With the summer months fast approaching, boating, fishing and other watersports will be on the increase. Unfortunately, concerns about the spread of invasive aquatic creatures such as zebra and quagga mussels will accompany those who enjoy lakes and streams in Colorado.
Zebra and quagga mussels have previously been confined to roughly the eastern half of the United States. But in the early part of 2008 they were found in Pueblo Reservoir and in the fall of '08 the larval form (veligers) of the mussels were detected in Grand County reservoirs.
Although there are other species on the aquatic nuisance list, the speed with which quagga and zebra mussels can spread has made them a top priority for control by state agencies. Once a body of water is contaminated with these species, massive colonies can develop in a short period of time with the potential for serious damage to habitat, agricultural operations, recreational equipment and other infrastructure.
Zebra and quagga mussels have no natural controls in the United States. They are also virtually impossible to eradicate once they get into a body of water. Therefore, they can populate a body of water with virtually no restraint. Without predation or some other control, unlimited population growth has a fundamental and destructive effect on an ecosystem.
It is also unfortunate that this problem emerges at a time when the resources needed for a vigorous attack are limited by a weakened economy. It is possible that operators and owners of the various reservoirs around the state will close bodies of water to boating if the threat of invasive aquatic pests cannot be adequately addressed.
The fish screen on the outlet side of Elkhead Reservoir is an example of a structure that would be threatened by zebra and quagga mussels. The purpose of the screen is to keep non-native predatory fish from getting into the Yampa River. If the screen becomes encrusted with invasive mussels, its purpose is defeated to the detriment of the Endangered Fish Recovery Program.
This is an unacceptable outcome and it is possible that the reservoir would be closed to boating as a result.
There is now a mandatory inspection program in place to help prevent the spread of zebra and quagga mussels. But the ultimate solution to the problem is for those who enjoy Colorado watersports to take proper preventive measures and educate themselves about the problem.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search & Rescue Card
The Craig Chamber of Commerce is now a vendor of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) card. Outdoor recreationists can pay $3 for a one-year card or $12 for a five-year card. Proceeds from CORSAR card sales reimburse county sheriffs for costs incurred by backcountry search and rescue missions.
Costs reimbursed to county sheriffs include costs for equipment, aircraft, dogs, snowmobiles and so on. It should be noted that the search and rescue fund is not insurance and will not pay money to individual victims or pay for medical expenses.
Since its inception 15 years ago, the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund has reimbursed over one million dollars to counties in the state for search and rescue mission costs. Additionally, the fund has provided over four million dollars for training and equipment.
Funding for search and rescue in Colorado comes from a 25 cent fee attached to the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, stand-alone habitat stamps, snowmobile/OHV/boat registrations, as well as sales of CORSAR cards.
Although most of the fund revenue comes from the 25 cent fee, most of the search and rescue costs come from missions related to outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing, OHV use, etc. The CORSAR card offers an opportunity for other outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, cross country skiers, and horseback riders, to participate in the Colorado Search and Rescue fund and help defray the costs of search and rescue missions.
Costs reimbursed to county sheriffs include costs for equipment, aircraft, dogs, snowmobiles and so on. It should be noted that the search and rescue fund is not insurance and will not pay money to individual victims or pay for medical expenses.
Since its inception 15 years ago, the Colorado Search and Rescue Fund has reimbursed over one million dollars to counties in the state for search and rescue mission costs. Additionally, the fund has provided over four million dollars for training and equipment.
Funding for search and rescue in Colorado comes from a 25 cent fee attached to the purchase of hunting and fishing licenses, stand-alone habitat stamps, snowmobile/OHV/boat registrations, as well as sales of CORSAR cards.
Although most of the fund revenue comes from the 25 cent fee, most of the search and rescue costs come from missions related to outdoor activities other than hunting and fishing, OHV use, etc. The CORSAR card offers an opportunity for other outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, cross country skiers, and horseback riders, to participate in the Colorado Search and Rescue fund and help defray the costs of search and rescue missions.
Friday, March 20, 2009
More on cycling tours
One of the most interesting (and troubling to a certain degree) changes I've seen on bicycle tours over the years is the advance of technology. I'm not necessarily referring to bike technology like frame design and components; that part is almost a given. But things like MP3 players, cell phones and digital cameras have added a new social dynamic that has had both positive and negative effects on the cycling experience.
It's wonderful that digital cameras have been reduced in size to the point where weight and bulk are not the same concerns that existed when there were only cameras that used film. A small, high resolution digital camera with a lot of memory can record a week's worth of cycling without difficulty. Nowadays cell phones, by and large, are equipped with cameras and for folks who wish to combine the functions of communication and photography, are suitable choices. Bicycle tours are very scenic and a photo record of the experience is highly desirable.
It wasn't that many years ago that a land-line telephone was the only communication option for a bike tour participant. I recall strolling around in the small host communities on Ride the Rockies at the end of a day's ride and basically not being able to get near a coin operated phone.
It wasn't that many years ago either, that cell phones were not seen on bike tours. These days many of them can be seen in use at every aid station along the way and no one seems to need to use a coin telephone anymore.
I believe pervasive cell phone use on bicycle tours has trivialized communication to some degree. After the initial novelty of seeing cell phones on tours wore off, I began to wonder how valuable it is to use the thing throughout the day. I mean first day, first aid station, one hour into the ride basically and the phones are out, with participants talking or text messaging.
There have been accidents on bike tours, some serious, even fatal. Fortunately these have been few in number. On Ride the Rockies we usually hear about them during the cycling seminar at the end of the day or from the daily medic's meeting. From a response standpoint it may make sense to have a cell phone. But between the staff vehicles and the state patrol, the route is so well monitored that I wonder if any response time could be gained with an emergency call to report an accident.
I have grave apprehensions about the use of MP3 players with ear buds worn by riders while out on the course. Safety rules on a tour generally prohibit the use of "headphones". It sounds like common sense, but a significant number of cyclists disregard this important rule. Unfortunately, it has become more of a common experience to approach a fellow cyclist from the rear, say "on your left" while passing and have them not hear the warning because of the loud music coming through their ear buds.
I mentioned in my first remarks about bike touring that the countryside looks different at 15mph than it does at 65mph. I should also remark that the 15mph bicycle gives a much greater opportunity to enjoy the landscape. I would rather have technology enhance the experience, not detract from the experience; yes to the camera, maybe to the cell phone, no to the MP3 player.
It's wonderful that digital cameras have been reduced in size to the point where weight and bulk are not the same concerns that existed when there were only cameras that used film. A small, high resolution digital camera with a lot of memory can record a week's worth of cycling without difficulty. Nowadays cell phones, by and large, are equipped with cameras and for folks who wish to combine the functions of communication and photography, are suitable choices. Bicycle tours are very scenic and a photo record of the experience is highly desirable.
It wasn't that many years ago that a land-line telephone was the only communication option for a bike tour participant. I recall strolling around in the small host communities on Ride the Rockies at the end of a day's ride and basically not being able to get near a coin operated phone.
It wasn't that many years ago either, that cell phones were not seen on bike tours. These days many of them can be seen in use at every aid station along the way and no one seems to need to use a coin telephone anymore.
I believe pervasive cell phone use on bicycle tours has trivialized communication to some degree. After the initial novelty of seeing cell phones on tours wore off, I began to wonder how valuable it is to use the thing throughout the day. I mean first day, first aid station, one hour into the ride basically and the phones are out, with participants talking or text messaging.
There have been accidents on bike tours, some serious, even fatal. Fortunately these have been few in number. On Ride the Rockies we usually hear about them during the cycling seminar at the end of the day or from the daily medic's meeting. From a response standpoint it may make sense to have a cell phone. But between the staff vehicles and the state patrol, the route is so well monitored that I wonder if any response time could be gained with an emergency call to report an accident.
I have grave apprehensions about the use of MP3 players with ear buds worn by riders while out on the course. Safety rules on a tour generally prohibit the use of "headphones". It sounds like common sense, but a significant number of cyclists disregard this important rule. Unfortunately, it has become more of a common experience to approach a fellow cyclist from the rear, say "on your left" while passing and have them not hear the warning because of the loud music coming through their ear buds.
I mentioned in my first remarks about bike touring that the countryside looks different at 15mph than it does at 65mph. I should also remark that the 15mph bicycle gives a much greater opportunity to enjoy the landscape. I would rather have technology enhance the experience, not detract from the experience; yes to the camera, maybe to the cell phone, no to the MP3 player.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Catching Up
I posted some comments recently about the Division of Wildlife and their efforts to trap and put radio location collars on cow elk. I mentioned that the DOW wasn't seeing much success and that it would be potentially necessary to trap the animals from the air.
Well as it happens, that turned out to be the case. Time was growing short to get the project done, so the DOW hired a contractor, a company that specializes in this sort of activity. This company uses a helicopter and a net gun to capture the animals. The helicopter flys over the target, the gunner fires the net at the animal, then the helicopter lands and the "muggers" get out and place the collar.
It took a matter of hours to get collars on 17 cow elk using the helicopter, where it had previously taken two weeks to get 8 collars deployed using the hay-baited traps.
Attrition consisting of winter mortality and hunter success has had a small effect on the collaring effort and there are currently 52 collars deployed. Jamin Grigg, the DOW's local terrestrial biologist, hopes to start location flights in April. I'm very interested to see how that goes and I've put in a request to hitch a ride on a flight. I'll get another post up after I get off the plane.
Well as it happens, that turned out to be the case. Time was growing short to get the project done, so the DOW hired a contractor, a company that specializes in this sort of activity. This company uses a helicopter and a net gun to capture the animals. The helicopter flys over the target, the gunner fires the net at the animal, then the helicopter lands and the "muggers" get out and place the collar.
It took a matter of hours to get collars on 17 cow elk using the helicopter, where it had previously taken two weeks to get 8 collars deployed using the hay-baited traps.
Attrition consisting of winter mortality and hunter success has had a small effect on the collaring effort and there are currently 52 collars deployed. Jamin Grigg, the DOW's local terrestrial biologist, hopes to start location flights in April. I'm very interested to see how that goes and I've put in a request to hitch a ride on a flight. I'll get another post up after I get off the plane.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Ride The Rockies 2009
I've been picked to be a participant in the Ride The Rockies bicycle tour this year. This makes the 11th time I've been chosen. I did my first one in 1995 and have failed to be chosen in the lottery only twice since then. There were two years that I did not enter the lottery for the ride, but otherwise I've been pretty successful.
I've gone around telling people that I was going to quit after 10, but once I looked at this year's route, I changed my mind. This year the tour will travel from Glenwood Springs over McClure Pass to Hotchkiss. Then it's Hotchkiss to Gunnison; that'll be along the Black Canyon. From Gunnison we'll head to Salida over Monarch Pass. We'll ride to Leadville from Salida along the Arkansas River. We'll climb Independence Pass when we go from Leadville to Aspen and the final day will be from Aspen back to Glenwood Springs.
Although I'm familiar with a good portion of the route (Gunnison to Salida to Leadville), I've not ridden over McClure or along the Black Canyon. Neither have I climbed the east side of Independence Pass. I have done it from the Aspen side to the summit, but not from the Leadville side. I haven't ridden my bike down the Roaring Fork Valley from Aspen to Glenwood Springs either.
I've done a fair amount of cycling over the years and I'll offer some thoughts about that experience as this blog advances. It's a wonderful way to become acquainted with the state and its people. Things sure look different at 15 mph than they do at 65!
I've gone around telling people that I was going to quit after 10, but once I looked at this year's route, I changed my mind. This year the tour will travel from Glenwood Springs over McClure Pass to Hotchkiss. Then it's Hotchkiss to Gunnison; that'll be along the Black Canyon. From Gunnison we'll head to Salida over Monarch Pass. We'll ride to Leadville from Salida along the Arkansas River. We'll climb Independence Pass when we go from Leadville to Aspen and the final day will be from Aspen back to Glenwood Springs.
Although I'm familiar with a good portion of the route (Gunnison to Salida to Leadville), I've not ridden over McClure or along the Black Canyon. Neither have I climbed the east side of Independence Pass. I have done it from the Aspen side to the summit, but not from the Leadville side. I haven't ridden my bike down the Roaring Fork Valley from Aspen to Glenwood Springs either.
I've done a fair amount of cycling over the years and I'll offer some thoughts about that experience as this blog advances. It's a wonderful way to become acquainted with the state and its people. Things sure look different at 15 mph than they do at 65!
Monday, February 16, 2009
BLM Little Snake Resource Area Office
One of the most important local outlets for information about outdoor activities is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Little Snake Resource Area office. Even though the southwestern corner of Moffat County lies within the management authority of the White River BLM office, most of the public land questions I receive pertain to the Little Snake area. Moffat County is something over 3,000,000 acres in land area of which over 1.7 million acres are public and managed by the BLM.
The most requested informational documents for outdoor recreation on BLM property in our area are the four BLM land use maps that encompass the Little Snake Resource area. It seems an obvious statement, but the ability to distinguish between public and private land is critical when planning an event or trip or simply navigating around the county. The land status maps, when used with a county road map and perhaps a hand-held GPS navigational device, make it possible to determine a location in the county to a very accurate degree. The Little Snake website also offers GPS coordinates for numerous locations around the county and numerous survey markers are evident when traversing BLM land as well.
The Little Snake Resource office also has available a very good selection of informational publications other than maps. Information about mining, grazing, recreation, historic sites, and other topics can be obtained from the local BLM office or the Craig Chamber of Commerce.
The most requested informational documents for outdoor recreation on BLM property in our area are the four BLM land use maps that encompass the Little Snake Resource area. It seems an obvious statement, but the ability to distinguish between public and private land is critical when planning an event or trip or simply navigating around the county. The land status maps, when used with a county road map and perhaps a hand-held GPS navigational device, make it possible to determine a location in the county to a very accurate degree. The Little Snake website also offers GPS coordinates for numerous locations around the county and numerous survey markers are evident when traversing BLM land as well.
The Little Snake Resource office also has available a very good selection of informational publications other than maps. Information about mining, grazing, recreation, historic sites, and other topics can be obtained from the local BLM office or the Craig Chamber of Commerce.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Elk Traps
I went out with the Division of Wildlife last week to set elk traps. The purpose of the effort is to capture a number of cow elk and fit them with radio collars, then monitor their movements as the year progresses. Currently, we haven't seen very much success; only 8 elk have been trapped, with 3 of those being cows. We've seen a large number of elk, but the mild weather and lack of snow cover are impeding progress. A hay-baited trap is just not that attractive, I guess.
In contrast, the DOW folks tell me that 70 elk were trapped last year in a two-week span. The difference is that last year the winter was much more severe with much more snow cover. They also say that the animals were much more docile and easier to approach, which is not the case this year.
The DOW biologist for our area, Jamin Grigg, provided me with maps of last year's radio- collared cow elk locations. The Division put collars on 35 cows last year and it's interesting to note that they were still in higher terrain near the Routt National Forest this past December.
It sounds like the DOW may have to change tactics if greater success is not forthcoming with the traps. It may be necessary to trap elk from the air and if that becomes the approach, it will bring a different set of circumstances into play.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
