PROGRESS SAN LUIS Government & VALLEY Environment
2017
February 8, 2017 719-852-3531 835 First Ave. Monte Vista, Colo.
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Government & Environment Progress
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
New EPA direction could impact funding BY TERESA L. BENNS
SAN LUIS VALLEY — According to an article in the online newsletter the Denverite, close to $200 million in funding for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) contracts and grants could be in jeopardy once new EPA head Scott Pruitt is approved by Congress. Under President Trump, the EPA has already issued a freeze or temporary suspension of agency grants and contracts. The freeze exempts emergency environmental cleanups. The Associated Press has confirmed that EPA officials are banned from speaking to reporters so details of the freeze are hard to determine. It is not clear whether the freeze means the agency will no longer take on new grants and contacts or if current grants and contracts also will be affected. This uncertainty extends to a recent $2.2 million grant to Colorado State University, $17.6 million in grants to Colorado Public Health, $25 million in Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority, $62.2 million to rehabilitate a wastewater system in Durango and it could possibly affect other similar projects. Local projects in the Valley in progress include a wastewater project in Saguache and the water tower project in Center. Saguache Town Administrator Pam Fye says all this would do is reduce funding cycles from EPA to three versus four each year, but it would not impact the receipt of funds. Center Town Clerk and Treasurer Joan Mobley was unavailable for comment on the status of their project. In December, EPA announced it would not repay claims totaling more than $1.2 billion for economic damages from a mine waste spill some believe the agency was responsible for in Colorado, saying the law forbids it. EPA did say last month it would pay $4.5 million in emergency response expenses to
state, local and tribal governments in relation to the mine spill. A spokesman for Colorado representative Scott Tipton (R) says the cleanup of the Gold King Mine waste spill into the Animas River won’t be affected by the freeze. EPA has over $6.4 billion dispersed nationally in contracts among 600 companies. A total of $373 million of these funds went to Colorado-based Lockheed Martin.
Climate change, waterways, air The EPA’s webpage on climate change was pulled following Pres. Trump’s inauguration. Some politicians believe Pruitt, former attorney general for the state of Oklahoma, is a radical they believe will relax air pollution standards, open public lands for gas exploration and soften Clean Water Act regulations. Pruitt was known for the lawsuits he filed against the EPA prior to his nomination as its head. But climate change is not off this EPA’s list. In one recent opinion piece, Pruitt says he would encourage the continuation of the public debate on climate change in classrooms, Congress and public forums. But he does believe the Clean Power Plan, which would require selected states to reduce emissions based on those states’ estimates of national grid load, is possibly unconstitutional and may violate state rights. In the course of media interviews and written statements, Pruitt has pledged to enforce EPA laws actually written. He also indicates he will continue to oppose attempts to regulate wetlands, including farm ponds, as “navigable waterways,” loose interpretations of the Clean Water Act, essentially subjecting all waterways to federal control. While Democrats generally oppose his appointment and continue to delay it, others believe he could relieve the agency of Courtesy Photo burdensome regulations while continuing to The Animas River near Durango turned orange in August of 2015 following a visit to the protect clean air and water laws. mine by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials.
A lot happening with the forest plan revision BY MIKE BLAKEMAN It has been more than three months since the last public meetings were held concerning the revision of the Rio Grande National Forest’s plan. Those meetings were designed to provide the public with information about the forest’s “proposed action” and solicit input to aid in development of the proposed plan and alternatives. If you are still with me after that last sentence, that means you are either genuinely interested in the forest plan revision, reading
on to see if this will get any better, or having a slow day. We are in a stage of the forest plan revision process that doesn’t normally generate a lot of news, so I thought I would share what the forest is up to. Our diverse team of natural resource specialists are reading every comment, and developing a proposed plan and alternatives. Pretty exciting right? I’ll talk more about the proposed plan and alternatives, but let’s focus on the public input first. The forest received about 1,200 comments
Public comments sought on draft analysis for Spruce Salvage Project MINERAL COUNTY—The San Juan National Forest Pagosa Ranger District is seeking public comments on a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Fall Creek Spruce Salvage project on Wolf Creek Pass. The proposal is to salvage-harvest dead and dying trees on up to 800 acres of National Forest in Mineral County; conduct reforestation on an additional 190 acres, erosion control and fisheries improvement; and construct two corrals to improve rangeland management capabilities and efficiency of the deferred rotation grazing system used on the East Fork San Juan Allotment. The project area is located north of Pagosa Springs in the Wolf Creek Pass area. Comments will be accepted from Feb. 3 to March 6, 2017. Written comments should be submitted to: Kevin Khung, Pagosa District Ranger, P.O. Box 310, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147, or hand-delivered to the Pagosa District Office at 180 Pagosa
Street in Pagosa Springs, CO between 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. during normal business hours. Comments may also be faxed to: Attn: Matt Tuten, fax number 970-2641538. Electronic comments should be sent to: comments-rocky-mountain-san-juanpagosa@fs.fed.us. The Environment Assessment describing the Proposed Action, with maps, is available online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/sanjuan/projects. For more information, contact Matt Tuten at 970-264-2268 or via e-mail at: mtuten@fs.fed.us. Comments received in response to this solicitation, including names and addresses of those who comment will be considered part of the public record on this proposed action and will be available for public inspection. Only individuals or entities who submit timely and specific written comments during this or any other designated public comment period will be eligible to object.
during the scoping period – this last public input period. That’s pretty good for a somewhat isolated, rural national forest. A few more than 100 of those comments are two pages or longer. The longest is more than 300 pages including appendices and maps. Several hundred comments said exactly or nearly exactly the same thing. These are usually written by people tied in with an advocacy group. Advocacy groups will sometimes send out email blasts requesting people to send comments with their suggested talking points. There is nothing wrong with this practice, as it encourages people to stay engaged with the planning process of their national forest. But people also need to understand that a large number of similar comments doesn’t change the scope of alternatives. The draft proposed plan that is currently being developed is primarily based on what needs to change from 1996 forest plan. Laws, rules, technology, scientific understandings and on the ground conditions have changed since the last plan. The proposed plan focuses on adapting to these changes. Alternatives are really different proposed plans. For lack of a better term, they can be described as having themes developed from public and federal, state and local agency input. For example, an alternative plan may have a stronger emphasis on preservation while another may emphasize more extractive uses of the forest. There is a lot of work involved with creating all of these plans. Forest Service employees who specialize in specific resource areas (e.g., forestry, recreation, wildlife, etc.) develop the forest plan components for their areas of expertise. Some of the components
may stay consistent between the plans, but others will change with each alternative. After the different parts of the proposed and alternative plans are developed and pieced together, the specialist will analyze their potential environmental, economic and social effects. Geez, that is a lot of work! Why create multiple plans to analyze? Why not just develop one plan, send it out for public review, adjust it based on the input and call it good? Developing and analyzing alternative plans that cover a fairly wide range of management possibilities allows for a better understanding of what might be the best approach. It’s kind of like bringing together a diverse group of people to brainstorm ideas and then analyzing them to see what comes out on top. It also allows for potentially melding pieces from the different alternatives into a final plan. The diversity of people involved is important, because without the different viewpoints, the new forest plan would favor the understandings and desires of only likeminded people. That is why your participation is so important. Your input is included in the mix with many others creating the diversity of ideas that will help the Rio Grande National Forest develop a balanced forest plan. The next opportunity for public input will occur with the release of the draft plan and alternatives expected out in May of this year. As always, you can learn more about the forest plan revision on the Rio Grande National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande
Mike Blakeman is the public affairs officer for the Rio Grande National Forest. He spends much of his free time scrambling around the mountains with a camera in his hand.
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Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Government & Environment Progress
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Illegal dumping a continued problem in rural areas
SAN LUIS VALLEY— The cost of shipping solid waste to the landfill near Del Norte has been cited as one reason for illegal dumping in the rural areas, while some residents freely admit that they resent being charged for what once was free. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands host informative signs showing photos of illegal dumps that have been cleaned up, along with the penalties for making more. In the recent past, Capulin residents found help in cleaning up what may be one of the Valley’s worst examples of uncontrolled dumping when Conejos County and BLM joined forces for a full-scale cleanup of areas around town where rows of trash had been allowed to build up over decades of neglect. Illegal dumping and improper disposal of solid waste has been a commonly recognized problem in the San Luis Valley, but residents of Conejos and Costilla counties are getting more support to encourage the use of existing waste services and look towards increasing waste transfer options from two of the Valley’s leading environmental non-profits. The Conejos Clean Water (CCW) website reminds that illegal dumping in the San Luis Valley is a problem that affects all of the local communities. Small communities may suffer more due to access to solid waste disposal and distance to the official landfill. An EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) environmental justice collaborative problem solving (EJCPS) grant has leveraged funding to coordinate with members of the community and local government officials to address this issue. Volunteers from schools and help from county workers have led to cleaning up of illegal dump after illegal dump.
Not only are they eyesores, but they can also have devastating and long lasting health impacts to residents. Leaching is a process where toxic chemicals from items like batteries, refrigerators and heavy metals slowly break down and seep into the natural environment, finding their way into water systems and eventually affecting crops and drinking water. Recyclable materials make up a large part of both residential and commercial waste; however, since the local recycling center is located in Alamosa and it is not cost-effective to recycle, CCW has found that recyclable material is combined with normal household waste and goes into the dumps. Part of CCW’s mission is to investigate alternative methods to engage and educate the public about this particular problem and discuss possible solutions. The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) and CCW, noted for their work on environmental health issues, are partnering with the USDA Rural Utility Service and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to combine the clean up efforts with programs to educate the public on the benefits of good waste disposal practices, as well as the dangers to water, wildlife and humans of leaving the dumps uncleared. Dump components range from biodegradable yard waste and household trash to highly toxic electronics such as TVs and computer monitors. Community efforts are made to identify items that could be recycled and never discarded in the first place, such as the electronics, cardboard, glass, metal containers and a range of plastics and paper material. Special attention is needed to handle larger items such as sofas. Schools are also responding to the project with
Courtesy photo
This illegal dump had been used for a while when it was discovered in a rural area of Conejos-Costilla counties. It has since been cleaned up, but new ones seem to develop each year, despite educational activities in the schools and efforts by government agencies. A solution is being sought and the public’s help is needed. high enthusiasm, which fits within their science curriculums and opportunity for students to learn about the ongoing waste stream and responsible citizen behavior. Conejos County Schools conduct light clean ups in conjunction with Earth Day celebrations in April and the project conducts extensive clean up demonstrations in area towns. Private property owners have been victimized
by the task of having to clean up illegal dumping on their own property by others whose behavior is normalizing a criminal act and they are giving voice to the problems. County officials want this problem solved and taxpayers don’t want to continue paying for those who insist on dumping their trash illegally. To help, call 719-580-9280.
LEAP helps Coloradans stay safe this winter with home heating tips
COLORADO— Home heating is a saving grace this time of year. But for as much comfort as it provides, it also exposes us to certain safety hazards. According to the American Red Cross, home heating is one of the leading causes of house fires in the U.S. With the cold and snow we’ve already experienced this winter, we at LEAP want to make sure you keep warm safely during the coming months. LEAP, the Colorado Department of Human Services’ Low-income Energy Assistance Program, provides cash assistance to help Coloradans pay a portion of winter home-heating costs. “Home-heating safety is simple but crucial,” LEAP Manager Aggie Berens says. “We encourage everyone to follow a few basic steps to make sure their home heating doesn’t put them at risk.” The following home heating safety tips come from the American Red Cross, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Fire Protection Association. • Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater. • Never leave portable heaters or fireplaces unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any fireplace embers are extinguished before going to bed or leaving your home. • Place space heaters on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (like a ceramic tile floor). Keep them off of carpets or rugs and away from bedding or drapes. Also keep children and pets away from space heaters. • Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home. • Use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire in your fireplace and catch sparks and rolling logs. • Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year. Ensure that these devices are properly vented. • Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use. Don’t substitute. • Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation by installing batteryoperated detectors. Test these alarms regularly. • Defer to skilled professionals to install permanent heating equipment, water heaters and central heating units to ensure code and manufacturer’s instructions are properly followed. Home heating help Heating your home during wintertime is expensive. If you’re struggling to pay your heating
bills, LEAP can help. LEAP provides cash assistance to help hardworking families and individuals pay winter home heating costs or help with broken furnaces or wood stoves. This year the average benefit for people who qualify is currently $342 per household. To qualify for LEAP, applicants must be responsible for paying heating costs directly to an energy provider, fuel dealer or as part of their rent. They also must be permanent legal residents of
the United States and Colorado, or have household members who are U.S. citizens. LEAP-eligible households may also qualify for programs that inspect a home’s primary heating source, such as a furnace or wood-burning stove, and weatherization upgrades that improve a home’s energy efficiency. The state of Colorado also offers a rebate of property tax, rent and heat expenses to lowincome seniors and disabled persons. Please visit
the Colorado Department of Revenue’s website at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/tax/propertytax-rent-heat-credit-ptc-rebate-file for more information and the rebate application booklet. To find out if you qualify for LEAP, call tollfree at 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or visit www.colorado.gov/cdhs/leap to view the most current program application requirements and download an application. Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2017.
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Government & Environment Progress
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
BLM releases solar strategies in Valley S TAFF R EPORT
SAN LUIS VALLEY — In January the Bureau of Land Management announced the release of the document “Regional Mitigation Strategy for the Colorado Solar Energy Zones – Final Report.” The document applies a landscapelevel approach to managing solar development and mitigation on public lands in the San Luis Valley and New Mexico’s Taos Plateau. It identifies natural, cultural and human resources that could be impacted by potential solar development in the three Colorado solar energy zones (SEZs) — all in the San Luis Valley — and introduces measures to compensate for any unavoidable impacts, and identifies priority sites for mitigation. The strategy has been prepared in advance of anticipated land use activities and residual impacts at three SEZs in Conejos and Saguache Counties: the Antonito Southeast SEZ (about 9,700 acres), De Tilla Gulch SEZ (about 1,060 acres), and Los Mogotes East SEZ (about 2,500 acres). The strategy aims to foster future SEZ leasing and streamlined projectspecific analysis of operator plans of development under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This strategy was completed following public and stakeholder engagement during the period 20142015 and consists of BLM findings and recommendations regarding: (1) the residual impacts of utility-scale solar development in the Colorado SEZs that may warrant regional compensatory mitigation; (2) mitigation actions that can be implemented in the region and landscape to compensate for those impacts; (3) how appropriate compensatory mitigation obligations could be valued and calculated; and (4) how the impacts and mitigation actions would be monitored. While the strategy for the Colorado SEZs is not a BLM decision, it includes specific recommendations to inform future BLM decisions, including but not limited to: a) recommendations for additional non-development areas within the SEZs, b) conditions for future SEZ leasing, including project-specific NEPA evaluation of impacts warranting compensatory mitigation in the region and where and how regional compensatory mitigation might occur; and c) recommended requirements for monitoring and adaptive management to measure and ensure mitigation effectiveness. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) developed this Regional Mitigation Strategy for the Colorado Solar Energy Zones to meet two objectives. The BLM’s first objective is to preliminarily assess the unavoidable (or residual) impacts associated with utility-scale solar energy development in three solar energy zones (SEZs) in southern Colorado, and to inform stakeholders of that assessment. The strategy includes the BLM Interdisciplinary Team’s assessment and recommendations, in consideration of stakeholder input, concerning the residual impacts of SEZ development that may warrant compensation. Unavoidable or “residual impacts” are those adverse impacts that would remain after the application of avoidance and minimization measures. The BLM’s second objective is to use a landscape-based approach, based on best available data, to
make recommendations regarding compensatory mitigation options for certain residual impacts that can be reasonably expected from utilityscale solar development in the SEZs. The Strategy is not a decision. Rather, the Strategy includes findings and recommendations for BLM reference when conducting analyses and decision-making relating to future SEZ development. While the BLM places a priority on avoiding and minimizing impacts, such measures may not be sufficient. Therefore, the BLM is considering compensatory mitigation for those residual impacts that warrant regional compensatory mitigation. The strategy also recommends a per-acre fee for solar development that would fund off-site compensatory mitigation measures. The BLM recommends a value of approximately $3,213 per acre as the per-acre compensatory mitigation fee for the Colorado SEZs. The standardized fee would provide solar developers with more certainty regarding the cost of potential solar development, and would ensure that any residual impacts of solar projects in the SEZs are addressed through mitigation. The BLM first established SEZs in its Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for solar energy development, finalized in 2012. The PEIS provided a blueprint for utility-scale solar energy permitting in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah by establishing SEZs with access to existing or planned transmission, incentives for development within those SEZs, and a process through which to consider additional zones and solar projects. The document released this week is not a National Environmental Policy Act document or decision, but rather a strategy document meant to inform project-level development and permitting.
tonito Southeast SEZ as established in the Solar PEIS ROD is 9,712 acres. The BLM is recommending that the developable area of the SEZ be reduced by approximately an additional 1,200 acres, to avoid direct impacts to sensitive species and migratory habitat. For the purposes of this assessment, it is assumed that additional non-development areas may be identified in the future based on field-level cultural resource and/or sensitive species survey, and that only about 6,800 acres (80% of the recommended revised developable acreage) will actually be developed. Therefore, full development of the Antonito Southeast SEZ, assuming development of 80 percent of the revised developable area, would allow development of solar facilities with an estimated total of between 756 megawatts (for photovoltaic technologies) and 1,360 megawatts (for solar trough technologies) of electrical generating capacity. Availability of transmission from SEZs to load centers is a key driver of future development in SEZs. For the Antonito Southeast SEZ, the Solar PEIS identified the nearest existing transmission line as a 69-kV line located about 10 miles west of the SEZ. However, updated analysis shows that the nearest existing transmission line is a 69-kV line located 1.5 miles north of the SEZ. A new transmission line could conceivably be constructed from the SEZ to the existing line, but the available capacity on the existing 69-kV would be inadequate for the new capacity required for the SEZ. Therefore, at full build-out capacity, new transmission and/or upgrades of existing transmission lines would likely be required to bring electricity from the Antonito Southeast SEZ to load centers. Project-specific analyses would also be required to identify the specific impacts of new transmission Antonito Southeast SEZ construction and line upgrades and The Antonito Southeast SEZ is lo- appropriate compensatory mitigation cated in southeastern Conejos County for that transmission for any projects on the Colorado state boundary with proposed for development of the SEZ. New Mexico, and adjacent to the Rio Grande del Norte National MonuDe Tilla Gulch Solar Energy ment. The total area of the Antonito Zone Southeast SEZ is 9,729 acres includThe De Tilla Gulch SEZ is located ing 17 acres of wetland and lake in Saguache County. The developable areas identified as non-development area of the De Tilla Gulch SEZ is areas. The total developable area of 1,064 acres. When the SEZ was first the SEZ is 9,712 acres. The nearest proposed in the Draft Solar PEIS, major road accessing the Antonito the southern boundary was set at apSoutheast SEZ is U.S. 285, which proximately one quarter mile from the runs along the western boundary of Old Spanish National Historic Trail, the SEZ. The area around the SEZ is which runs from east to west near the sparsely populated. southern SEZ boundary. Although The Antonito Southeast SEZ is indirect impacts to the Trail from undeveloped and rural. Private lands solar development in the SEZ would north of the SEZ have been developed be likely, direct impacts were avoided for irrigated agriculture. A farm/ through siting 0.25 miles from the ranch headquarters abuts the site on trail. In the Final Solar PEIS, the size the northwest corner. An operating of the SEZ was reduced by 458 acres perlite mill and an electric substation to reduce impacts on an active Gunniare also located near the northwest son prairie dog colony, on pronghorn corner of the SEZ. Access to the SEZ winter range and winter concentration is available from U.S. 285, which area, and on the proposed Cochetopa runs north-to-south along the west Scenic Byway. side of the SEZ. Remnants of a hisThe town of Saguache is located toric railroad, an irrigation reservoir, about six miles southwest of the SEZ. and a canal system are found in the The De Tilla Gulch SEZ is rural SEZ. No existing transmission lines and undeveloped, although county pass through the SEZ; however, the and informal roads, sand and gravel BLM has authorized Right of Ways removal sites, transmission lines, (ROWs) for highway, telecommuni- and a windmill to provide livestock cations, and water facilities within water are located within the SEZ. The the SEZ. northwest side of the SEZ is bordered There are currently no applications by U.S. 285 and two county roads for ROWs for solar facilities within providing access to much of the rest the Antonito Southeast SEZ. of the area. The SEZ is bordered on Please see SOLAR on Page 5 The developable area of the An-
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Government & Environment Progress
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Dugan Ranch near Rio Grande conserved
MONTE VISTA — In 1999 the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT) was founded as the community‘s land trust, dedicated to serving the entire San Luis Valley. In 2007, RiGHT launched the Rio Grande Initiative, the landscape scale effort with many partners to protect land and water along the Rio Grande and its tributaries. One of the first ranches they protected under the Initiative is owned by Bob and Carol Lee Dugan on the river on Swede Lane, just west of Monte Vista. Now, nearly 10 years later, RiGHT is proud to announce that the Dugans have protected yet another nearby ranch with a conservation easement. This 316-acre ranch, which combines parcels previously known as the James Ranch and the Stephens Ranch, is just south of the river between Monte Vista and Del Norte. Between the two ranches, the Dugans have now protected a total of 670 acres with conservation easements. In doing so, they have also protected the water that goes with those ranches, the wildlife habitat, the beautiful views, and the important agricultural productivity. Clearly, this represents a strong commitment to conservation by Bob and Carol Lee Dugan and they continue to recommend conservation to others, saying, “We suggest that other land owners consider preserving their ranches for the future generations of this state.” “We are immensely grateful to the Dugan family for their dedication to their properties
along the Rio Grande,” said Nancy Butler, RiGHT’s executive director. “Their land ethic has helped RiGHT and our partners protect more than 26,000 acres along the Rio Grande and its tributaries. That legacy will continue far into the future and that land, water and wildlife habitat will remain intact for all to enjoy.” The conservation of the 2016 Dugan Ranch project was made possible through the generous support of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Gates Family Foundation, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (via funding supported by the Rio Grande Basin Roundtable) and the Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s San Luis Valley Habitat Partnership Program Committee. Invaluable support has also been provided by individual donors who ensure that RiGHT’s conservation work can continue. As an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the NRCS’s mission is to help people help the land. Colorado’s NRCS State Conservationist Clint Evans stated that, “Protecting vital agricultural landscapes is a top priority for NRCS. Through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easement (ACEP-ALE), the natural resource benefits we all enjoy derived from prime agricultural lands can be preserved.” “This project is an important contribution to the corridor of conservation in this area of the river, with nearly 1,500 acres already conserved nearby,” said Butler. “RiGHT has conserved four other spectacular ranches in this
Photo courtesy of RiGHT
Thanks to the Dugan family, this beautiful ranch near the Rio Grande will be preserved through a conservation easement. area, providing excellent wildlife habitat and For more information about the conservamaintaining the beautiful scenery that we all tion work of RiGHT, whose mission is to love in the San Luis Valley. Carol Lee and Bob “conserve the land, water and way of life in Dugan have demonstrated immense dedication Colorado’s San Luis Valley,” please visit www. to preserving these lands in perpetuity and we riograndelandtrust.org or contact the land trust are grateful that RiGHT was able to help them office in Del Norte at 719-657-0800 or info@ achieve their dreams for these special places.” riograndelandtrust.org.
BLM and Forest Service announce 2017 grazing fee permits and leases administered by the BLM and nearly 6,500 permits administered by the Forest Service. The formula used for calculating the grazing fee, which was established by Congress in the 1978 Public Rangelands Improvement Act, has continued under a presidential Executive Order issued in 1986. Under that order, the grazing fee cannot fall below $1.35 per AUM, and any increase or decrease cannot exceed 25 percent of the previous year’s level. The annually determined grazing fee is computed by using a 1966 base value of $1.23 per AUM/HM for livestock grazing
on public lands in Western states. The figure is then calculated according to three factors – current private grazing land lease rates, beef cattle prices, and the cost of livestock production. In effect, the fee rises, falls, or stays the same based on market conditions, with livestock operators paying more when conditions are better and less when conditions have declined. The 2017 grazing fee of $1.87 per AUM/ HM applies to 16 Western states on public lands administered by the BLM and the Forest Service. The states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska,
Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Permit holders and lessees may contact their local BLM or U.S. Forest Service office for additional information. The BLM, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages more land – over 245 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency. Most of this public land is located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, manages approximately 193 million acres of Federal lands in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Continued from Page 4 the east and south by private lands, some of transmission grid, but new transmission which have been developed for irrigated ag- and/or upgrades of existing transmission riculture. Public land borders the northwest lines may be required to bring electricity side of the area across U.S. 285. from the De Tilla Gulch SEZ to load centers. ROWs authorizing different uses have New private land solar projects in the genbeen granted by BLM on the public lands eral service area may limit future SEZ dewithin the SEZ, including two power lines, velopment. Project-specific analyses would U.S. 285, a county road, and a fiber optic also be required to identify the specific line. Two 115-kV electric transmission lines impacts of new transmission construction cross the SEZ in a north–south direction and and line upgrades and appropriate coma locally designated transmission corridor pensatory mitigation for that transmission covers much of the SEZ. for any projects proposed for development There are currently no active applications of the SEZ. for ROWs for solar facilities within the De Tilla Gulch SEZ. Los Mogotes East SEZ The developable area of the De Tilla The Los Mogotes East SEZ is located in Gulch SEZ as established in the Final Solar Conejos County. The developable area of PEIS and ROD is 1,064 acres. It is recom- the Los Mogotes East SEZ is 2,650 acres. mended that the developable area of the About 5,918 acres were originally identified SEZ be reduced to approximately 1,000 for analysis in the Draft Solar PEIS, but the acres. For the purposes of this assessment, BLM eliminated 3,268 acres on the westit is assumed that more non-development ern side of the SEZ to avoid or minimize areas may be identified in the future, and impacts on significant cultural resources; that only about 800 acres (80 percent of the grazing allotments; an important riparian recommended revised developable acreage) area; Gunnison prairie dog, burrowing owl, will actually be developed. ferruginous hawk, mountain plover, prongFull development of the De Tilla Gulch horn birthing and winter habitat; and visual SEZ, assuming development of 80 percent resources. The nearest major road access to of the revised developable area, would al- the SEZ is via U.S. 285. low development of solar facilities with an The Los Mogotes East SEZ is rural and estimated total of between 89 megawatts undeveloped and is surrounded on the east (for photovoltaic technologies) and 160 by private lands that have been primarmegawatts (for solar trough technologies) ily developed for irrigated agriculture. of electrical generating capacity. Private lands adjacent to the SEZ on the For the De Tilla Gulch SEZ, a 115-kV east have been historically disturbed by transmission line crosses through the SEZ long-term trash dumping. Home-sites are and is under capacity upgrade planning by also scattered throughout area near the Xcel Energy. SEZ. Although the SEZ itself contains The existing line could conceivably be only BLM-administered lands, two parcels used to provide access from the SEZ to the of state-owned land (1,100 acres) border
the SEZ on the north and south. Access to the west of the SEZ is available via three county roads from U.S. 285. A 69-kV transmission line terminates a short distance from the SEZ. There are no existing ROW authorizations within the SEZ. There are currently no solar development applications within the Los Mogotes East SEZ. The developable area of the Los Mogotes East SEZ as established in the Final Solar PEIS ROD is 2,650 acres. No additional non-development areas are being recommended in this SRMS. However, for the purposes of this assessment, it is assumed that more non-development areas may be identified in the future, and that only about 2,120 acres (80 percent of the developable acreage) will be developed. Full development of the Los Mogotes East SEZ, assuming development of 80 percent of the developable area, would allow development of solar facilities with an estimated total of between 236 megawatts (for photovoltaic technologies) and 424 megawatts (for solar trough technologies) of electrical generating capacity. For the Los Mogotes East SEZ, a 69-kV transmission line runs 3 miles to the east of the SEZ. It is possible that a new transmission line could be constructed from the SEZ to the existing line, but the available capacity on the existing 69-kV would be inadequate for the new capacity required for the SEZ. Therefore, at full build-out capacity, new transmission and/or upgrades of existing transmission lines would likely be required to bring electricity from the Los Mogotes East SEZ to load centers. Projectspecific analyses would also be required to
identify the specific impacts of new transmission construction and line upgrades and appropriate compensatory mitigation for that transmission for any projects proposed for development of the SEZ. Since the nearest major road, U.S. 285 is not adjacent to the Los Mogotes East SEZ, the Solar PEIS analyses estimated that approximately an additional 47 acres would be disturbed if a new 3-mile access road to support solar energy development were constructed. To minimize new disturbance, it is likely that an existing county road (e.g., Conejos County Roads N or P) would be improved to provide access to the SEZ for construction and operation of solar facilities. In addition to the Solar Regional Mitigation Strategy (SRMS), Colorado is announcing the availability of the final version of these supporting studies: · San Luis Valley – Taos Plateau Landscape-Level Cultural Heritage Values and Risk Assessment. · San Luis Valley – Taos Plateau Level IV Ecoregion Landscape Assessment. · Visual Resource Analysis for Solar Energy Zones in the San Luis Valley. · Modeling of Dust Levels Associated With Potential Utility-Scale Solar Development in the San Luis Valley-Taos Plateau Study Area. The SRMS and supporting documents can be found on the project website: www. blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/ renewable-energy/solar-energy/permittingand-development/mitigation. Please contact Nancy Keohane, Project Lead, at 719-269-8531 for more information.
COLORADO—The federal grazing fee for 2017 will be $1.87 per animal unit month (AUM) for public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and $1.87 per head month (HM) for lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The 2016 public land grazing fee was $2.11. An AUM or HM – treated as equivalent measures for fee purposes – is the use of public lands by one cow and her calf, one horse, or five sheep or goats for a month. The newly calculated grazing fee, determined by a congressional formula and effective on March 1, applies to nearly 18,000 grazing
SOLAR
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Government & Environment Progress
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Photo by Lyndsie Ferrell
The Rio Grande National Forest shows signs of the large and devastating impact from the spruce bark beetle. Ninety percent of the forest has been infected as well as the San Juan National Forest and other areas of Colorado.
Aerial survey released Valdez gears up for by Forest Service legislative session Rep. Donald Valdez
Courtesy photo
BY LYNDSIE FERRELL
SAN LUIS VALLEY— According to sources, an aerial survey was completed in January of last year of the San Juan National Forest and the results have recently been released. The spruce bark beetle has ravaged the forest west of the San Luis Valley since early 1996, killing a staggering 1,715,000 acres of spruce trees across the state. In the survey results provided by the Forest Service, it states, “The spruce beetle epidemic is expanding most rapidly in southern Colorado’s forests and impacts many thousands of acres. Areas affected are found from the New Mexico border to north of Cottonwood Pass. Aerial surveys in south-central Colorado showed spruce beetle epidemics expanded on the San Juan (12,000 new acres on 36,000 active acres), Rio Grande (22,000 new acres on 93,000 active acres), Gunnison (30,000 new acres on 72,000 active acres) and San Isabel (24,000 new acres on 46,000 active acres) national forests. Approximately 660 acres of new wind thrown Engelmann spruce trees in the Wet Mountains will continue to provide ideal habitat for expanding spruce beetle populations.” According to a graph projected on the survey it shows that the beetle was most active in 2014, which was one year after the West Fork Complex Fire that burned over 100,000 acres in the San Juan Forest. In the wake of the fire, local officials began to form a partnership with the Forest Service to begin mitigation work on the area to minimize the risk of another forest fire that would potentially wipe out the remaining forest due to the dry dead trees. Logging operations have begun in areas around Lake City and the Gunnison basin, leaving slash piles 100 feet high and the mountain slopes bare of trees. Forest officials and other experts have stated many times that the forest is undergoing a natural change— one that they say has occurred before and will occur again. For those who reside in the area, the change is hard to witness and have pressed forest and state officials to find a solution. Even though the forest is dead or dying from the beetle, officials have confirmed that the infestation is at the maximum and will continue to decline due to the lack of food that remains. The impacts of the beetle are not designated to just the Rio Grande Forest. Signs of the bug can be seen all over Colorado, including the Rocky Mountain National Forest where the beetle was first identified in 1996. Officials continue to state that this is a natural occurrence and part of a natural cycle that is hard to watch, but amazing to see. Although the mature forest is dying, the understory of the forest floor is showing
STAFF REPORT
Spruce bark beetle
Courtesy photo
significant signs of new growth. The 2016 summer season has proven to be exceptional in new growth, partly due to high amounts of precipitation and also just the natural occurrence of recovery. Forest Service Divide District Ranger Martha Williamson stated that though there are signs of additional mortality, smaller new trees have grown in height over the last year and are covering the forest floor with new growth. Aspen trees that were a mere three feet in height the previous year are now almost five feet tall and spreading. The forest floor is full of the new forest that will spring up and take the place of the old spruce forest. Officials have attributed this to a natural dying process of the old forest and the beginning of a new forest that has been seen throughout history. The fact that the population is here to witness the change is both terrifying and fascinating, depending on how the public perceives the current change. Williamson also stated that during the aerial survey, officials also noticed an increase in the budworm outbreak that has tripled in size from 2014 to 2015. Approximately 46,000 acres of conifer have been identified that have been infected with the budworm north of Creede. According to Williamson, the forest is seeing an increase in activity as part of the natural ebb and flow of the insect. The good news is that the trees do not typically die from the worm unless the infestation last for several years. Williamson also spoke about the tent caterpillars that infested 33,000 acres of aspen trees in 2015. The caterpillar population is down from 2015 to an estimated 14,000 acres. The main infestation seems to be in the Alamosa River area where large patches of trees are infected. Officials are not seeing the same amount of infected aspen trees as previous years, which is a good indication that the caterpillars are dying off. The survey results can be seen in full at www.csfs.colostate.edu.
DENVER— On Wednesday, state Rep. Donald Valdez will officially be the newest Democrat to represent District 62. After all elected officials are sworn in, the legislative session will immediately begin. A newcomer to politics, Valdez has spent the past few days adjusting to life in the capitol. “Every day is a learning curve and I’m meeting a lot of good people along the way that are great resources and people who just are down to earth,” Valdez said. Valdez already has ideas in mind for his first day. “I’m planning on looking at a treasurer’s legislation to come forward which is costing the taxpayers some funds,” said Valdez, “so I’ll try to save a little bit of money there in that aspect on the treasurer redemption fee.” He also said that he is working on protecting the Valley’s agriculture and water along
with growing economic development. Valdez, who worked for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, has been appointed to the Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee. He has also been appointed to the Local Government Committee . Valdez’s predecessor, Edward Vigil, was a part of those committees during previous sessions. “I’m excited to be on the committees,” Valdez said. “[Vigil] did a great job for us. It’s an honor for me to fill that spot and to learn.” Valdez defeated Republican Robert Mattive in the general election with 19,720 votes to Mattive’s 15,805. In the primary election Valdez defeated Alonzo Payne with 4,613 votes while Payne had 2,563. Democrats gained three seats and maintained majority control after November’s election with 37 out of 65 total seats.
New state laws now in effect in Colorado SAN LUIS VALLEY — Coloradoans are advised that several new state laws passed this November are now in effect and will change how state residents conduct business and make personal decisions in the 2017. According to Internet news reports, the minimum wage in Colorado has already kicked in at $9.30 an hour for those not receiving tips, and will advance at $.90 each year until it hits $12 per hour in 2020. Currently, non-tipped workers earning minimum wage are paid $8.30 an hour and tipped workers $5.29 an hour. Tipped worker wages will increase to $6.28 an hour. The federal minimum wage for non-tipped workers is $7.25 per hour and $2.13 per hour for tipped workers. When traveling in Denver, remember that those now traveling in HOV or commuter lanes must have three not two passengers in the vehicle. Those violating the new law will be subject to a $250 fine. The right-to-die measure will allow the terminally ill over 18 and judged mentally capable who have six months left to live or less the right to end their own lives. Both a primary care and secondary care physician would have to agree their patient has less than six months to live
and is mentally capable to end their own life. Colorado is the fifth state to pass an end-of life-measure. Also on the list are a multitude of marijuana regulations. These include: • Primary caregivers will be the only ones allowed to grow and provide medical marijuana to patients who have caregivers. • Those primary caregivers growing medical marijuana will be required to register their grow’s location — also patients’ registration numbers and plant counts — with the state. • Individuals transporting pot will also have to report plant numbers and the amount consumed by each patient, including who the product is going too. • Unless patients have a primary caregiver, they will also be limited to growing and transporting up to 36 plants unless patients are granted and extended plant count. They also will be limited to 99 plants even with the extended count. • Voluntary patient registration for people growing more than six and up to 99 plants is now in effect. Under the law, voluntary registrants information would will be kept private, but the state would verify grow locations.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Government & Environment Progress
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SLV Inspire receives $1,000,000 BY ANTHONY GUERRERO
SAN LUIS VALLEY— In June 2015 Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) submitted a request for proposals around Colorado to fund projects for a five-year initiative that aims to inspire Coloradans, especially children, to appreciate, enjoy and take care of the great outdoors. This lit a fire among youth and family stakeholders, and the San Luis Valley Inspire Initiative was born. This group of stakeholders applied for a grant as a pilot program and were accepted. They identified that certain towns and areas in the Valley are well positioned to offer outdoor programs and experiences, but there are barriers such as impoverished communities and disparaged geography that are holding them back from reaching their full potential. The funding initially received was a planning grant to help further refine the ideas and needs in the area. The coalition developed in the San Luis Valley plans to address improved recreation facilities, sharing of resources to improve youth programming capacity and engaging more school aged youth in stewardship and paid outdoor service learning. Connecting with youth in this manner is important as it has been discovered that today’s generation spends 50 percent less time outside
than their parents. It appears today’s youth spend more time with technology than outside which reduces the benefits nature provides. “The overwhelming response reflects the chorus of concern we heard across the state about today’s youth and a growing disconnect with the outdoors and nature,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, former GOCO executive director. “We are funding and empowering local communities to design models that work in their neighborhoods. We know from numerous studies that time outside can lead to reduced stress, increased academic performance and improved mental and physical health. Every child deserves the chance to connect with the outdoors and nature,” she said. The San Luis Valley, which consistently ranks as Colorado’s lowest income area, developed a coalition to serve Saguache, Crestone, Del Norte, Alamosa and Antonito. The region has a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation, but geographic isolation and a lack of transportation and other resources prevent Valley-wide progress. While in the planning phase SLV Inspire deCourtesy Photo veloped a plan to use funds awarded by GOCO. They met with youth at local schools, sought Conejos Clean Water, including director Justin Gaurotte (left) show excitement for SLV their input, listened to the voice of constituents Inspire’s award. It is especially meaningful to CCW as Valleybound-Antonito School and Please see INSPIRE on Page 8 Community Garden is receiving $422,000 of the funding.
New generation of Valley leaders emerging
economic and community-based opportunities SAN LUIS VALLEY— A new generation as possible for those living in this beautiful of leaders in the San Luis Valley has begun place,” said Clayton. to emerge. Ranging from 30 years old and younger they are making their mark on government and starting to develop the area for the future. The young leaders include interns and the youngest elected official in the entire state of Colorado. They are brimming with new ideas and energy and have a passion for public service. These are their stories.
BY ANTHONY GUERRERO
CJ Clayton Clayton is 28 years old and a Best and Brightest Intern with the city of Monte Vista through the Department of Local Affairs and the University of Colorado-Denver. He is currently working on an M.A. in political science with an emphasis in public policy. Clayton works with City Manager Forrest Neuerburg and has been assigned several projects involving community development, city and regional planning and media outreach. Through these experiences he has had the opportunity to collaborate with elected officials, city staff and community organizers. “I’ve been extremely grateful to develop relationships with many wonderful people from the Monte Vista community and the surrounding towns and cities as well. I could (and just may someday) write an entire book on the valuable learning experiences I’ve taken away thus far through the internship. In short, I’ve gained many new professional skills as well as a thorough understanding of what public policy looks like at the local level. Moving forward, my focus is to help reveal the natural strengths that reside in Monte Vista and the San Luis Valley and to aid in creating as many
Gabrielle Aragon Aragon was elected as a town trustee of the town of San Luis, the oldest town in Colorado, at only 22 years old. She was then the youngest elected official in the entire state of Colorado. Aragon began her political career at the age of 19, being appointed to the local planning and zoning commission and serving as the board’s president. She worked to help develop the town’s very first comprehensive master plan. She is the great-great-great granddaughter of Kit Carson, an eighth generation Coloradan and a descendant of SLV Pioneers like her grandmother Juanita Taylor who lived to be 100 years old. Aragon has proven to be a powerful and gifted politician. She won her first term with 53 percent of the vote and went on to be successfully elected to a second term with a powerful 88 percent. “She is wise beyond her years,” said Sam Mamet, executive director of the Colorado Municipal League. Through her public service Aragon has helped to get San Luis out of a million dollar deficit, balance the budgetand increased revenue by attracting industry. Her accomplishments so far include serving and tackling these issues during the great recession. Aragon also helped bring in green homes, protected the post office and was available during the city’s outbreak of E-coli in the water. She has proven to be someone that constituents trust and find accessible. Her work has
not gone unnoticed; she was invited by the White House to meet with President Barack Obama to discuss issues in the San Luis Valley area. Aragon worked on a project between Adams State University, Colorado Municipal League and the Department of Local Affairs to create a technical assistance program. This also led to attention from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for development in the Valley. “A valuable lesson I learned is if a community desires something they must work together to accomplish it, making sure that corruption and envy is out of the picture as it hinders progress. Politics has a short shelf life; therefore, it is important to remain humble while trying to be the best public servant for the common good. I find inspiration and strength of leadership through my relationship with Jesus, lessons in the Bible and through family support and prayer. I hope I have brought positive attention to the forgotten voices of Colorado,” said Aragon.
Joe Schlabach Schlabach is 29 years old and was first appointed to the Monte Vista City Council in May of 2015 at the age of 28. He then went on to win an election in his own right, decisively. Schlabach ran on a platform to bring new ideas to the city council and has shown a passion for economic growth and development. He serves on the Upper Rio Grande Economic Development Council, the golf course board, library board, arts council and San Luis Valley GO. He is a Marine Corps veteran and has found a purpose in giving back to his community. He began his political career as president of the Adams State University Associated Students and Faculty.
He has served as councilman for the city of Monte Vista for the last two years. “It has been interesting. The number one thing I have learned is there is never an easy answer and it’s easy to criticize what you do not understand,” said Schlabach.
Matt Martinez Martinez is currently 30 years old and serves as a councilman for the city of Monte Vista. He is a Marine Corps veteran and served on two deployments, the last of which was in Iraq in 2009. The Monte Vista native began his political career by serving two terms as president of the Adams State Associated Students and Faculty and helping to develop the Veterans at Adams State organization. “I ran for council because I wanted to help my hometown recruit and retain businesses and gain citizen involvement. Since I have been elected, we have seen more businesses come to town, a decrease in crime and citizen involvement has boomed! While I am proud of what we have been able to do; we still have a lot to accomplish. These improvements didn’t come easily; they took hard work, dedication and teamwork. What I have learned is that governments are complex and have a lot of moving parts, and to resolve issues, requires a lot of persistence, community outreach and support and communication,” said Martinez.
Other young leaders Azarel Madrigal is an intern for the city of Monte Vista and is currently attending graduate school at Adams State University. Jan Vigil is a councilman with the city of Alamosa. Requests for more information were not returned as of press time.
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INSPIRE
Government & Environment Progress
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Continued from Page 7
and set up surveys. They then presented their findings and plans to GOCO for the possibility of receiving up to $5,000,000 to implement their ideas. On Dec. 8, 2016 GOCO announced the funding to be awarded to six Inspire Initiative pilot communities throughout Colorado totaling $13.5 million. GOCO’s Inspire Initiative will invest in places, programs and pathways to get kids outside in communities across the state. This innovative framework is being looked at as a national model, and each coalition’s approach to the unique challenges of their community will serve as examples to other rural, urban, suburban or mountain communities across the country. SLV Inspire was awarded $1.4 million for projects in the towns of Antonito, Creede and Saguache. The funds will be used to implement youth-led initiatives over the course of the next three years. San Luis Valley Inspire will put GOCO funding to work in Antonito, Creede and Saguache, building the Antonito Outdoor Education Center and investing in the creation of the Antonito Adventure Program, improving connections along Creede’s Willow Creek Corridor, the Headwaters Youth Conservation Corps, the Saguache Backyard to Backcountry Program and the Saguache Youth Conservation Corps. To date, GOCO has invested $42 million in San Luis Valley projects and has conserved more than 90,000 acres of land in the Valley. GOCO funding has supported Alamosa’s ice rink and Rio Grande Farm Park, Faith Hinkley Memorial Park in Monte Vista and Center’s Town Park, among other projects. Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) invests a portion of Colorado Lottery proceeds to help preserve and enhance the state’s parks, trails, wildlife, rivers and open spaces. GOCO’s independent board awards competitive grants
Courtesy Photo
San Luis Valley Inspire met with Senator Larry Crowder and Representative Donald Valdez at the GOCO meeting on Jan. 19 in Denver. They showed off their check and informed the government officials of the plans for the next three years. to local governments and land trusts and makes investments through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Created when voters approved a Constitutional Amendment in 1992, GOCO has since funded more than 4,800 projects in urban and rural areas in all 64 counties without any tax dollar support. Visit GOCO.org for more information.
Crowder sworn in
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Senator Larry Crowder (pictured with wife Cheri), representing District 35, was sworn in by Colorado Supreme Court Justice Rice at the opening of the 2017 Colorado State Senate session on Wednesday, Jan. 11.“I have no doubt that by working closely together we can ensure a bright and prosperous future for all of Colorado’s citizens.”
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