The Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Advisory Committee (UAIPAC) is one of several ways that USDA is extending support and building frameworks to support urban agriculture, including issues of equity, climate resilience and nutrition access.
The 2018 Farm Bill directed USDA to create this committee to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well as identify any barriers to urban agriculture.
Twelve members are appointed the Committee for one to three-year terms by the Secretary of Agriculture. The members represent a diverse set of expertise including urban production, innovative production, higher education, non-profit, finance, business and economic development, supply chain, and other areas related to urban, indoor, and other emerging agriculture production practices.
The Committee will host public meetings to deliberate on advice and recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture on ways USDA can support urban agriculture and innovative production.
BUCKLEY SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – Colorado Air National Guard 140th Wing State Command Chief U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Edward Hauschild will pass responsibility to U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jeremy Jenkins in a Change of Responsibility ceremony at 2:00 p.m., April 6, 2024, Hangar 909, Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado.
Assistant Adjutant General, Air U.S Air Force Brig. Gen. D. Micah “Zeus” Fesler will serve as the presiding official at the ceremony.
The State Command Chief represents the highest level of Air enlisted leadership and is the principal advisor to the commander of the COANG. Responsibilities include readiness, operational utilization, professional development, morale, and welfare of more than 1,600 COANG Airmen.
“I have been reflecting so much on what these last 33 years of military service means to me, and I know how blessed I am to have served along some of America’s finest,” Hauschild said. “I will always cherish these experiences and thank every fellow service member for their contributions to making me the best person I could be.”
Hauschild enlisted in the Air Force in April 1991 as a munitions systems specialist. He served nine years on active duty while stationed at four different Air Force bases before joining the COANG in 2000.
He went on to serve as the 140th munitions superintendent, the 140th equipment maintenance superintendent, the 140th maintenance group superintendent, and the 140th Wing command chief prior to his current position as the state command chief.
Jenkins enlisted in the Active Duty Air Force in June 1999 as a tactical air control party. He served 10 years on active duty and conducted numerous combat missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He joined the COANG in 2009, where he held several positions, including patient administration non-commissioned officer in charge, search and extraction flight chief, Medical Support Squadron superintendent, and Detachment 1 superintendent in support of Colorado’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package.
In 2013, he served a tour in support of the Colorado Joint Counterdrug Task Force where he served as the senior enlisted advisor responsible for overseeing all departments which included civil operations, administration staff, aviation support, criminal analysts, and ground reconnaissance/surveillance specialists in support of local, state and federal drug task forces. Prior to his current position, Jenkins was assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader for the 140th Maintenance Group.
DENVER—The Parks and Wildlife Commission will hold a hybrid “Special Commission Meeting” in Denver on April 5, 2024. The meeting is scheduled to begin at noon and adjourn at 5:30 p.m.
The meeting’s complete agenda and reference materials are now posted and can be viewed online on the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Commission webpage. The meeting will be streamed live on CPW’s YouTube page.
The Commission will discuss the 2025-2029 Big Game Season Structure (BGSS) staff recommendations and receive public comment. Additional agenda items include:
Wildlife corridors
Lesser Prairie Chickens
Beaver management
Details on providing public comments for hybrid meetings are available on the CPW website. The public is encouraged to email written comments to the commission at . Written comments must be provided by April 3, 2024, to be received by the Commission before the meeting.
The Commission meets regularly and travels to communities around the state to facilitate public participation. Anyone can listen to commission meetings (live or archived) through the CPW website. This opportunity keeps constituents informed about the development of regulations and how the commission works with Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff to manage the agency’s parks, wildlife, and outdoor recreation programs. Learn more about the commission on the CPW website.
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera and The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan will host an Easter event at the Boettcher Mansion in Denver for the families of Colorado National Guard service members March 23, 2024.
The CONG Easter Egg Roll is a military-focused event held every other year to recognize that families of service members also serve.
“This event is about saying thank you to our Colorado National Guard families while connecting them with valuable resources,” Clellan said. “Our National Guard members would not be ready to serve our state and nation without the support of our families.”
The CONG’s Prevention Workforce and Joint Resiliency Directory, or J9, coordinates the festivities. Those in attendance can participate in crafts, games, an Easter egg hunt, story time for the children, and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. The event will be held from approximately 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Events such as this are a way for military families to network and get connected to resources. Each year CONG families experience separation while their service members are called to support stateside emergency response or overseas contingency operations.
From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, motorists should expect a right lane closure on westbound I-70 at the E-470 interchange to set the traffic barrier. Once set, motorists can expect a right shoulder closure for several months. Crews will also begin installing permanent storm sewer pipe north of I-70 through this week. Motorists will also notice increased truck activity near Picadilly Road and Colfax Avenue for several weeks with trucks hauling materials to and from the project. Drivers are asked to use caution when traveling through the work zone and wto atch for trucks entering and exiting along Picadilly Road between 19th Avenue and Smith Road.
Statewide — During this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, responsible Coloradans know not to get “sham-rocked” with a DUI. From March 14–20, the Colorado Department of Transportation will support the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and 76 local law enforcement agencies for the St. Patrick’s Day DUI enforcement period. During enforcement periods, drivers may see sobriety checkpoints and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to arresting impaired drivers.
To encourage a weekend of safe rides, CDOT will be distributing rideshare credits at this Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Denver, in partnership with AAA Colorado. Parade attendees are encouraged to use public transportation, such as RTD, to avoid a DUI. For people hosting St. Patrick’s Day parties, CDOT urges all guests to have a safe and sober ride home. Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs can lead to lane drifting while driving, excessive speed, slowed reaction time and more.
“It’s up to each of us to behave responsibly during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration by planning to use alternate forms of transportation,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Luck won’t get you home safely if you’re impaired behind the wheel. And, never get in the car with someone you suspect is intoxicated. One bad choice could lead to a DUI, license suspension, serious injury or even loss of life.”
Keep your charm, avoid a DUI graphic
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 47 people were killed in DUI crashes over the St. Patrick’s Day holiday period in 2021. Last year in Colorado, 276 DUI arrests were made during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement. This is a 60% increase from the year before.
So far this year, there have been 24 impaired driving-related traffic deaths and 935 DUI arrests made during heightened enforcement periods in Colorado.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis is never responsible — DUI crashes are always preventable,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “This is all the more reason to seek out public transportation, rideshare services or a designated driver this holiday weekend.”
Using alcohol and cannabis together enhances the effect of each substance. With polyconsumption on the rise, CDOT wants everyone to know the effects of combining the two drugs.
Loss of coordination and problem-solving skills
Distorted perception of time, distance and speed
Slowed reaction time
The recent Presidents Week enforcement period concluded with 300 arrests across 81 participating agencies. The agencies with the highest arrests were Denver Police Department (41), Colorado Springs Police Department (33) and Aurora Police Department (21). Spring Events is the next DUI enforcement period from April 4–24, amounting to 21 straight days of high visibility enforcement.
CDOT is making available new DUI checkpoint footage, available free for media use, offering a compelling glimpse of what happens during a checkpoint. The footage captures real-life interactions between law enforcement officers and drivers at DUI checkpoints, highlighting the consequences of impaired driving. You can find more about these photos on the CDIOT DUI Checkpoint B-Roll by contacting .
Note: The people portrayed in the videos signed participation waivers to be included in filming.
About The Heat Is On
The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.
Crash Not Accident
Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying ‘crash’ instead of ‘accident’ when reporting.
Statewide- Several highways across the Denver metro area and high country are closed due to adverse conditions and crashes. Road conditions vary, but most highways are snowpacked and slushy making driving conditions difficult.
Keeping the roads open as much as possible will be an all-hands-on-deck effort. CDOT urged drivers to stay off the road when possible during heavy periods of snow and to make sure that vehicles venturing into the snow are equipped for the conditions. For example, numerous instances of jack-knifed semi trucks, many without chains, have led to numerous closures on key thoroughfares like I-70. If travelers must head out, be sure to maintain slower speeds, keep plenty of room between you and the vehicle ahead and use extreme caution. There may be a lull in weather early this morning in the Denver metro area, but motorists should be warned that snow conditions are expected to pick back up later in the morning.
Below are the closures that are currently in place as of 8 a.m.:
I-70 in both directions between Morrison and Silverthorne because of adverse conditions and semi-truck crashes due to lack of chains.
US 285 just south of C-470 is closed due to a jackknifed semi truck.
Highway 119 is closed due to adverse conditions. Power outages have been reported.
US 40 Berthoud Pass and US 6 Loveland Pass are closed due to adverse conditions, avalanche recovery after a natural slide occurred overnight and additional
winter operations will be necessary to make sure that the roads are safe to reopen.
US 40/I-70 Frontage Road is closed.
I-25 between Castle Rock and northern Colorado Springs and roads in the Palmer Divide communities are particularly treacherous and have received over 10” of snow, making driving conditions very difficult. The winter storm will continue throughout the day and roads may become worse, especially as more folks take to the roads. The storm is tracking as forecasted. Friday morning ski traffic will be affected.
Pavement Impacts
Front Range Mountains
Peak impacts: Wednesday night to Thursday night
Winds: Moderate
Snowfall Rates: 1”/hour+
Pavement Condition: Snowpacked/icy
Southwest Colorado
Peak impacts: Thursday afternoon to Friday night
Winds: Moderate
Snowfall Rates: Moderate to heavy
Pavement Conditions: Snowpacked/icy and then will turn to slushy/wet
North of the Palmer Divide
Peak impacts: Wednesday night to Thursday night
Winds: Moderate/gusty
Snowfall Rates: 1”/hour+
Pavement Conditions: Wet/slushy and then will turn to snowpacked/icy
South of the Palmer Divide
Peak Impacts: Early Thursday to Friday morning
Winds: Moderate/gusty
Rates: Moderate to heavy
Pavement Conditions: Wet/slushy and then will turn to snowpacked/icy
Commercial Motor Vehicle stuck on eastbound I-70 at the Evergreen Parkway exit
Looking for Road Conditions? Go to COtrip!
For real-time updates, motorists should use COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app for the latest road closures and conditions. CDOT’s social media channels, especially X (formerly Twitter), will not be updated with real-time information. Chain and Traction Laws are in place in the high country and can be seen on these platforms as well.
Storm total snow amounts statewide map as of 6 a.m. Thursday, March 14
Winter Travel Tips for Motorists
Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm on Thursday.
Work from home if you can.
If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (see info sources below).
Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires for the weather and have a snow emergency kit.
Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.
Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snow plows.
Safety Closures
A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.
Chain & Traction Laws
When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.
COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App
If motorists must head out during this winter storm, they are urged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists are now able to sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to see if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.
The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, CO—March 13, 2024—For the safety of motorists, Arapahoe County Public Works will close the Cherry Creek Damn Road at 1 a.m. on Thursday, March 14, due to the impending snowstorm. The road will remain closed until further notice. Drivers should use I-225 or South Parker Road as alternates.
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Arapahoe County provides the best of everything Colorado has to offer. From babies to boomers and beyond, residents put down roots, raise families, start and run businesses, and embrace the endless opportunities and amenities that make the state unique. Arapahoe County spans 805 miles and features vibrant urban, suburban and rural communities, an unparalleled open space and trail system, major employment centers and a robust multimodal transportation network. Learn more at arapahoeco.gov.
It’s four years in the making! Leap Day is here. What will you do with the extra day? The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has some ideas:
There’s no time like the present!
Use your bonus day by making a health-conscious splash. Whether it’s finally making an appointment for that overdue check-up, getting up-to-date on recommended vaccines, or simply indulging in some well-deserved self-care, investing in your well-being is always a good idea!
Radon? Not on our watch!
Home is where the heart is, but it’s also where radon might be lurking. Put the odds in your favor by testing your home for radon. Worried about the cost? Fear not! Find out how to access a discounted radon test kit to keep your home safe from lung cancer risks.
Maximize health and financial well-being: File early for tax benefits!
Why wait? Get a jump on your tax returns early and effortlessly at GetAheadColorado.org where you can file securely and for free. Plus, don’t miss out on potential cashback from the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit — file now to claim your benefits and seize the day!
A breath of fresh air!
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a jog in the park, or a fun outdoor activity, embrace the opportunity to get active and enjoy the fresh Colorado air. Living an active lifestyle is just one way you can protect your heart health and support a healthy brain!
E-bike extravaganza!
Ditch the car keys and hop on the eco-friendly bandwagon. Ride a bike, take a walk, or use public transportation to reduce environmental impacts and protect clean Colorado air. Household motor vehicle trips are one of the biggest drivers of transportation emissions in the country. Find out how to access an E-bike.
Clear out the clutter by dropping off old or unused meds at a Medication Takeback drop box. It’s not just a cleanup. It’s a safeguard against accidents and misuse, and keeping our water systems pristine.
Information is power!
Explore the universe of CDPHE’s information campaignsdedicated to preserving public and environmental health. We’ve got your back, Colorado!
Leap Day just got a whole lot cooler, thanks to CDPHE’s health-packed, joy-filled playbook. Get ready to make the most of those bonus 24 hours, Colorado-style!
While heating prices have come down in recent months compared to their peak last year, Americans are still projected to spend nearly 30% more on utilities this winter than before the pandemic. But differences in fuels, prices, and climate create large regional variation in household utility expenditures, especially during the winter months.
To determine the states most impacted by rising heating costs this winter, researchers calculated the change in monthly household utility costs from winter 2019–2020 to winter 2023–2024, then ranked states accordingly.
These are the key takeaways from the report for Colorado:
After remaining low since 2010, natural gas prices have risen nearly 27% since the winter of 2019–2020. Winter propane and heating oil prices also followed this trend, rising 23% and 39% during the same time period, respectively.
Nationally, natural gas is the predominant heating fuel, used as the primary source in over 60 million homes (46% of the total). Electricity ranks as the second most common fuel for residential heating, serving as the primary source for approximately 54 million homes.
Residents of Colorado—who primarily rely on natural gas to heat their homes—saw average household utility costs of $158 each month during the winter of 2019–2020.
This winter, they’re projected to spend an average of $204 each month.
Based on these projections, households in Colorado will experience a 29.0% increase in their utility bills this winter—the 13th largest among all U.S. states.
Geographical Differences in Primary Household Heating Fuels
