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  • Prescribed Burn Planned at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

    Prescribed Burn Planned at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

    COMMERCE CITY — Weather permitting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will be conducting a prescribed burn on the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge the week of July 22, 2019. The Service plans to burn one unit totaling 312 acres. On the day of the prescribed burn, burn operations will be conducted between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Smoke may be visible for several miles from the perimeter of the Refuge and people in the area may smell smoke. The purpose of the burn is to test how effective fire and herbicides can be in targeting invasive cheatgrass. The burn will also reduce fuels, which will lower the risk of wildfire in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).

    Interagency fire crews from the Service, local fire departments, and other federal agencies will be participating in the prescribed burn. Safety is our number one priority and every burn is carefully planned to ensure the safety of the surrounding community, the public, and the firefighters.

    Smoke from prescribed fires may affect your health. For more information see https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/wood-smoke-and-health.

    The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen in the West, visit our website, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook, follow us on Twitter, watch our YouTube channel at and download public domain photos from Flickr.

     

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  • Gardner, Blunt, Klobuchar, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Support Travel & Tourism, Boost Jobs

    Gardner, Blunt, Klobuchar, Cortez Masto Introduce Bill to Support Travel & Tourism, Boost Jobs

    Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced legislation to reauthorize Brand USA, a public-private partnership that enhances tourism across the country by promoting international travel to the United States.

    “Colorado’s tourism industry has exploded in growth as more than 80 million visitors each year travel to ski our world-class resorts, enjoy the great outdoors, and experience the real American West,” said Senator Gardner. “With direct flights to Denver International Airport from countries as varied as Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany, our state shines as one of the nation’s top ten most visited states. This bill will boost further tourism by strengthening the Brand USA program, which is the promotion agency for U.S. tourism and operates at no cost to the U.S. taxpayer. I look forward to working to get this legislation signed into law and helping grow the U.S. tourism industry, which generates more than $20 billion in annual spending in Colorado.”

    Since 2013, Brand USA has brought 6.6 million incremental international visitors to the United States, generating a total economic impact of nearly $48 billion and supporting an average of around 52,000 jobs annually. In 2018, Brand USA generated $4.1 billion in incremental visitor spending, resulting in a marketing return on investment of 32:1.

    The program has been a proven success in boosting tourism to the United States and driving economic growth, but the 2018 congressional budget caps agreement diverted Brand USA’s user fees away from the program to general revenue.

    Brand USA is funded by international visitors and private contributions – not U.S. taxpayers. Half of its budget comes from the private sector through cash and in-kind contributions. The rest of the budget – up to a maximum of $100 million – is funded by a nominal fee assessed on visa-free international visitors screened by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Amounts collected in excess of the cap are returned to the U.S. Treasury to help reduce the deficit.

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  • Gardner, Coons, Scott, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Support Investment in US Manufacturing

    Gardner, Coons, Scott, Rosen Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Support Investment in US Manufacturing

    Washington, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced legislation to increase investment in American small manufacturers. The Strengthening Investment to Grow Manufacturing in America (SIGMA) Act would support American manufacturers through increasing affordable loans, incentivizing operation growth, and expanding financial resources and education assistance to small manufacturers. A companion bill in the House was introduced by U.S. Representatives Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Tom Reed (R-NY).

    The SBA’s 7(a) and 504 loan programs assist small businesses by providing federally guaranteed loans for businesses. These loan programs, along with the SBA’s Small Business Investment Company, provide investment in America’s start-up manufacturers and growing businesses that have limited access to cash reserves. The SIGMA Act spurs additional investment for small manufacturing businesses in low- or moderate-income areas, rural areas, areas of high unemployment, and those that are veteran-owned, minority-owned, woman-owned, or are important to national security 

    “For the sake of national and economic security, the United States must remain a global leader in manufacturing,” said Senator Gardner. “But small manufacturing can face some of the steepest startup costs. The SIGMA Act will help ensure small manufacturing entrepreneurs have access to capital to start and grow their businesses. This legislation will create jobs, spur investments in our local communities – particularly our rural economies – and strengthen American manufacturing.”

     

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  • Love moose? Then come to the 10th Annual Grand Mesa Moose Day celebration, July 27

    Love moose? Then come to the 10th Annual Grand Mesa Moose Day celebration, July 27

    GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — How big are they? How fast can they run? Where do they live? How did they get here? What do they eat? If you have questions about Colorado’s most charismatic animal, come up to the top of the Grand Mesa for the 10th Annual Grand Mesa Moose Day. The free event will take place at the United States Forest Service Visitor Center, located a few miles east of Grand Junction, July 27, 10-3 p.m.

    Almost every day, moose make headlines across Colorado. Videos and photographs of moose walking through town, on popular hiking trails or ski slopes are numerous and recorded almost daily. The lumbering beasts are one of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s most successful management projects and along with a growing population, the public’s curiosity about the largest member of the deer family is growing as well.

    “They are fascinating animals and it’s great they are doing well in Colorado,” said CPW’s Northwest Region Watchable Wildlife Coordinator Trina Romero. “Our management efforts have led to one of the healthiest moose populations in the country and we are very proud of that. This is a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about how moose are doing in Colorado.”

    Grand Mesa Moose Day features various kid-friendly activities, including arts and crafts activities and prize giveaways throughout the day. Kids can earn a prize for going on a hike with a wildlife officer to look for signs of moose activity. Throughout the day, experts will present moose biology and history presentations and demonstrate how biologists transplant and track moose.

    “One fantastic feature this year is the screening of a wonderful documentary by filmmaker Sean Ender,” said Romero. “He put together a beautiful film about moose in Colorado, their history and CPW’s involvement in their management. We invite folks to come up, meet Sean and see his fascinating film.”

    Additional activities include a fishing pole casting lesson taught by Cabela’s staff. Romero adds that several popular fishing holes on the Grand Mesa provide an opportunity to see moose.

    “Most people see moose by accident while hiking, fishing or camping,” said Romero. “If you suddenly see one, be sure to keep your distance. If you are searching for moose, be prepared with a camera, binoculars or a viewing scope. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to keep dogs on a leash and far away from moose.”

    CPW reminds the public that moose do not fear humans and instinctively react to a curious dog as if it was a predator and will attack it aggressively. Several people have been seriously injured by moose in Colorado over the past several years. The vast majority of the conflicts were precipitated by a barking dog that got too close.

    CPW’s Grand Mesa Moose Day partners include USFS, The Moose 92.3, Bass Pro/Cabela’s and the Grand Mesa Scenic & Historic Byway.

    To get there, take Highway 65 from Interstate 70 by Plateau Creek, Exit 49, or drive up Highway 50 from nearby Delta and follow it up to the USFS Visitor’s Center.

    Anyone heading to the event is reminded to be attentive as it is increasingly likely to catch a glimpse of a moose.

    Who: Colorado Parks and Wildlife, USFS, Moose 92.3, Bass Pro/Cabela’s, and the Grand Mesa Scenic & Historic Byway

    What: Grand Mesa Moose Day

    When: Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.

    Where: USFS Visitor Center – 20090 Baron Lake Drive, Hwy 65 – Top of the Grand Mesa

    Contact: Trina Romero at 970-255-6191

    Go here for more information about watching wildlife, including moose.

    Go here for more information about the moose transplant projects.

    Go here for more information the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest.

     

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  • DOC Reaches Settlement with Lindsay Saunders-Velez

    DOC Reaches Settlement with Lindsay Saunders-Velez

    (July 12) — The Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) reached a settlement with Lindsay Saunders-Velez, a transgender inmate who was assaulted and raped on multiple occasions while in male facilities. The settlement, which follows recent policy changes for transgender inmates, will award Ms. Saunder-Velez $170,000 and prohibit male personnel from strip-searching her.

    “I watched with sadness, frustration and dismay as Ms. Saunders-Velez was traumatized repeatedly while in DOC custody, including in places where there were known threats of assault and rape against her,” said Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver). “Ultimately, she sued the state and DOC, and in 2018, Rep. Adrienne Benavidez and I introduced a resolution requesting that DOC reform its antiquated policies addressing the treatment and placement of transgender inmates. This settlement and the DOC’s recent policy changes for transgender inmates represent progress.”

    “I am proud and honored to know Lindsay. Her brave work on behalf of all transgender inmates was not in vain. One step at a time, we will bring complete dignity to, and safety for, our transgender inmates.”

     

    The Colorado Department of Corrections’ explained four recent policy shifts as:

    • 1) CDOC has expanded medical provider responsibilities to assume the treatment and monitoring of transgender offenders at intake and post-intake, and has implemented an intake process to address housing and placement options on a case-by-case basis and in coordination with the Gender Dysphoria Treatment Committee.

    • 2) Once placed in a particular facility, transgender offenders are re-assessed by the mental health clinician, primary health care provider, and the living unit supervisor (CO III or equivalent) every six months to review housing arrangements, program and work assignments, and any threats to safety experienced by the offender. This information is then sent to the Gender Dysphoria and Treatment Committee for review.

    • 3) Colorado allows transgender offenders to access and purchase personal hygiene and commissary items that are appropriate for their gender identity.

    • 4) CDOC has implemented agency-wide training regarding the use of pronouns and respectful interactions with transgender offenders.

     

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  • Division of Insurance orders Anthem to refund nearly $1.3M to Colorado consumers

    Division of Insurance orders Anthem to refund nearly $1.3M to Colorado consumers

    DENVER — The Colorado Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), has ordered Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to refund $1.29 million to disabled Colorado consumers who purchased a Medicare Supplement plan before turning age 65. In addition, Anthem will reinstate coverage for these consumers who gave up their Anthem Medicare Supplement policies. 

    The DOI recently concluded a market conduct surveillance (similar to an audit) of Anthem, officially known in Colorado as Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., regarding the Colorado Medicare Supplement premiums charged to disabled members. These policyholders were not offered the appropriate premium rate after turning 65, as the company continued to use the more expensive under-65 premiums for some disabled individuals. The DOI found that Anthem has charged these inflated rates since approximately 2006. 

    Anthem will notify the approximately 219 impacted individuals about the refunds and the offer to reinstate coverage. Thus, it is important for anyone who was in this situation, or had a family member in this situation, to pay attention to their mail in the coming weeks. Notifications will be sent soon, and separate checks for the refunds and for interest will be mailed by Anthem within 30 business days of July 3, 2019, the date when the order was signed by Insurance Commissioner Michael Conway. 

    “This is a welcome result for Colorado’s disabled Medicare population,” said Sharon O’Hara from the Colorado Chronic Care Collaborative. “It demonstrates that the Division of Insurance continues to work to protect citizens and get money and health coverage back for people who often can’t afford to lose either.” 

    Who is eligible for these refunds? It is disabled consumers who, during any time period from 2006 through 2019, were enrolled in an Anthem Colorado Medicare Supplement policy prior to turning age 65, and then retained that policy for some time after turning 65. Anthem will pay a refund, plus interest, to these policyholders (or the estate of a policyholder) for the difference between the two premiums for the time period when the smaller premium should have been collected. 

    The company will also offer to reinstate eligible individuals who were in this situation but who have subsequently given up their Anthem Colorado Medicare Supplement policy. Although some of the individuals who gave up their Anthem policy may have found a supplement policy with another company, many may have been unable to do so because of their disability. The ability to get back onto their original Anthem plan at the correct premium will be a welcome option to those individuals who have no coverage or different coverage as a result of the increased premiums. 

    This reinstatement will be guaranteed issue, meaning that a person will not have to offer proof of their health (also called medical underwriting). If the person has purchased another supplement plan with a different company, the reinstatement will have to match the same letter policy as the person’s current coverage (e.g., if the current coverage was Plan F, then the reinstated policy with Anthem will be a Plan F). 

    Current and former Anthem Colorado Medicare Supplement policyholders may contact Anthem at the company’s Colorado Medicare Supplement member service toll free number, 1-844-660-0434, for help in determining who may or may not be eligible for refunds and reinstatement.

    “This is an unfortunate situation,” said Commissioner Conway. “But through the work of our team at the Division, these consumers will get money back in their pockets, money they shouldn’t have had to pay in the first place.

    “It’s also important to point out that we discovered this due to a consumer’s complaint,” added the Commissioner. “We always encourage anyone who has questions or concerns about their insurance to contact us. We not only address the individual issues, but compile them to see if there are larger problems that need to be investigated.” 

    In addition to paying this restitution to Colorado consumers, Anthem is being fined $100,000 by the DOI with a portion potentially waived if the company follows the order by contacting impacted consumers, refunding the overcharged premium and reinstating eligible individuals. 

    Coloradans with insurance questions can contact the Division of Insurance at 303-894-7490 / 800-930-3745 / or visit our “Ask a Question / Make a Complaint” website. 

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  • Gardner, Colleagues Announce Formation of the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus

    Gardner, Colleagues Announce Formation of the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus

    Washington, D.C. – Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Republicans in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives announced today the formation of the bicameral Roosevelt Conservation Caucus (RCC). The RCC will embrace and promote constructive efforts to address environmental problems, responsibly plan for all market factors, and base policy decisions on science and quantifiable facts.   

    “In Colorado we are blessed with abundant and diverse natural resources, and we take pride in being responsible stewards of the environment,” said Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colorado), co-chair of the Senate Caucus. “Every American should want to protect the environment and pass our beautiful country on to the next generation better and cleaner than it was given to us. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues today to officially launch the Roosevelt Conservation Caucus, a platform that will help shine more light on Republican efforts on innovative, economically viable policies which will both improve the environment and make sure the American people continue to have the highest quality of life possible.”

     

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  • Gardner, Bennet Introduce Cybersecurity Legislation to Protect Energy Grid

    Gardner, Bennet Introduce Cybersecurity Legislation to Protect Energy Grid

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) introduced the Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act and the Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act today to protect the country’s energy grid from cyber-attacks.

    “Colorado and states across the country need to secure our energy grids and be better prepared against cyber-attacks that threaten our critical infrastructure,” said Senator Gardner. “I’ve worked with Senator Bennet on these bipartisan pieces of legislation because we both know the risk cyber-attacks pose to our country and the need for leadership on these issues. This legislation will help shore up our electric grid’s vulnerabilities. I look forward to working with my colleagues to gather more bipartisan support and see these bills signed into law.” 

    “Increasing the resilience of our electric grid in both rural and urban America is critical to preventing a crippling cyberattack. We must protect the infrastructure that serves as the backbone for everything from hospitals and banks, to gas stations and water treatment facilities,” said Senator Bennet. “That is why we’ve worked with Coloradans and national energy organizations to ensure our legislation provides the technical assistance they need to safeguard their communities from cyberattacks.”

    Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act

    This bill authorizes the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide financial assistance to states to develop or revise a State Energy Security Plan. The bill outlines the contents of a State Security Plan, including the need for coordination and joint exercises with industry and federal stakeholders.  It authorizes DOE $90 million annually for Fiscal Years 2018 – 2022 to offer financial and technical assistance to states as they develop and update their plans.

    A State Energy Security Plan will assess a state’s existing circumstances and propose methods to strengthen the ability of a state to:

    • Secure the energy infrastructure of the State against all physical and cybersecurity threats;
    • Mitigate the risk of energy supply disruptions to the state and enhance response to, and recovery from energy disruptions; and
    • Ensure the state has a reliable, secure, and resilient energy infrastructure.

    Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act

    This legislation would authorize the Department of Energy (DOE) to provide physical and cyber security assistance to electric utilities where the Secretary has substantial concerns and electric utilities with fewer available resources due to size or region, and submit a report addressing physical and cyber security vulnerabilities in electricity distribution systems. Support from DOE would include providing tools for self-assessment, assisting with threat assessment and training, and increasing the sharing of best practices and data collection.

    Building on Cybersecurity Progress 

    In 2018, Bennet led an amendment with Gardner and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—the Energy Jobs for Our Heroes Act to help veterans prepare for careers in cybersecurity and clean energy—and secured it in the energy and water spending bill that was signed into law.

     

    In Bennet’s capacity as a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, he secured a cyber and grid security bill, also supported by Gardner, in the 2018 Senate Farm Bill, to ensure cybersecurity and grid improvement projects are eligible for USDA Rural Utility Service loans.

     

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  • July: National Auto Theft Prevention Month; Auto Theft Rises in Colorado for 6th Consecutive Year

    July: National Auto Theft Prevention Month; Auto Theft Rises in Colorado for 6th Consecutive Year

    Denver, Colo. — Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT), along with law enforcement and community partners, today launched their annual statewide summer awareness campaign to remind Coloradans about the importance of auto theft prevention. The “Lockdown Your Car” campaign coincides with National Auto Theft Prevention Month to educate drivers about common sense steps to deter auto theft in Colorado.

    According to the Colorado Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC), since 2012 the state’s auto theft problem has continued to escalate. In 2018, auto theft increased 9.4 percent over 2017, and was up 18 percent over 2016. In total, 21,324 vehicles were stolen in Colorado last year; an average of 410 stolen vehicles per week; 58 stolen vehicles per day. View the 2018 ATICC annual report here.

    While auto theft is a year-round problem in Colorado, there are seasonal behaviors that can open drivers up to dangerous consequences. “Auto theft is a crime of opportunity; thieves are always on the lookout for the easy steals,” says Carole Walker, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association and CAAT chair. “Thieves know that when the weather heats up, drivers are more likely to leave cars open or windows down when parked outside, or even leave cars running unattended with the air conditioning going. National Auto Theft Prevention Month is the perfect time to remind Colorado drivers to ‘Lockdown Your Car.’”

    What Contributes to the Rise in Auto Theft in Colorado?

    A number of factors contribute to the increase in auto theft including the state’s population growth. On average, Colorado has observed a population growth of over 79,500 people per year for the past five years. Per capita, Colorado experienced a 7.4 percent increase in auto theft last year.

    Auto theft fuels crime sprees and contributes to the overall rise in Colorado’s crime rate. “A domino effect can occur when a car is left unlocked or running unattended,” says Colonel Matthew Packard, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “A vast majority of car thieves in Colorado commit additional crimes such as armed robbery, home invasion, identify theft and drug related offenses. The Colorado State Patrol is dedicated to safety on our roads and in our communities, and that includes empowering drivers to take necessary precautions to secure their vehicles from theft.”

    Why is Auto Theft Prevention Education Important?

    Nearly half of all auto theft is due to driver error, leaving keys in the car or leaving a car running unattended (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration). A statewide Colorado poll conducted by Drake Research & Strategy (January 2019) on behalf of CAAT revealed that while people may understand the seriousness of auto theft in Colorado, they still tend to leave themselves open to risk.

    “Common sense prevention goes a long way in helping to deter a thief from stealing your car, potentially committing other crimes in the process, and causing harm in the community,” adds Detective Jennifer King-Sullivan, president of Colorado Auto Theft Investigators. “We’re working to help create safer communities by improving awareness of risky behaviors that often have dangerous consequences.”

    Auto Theft Prevention Tips:

    • Lock your doors every single time – it’s the number one thing you can do to protect property

    • Remember to roll up windows all the way

    • Never leave your car running unattended

    • Take your keys with you – don’t keep a spare set of keys in your vehicle

    • Always park in well-lit areas

    • Put gifts and all valuables in the trunk hidden from view

    • Buy comprehensive insurance that covers stolen vehicles

    • Report suspicious activities to a non-emergency police line

    CAAT’s Summer “Lockdown Your Car” Campaign Highlights

    Public Awareness: CAAT’s public awareness campaign, supported by grant funding through the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, includes traditional advertising with TV spots, social media and community events to remind drivers not to make themselves an easy target for car thieves. See the TV spot here.

    Social Media: The Summer “Lockdown Your Car” social media campaign reveals what thieves see within everyday settings: opportunity. The design co-opts signs from fictional businesses and landmarks to show how easily thieves exploit unsuspecting drivers who effectively broadcast the vulnerable security of their vehicles. Follow the campaign on CAAT’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

    Community Events: To engage with Coloradans on important community safety issues, CAAT’s coalition partners will be taking part in events around the state including National Night Out (NNO) on August 6. This annual event is a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and creates connections that help make neighborhoods safer. Commander Mike Greenwell, Lakewood Police Department and CATPA Metropolitan Auto Theft Team (CMATT) explains, “It’s a great way to connect, to answer questions and try to help people with any problems they may have. We want to show people how to help continue to make our community a safe, comfortable place to be.”

    Snapshot of activities:

    • On July 25, Commerce City will host its 2nd Annual Police & Fire Open House at the Commerce City Civic Center. Residents can enjoy free food and entertainment, explore police and fire equipment and vehicles, tour the stations, meet the officers and sign up to host a NNO block party. Event hours are 4:00-8:00 p.m.

    • Members of the Lakewood Police Department will be out in full force on August 6, stopping by NNO gatherings taking place within the community. About 50 neighborhoods in Lakewood will have block parties for residents to get to know each other better and to connect with law enforcement on important community safety topics, including auto theft prevention awareness.

    • The Pueblo Police Department will host its annual “Neighborhood Safety Night” at the Riverwalk in Pueblo. The August 6 event runs from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a focus on safety, community resources and crime prevention. Residents can try to “dunk” the Chief and command staff and enjoy music, backyard style games, BBQ, snow cones, Riverwalk boat rides, first responder vehicle display, giveaways and numerous community resource booths.

    Visit NNO’s website or Facebook page for general NNO information.

    Highlights from ATICC 2018 Report

    Top Ten Stolen Vehicles in 2018:

    1. Honda Civic

    2. Honda Accord

    3. Ford F-250

    4. Chevrolet Silverado

    5. Ford F-150

    6. Dodge RAM

    7. Ford F-350

    8. Subaru Legacy

    9. GMC Sierra

    10. Jeep Grand Cherokee

    Top Five Colorado Cities for Auto Theft in 2018:

    1. Denver

    2. Colorado Springs

    3. Aurora

    4. Pueblo

    5. Lakewood

    CAAT, CATI and CMATT are funded by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA), a statutory grant program that supports law enforcement, prevention and training programs through the collection of $1.00 for every insured vehicle. For more information about auto theft in Colorado, visit www.lockdownyourcar.org and the “Lockdown Your Car” Facebook and Twitter pages.

    CAAT Coalition Partners

    Colorado auto theft task forces, made up of regional law enforcement agencies, Colorado State Patrol and other motor vehicle safety and insurance partners, are a part of CAAT’s coalition to decrease auto theft during this peak season.

    CATPA Metropolitan Auto Theft Team (CMATT)

    Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE)

    Colorado Attorney General’s Auto Theft Prosecution Initiative

    Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI)

    Colorado Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC)

    About Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT):

    CAAT is a statewide auto theft prevention initiative to raise awareness about the problem and educate the public on what they can do to reduce their chances of falling victim to auto theft. CAAT is part of a coalition of law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado State Patrol, the Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI), insurance partners, LoJack and AAA Colorado. In 2018, Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT) was honored with the Leadership in the Prevention of Vehicle Crimes Award for successful efforts in combatting auto theft through public awareness and prevention education by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). CAAT and the state auto theft task force efforts are funded in part by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA).

    About Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA):

    CATPA is a state authority that was established by Colorado statute in 2003 to help reduce Colorado’s serious auto theft problem through the award of grant funds. The Colorado law helps ensure that auto theft prevention efforts are targeted. These efforts have resulted in an increase in stolen vehicle recoveries and criminal prosecutions of major organized criminal groups, as well as related crimes.

     

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  • Utah resident, owner of northwest Colorado game hunting ranch convicted of importing prohibited sheep

    Utah resident, owner of northwest Colorado game hunting ranch convicted of importing prohibited sheep

    MEEKER, Colo. — A months-long Colorado Parks and Wildlife investigation of a private hunting ranch near the northwest Colorado community of Dinosaur began with the discovery of several prohibited exotic sheep species on the property and ended with last month’s conviction of the business owner from Utah.

    On June 19, Vernal resident Michael Gates, 34, owner of DJ Rams LLC pleaded guilty to his crime in a Rio Blanco County courtroom. He received a one-year deferred judgment sentence for possession of prohibited, non-native sheep. In addition, he must pay fines and court costs totaling over $1,400 and perform 60 hours of useful public service. He was also assessed five suspension points against his hunting and fishing privileges. In the future, he must comply with all CPW and Colorado Department of Agriculture inspections and requirements or risk additional fines and the potential loss of his operation.

    Officers say Gates illegally imported and possessed several exotic sheep species for his clients to hunt, including Mouflon sheep hybrids, Texas Dall sheep and Painted Desert sheep, all prohibited in Colorado.

    “Based on our investigation, Mr. Gates knew these sheep were prohibited but that did not stop him,” said Wildlife Officer Nate Martinez. “He decided to risk the health of our native wildlife and local domestic sheep simply for profit.”

    Wildlife officials say the prohibition is needed to protect native wildlife from hybridization with non-native species, avert the potential spread of disease to native sheep populations and prevent severe damage to habitat.

    “If they had escaped, these prohibited sheep could all survive in Colorado’s harsh climate,” said Martinez. “The disease issue is a major concern, as well as the potential impacts to native habitat and all of the native species that depend on it.”

    Martinez says the biggest threat would be to the native population of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep within nearby Dinosaur National Monument, and to domestic sheep within neighboring sheep-grazing allotments.

    Officers learned of the illegal sheep last summer after wildlife officers received a tip from an informant that had seen a social media post featuring the illegal sheep Gates had brought to the ranch.

    “Protecting native wildlife and local domestic sheep operations is of utmost importance to CPW and Colorado Department of Agriculture,’’ said Northwest Regional Manager JT Romatzke. “Our officers will do whatever is necessary to protect both by vigorously enforcing Colorado’s laws.”

    Martinez thanked Deputy District Attorney Jessica King for her work on the case.

    To anonymously provide information about a wildlife violation, the public can contact Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Rewards are available if the information leads to an arrest or conviction.

     

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