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State health department announces $1 million settlement with K.P. Kauffman Company

DENVER – The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday, January 21 that they reached a settlement with K.P. Kauffman Company, Inc. (KPK), an oil and gas firm headquartered in Denver.

The settlement, which includes a $1 million civil penalty to be split between the federal government and the State of Colorado, resolves allegations in a complaint filed in October 2018 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado that the company failed to adequately minimize emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) from its exploration and production operations in the state’s ozone nonattainment area.

“The department expects oil and gas companies operating in the State of Colorado to follow the law,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director of the Department of Public Health and Environment. “Our laws and regulations exist to protect the health and well-being of everyone who calls Colorado home. This settlement demonstrates our commitment to holding companies accountable for their violations and taking the decisive steps necessary to minimize volatile organic compound emissions.”

Under Colorado’s Regulation 7, oil and gas companies are required to design, operate, and maintain their operations in a manner that minimizes emissions to the maximum extent practicable. Starting in 2012, the department and the EPA launched a joint investigation using advanced infrared cameras to determine if oil and gas operations were meeting their obligations under Regulation 7.

Today’s settlement with KPK is the department’s 10th settlement, either working on its own or in conjunction with the federal government, to result from this investigation. In addition to a civil penalty, KPK has agreed to implement tank control measures that will reduce volatile organic compound emissions by an estimated 424 tons per year. The company committed to completing new storage tank design and operation and maintenance procedures that will fulfill its obligations under Regulation 7 within no more than two years. KPK will also install pressure monitors on all tanks subject to the settlement. This technology will allow KPK to continuously monitor the pressure in its storage tanks to ensure the tanks do not over pressurize and release excess emissions.

In addition, the settlement requires KPK to conduct more frequent inspections and to respond promptly to observed volatile organic compounds emissions and conduct a root cause analysis if the company’s operations experience multiple volatile organic compound emissions within a given time period (three or more instances in any rolling six-month period). If the analysis determines that the emissions are the result of a flaw in the company’s procedures or design, KPK will be required to address the root cause to prevent a recurrence.

KPK has also agreed to complete three environmental mitigation projects that will reduce volatile organic compound emissions in the state by an additional 131 tons per year.

The department, working both on its own and in conjunction with the U.S. EPA and DOJ, has now reached settlements that cover 93 percent of the well production facilities with condensate storage tanks in the state’s ozone nonattainment area (as well as the portions of Weld County not within the nonattainment area).

Attorneys from the Colorado Department of Law’s Natural Resources section advised the department on the settlement.

Minimizing volatile organic compound emissions is a crucial component of the department’s efforts to bring Colorado back into attainment with the EPA’s national ozone standard. When volatile organic compounds interact with oxides of nitrogen in sunlight, they create ozone pollution. The department recognized that improperly designed and maintained storage tanks at oil and gas operations represented a significant source of volatile organic compound emissions, and Colorado has taken the initiative in pioneering innovative and cost-effective storage tank regulations.

“Colorado has pursued a vigorous all-of-the-above strategy when it comes to storage tanks,” said Garry Kaufman, director, Air Pollution Control Division. “Whether it’s holding oil and gas companies accountable through appropriate legal action or approving new tank controls under Regulation 7 through the Air Quality Control Commission, the state has demonstrated that it will continue to seek out effective and scientifically supported means for reducing emissions and making Colorado’s air cleaner and healthier.”

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January 22, 2020
Electric Vehicles Now Competitive on Price
New AAA research finds electric cars are becoming cheaper to own, “range anxiety” diminishing.

DENVER (Jan. 22, 2020) – New research from AAA finds that over five years and 75,000 miles of driving, the annual cost of owning a new compact electric vehicle is only slightly more expensive – about $600 annually – than its gas-powered counterpart, despite steeper sticker prices and higher depreciation costs. Importantly, the study also revealed that the most significant concern surrounding an electric vehicle – range anxiety – eases considerably after purchase.

Per new AAA survey data, prior to owning an electric vehicle, 91 percent of owners said they had at least one significant concern about these vehicles generally – including insufficient range, inability to plan for long-distance trips, and difficulty finding a place to charge. Many of these worries disappeared after purchase. This suggests a perception problem: If consumers have a better understanding of the actual cost and experience of owning an electric vehicle, the gap between expressed interest and adoption should begin to close.

“While 40 million Americans have signaled an interest in buying electric for their next car, the actual adoption of these technologies is happening much, much more slowly,” said AAA Colorado spokesman Skyler McKinley. “With this research, we’ve begun to explore what the experience of owning an electric vehicle has on perception of these cars and, perhaps more importantly, whether consumers would choose to go green again.”

By the Numbers

AAA’s survey of electric vehicle owners, 71 percent of whom had not previously owned an electric car, revealed some interesting results:
- The majority (96 percent) say they would buy or lease another electric vehicle the next time they were in the market for a new car.
- Two in five (43 percent) say they drive more now than when they owned a gas-powered car. On average, electric vehicle owners drive 39 miles per day.
- Three quarters (78 percent) also have a gas-powered car in the household, although they report doing the majority of their driving (87 percent) in their electric vehicle.
Perhaps the most surprising result of the survey was the impact ownership has on commonly held fears about electric vehicles, particularly those that have deterred consumers from making the leap to green. Previous AAA research has found that the top two reasons why Americans shy away from electric vehicles are not enough places to charge (58 percent) and the fear that they will run out of charge while driving (57 percent).

Almost all owners surveyed (95 percent) report never having run out of a charge while driving . On average, they do 75 percent of their charging at home. As a result, those who were originally concerned about insufficient range said they became less or no longer concerned post-purchase (77 percent).

Still, Colorado drivers take note: Hilly and mountainous terrain and cold weather can significantly reduce an electric vehicle’s potential range – and Colorado has plenty of both. Prospective electric vehicle buyers should evaluate how often they face these conditions in the understanding that advertised ranges may not accord with Colorado’s unique motoring landscape. For this reason, AAA Colorado was proud to introduce the nation’s first dedicated electric vehicle charging truck in 2015.

Driving Costs

Employing the same methodology used for its annual Your Driving Costs study, AAA calculated the costs for owning a new compact electric vehicle as they compared to those of a comparable gas-powered vehicle. While the study found that the overall cost of electric vehicle ownership is eight percent more per year, individual categories such as fuel and maintenance/repair are lower.
- Fuel – The electricity required to drive 15,000 miles per year in a compact electric vehicle costs an average of $546, while the amount of gas required to drive the same distance costs $1,255 (or 130 percent) more.
- Maintenance/Repair – Electric vehicles do not require as much maintenance as gas-powered ones, as they do not need oil changes or air-filter replacements. If maintained according to the automakers’ recommendations, electric vehicles cost $330 less than a gas-powered car – at a total of $949 annually.
Vehicle ownership, whether electric or gas-powered, is a personal choice that should take many factors into consideration. For consumers who are interested in electric vehicles, AAA recommends visiting a dealership, test driving one, and asking as many questions as possible to make an informed decision.

Methodology

The electric vehicle and internal combustion engine driving costs in this study were established using the proprietary methodology employed for AAA’s Your Driving Costs (YDC) project. The 2019 electric vehicle models selected for this study were: Chevrolet Bolt (LT), Hyundai Ionic Electric (Base), Kia Soul EV (+), Nissan Leaf (SV) and Volkswagen eGolf (SE). The 2019 internal combustion engine vehicles selected for the comparison were: Chevrolet Cruze (LS), Honda Civic (LX), Hyundai Elantra (SE), Nissan Sentra (SV) and Toyota Corolla (SE). This methodology models the purchase of a new vehicle for personal use over a period of five years and 75,000 miles. A copy of the 2019 AAA Your Driving Costs brochure with the latest study results is available at https://bit.ly/35I5GG8.

The survey of electric vehicle owners was conducted using a consumer panel maintained by a third-party electric vehicle research firm. The online panel consists of more than 40,000 electric vehicles owners, weighted to balance drivers by vehicle type, make and model. In total, 1,090 surveys with plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) owners were completed during a 24 hour period on October 1, 2019.

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January 22, 2020
LARRY WALKER BECOMES FIRST ROCKIES PLAYER ELECTED TO HALL OF FAME

Walker received 76.6% of votes in 10th and final year on ballot

DENVER — It was announced this evening that Larry Walker has been elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame after receiving 76.6% of the vote in his 10th and final year on the ballot. The announcement was made by National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum President Tim Mead live on MLB Network.

Walker becomes the first player in Rockies history to be elected to the Hall of Fame. He is the seventh player in the modern voting era (since 1966) to be elected in his final year of eligibility and the third player over the past four years to be elected in his 10th and final year on the ballot (also Tim Raines in 2017, Edgar Martinez in 2019).

Eligible candidates must be named on 75% of the ballots from voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America in order to be elected. Walker received 54.6% of the vote in 2019, marking an improvement of 22.0% in his final year on the ballot. That is the largest year-to-year percentage increase to earn election to the Hall of Fame in the modern voting era.

The Class of 2020 also includes shortstop Derek Jeter, catcher Ted Simmons and executive Marvin Miller. They will be inducted on Sunday, July 26 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Born on December 1, 1966 in Maple Ridge, B.C., Canada, Larry Walker played parts of 17 Major League seasons from 1989-2005, including parts of 10 seasons with the Rockies from 1995-2004. In his career, he batted .313 (2,160-for-6,907) with 1,355 runs, 471 doubles, 62 triples, 383 home runs, 1,311 RBI, 230 stolen bases and 913 walks. As a Rockie, Walker batted .334 (1,361-for-4,076) with 297 doubles, 44 triples, 258 home runs, 848 RBI, 126 stolen bases and 584 walks. He ranks first in Rockies history in batting average, on-base percentage (.426) and slugging percentage (.618). He ranks second, behind Todd Helton, in runs, hits, doubles, home runs and RBI.

In 1997, Walker became the only player in Rockies history to win the National League Most Valuable Player Award after leading the Major Leagues with a .720 slugging percentage, a 1.172 OPS and 409 total bases. His 49 home runs that season led the National League, and remain tied with Todd Helton’s 2001 total for the most single-season home runs in Rockies franchise history.

He was named a National League All-Star five times (1992, 1997-99, 2001) and earned seven Gold Gloves in right field (1992-93, 1997-99, 2001-02) in addition to his three Silver Sluggers (1992, 1997, 1999). Additionally, he was a three-time National League Batting Champion (1998-99, 2001) as a member of the Rockies.

Prior to signing with Colorado before the 1995 season, Walker played parts of six seasons with the Montreal Expos (1989-94) and batted .281 (666-for-2,366) with 368 runs, 147 doubles, 16 triples, 99 home runs, 384 RBI across 674 games. He concluded his Major League career with parts of two seasons for the St. Louis Cardinals (2004-05), where he batted .286 (133-for-465) with 95 runs, 27 doubles, two triples, 26 home runs, 79 RBI, six stolen bases and 65 walks across 144 games.

“I know I speak for the whole Rocky Mountain Region in congratulating Larry for his election into the Hall of Fame,” said Rockies Owner/Chairman & CEO Dick Monfort. “Larry blessed our region for parts of 10 seasons and we feel extremely fortunate to be a part of his incredible career. Congrats, Larry.”

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January 22, 2020
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Supports Coloradans Protecting Wildlife

DENVER, Colo. —The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has joined Coloradans Protecting Wildlife (CPW), a coalition formed to fight a ballot measure that will be decided in the November 2020 general election. The measure would force the introduction of wolves along Colorado’s Western Slope.

“This initiative is a reckless and dangerous approach that circumvents Colorado’s wildlife management authorities at Colorado Parks and Wildlife who have affirmed multiple times over the years that we should listen to the science and not force wolves into Colorado,” says Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer at RMEF. “Outdoor enthusiasts, sportsmen, farmers and ranchers, and many residents will be negatively impacted if this proposal is successful. Not to mention the millions of taxpayer dollars it will cost to implement.”

The 2020 initiative would ignore long-standing scientific processes, research, and expert guidance by forcing the introduction of wolves into Colorado without any analysis of the potential negative impacts on Colorado’s environment, ecosystems, or its citizens.

“Anyone who appreciates Colorado’s quality of life and natural beauty should be concerned by this proposal,” warns Henning. “Colorado is nationally and internationally renowned for its successful wildlife management. Introducing a new apex predator like the wolf will dramatically impact the state’s ungulate populations. Fifty-four of the state’s 64 elk and deer units that are under objective are in western or southwestern Colorado.”

As responsible stewards of the land, various stakeholders have previously worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a “free-ranging” wolf plan, including necessary management strategies to ensure gray wolves that enter Colorado from other states are protected yet do not endanger animals or people that they may come in contact with. This plan is working as evidenced by the recent confirmation of a wolf pack living in northwest Colorado that migrated here without human intervention.

By supporting CPW, RMEF joins a growing, robust coalition of stakeholders educating voters about the pitfalls of introducing wolves to Colorado’s landscapes. Trade organizations opposed to the initiative include the Colorado Farm Bureau, Colorado Cattleman’s Association, Colorado Wool Growers Association, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Outdoor Channel, Colorado Mule Deer Society, Hunter Nation, Big Game Forever, Colorado Traditional Archers Society, Colorado Bowhunters Association, Four Corners Chapter of SCI, Colorado Outfitters Association, Bull Basin Guides and Outfitters, Code of the West Outfitters, Hunt 360, Colorado Independent Cattle Growers, Southwestern Colorado Livestock Association, La Plata-Archuleta Cattleman’s Association, Gunnison, Eagle, Garfield, and La Plata Colorado Farm Bureau boards, as well as Alamosa, Archuleta, Cheyenne, Crowley, Douglas, Fremont, Garfield, Hinsdale, Jackson, Kit Carson, Las Animas, Lincoln, Mesa, Moffat, Montezuma, Montrose, Otero, Rio Blanco, Rio Grande, Routt, and Weld counties.

Together, these groups are urging voters to vote no on forced wolf introduction and leave species management up to wildlife biologists and the relevant state and federal agencies.

For additional information about Coloradans Protecting Wildlife, please visit: www.RethinkWolves.com.

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January 17, 2020
Go Code Colorado To Kick Off Its Seventh Year of Competition

Go Code Colorado is a state-wide competition that challenges multidisciplinary teams to turn public data into useful business insights, analyses, and tools. Now in its 7th cycle, Go Code Colorado kicks off next month and features two tracks to compete in, (Business Application track and Business Analytics track) with $15,000 in available prize money for four winning teams.

“Go Code Colorado is the nation’s only state-wide data competition, bringing entrepreneurs from every corner of our state together to help turn public data into useful tools for businesses throughout Colorado,” said Secretary of State Jena Griswold. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the talented teams come up with in the 2020 competition!”

Apostrophe CTO and Co-Founder Kathy Keating, who was also a finalist judge in 2019, said, “Go Code Colorado inspires participants to solve problems to real issues. The missions, the social impacts these teams have is awesome. It’s incredibly inspiring to see the way they take raw public data and turn it into something meaningful to the world.”

This event is an initiative of the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office’s Business Intelligence Center (BIC). BIC promotes economic growth across the state by making business-relevant data accessible and useable for informed decision-making. To date, BIC has published over 292 datasets for convenient public use.

Over the past seven years, Go Code Colorado competitions have included over 900 team participants and almost 5,000 individuals from across the state including entrepreneurs, big thinkers, analysts, marketers, coders, and developers.

The Competition will host kick-off events in Grand Junction and Denver where participants can find teammates, learn about the Challenge Statement and network with a community of people who believe in the power of public data.

Kick Off #1

Thursday, February 6th, 2020

From 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at FACTORY at Maverick Innovation Center (CMU), 730 Mesa Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Kick Off #2

Thursday, February 13th, 2020

From 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Great Divide Brewery, Bottling Hall, 3403 Brighton Blvd, Denver, CO 80216.

For a full schedule of events for Go Code Colorado, please visit www.gocodecolorado.com.

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January 17, 2020
Open Enrollment for Individual Coverage Deadline January 15 Still time to get health insurance coverage for 2020

DENVER – This Wednesday, January 15, is the open enrollment deadline for Coloradans to enroll in individual health insurance plans. The next few days are the last opportunity to enroll in coverage for 2020, unless someone experiences a special circumstance like losing their employer-based insurance, getting married, divorced or the birth of a child.

“Now is the time to sign up, get enrolled, and shop around to find health care savings. Health care premiums on the individual market are down by an average of 20%, and the savings are even greater on the Eastern Plains, the Western Slope and in Southern Colorado. I encourage Coloradans to take advantage of the historic premium reductions and enroll in a plan before Wednesday’s deadline,” said Governor Jared Polis.

The 2020 premiums have decreased across Colorado and in all levels of plans – bronze, silver and gold – thanks to the bipartisan Reinsurance program passed by lawmakers and signed by the Governor. Reinsurance is bringing real savings to real people. In his 2020 state of the state address, Governor Polis highlighted the story of a Summit County family of four who is saving upwards of $7,000 this year as a result of reinsurance and the Peak Health Alliance.

Colorado individual health insurance consumers can enroll with insurance agents, directly with the insurance companies or through our state’s exchange, Connect for Health Colorado. Contact Connect at 855-752-6749 or find in-person assistance through their statewide network of certified experts at connectforhealthco.com/person-help. In addition, Connect for Health offers tools such as the Quick Cost & Plan Finder that can help you check if you are eligible for financial assistance and find a plan that fits your needs.

Coverage for people enrolling now and through the Jan. 15 deadline will begin on Feb. 1. On average, people can find plans with premiums 20% cheaper than the 2019 plans and some people are finding plans as much as 35% cheaper than before.

Preliminary enrollment figures show that as of Dec. 18, over 173,000 people have signed up for individual coverage for 2020. This includes people who enrolled through Connect for Health Colorado and those who enrolled directly with an insurance company (also called enrolling “off-exchange”).

Open Enrollment for Individual Coverage – Deadline January 15

Still time to get health insurance coverage for 2020

DENVER – This Wednesday, January 15, is the open enrollment deadline for Coloradans to enroll in individual health insurance plans. The next few days are the last opportunity to enroll in coverage for 2020, unless someone experiences a special circumstance like losing their employer-based insurance, getting married, divorced or the birth of a child.

“Now is the time to sign up, get enrolled, and shop around to find health care savings. Health care premiums on the individual market are down by an average of 20%, and the savings are even greater on the Eastern Plains, the Western Slope and in Southern Colorado. I encourage Coloradans to take advantage of the historic premium reductions and enroll in a plan before Wednesday’s deadline,” said Governor Jared Polis.

The 2020 premiums have decreased across Colorado and in all levels of plans – bronze, silver and gold – thanks to the bipartisan Reinsurance program passed by lawmakers and signed by the Governor. Reinsurance is bringing real savings to real people. In his 2020 state of the state address, Governor Polis highlighted the story of a Summit County family of four who is saving upwards of $7,000 this year as a result of reinsurance and the Peak Health Alliance.

Colorado individual health insurance consumers can enroll with insurance agents, directly with the insurance companies or through our state’s exchange, Connect for Health Colorado. Contact Connect at 855-752-6749 or find in-person assistance through their statewide network of certified experts at connectforhealthco.com/person-help. In addition, Connect for Health offers tools such as the Quick Cost & Plan Finder that can help you check if you are eligible for financial assistance and find a plan that fits your needs.

Coverage for people enrolling now and through the Jan. 15 deadline will begin on Feb. 1. On average, people can find plans with premiums 20% cheaper than the 2019 plans and some people are finding plans as much as 35% cheaper than before.

Preliminary enrollment figures show that as of Dec. 18, over 173,000 people have signed up for individual coverage for 2020. This includes people who enrolled through Connect for Health Colorado and those who enrolled directly with an insurance company (also called enrolling “off-exchange”).

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January 13, 2020
New Colorado marijuana rules go into effect on January 1, 202
Rules promulgated from the 2019 legislative session are the most extensive since retail marijuana was legalized in 2012.

DENVER, Colo. December 31, 2019 — Marijuana rules stemming from the General Assembly’s 2019 legislative session go into effect on January 1, 2020 for all regulated marijuana businesses across Colorado, most notably allowing, for the first time, state licensing of hospitality establishments and the issuance of permits for residential delivery of medical marijuana. Final rules were adopted by the State Licensing Authority on November 5, 2019 after a summer of extensive stakeholder engagement led by the Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED).

“Feedback from our stakeholders through work groups and public comment has always been a MED priority,” said Jim Burack, MED Director. “But this year, we encouraged an even more collaborative approach to rule development where work group participants utilized their experience and expertise within stakeholder teams to engage more directly in the drafting of rule language.”

Highlights of notable key rules that go into effect on January 1 include:
- Marijuana Hospitality Businesses (HB19-1230):
  - Creation of two marijuana hospitality business licenses, subject to local jurisdiction approval, including 1) “Marijuana Hospitality Business” license (may be mobile), allowing consumption of marijuana on the licensed premises, and 2) “Retail Marijuana Hospitality and Sales Business” license (cannot be mobile) allowing for the sale and consumption of retail marijuana on the licensed premises.
  - MED will maintain a list of approved hospitality businesses on the Division’s website.
- Regulated Marijuana Delivery (HB19-1234):
  - Creation of a permit to allow delivery of regulated marijuana to private residences from medical marijuana stores, subject to local jurisdiction approval.
  - Delivery to private residences from retail marijuana stores begins on January 1, 2021, also subject to local jurisdiction approval.
- Sunset Regulated Marijuana (SB19-224):
  - The Retail Code and Medical Code are integrated to create a single code, which will streamline operations for both regulators and businesses.
- - Criminal history disqualification provisions are amended so that felony convictions within the past three years will typically preclude licensing as an owner or employee.
  - Industrial hemp can be used in the manufacture of marijuana products and sold in retail marijuana stores. Prior to this legislation, the sale of industrial hemp products by licensed marijuana businesses was limited to medical marijuana stores. Beginning July 1, 2020, industrial hemp used by medical and retail marijuana manufacturers and sold in medical and retail stores will be subject to testing and can only be sourced from persons registered with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
  - Retail and medical marijuana stores and hospitality establishments can collect marijuana consumer waste for purposes of reuse and recycling. This includes containers, packages, and cartridges, among other waste components left after the marijuana is consumed.
- Other notable rule changes:
  - Vitamin E Acetate, Polyethylene glycol (PEG) and Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT Oil) are expressly prohibited for use in the manufacture of regulated marijuana concentrate or regulated marijuana products intended for inhalation. Read more here.
  - In an effort to further simplify the licensing process, there are now only two (instead of three) license categories for individuals working in the regulated marijuana industry: 1) owner and 2) employee.
To view the Colorado Marijuana Rules, 1 CCR 212-3, in its entirety, please visit: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/enforcement/med-rules.

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January 2, 2020
With the Quadrantid meteor shower peaking this weekend, Jackson Lake State Park has the dark skies for a dazzling display

The International Meteor Organization (IMO) is projecting that the Quadrantid meteor shower will peak around 1 a.m. Saturday. AccuWeather predicts that most of Colorado, including the eastern plains, will have good viewing conditions for the shower. And Jackson Lake State Park offers up the dark skies to showcase it all.

By Amy Brandenburg, Park Ranger at Jackson Lake State Park

ORCHARD, Colo. – Ralph Waldo Emerson probably said it best, “The sky is the ultimate art gallery just above us.”

Venturing from Denver and the metro area, the sky is clouded with an orange haze and inorganic glow. However, once on the eastern plains of Colorado, a traveler can pull the car over on a country road, get out, look up and be astounded at the beautiful sights that encompass the sky above him. This is one of the very unique things about living outside of the city, which most people forget about, because their eyes are looking down at their phones.

Morgan County has exceptionally dark skies once you journey away from our still quiet towns onto a county road. We should consider ourselves lucky to still be one of the few places our children can look up and see the big dipper, or even the Milky Way on a clear night.

Jackson Lake State Park is taking these dark skies one step further. The park was awarded two separate grants – $3,500 from the Colorado Parks Foundation and $20,000 from the Director’s Innovation Grant – to fund a “Dark Skies Initiative.”

This project consists of eliminating and changing out lights inside and outside all buildings on the park to be “dark skies friendly.” This means that lights are fully shielded, point straight down and have a color temperature less than 3000 kelvins. Bathroom buildings will also have sensors inside, so that lights are not staying on all evening.

Aside from causing less light pollution for night sky viewing, research has shown that this specific type of lighting is less harmful to wildlife that migrate in the night. Some birds even rely on stars for their migration path. Studies have also found that increased lighting has little to no effect on decreasing crime rates. Additionally, having dark areas is also known to help people reset their circadian rhythm, which is the biological clock that relies on the daily cycles of lightness and darkness; more on these topics to follow in upcoming articles.

Jackson Lake is not alone in this lighting feat; they are also working with Morgan County Rural Electric Association to remove the large light poles at the park to increase opportunities to see those beautiful stars above.

Since the lighting will be so minimal at Jackson Lake State Park, it will become an even more significant place to visit during unique celestial and lunar events. One of Jackson Lake’s frequent amateur astronomers stated, “I drive out twice a month to get away from the city’s light dome, so I can enjoy the night sky in such a way that is impossible to do in Denver. You can actually see the Milky Way.”

Photo by Nora Logue

The grants also affords the park the opportunity to acquire a new telescope to use while hosting educational and interpretive programs for the public. Guests can expect several experts in the field to share their knowledge, as well, at certain times of the year.

Furthermore, in the evenings, rangers will be educating campers to “light their site, not the night.” Many new RVs and motor homes have large amounts of exterior lights, which are generally unnecessary, use excess energy and can cause neighboring campers to have a limited view of the night sky.

By making these changes, Jackson Lake State Park is hoping to gain the accreditation of an “International Dark Skies Place” from the IDA (International Dark Skies Association). If the title is granted, Jackson Lake State Park will be the only state park in Colorado, and the only accredited place in Colorado east of I-25 to be certified.

It is a very exciting endeavor for Jackson Lake State Park, an endeavor they hope will create a new unique reason to visit Morgan County.

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January 2, 2020
FLY FISHING SHOW ATTRACTS VISITORS FROM ENTIRE AREA

DENVER, Colo. – Visitors from throughout the western states will get a first hand view of every fly-fishing tool from factory-fresh rods and reels to boots, waders, clothing and accessories at the 2020 Denver Fly Fishing Show® this weekend (Jan. 3-5) in the Denver Mart Pavilion Building, 451 E. 58^th Ave.

More than $50,000 in national door prizes including fishing trips, tackle and accessories are up for grabs. The Grand Prize – chosen from all seven 2020 Fly Fishing Shows – is an $11,000 fly-fishing vacation to the Seychelles off the coast of Africa. Additionally, there are regional show door prizes.

Premiere of the 2020 International Fly Fishing Film Festival is Fri. (1/3) at 6:30 p.m.

Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sat.; and 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Sun. Admission is $15 for one day, $25 for two days and $35 for three days. Children under age 5 are free as are Boy and Girl Scouts under age 16 in uniform. Children 6-12 are $5. Active military with an ID are $10.

Parking at the Denver Mart is free.

Visit www.flyfishingshow.com for a list of door prizes, demonstrations, seminars, films and classes.

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December 31, 2019
Huge prizes and great fun at Stagecoach State Park during 9th Annual Steamboat Great Outdoors Ice Fishing Tournament
OAK CREEK, Colo. – With up to $30,000 dollars in cash and prizes on the line, ice anglers can make big money at Stagecoach State Park‘s 9th Annual Steamboat Great Outdoors Ice Fishing Tournament, Jan. 4 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Stagecoach State Park is located near the town of Oak Creek, south of Steamboat Springs, in Routt County.

Adults and youth 16 years and older can register the morning of the event for $40, cash only, or pre-register in person at the following locations up to Jan.3:

PRE-REGISTRATION LOCATIONS:
- STAGECOACH STATE PARK OFFICE
- 25500 RCR 14, Oak Creek, CO 80467 / (970) 736-2436
- YAMPA RIVER STATE PARK HEADQUARTERS
- 6185 W Hwy 40, Hayden, CO 81639 / (970) 276-2061
- CPW STEAMBOAT SPRINGS OFFICE
- 925 Weiss Dr. Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 / (970) 870-2197
- CPW DENVER OFFICE
- 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216 / (303) 291-7227
Participants can download a registration application from the Steamboat Fishing Adventures website.

Youths under 15 can register free of charge and receive non-cash prizes. Optionally, youth may enter the paid tournament for $40.00 and be eligible for cash prizes. All youth entries under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult contestant.

New for 2020, due to a mandatory harvest at Stagecoach, anglers catching the most northern pike will be awarded a non-cash prize valued at approximately $400.00. There is no entry fee for this category but all pike must be presented at the measuring table for eligibility.

For an additional $20 buy-in, anglers can participate in the optional pike category. This pot will be awarded to the angler(s) that turns in the biggest individual pike by length.

For the rainbow trout category, cash prizes are awarded for first through tenth place based on the total combined measurement of two trout.

Happy participants during a previous ice fishing contest at Stagecoach State Park (PHOTO/CPW)

Anglers are reminded that all current fishing regulations will apply and will be enforced. A current fishing brochure is available at cpw.state.co.us, or at the park’s Visitor Center or at any CPW office or CPW license vendor.

For a detailed copy of tournament rules, visit the Steamboat Fishing Adventures website, or click here.

A valid state parks pass is required to enter the park. Carpooling is highly recommended due to limited parking space.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife cautions that early season ice conditions will exist. Anglers are reminded to use caution and seek ice-fishing safety information at the CPW website.

Registered snowmobiles and OHVs are permitted on the reservoir below the high-water mark only for the purpose of commuting to ice-fishing destinations. Contestants can use motorized vehicles to bring fish up to the Marina measuring table to enter fish as soon as they are caught. This will help avoid congestion at the end of the day.

Pets are welcome but must be kept on a six-foot leash at all times.

For questions and additional information, contact Steamboat Fishing Adventures at 970-819-3561, or by email at , or Stagecoach State Park at 970-736-2436 or by email at .
December 27, 2019