The wolves are coming: Livestock growers voice concerns

By Amy Hadden Marsh Sopris Sun Correspondent

“Wolves are coming!” was an oft-repeated statement at Saturday’s Holy Cross Cattlemen’s Association meeting in Rifle. And, indeed, they are. In fact, if all goes according to plan, wolves will be released into Colorado in December of this year. But, Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s (CPW) draft plan, made public in December 2022, is complicated.

Reid DeWalt, CPW assistant director for wildlife and natural resources, told The Sopris Sun Saturday that this project is the most complex he’s worked on. “The most difficult thing about it for me is that those who like wolves have a valid point and those who don’t [like wolves] have a valid point,” he explained. “And CPW is in the middle of that, trying to listen effectively to both sides and to provide a plan.”

Attendees at Saturday’s meeting heard from CPW and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officials plus livestock growers from around the state. During a landowner panel, ranchers Bill Fales, Lenny Klinglesmith, Renee Deal and Phillip Anderson shared thoughts and concerns about the state plan. Predator pressure combined with the impacts of drought on grazing allotment rotation, water shortages, water use efficiency, compensation for livestock losses due to wolves and lethal control of wolves were some of the concerns discussed during the panel.

Deal, a fourth generation sheep rancher from Somerset, is a member of the Strategic Advisory Group that worked on the draft plan. “If we scrap this plan, we’re screwed,” she told the audience. When asked why, she said that the draft plan is a compromise that took a long time to hammer out.

“We can’t expect as livestock producers to get everything we think we need and we have to also give some concessions to the other side,” she told The Sopris Sun. She added that wolf advocates and livestock producers don’t trust each other but working on the plan together began to bridge the gap. “We worked on a lot of really contentious issues and we came to agreement on some things that shocked me,” she said. “There were some advocates that agreed that we need lethal control.”

The ability to use lethal control is right up there with loss compensation as what worries ranchers most. The draft plan states that the use of lethal control — or killing wolves as a management method — basically depends on certain factors.

One of those factors is compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, which could be a bit of a sticking point. Right now, the gray wolf is listed as an endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), so killing a wolf is prohibited except in self-defense. As long as the wolf remains a federallylisted endangered species, lethal control is a moot point.

Enter something called the 10J rule, which was a big topic at Saturday’s meeting.

West Slope ranchers shared concerns at the Holy Cross Cattlemen's Association meeting on Jan. 21. From left to right: Philip Anderson (Walden), Renee Deal (Somerset), Lenny Klinglesmith (Meeker), Bill Fales (Carbondale).

The rule is part of the ESA and allows the USFWS to “designate a population of a listed species as experimental if it will be released into suitable natural habitat outside the species' current range.” Since an official population of wolves does not currently exist in Colorado, the agencies could use the 10J rule to define the reintroduced wolves as experimental, which would remove ESA protections and allow lethal control.

Delia Malone, ecologist and wildlife chair of the Colorado Sierra Club, told The Sopris Sun in an interview that the 10J rule is a down-listing of a species from “endangered” to “threatened.”

“It allows for flexible management, including lethal control,” she explained. CPW would like the 10J rule to be in place prior to December 2023, but USFWS must complete an analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). If the reintroduced wolves hit the ground in Colorado before the NEPA process is complete, the wolves will remain protected as endangered.

Malone helped create an alternative restoration plan with several conservation groups, which has been submitted to CPW. You can find that plan at www.bit.ly/WEGwolves

The draft CPW plan is at www.bit.ly/CPWwolfdraft

CPW is hosting a public hearing about the plan in Rifle at Colorado Mountain College on Feb. 7 at 8:30 a.m.

Programs Coming Soon at Basalt Regional Library

Music at the Library

Fri, Jan. 27, 5:30-6:30PM

Jazz for a Winter’s Evening Tues, Jan. 30, 5:30-6:30PM

Lírios Quartet in Concert

Basalt Regional Library Book Club Wed, Feb. 1, 12-2PM

Author Talk with John Hughes, DO Thurs, Feb. 2, 5:30-6:30PM

Local author John Hughes will discuss his first book.

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The 44th Valley Visual Art Show is underway, following a packed opening on Jan. 20. Over 60 local artists and a wide variety of media are represented. The show will remain on display at The Launchpad through Feb. 23 (weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Photo by Raleigh Burleigh

THURSDAY, JAN. 26

STORYTIME

Ms. Holly, a preschool teacher with over 20 years experience, leads a winter-themed musical storytime for young children at the Carbondale Library at 10:30 a.m. For more info, call 970-963-2889.

Gerry Goodman

Gerry Goodman performs during “Friday Afternoon Club” at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park at 5 p.m.

JAZZ FOR A WINTER’S EVENING

Lenore Raphael and Wayne Wilkinson perform traditional jazz at the Basalt Library at 5:30 p.m.

By asking “How are you, really?” you can show your support and compassion for the mental health of others. For mental health resources visit AspenStrong.org/GetHelp.

Family Music

Miss Tammy of Aspen Music Together invites families to the Basalt Library to sing and dance together at 3:30 p.m.

CODING CLUB

Learn to use Python, a popular coding language, at the Carbondale Library at 4 p.m. This club meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month and is “perfect for eighth to 10th grade students.”

WOOD BURNING

Fifth through 12th graders learn to safely burn designs into wood at the Basalt Library at 4 p.m.

BILINGUAL STORIES

Spanish and English speakers share their travel experiences and practice one another’s language at the Basalt Library at 5 p.m.

INTUITIVE POWER

True Nature offers a workshop to activate the inner voice and invite intuition from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets at truenaturehealingarts.com

STRING QUARTET

The New York Philharmonic String Quartet performs at TACAW at 8 p.m. Visit www.tacaw.org for tickets and more info.

FRIDAY, JAN. 27

SPIRIT OF THE PEAKS

Beyul Retreat and 5Point Film host an overnight backcountry adventure and film screening with Connor Ryan. Book your stay at www.beyulretreat.com

Adaptive Hockey

Colorado Extreme welcomes Olympic Gold-Medalist US Sled Hockey team and Colorado’s Sled Hockey Warriors for an exposition style game at Colorado Extreme’s rink — 2340 County Road 100, Carbondale — at 5 p.m. Then, the Colorado Extreme youth teams play from 6 to 8 p.m. The night wraps up with a meet and greet with the sled hockey players, an open skate and fireworks. Visit www. coloradoextreme.org for more info.

SOUND JOURNEY

Dr. Zachary Cashin leads a sound journey at True Nature from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets at www. truenaturehealingarts.com

Crystal Theatre

The Crystal Theatre shows “A Man Called Otto” tonight and tomorrow at 7 p.m. The film screens on Sunday at 5 p.m. and Feb. 1-2 at 7 p.m. “The Banshees of Inisherin” returns on Jan. 28 at 4:45 p.m. for a captioned showing.

THE ONE-ACT PLAY

Sopris Theatre Company’s rendition of “The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong” returns for two nights, Jan. 27-28, at the Wheeler Opera House from 7:30 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com or by calling 970-920-5770.

SATURDAY, JAN. 28

Family Constellations

The Third Street Center hosts a Systemic Family Constellation workshop to unwind ancestral trauma from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more info, visit carolshure.com/events

Lotus Lanterns

Garfield County Libraries celebrate Lunar New Year with a lotus lantern workshop. Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and Silt branches will provide the materials and guidance at 2 p.m. Registration is necessary at www.gcpld.org

Stained Glass

Lindsay Latva teaches an introduction to stained glass creation at The Art Base from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and 1 to 4 p.m. tomorrow. Register online at www.theartbase.org

Creative Writing

Basalt Library hosts a creative writing session for middle and high school students at 2:30 p.m. Register at www.basaltlibrary.org

OPTIMISM & ACTIVISM

The Launchpad hosts a Salon at 6 p.m. with six performing artists from Iran, Nigeria, Mexico and the U.S. Tickets and details at www.carbondalearts.com

STEVE’S GUITARS

AlpenGlow, a five-piece jam band from Boulder, performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

Emotional Rescue

Peach Street Revival opens for Emotional Rescue at TACAW at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.tacaw.org

SUNDAY, JAN. 29

Crafts

The Art Base welcomes all ages for a fun art activity from 10 a.m. to noon. No need to register.

Making Stickers

Basalt Library teaches middle and high school students how to make stickers from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Snacks provided! Register at www.basaltlibrary.org

MONDAY, JAN. 30

Ghostly Phenomena

Clarisa Vazquez, founder of the Colorado Coalition of Paranormal Investigators, concludes a four-part series about investigating paranormal activity at the Carbondale Library. The last session will include a mock investigation from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

TUESDAY, JAN. 31

Sopris Lodge

Marie Herr, director of sales and marketing at Sopris Lodge, leads tours of the senior living facility from 10 a.m. to noon.

Fields Hearing

Eagle County representatives will hear public comments regarding the proposed Fields Development, across from the Blue Lake subdivision entrance, at the Eagle County Community Building (20 Eagle County Rd, El Jebel) beginning at 3 p.m.

Library Quartet

In collaboration with Aspen Music Festival and School, Basalt Library presents the Lírios Quartet, formed under the mentorship of the Takács Quartet, performing at 5:30 p.m. The event is free and no registration is necessary.

Equity Speaker

MANAUS’ Equity Speaker Series continues at TACAW with Jason Vitello and “Racism: A Public Health Crisis” at 6:30 p.m. Register for free at www.tacaw.org

Travis Anderson Jazz

The Travis Anderson Trio, a Minneapolis-based ensemble, performs at Mountain View Church in Glenwood Springs at 7 p.m. Tickets at www.gsconcertassn.org

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 1

BLOOD DONOR MONTH

January is National Blood Donor Month. Celebrate one day late by donating at the Vitalant Bloodmobile at the Carbondale Recreation Center from 10:30am to 3pm. Register at www.bit.ly/VitalantBloodmobile

Library Book Club

Discuss your favorite and least favorite books at the Basalt Library from noon to 2 p.m.

Youth Art Show

Ross Montessori School welcomes the public for an art show representing all grades from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Restorative Justice

YouthZone offers a free, bilingual restorative justice training online from 4 to 6 p.m. To sign up, email mbolling@youthzone.com

Community Pilates

All abilities are invited to a pilates class at the Basalt Library at 5 p.m.

Houseplants 101

Learn how to keep your houseplants happy and healthy at the Botany Houseplant Shop, at the La Fontana Plaza in Carbondale, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Email botanyhouseplantshop@ gmail.com for more info.

Ski Injuries

Valley View University presents “Alpine Ski Injuries” with Tomas Pevny, orthopedic surgeon, via Zoom at 6 p.m. To register, visit www.bit.ly/VVUFebwebinar

Breathless

Aspen Film screen’s “Breathless”, a classic film by Jean-Luc Godard, at the Isis Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at www.aspenfilm.org

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

AUTHOR VISIT

Dr. John Hughes discusses his book, “Fifth World Medicine: A Spiritual-Physical Journey to the Next World,” at the Basalt Library at 5:30 p.m.

Ailsa Chang

Aspen Public Radio presents “An Evening with Ailsa Chang” at the Wheeler Opera House at 6 p.m. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

Ruby Joyful

Ruby Joyful, together with Drew Emmitt, performs at Steve’s Guitars at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

Esl With Valley Settlement

Valley Settlement begins its weekly English as a second language course at the Basalt Library from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The class continues Friday mornings through May. Email info@valleysettlement.org or call 970-230-1303 to register.

Coffman Coffee Walk

Aspen Valley Land Trust guides an educational walk to the river at the Coffman Ranch. Visit www.avlt.org/coffman for more info and to register.

Art In Process

The Art Base wraps up its second annual “Art in Process” show with Reina Katzenberger with a reception from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Way We Are

The Carbondale Clay Center hosts an opening Reception for “The Way We Are: Women in the Roaring Fork Valley” from 6 to 8 p.m.

College Bluegrass

The Rocky Mountain Tops and The Tumbleweeds perform at Steve’s Guitars at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.stevesguitars.net

Watchhouse

Watchhouse, formerly Mandolin Orange, performs at Harris Concert Hall in Aspen at 8 p.m. Tickets at www.aspenshowtix.com

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

Ecstatic Dance

Alya Howe, Dustin Eli and Chai Baba deliver the music and setting to groove to your heart’s content at 13 Moons Ranch, south of Carbondale (6334 Highway 133), from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is not necessary.

CRYSTAL RIVER RESTORATION and WEAVER DITCH EFFICIENCY PROJECT

Sealed bids for the construction of the Crystal River Restoration and Weaver Ditch Efficiency Project will be received from interested Bidders by The Town of Carbondale (“OWNER”) at Town Hall, 511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623, until 5:00 PM on Friday, February 24, 2023, at which time the Bids received will be publicly opened and read.

The project consists of approximately 1,500 lineal feet of improvements which include in channel river restoration, bank stabilization, upland riparian rehabilitation, community gathering area, and river access. See the Bidding Documents for more information about the project.

Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a unit price basis as indicated in the Bid Form. Bidding Documents will be provided to prospective Bidders as electronic PDF files located at the link below.

The Issuing Office is the Town of Carbondale, Public Works Department (511 Colorado Ave, Carbondale, CO 81623). Bidding Documents will be issued as electronic portable document format (PDF) files at no charge through the Engineer’s office. Prospective bidders should email ( crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org ) or call ( 970-947-9568 ) the Engineer’s office and request an electronic copy of the Bidding Documents. Alternatively, printed Bidding Documents may be obtained from the Engineer’s office (818 Industry Place Carbondale, CO 81623) via in-person pick-up, for a non-refundable charge of $125 per set, cash or check only. Checks for Bidding Documents shall be payable to RiverRestoration The date that the Bidding Documents are transmitted by the Issuing Office will be considered the date of receipt of the Bidding Documents. Partial sets of Bidding Documents will not be available from the Issuing office. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.

A non-mandatory pre-bid conference will be scheduled on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 1:00 PM at the intersection of Crystal Bridge Drive and Sebree Place in River Valley Ranch (parking is limited) in Carbondale, CO. Contractors should notify the Engineer via email (crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org ) if they plan to attend the prebid conference.

Questions regarding the plans and documents will be taken via email until Friday, February 17, 2023, at 5:00 PM. Questions should be directed to the Engineer’s office (crystal.bid@riverrestoration.org ). Answered questions will be sent out to plan holders no later than Monday, February 20, 2023, at 5:00 pm. A 5% bid security shall be furnished in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bidders shall submit proof of qualifications to perform the Work as described in the Instructions to Bidders. The start of construction is contingent on an extension of USACE CWA Section 404 Permit SPK-2021-00257 and awarding of upcoming grants. Both are expected to be resolved by April 1, 2023.

Note that the Town of Carbondale reserves the right to decide to not enter into a contract with any bidder.