildlife officers say for every call, there may be up to two or three incidents that go unreported each evening.

    Despite the high level of activity so far, CPW warns the bears are just getting started. In response to the approaching change of seasons, bears are entering into a state of hyperphagia, an instinctive, metabolic change resulting in an almost constant feeding frenzy as the bears prepare for winter hibernation.

    “For some bears, natural foods may not be enough so they will come into human-populated areas in search of an easy meal,” said Yamashita. “If bears have easy access to food, they will keep coming back, and that puts people at significant risk.

    Yamashita says CPW officers will carry out their duties to protect the public but unless residents take stronger measures to protect themselves he fears it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured, or killed.

    “This is not sustainable,” he said. “This is in no way a normal, acceptable situation. Yes, the habitat around Aspen is perfect for bears, but that should not be an excuse to let them feed out of your dumpster, your trash can or your pantry. Consider this a warning – people need to understand how serious and dangerous this is, accept their responsibility, then take action immediately.” 

    ?????????????????????????????????????????

    CPW offers the following tips to prevent bear conflicts:

    Keep Bears Out

    • Close and lock all first-floor windows and doors when you leave the house and at night before you go to bed.
    • Install sturdy grates or bars on windows if you must leave them open.
    • Keep car doors and windows closed and locked if you park outside. Make sure there’s nothing with an odor in your vehicle, including food wrappers, candy, gum, air fresheners, trash, lotions and lip balms.
    • Close and lock garage doors and windows at night and when you’re not home; garage doors should be down if you are in the house but not outside.
    • Install extra-sturdy doors if you have a freezer, refrigerator, pet food, birdseed, or other attractants stored in your garage.
    • Remove any tree limbs that might provide access to upper-level decks and windows.
    • Replace exterior lever-style door handles with good quality round door knobs that bears can’t pull or push open.

    Get Rid of Attractants

    • Don’t leave trash out overnight unless it’s in an approved bear-proof enclosure or container. Be sure to research all local ordinances and regulations if vacationing.
    • Clean your trash cans regularly to remove residual odors.
    • Don’t store food of any kind in an unlocked garage, flimsy shed, on or under your deck.
    • Don’t leave anything with an odor outside, near open windows or in your vehicle, even if you’re home. That includes scented candles, air fresheners, lip balms and lotions.
    • Clean-up thoroughly after picnics in the yard or on the deck, cleaning your BBQ grills after each use. Don’t allow food odors to linger.
    • Bird feeders are a major bear attractant. Only use bird feeders in winter, when bears are hibernating.
    • If you have fruit trees, pick fruit before it gets too ripe. Don’t allow fruit to rot on the ground. Electric fences provide good protection for small orchards.

    Teach Bears to Remain Wild

    • If a bear comes close to your home, scare it away. Loud noises like a firm yell, clapping your hands, banging on pots and pans or blowing an air horn sends most bears running.
    • Utilize electric fencing, unwelcome mats and scent deterrents like ammonia to teach bears that your property is not bear-friendly.
    • If a bear enters your home, open doors and windows so it can leave the same way it got in. Don’t approach the bear or block escape routes.
    • Never approach a bear. If a bear won’t leave, call your local CPW office or Colorado State Patrol.
    • If a bear presents an immediate threat to human safety, call 911.

    For more information on the best bearproofing methods for your home, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s Living with Bears page or visit cpw.state.co.us/bears.

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Experiments illuminate key component of plants’ immune systems

    Plants, like humans and animals, have over millions of years evolved complex immune systems that fend off invading pathogens. But unlike many animals, plants lack adaptive immunity conferred by antibodies. This means each plant cell must defend itself against all potential pathogens – a daunting task.

    Hiding inside each plant cell, protein complexes encoded by disease resistance genes are like sleeping armies, waking up and activating defenses when harmful pathogens such as fungi or bacteria are detected. Such genes encode traits used by agricultural biotechnologists to generate disease-resistant crops, and plant biologists are striving to illuminate every aspect of how they work – much of which remains shrouded in mystery.

    In new research published in the journal Science, a team of biologists, including Colorado State University Assistant Professor of Biology Marc Nishimura, have shed new light on a crucial aspect of the plant immune response. Their discovery, revealing how plant resistance proteins trigger localized cell death, could lead to new strategies for engineering disease resistance in next-generation crops.

    The research team was led by Nishimura, Jeff Dangl of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Jeffrey Milbrandt of the Washington University School of Medicine. Nishimura started the work as a research scientist in the lab of Erin Osborne Nishimura, CSU assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

    Role of TIR domains

    Together with colleagues, Nishimura identified the mechanism of one little-understood domain of plant resistance proteins called a “toll-interleukin-1 receptor,” or TIR domain. The team showed that during the plant immune response, the TIR domain is an enzyme that degrades a molecule called NAD+, which is essential for metabolism in all organisms. By cleaving NAD+, the plant self-destructs infected cells while leaving others unharmed.

    Scientists had previously surmised that plant TIR domains might act like physical scaffolds, building a structure that attaches to the cell’s plasma membrane and recruiting other proteins to the area to begin an immune response. This is how these domains work in animal cells, including in humans.

    But in 2017, Nishimura’s collaborators at Washington University School of Medicine observed an unusual animal TIR domain, found in a protein called SARM1, that doesn’t work like other TIR signaling scaffolds in animal cells. Rather, it functions as an enzyme. Nishimura and colleagues set out to probe whether this domain could have a similar function in plant immunity.

    Nishimura and colleagues’ new work in Science shows that the role of TIR domains in the plant immune response is indeed functionally related to the role of the more unusual animal TIR domain in SARM1. They found that the plant TIR domain is itself an enzyme that cleaves NAD+, rather than acting as a structural scaffold that recruits other components. But there was an important difference. While the animal TIR domain in SARM1 kills cells by depleting NAD+ levels, plant TIR domains instead appear to cleave NAD+ to generate a signaling molecule. This molecule – not seen in animal cells – is structurally related to a classical signaling molecule called cyclic ADP-Ribose. The team is now working to understand how this new product they saw influences cell death and disease resistance.

    “For 25 years, we didn’t know what TIR domains did in plants,” Nishimura said. “So these results were very interesting in terms of advancing our understanding of how TIR domains actually trigger immunity.”

    Protecting food crops

    Uncovering individual biochemical pathways in the plant immune response may be crucially important to how plant systems are manipulated to protect food crops, particularly as new pathogens emerge and global food supplies become vulnerable, Nishimura said.

    “Hopefully, really mechanistically understanding immune receptors will help us transfer existing receptors while retaining function, and ultimately let us rationally engineer new receptors to recognize emerging pathogens,” he said.

    The Science paper is a collaboration with researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Washington University School of Medicine and includes co-first authors Li Wan and Kow Essuman. The paper is accompanied in the same issue with a related study from the labs of Bostjan Kobe of University of Queensland; Thomas Ve of Griffith University; and Peter Dodds of Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Fishing is Fun grants awarded for 11 Colorado angling projects

    Fishing is Fun grants awarded for 11 Colorado angling projects

    DENVER — Colorado Parks and Wildlife has awarded $755,000 to 11 Fishing is Fun (FIF) projects, all geared to improve angling opportunities in the state of Colorado. The approved projects include improved angling access, habitat improvement, and trail and boat access.

    “The angling opportunities that Colorado waters provide are part of what makes this state so special,” said Dan Prenzlow, Director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Not only does the Fishing is Fun program help revitalize aquatic ecosystems across the state, it also ensures that residents and visitors will continue to have improved angling access for years to come.”

    Swan River Habitat Restoration Project

    In the late 1800s and early 1900s, dredge miners turned Swan River upside down in search of gold and other precious metals, littering a miles-long stretch of the valley with rock cobble up to 30 feet high. The river’s original water channels were buried and its fish decimated.

    With the help of a FIF grant in 2012, the multi-phase Swan River Habitat Restoration Project was launched. Since then, a mile of stream channel has been replaced to establish year-round flows, over 16 acres of riparian and upland habitat have been restored, and a series of 22 pools, riffles and glides have been provided to create a diversity of aquatic habitat for fish and insects.

    This year, the project was awarded $270,000 from the program for a second phase covering another mile of stream channel to be matched with $2.4 million in additional funds from sponsors.

    “We’re bringing back to life a fishery that had been buried for over a century,” said Jim Guthrie, the FIF Program Coordinator. “Phase 1 of the project showed that the river can be recovered. Phase 2 will use the earlier lessons and construction experience to build on the progress that’s already been made. Once it’s done, the project will have linked the river to several tributaries, creating 17 miles of connectivity.”

    At the Shady Island Boat launch located just north of Gunnison, a new ramp will be constructed, angling access will be improved and amenities added with a $90,000 Fishing is Fun grant.

    Currently, the limited space at the put-in tends to get jammed with cars, leading anglers and boaters to park right off of the highway.

    “Not only will this project make that section of river and riverbank more attractive by providing improved habitat for fish and additional recreational features for anglers, rafters, kayakers and other river users, it will also make the launch area much safer, allowing for more efficient access to the water,” said J Wenum, Area Wildlife Manager.

    Fishing alone contributes $2.4 billion dollars in economic output per year, supporting over 17,000 jobs in Colorado according to CPW’s 2017 economic study.

    For over 30 years, FIF has supported more than 375 projects in nearly every county in the state, improving stream and river habitats, easing public access to angling waters, developing new angling opportunities for youth and seniors and more.

    The program typically provides up to $400,000 annually from the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFR). This year, however, it received an additional $130,000 in funds from the Motor Boat Access Program (a subset of the SFR) plus $225,000 from wildlife sporting license revenue. The $755,000 total was met with more than $3 million in local support for the 11 projects approved in 2019 (matching funds are required for the program).

    Additional Fishing is Fun program details and requirements can be found at:

    https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/FishingIsFunProgram.aspx

    Fishing is Fun 2019 grants include:

    Centennial Bass Club – Ft. Collins

    Boyd Lake and Lon Hagler reservoir habitat improvement

    $15,000

    Boulder County Parks and Open Space

    Lagerman Reservoir aerator system

    $33,000

    Berthoud Parks and Rec

    Berthoud Reservoir ADA fishing pier

    $40,000

    Summit County

    Swan River reach B habitat restoration

    $270,000

    Eagle Vail Metro District

    Stone Creek habitat improvement and bank stabilization

    $25,000

    Glenwood Springs

    Two Rivers Park access trails, habitat improvement and riparian work

    $104,000

    Pitkin County

    Robinson Diversion modification

    $40,000

    Gunnison County

    Shady Island boat launch ramp, angling access and amenities

    $90,000

    City of Alamosa

    Blanca Vista Park ADA fishing access, trail and boat access

    $67,000

    Town of Monument

    Monument Lake fishing pier extension

    $9,000

    Lamar

    Gateway Park restroom and shade shelters

    $62,000

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US

     

  • Colorado among the top states for treating tobacco addiction

    Colorado among the top states for treating tobacco addiction

    DENVER: Colorado ranked third out of 48 states for providing treatment for tobacco addiction through a quitline. Quitlines provide resources proven to help tobacco users quit, such as coaching and medications. 

    Each year, the North American Quitline Consortium surveys state quitlines. Nationwide, quitline use has declined over the last several years. In Colorado, quitline enrollment has increased steadily since 2014. 

    Between July 2017 and June 2018, more than 25,000 Coloradans enrolled in the Colorado QuitLine. The following year, more than 29,000 Coloradans enrolled. During this period, the number of 12- to 17-year-olds who enrolled in the program almost quadrupled. 

    With support, smokers are more likely to quit successfully. Two-thirds of smokers trying to quit don’t get any help at all. The North American Quitline Consortium study showed about three times more smokers got support through the quitline in Colorado compared to the national average. This support increases the chances that Colorado smokers will be successful when they try to quit.

    “Our research shows that adults who get QuitLine coaching and medications have a seven-fold increase in quitting compared to people who try to quit without support,” said Thomas Ylioja, clinical services director of National Jewish Health. National Jewish Health is the academic hospital that operates the Colorado QuitLine. 

    Smoking is still the leading cause of preventable death in Colorado, killing more than 5,100 people each year. Health care costs related to smoking add up to more than $654 per Colorado household per year. Helping smokers quit saves all Coloradans money on health care costs. 

    The Colorado QuitLine has provided free, proven tobacco treatment since 2002. Quitline coaching services are available to anyone over the age of 12 trying to quit any tobacco product, including nicotine vape products. Free medications also are available to people over 18. New quitline features make it easier than ever to get free help. These include a simple sign-up process and the ability to access medication and coaching online.

    For more information about the Colorado QuitLine, or to enroll today, visit coquitline.org.

     

    SPREAD THE NEWS

    COMMENT, Like, Follow & SHARE @I70Scout

    CURRENT EDITION

    WEATHER & TRAFFIC    PUZZLES    RECENT NEWS    ADVERTISE WITH US