July 23, 2020- The Elephant Butte Fire, located in Jefferson County qualified for State Responsibility and received verbal approval for an Executive Order by means of the Colorado Disaster Emergency Fund (DEF).
The Elephant Butte Fire started July 14 two miles west of Evergreen, Colorado. Evergreen Fire/Rescue firefighters continue to monitor the 52-acre burn, which was declared contained on Sunday July 26. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) wildland fire mission is to provide support, service, and assistance to local fire agencies and counties, in addition to filling resource and incident management gaps where they occur. DFPC provides wildland fire support to local agencies in the form of funding, aviation, ground resources, and technical assistance. Funding support and resources have been provided to wildfires across the state this year, successfully keeping many fires small and limiting suppression costs and property damage.
When a wildfire exceeds local and county capability, additional State assistance can be requested. For wildfires that meet State Responsibility criteria, DFPC assumes management and financial responsibility along with the County. The Colorado Disaster Emergency Act allows for the extension of available funds and provides additional funds to pay for costs associated with the Elephant Butte Fire.
So far in 2020, there have been 7 wildfire incidents that have met state responsibility criteria and exceeded the capability of the Counties they occurred in, with the state providing management and financial assistance of over $4,5000,000. In addition to these large fires, DFPC has provided funding assistance and aviation resources for approximately $1,750,000 on another 31 fires, with those initial attack actions limiting fire size, duration, cost, and impacts. In comparison, in 2016 and 2017 there were a combined 16 wildland fires that became state responsibility incidents and of those, 9 received an Executive Order and funding from the DEF.
CDPHE confirms limited community spread of COVID-19 in Colorado
DENVER, March 11, 2020: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) identified 10 new presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, based on overnight testing results. The 10 new presumptive positive cases are in Pitkin, Eagle, Gunnison, Denver, Jefferson, and Arapahoe counties. That brings the total number of presumptive positive cases to 27, with one indeterminate case that public health is acting on as a presumptive positive. The state lab has run tests on approximately 300 people in Colorado since testing started on February 28.
Based on the information CDPHE is receiving from presumptive positive cases, CDPHE has reason to suspect we are seeing limited community spread in Colorado. The Governor’s office will be holding a press conference at 5 p.m. tonight with more details. CDPHE has recommendations for ways to limit further community spread below.
Case 1:
Gender: Male
Age: 70s
County of residence: Eagle
Exposure: Under investigation
Case 2:
Gender: Female
Age: 50s
County of residence: Gunnison
Exposure: Under investigation
Case 3:
Gender: Male
Age: 50s
County of Residence: In Pitkin County, but resident of Australia visiting Aspen
Exposure: Travel, close contact with individuals
Case 4:
Gender: Female
Age: 20s
County of residence: In Pitkin County, but resident of Australia visiting Aspen
Exposure: Travel and contact with individuals
Case 5:
Gender: Female
Age: 70s
County of residence: Jefferson
Exposure: Travel
Case 6:
Gender: Male
Age: 70s
County of residence: Jefferson
Exposure: Travel
Case 7:
Gender: Female
Age: 50s
County of residence: Gunnison
Exposure: Under investigation
Case 8:
Gender: Male
Age: 40s
County of residence: Denver
Exposure: Travel
Case 9:
Gender: Female
Age: 80s
County of residence: Arapahoe
Exposure: Under investigation
Case 10:
Gender: Female
Age: 60s
County of Residence: In Pitkin County, but resident of Australia visiting Aspen
Exposure: Travel, close contact with individuals
Limited community spread (or transmission) means there are cases and outbreaks in certain communities where people became infected, and we are unable to identify the source. Limited person-to-person spread (or transmission) means a person in Colorado became infected from a known exposure to another person in Colorado.
For limited community spread, community-based interventions such as school dismissals, event cancellations, and creating employee plans to work remotely can help slow the spread of COVID-19. If there is ongoing spread in a community, local and state officials, in consultation with federal officials when appropriate, will make decisions about implementing community interventions based on the scope of community spread. Community interventions may be different for each community.
No matter where you live, everyone should practice daily preventive actions to reduce the risk of transmission, especially to people who may experience more severe illness. People in high-risk categories include: • Older people (over age 60), especially those over 80 years.
People who have chronic medical conditions like heart, lung, or kidney disease, or diabetes.
Older people with chronic medical conditions are at greatest risk. Other ways people can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in communities: • Stay home when sick.
Don’t shake hands in greeting — instead bump fists or elbows.
When possible, increase the distance between people. Six feet is a distance that reduces the transmission of the virus.
If there is active transmission between multiple people in your community, consider reducing the number of large group gatherings.
Try to go out as little as possible.
Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. • Consider ways of getting food brought to your house through family, social, or commercial networks.
If you have older or at-risk neighbors/family members check in with them frequently and see if they have any specific needs.
These measures could reduce the strain on local health care systems and help ensure that those who need treatment are able to get it.
State officials will share more information at a press conference at 5 p.m. today at the Governor’s Office at the state capitol. Media advisory to follow.
To ensure expedience on reporting presumptive positive cases, the state will provide overall testing statistics as soon as we are able on the website.
DENVER (March 5): Today, Gov. Polis and state health officials announced Colorado’s first presumptive positive case of COVID-19, as well as a subsequent second case. Below, find the most recent information on both cases. Updates will also be made available as needed, or on a daily basis, on the Department of Public Health and Environment’s website.
Latest information on Colorado’s first case of COVID-19:
Colorado has its first case of COVID-19. The case is considered a “presumptive positive” because testing was conducted at the state level. The case will be sent to the CDC for official confirmation.
The state is acting on all “presumptive positive” cases as if they were confirmed because a quick response is essential to minimize the spread of the virus.
The patient is an out-of-state visitor to Summit County, a male in his 30s.
The patient traveled to Italy in mid-February. An individual who traveled with him on that trip is a known case of positive COVID-19 in another state. Upon returning from Italy, the patient spent time in his home state.
He then traveled to Colorado on Feb. 29 via plane. He was asymptomatic when he traveled to Colorado. According to CDC, transmission from asymptomatic people is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
The Governor’s Office has been in touch with Denver International Airport (DIA) and has shared the information that we have at this time.
The person traveled to Summit County from DIA in a rental vehicle and met with friends. They stayed in a condo in Summit County.
We know that he was there for outdoor recreation and that he skied at Keystone and Vail Mountain Resort.
The Governor’s Office notified Vail Resorts late this afternoon which oversees both ski resorts the patient visited.
On March 3, the man developed symptoms and went to St. Anthony’s Summit Medical Center in Frisco the following day.
On March 4, in the afternoon, a specimen was taken to the lab for testing.
Today, on March 5, the state lab received a presumptive positive result.
For health care reasons, the patient had to be transported to lower altitudes. The patient was discharged and traveled in a private vehicle to Jefferson County wearing a mask.
At this time, the patient is now recovering in isolation in Jefferson County.
His close contacts in Colorado have received quarantine instructions, and a quarantine order is forthcoming.
Public health practitioners are investigating and will attempt to notify anyone else who may have been exposed because of this case, if necessary.
Latest information on Colorado’s second case of COVID-19: We are gathering information on this case, alongside the local public health agency. Tri-County Health Department will provide greater details as appropriate and available. Tri-County Health Department is leading this case investigation and will send a press release shortly with the most up-to-date information. on the case. This case is also a “presumptive positive” because testing was conducted at the state level. CDC will confirm the test results.
The case is an elderly female Douglas county resident.
She returned to Colorado from international travel.
She is currently isolated at her home per CDC guidelines.
The department continues to work closely with CDC and public health agencies across the state and is committed to protecting the health and safety of Coloradans. Health officials advise Coloradans to stay informed, take simple disease prevention measures, and prepare.
Practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use hand-sanitizer; use a tissue or your elbow or sleeve to cover coughs and sneezes
Stay home if you’re sick; keep your children home if they are sick. Talk to your employer about working from home if necessary.
We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency and have a plan for your family. Coloradans can visit the CDC’s website for more information on how to create a plan.
Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email , for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more. Coloradans can also visit the CDC and CDPHE websites for more information on best practices.
The state will provide timely updates on any additional cases that test positive at the state lab.
DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds citizens that big-game wildlife does not need our help to get through a winter and that feeding them is not only illegal, but does more harm than good.
The annual reminder holds true across the entire state, but this one is being issued after egregious incidences have been discovered by wildlife officers in Jefferson and Park Counties.
One incident occurred in the Burland Ranchettes Subdivision of Bailey where a homeowner was feeding deer in his yard and the deer would rush towards the resident from surrounding properties when he was outside. A second act was by an Evergreen resident who was luring deer into her home where she would feed them human food that you can see in the photo blow.
Wildlife officers contacted both parties and charges were filed. Violations for feeding big-game wildlife can result in a $100 fine per occasion of feeding, plus mandatory surcharges.
“It is selfish and unethical to feed big-game,” said Area Wildlife Manager Mark Lamb. “You are going to end up unintentionally killing those animals and also putting yourself in harm’s way. If what you want is a pet or just to connect with an animal, choose a domestic breed that has evolved to live with people.”
Wild deer are meant to be out in the wild, they are not meant to be pets. Feeding them leads to trouble for both wildlife and humans alike.
Attracting deer to your property by providing food for them causes animals to congregate in one area. It disrupts their natural migration patterns, can lead to resident herds that degrade habitats, enables the spread of diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease and also attracts predators.
“If you are training deer to come and stay in your backyard, you are asking mountain lions to be in your neighborhood as well,” Lamb said.
Feeding issues involving big-game are a common problem seen across Evergreen, Conifer and Bailey where wildlife officers contacted a dozen individuals for feeding big game back in January.
Not only does the feeding of big-game animals change their natural migration, but it disrupts their digestive systems. Big-game animals can die if fed the wrong food.
“Whether you believe feeding is correct or not, it is against the law,” said Wildlife Officer Scott Murdoch.
“I commonly find that mountain residents believe feeding deer and elk is a helpful and harmless act, but doing so habituates these animals to people in ways that completely alter the natural distribution of elk and deer and disrupts their natural wild behavior,” said Wildlife Officer Joe Nicholson. “Turning your yard into a virtual zoo by feeding deer and elk is not safe for people, not healthy for wildlife and is truly a selfish act. The proper way to enjoy viewing wildlife is to do so from a safe distance and without artificially introducing feed, salt, or other attractants that alter their natural use of the landscape and aversion to people.”
To learn more about the dangers of feeding wildlife, please see the links below from the informational video series on not feeding wildlife:
DENVER – A Colorado Parks and Wildlife investigation into illegal hunting reports over the course of several years led to a plea deal with a Texas man who paid fines in excess of $53,000 thanks to the persistence of wildlife officers.
Raymond P. Muse, 50, of Chireno, Texas, pleaded guilty to willful destruction of wildlife and received a deferred judgement and sentence on that felony charge. Additionally, Muse pleaded guilty to 11 misdemeanor charges, including illegal possession of wildlife and hunting without a license, on Dec. 5, 2019 in Jefferson County District Court.
A Jefferson County judge sentenced Muse to two years of supervised probation and a court-ordered suspension of all hunting, fishing and trapping related activities. Pursuant to his deferred judgement and sentence on his felony conviction, Muse is restricted from possessing a firearm or other weapon, even for hunting purposes, during his two-year probation. Also with his conviction, he is required to undergo a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission administrative hearing process to determine the length of time that his hunting and fishing privileges will be suspended. Any suspension of hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado will be honored by all 48 member states through the Wildlife Violator Compact.
As part of the adjudication of the criminal case in this investigation, Muse was ordered to 96 hours of useful public service, pay $500 restitution to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, pay $500 donation to Colorado Operation Game Thief, pay over $53,000 in fines (not including court costs), and complete a hunter education program.
“We investigate crimes like this both to protect the wildlife of the state, but also to protect the interests of legal and ethical hunters here in Colorado,” said CPW Wildlife Officer Scott Murdoch, who worked the case. “That is really important. We have a strong heritage in Colorado of hunting, fishing and trapping, that is what pays for wildlife conservation, but only when it is done right.
“Illegal and unethical actions like what Mr. Muse participated in put a black eye on hunters. Mr. Muse’s actions are those of a poacher, not a hunter, and it is good to bring somebody like Mr. Muse to justice.”
CPW wildlife officers have investigated reports of illegal hunting in the Conifer and Evergreen area for years. Officers often get reports of illegal activity and cannot connect the dots until they get a break in the case, sometimes years later. That was certainly the case in this instance.
This case broke in September 2018 when an Evergreen resident noticed an individual on his property with what appeared to be a dead, headless elk. The witness did an excellent job of being an observer rather than confronting the individual later identified as Muse. The witness called the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to report the odd situation. Three deputies arrived on scene to check out the suspicious situation. The deputies attempted to contact Muse, who was dressed in camouflage. Muse immediately disobeyed the deputy’s commands and fled the area. Deputy D. Patterson called Wildlife Officer Scott Murdoch directly and asked for assistance. Communication directly between CPW and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office highlights their solid working relationship. Wildlife officers arrived on scene and worked with the Jefferson County deputies to secure the area and search for the suspect at large. Muse was not located.
At the incident location, there was in fact a headless bull elk. Additionally, there was hunting equipment found in the bushes near the elk. Wildlife officers obtained a search warrant for the backpacks and discovered identifying information inside. Additionally, wildlife officers obtained a search warrant for the cell phone that was also found at the scene. The cell phone later proved to be invaluable in providing a history of Muse’s illegal poaching habits.
Later, wildlife officers searched nearby areas where they suspected a poacher may try to kill game and located a bicycle, compound bow, backpack, clothing and the head from the 6X6 bull elk. This was a huge find as it showed officers how Muse was sneaking onto private properties to poach trophy wildlife.
Based on evidence discovered, officers believe Muse would drive around subdivisions in Conifer and Evergreen until he located an animal he wanted to kill. He would then find a place to stash hunting equipment out of sight. To keep people from getting suspicious he wouldn’t park the vehicle close by, instead he would park in a public area and ride his bike to the location where his gear was stashed. Muse would then change into his camo and begin to hunt. Many of the hunting locations that were identified were right under the noses or in the backyards of Conifer and Evergreen residents.
Officers patiently investigated him and learned about his poaching activities. While searching his cell phone, officers learned that there were other elk and deer that he had killed in Colorado. Officers also knew that Muse had only purchased one elk license in Colorado; the license was not valid in the Evergreen and Conifer area where he hunted.
In December 2018, wildlife officers continued their investigation by executing a search warrant at the Conifer home of his sister. They seized illegally possessed wildlife and other important evidence. Simultaneously, wildlife officers conducted interviews with associates and family members in Nacogdoches County, Texas. Wildlife Officers from Colorado traveled to Texas and met up with Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Wardens, Randy Stovall, Heath Bragg, and Sean Reneau. The Texas Game Wardens were instrumental in obtaining testimony from those with knowledge of Muse’s actions.
“The Texas Game Wardens I worked with were among the most professional and competent I have ever worked with,” said Murdoch.
All said and done, the event that took place in September of 2018 was just the tip of the iceberg as far as Muse’s Colorado poaching goes. Officers learned of a total of five elk and one deer that Muse killed illegally, all without valid licenses. Three of the five elk were considered ‘trophies’ under Colorado law.
The Colorado State legislature created the Samson’s Law, which was approved on April 22, 1998. The law deals with an increase in the penalties for poaching big game animals and is named after an iconic elk ‘Samson’ was poached in Estes Park. The law enforces mandatory penalties for big game animals that meet a ‘trophy’ definition. Muse was certainly seeking out the largest animals to kill.
Wildlife officers presented the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney where it was later filed.
“At the end of the day, without the cooperation and support of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Jefferson County District Attorney, the hard work that wildlife officers do to bring poachers to justice would go unanswered,” Murdoch said. “I’d really like to thank the Jefferson County Sheriff Officers for their help and support, they were critical in getting the break wildlife officers needed.”
Wildlife officers also charged two other associates involved with the illegal possession of wildlife. Each defendant pleaded guilty to the possession of one bull elk and were fined $1372.50.
“Deputy District Attorney Alex Boguniewicz worked tirelessly to prosecute this case, and I want to commend his efforts,” Murdoch said. “This sends a clear message that wildlife crimes are not going to be tolerated in Jefferson County and that the district attorney’s office is working with CPW to protect wildlife and to protect the interests of legal sportspersons of Colorado.”
You can help stop poaching. If you see a poaching incident, report it. Look at it this way: if you saw someone breaking into your neighbor’s house, would you just stand by and watch? Of course not; you would report it. Poaching is a crime against you, your neighbor and everyone else in the state of Colorado. Call 1-877-COLO-OGT toll-free or Verizon cell phone users can simply dial #OGT. If you’d prefer, you can e-mail us at .
