Choosing change and complexity OPINION

Branching Out

By Geneviève Villamizar

Most of us can look back on life and think, “Yeah, that moment changed me forever.” I’m grateful for those moments, because they reconnected me to the natural world. I say “re” because we’re born connected but capitalism breeds it out. It’s a choice to find our way back.

When I was 9, I stepped from the vision clinic wearing my first pair of glasses. I saw individual leaves on a tree, fluttering chartreuse and emerald, sunkissed and shadowed. I full-on gasped. I never knew! So enchanting! It was an awakening.

At 18, on a sparkly spring morning, I pulled on my first cut-offs of the season to attack a Manhattan euonymus blocking sunlight through the kitchen window. One cut became one hundred. Sun on skin; exertion, muscles, sweat — I discovered an endorphin high so sensual, so powerful, I haven’t quit playing in Nature since.

At 22, new to the Rockies, I wandered from camp, up

Letters

Re: Boebert country

through a meadow, far above. Azure skies; butt on the ground; immersed in grasses gone to seed, eye-level. So quiet, so seemingly still, I felt the immensity of the planet — and here I was, alive in it. And through the silence, grass softly tossed and swayed. Ponderosa needles whispered. “This is always here,” I realized. Beyond our broken society, Nature is here for me.

Nature slowly became my lover, my partner; my forever and always — a foundation of unshakable, ego-less confidence. As my treasure, it’s a relationship I invest in each day. The dividends are exponential and never, ever lose value.

We’ve shorted ourselves, prioritizing the beauty of Nature, an object to desire or dismiss based on looks or dollar value. “Stuff” doesn’t matter, really. A hammered gold bangle is so very pretty, yes. But, oh, my… waking to the fragrance of a kaffir lime in bloom? Unforgettable. Its leaves, bruised in a steaming bowl of tom yam kung? Mouth-watering. Memorable, when shared.

Death is a poignant, powerful part of Nature, too; say, a life story writ large in the contorted limbs of a fallen pine. I want a helicopter on speed dial to airlift fallen junipers into my living room, as though it was possible to absorb by osmosis the endurance, grace and tenacity within those ancient limbs.

I direct this email message to Mr. Menard as an individual and your rag of a publication as a group. I am a resident of the southwest corner of Colorado (Montezuma County) and I am PROUD to say that Rep. Boebert is VERY POPULAR in our little corner of Colorado. Mr. Menard is obviously a true liberal implant from some other area or state. His op piece on Rep. Boebert’s husband and other ATV owners/drivers was full of liberal talking points, jargon and misinformation. While I do not own or operate an ATV, many of my friends and relatives do. I prefer riding a mountain bike and I do have to say that most of the people (probably left-leaning individuals) that I meet on the trail are quite rude, inconsiderate and haughty. I just feel that perhaps Mr. Menard should clean up his own backyard before he casts shade on others of a different view than his own.

Melanie Filener

Lifelong resident Montezuma County

Not “redneck “ but proud of my rural heritage

I’m a landscape designer, so it’s taken a lifetime to get over the Nature porn that aroused me so with that first pair of glasses. My education perpetuated objectification, harping on labels versus roles in ecosystems: Latin names, common names, appearances, characteristics. “Plant in threes and fives!”

And then there was HGTV, treating plants like furniture to be arranged. “Stay put, don’t change, look perfect!”

The bird's eye view I learned from climbing taught me otherwise. The ecosystems I had to understand in hunting and fly fishing taught me otherwise. As has chance and serendipity.

A bird pooping seeds — voila, wild asparagus! Fluff on the wind — voila, colonies of butterfly weed. Change is natural and imperative and stasis is not a good thing. Do you want it in your marriage?

And therein is the kicker. Moving from “looks” to dynamic, complex, evolving relationships: understanding a plant or mineral or creature. Knowing something intimately, we can anticipate its behavior or character and engage with that. Including Nature in a deep, intense way makes life rich. I cringe that our culture reduces Nature to a “maintenance” thing.

“Give me low maintenance.” “Give me ‘xeriscape.’”

How about, “Make my life sublime?”

Solar follow-up

To clarify last week’s letter regarding local onsite solar electricity and Holy Cross Energy’s rates: I believe onsite solar is desirable. Electricity from solar farms and wind farms is often less expensive, but onsite solar has some obvious benefits. And while HCE and Xcel may be saturated with renewables sometimes, Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West are not yet.

So how to, and who should, compensate owners of onsite solar for this? I think the Nature Conservancy should buy down costs. It’s called the “world’s largest conservation organization” and is publishing maps showing all the places they think we shouldn’t put renewables. Or other land preservation organizations should pay. In some places, governments subsidize onsite solar more than other types. In Switzerland, solar installed to provide more winter output (steeper south tilts) gets extra incentives.

But we can’t hold our breath for these sensible policies, so hopefully HCE and the local solar industry can figure out some compromise that keeps local solar on an upswing. But we all need

The late and lusty Jim Harrison exposed me to the concept of phenology in “The Road Home.” I seldom know the day/date/time, but I do know that silver maples next to a driveway can bloom as early as March, and what 7,352 hungry honey bees sound like, gathering pollen. I know that morels can pop by Memorial Weekend. It’s absolutely alive — and not just the separate parts, but the totality of it.

Nature is desire, yearning, hoping, exclaiming, smelling, touching, tasting. I can see why dogs roll on their backs, kicking their feet in the air, wallowing in Nature. (Have you tried it? You’ll laugh.)

For 17 years, I’ve shared my natural wonder with you, one column after another; first with the Valley Journal, and here in The Sopris Sun. Seasons come, they go. We’re born, we live, we die and we return to Earth. This is my last column and my final summer here in Carbondale. I am the cliché creative that can no longer justify rents larger than most mortgage payments.

As Ram Dass wrote, “Our journey is about being deeply involved in life yet less attached to it.”

I’ll flex my nonattachment muscles regarding three decades of life in Colorado, sigh and remain deeply involved in Life elsewhere.~ to recognize that “100% renewable” Glenwood Springs and Aspen, the lessmisleading “net-zero” buildings and all onsite photovoltaic systems are backed up from off-site renewables, stored renewables or fossil fuels. This costs something, and codes and policies need to consider it.

Fred Porter, Carbondale

Just dandy

As Dandelion Day approaches, I’d like to share what this day means to me, with gratitude for where it came from and where it’s going!

To start off, this event was born out of a mission: to protect our land, water and children from pesticides being sprayed in our parks. The dandelion was adopted as the mascot. Special thanks to Doc Phillips for leading and the community supporting.

This town tradition has been passed down through many hands, a grassroots labor of love. I’d like to recognize the work of the women who passed the event to me, Alyssa Reindel, Suzanne Gray, Stacy Stein and Candace Goodwin.

Today, this Spring Jubilee of continues on page 6

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Volunteers sought!

Are you free this Saturday, May 13? Consider volunteering at Dandelion Day! There are several ways to help out, from general set-up to Green Team support, backstage security and, as always, clean-up. To sign up, visit: www.signup.com/go/zsizoew

First Friday fentanyl

An arrest made at 9:21pm on May 5 in Carbondale resulted in the confiscation of 12 grams of cocaine cut with fentanyl. The suspect, innocent until proven guilty, had an outstanding warrant and was contacted by Carbondale Police. After attempting to run, “an officer stepped in front of the male which made the male trip,” explained a press release. “Unfortunately, drugs like fentanyl are already in our town,” Chief Kirk Wilson was quoted saying. “Thankfully our officers are proactive and vigilant in their approach to stopping the spread of these dangerous drugs.”

Disaster support

The American Red Cross is seeking volunteers in Colorado to commit to helping during periods of natural disaster, namely wildfires. People can sign up to help with shelter support, health services or to be a part of a disaster action team. The press release suggested people prepare for the wildfire season by building an emergency kit, making an evacuation plan and knowing how to stay informed. Visit www.redcross.org for more information.

Mountain Fair love

RJ Paddywacks

Cool Bricks Studio

White River Books

Alpine Animal Hospital

Novus Glass

Nonprofit Partners

Wilderness Workshop

5point Film Festival

Basalt Library

Aspen Strong

Carbondale Rotary

Colorado Animal Rescue

Carbondale Arts

Carbondale Chamber of Commerce

Interested in becoming an Underwriter or Nonprofit Partner in 2023? Email Todd@ soprissun.com or call 970-987-9866

CARE has 11 dogs and 2 cats available for adoption.

Here are a few Mountain Fair updates. First, applications to have one’s art included in the Valley Artist Booth are due by May 15. An applicant must be a member of Carbondale Arts and live within a zip code beginning with “816.” Email brian@ carbondalearts.com for more information. Secondly, the fair is in need of volunteer team supervisors for Peace Patrol, parking, Green Team and more. Email deborah@carbondalearts.com to learn more. Finally, Carbondale Arts is requesting donations for the Mountain Fair Raffle. Contact jamie@carbondalearts.com if you would like to contribute a raffle item.

Wolf management

After two years of work and public discourse, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife commission unanimously approved Colorado’s Wolf Management Plan. But, because gray wolves are considered endangered, U.S. Fish and Wildlife would need to implement the 10(j) rule, which would redesignate Colorado’s wolf population as “experimental,” expanding management options, including preventative lethal control. As it stands, Colorado’s management plan allows ranchers to kill a wolf if it’s caught in the act of attacking livestock. On May 4, The General Assembly passed Senate Bill 23-256 which prohibits wolves being introduced prior to implementing the 10(j) rule. U.S. Fish and Wildlife has expedited Colorado’s 10(j) review.

Flood control

With rivers flowing two to three times above average for this time of year, Garfield County is providing sandbags to residents in unincorporated areas who might be at risk of flooding. Up to 20 filled sandbags are available at Garfield County Road and Bridge locations, or residents can pick up 50 empty sandbags to fill offsite. Residents living within municipalities are directed to contact their town or city for assistance. Learn more by calling 970-6258601 and sign up for emergency alerts at www.garco911.com

Property taxes

The Common Sense Institute, a nonpartisan research organization, released its Housing Affordability Report for Colorado last week, finding that property owners face a historic property tax increase in 2024. “The cost of purchasing an average priced home has increased by 112% in just the past 11 years,” said Senior Economist Dr. Steven Byers. “Now increasing property taxes are making it more expensive to stay in your home.”

Health fair

365 Health will host free and affordable preventative health screenings and resources at the Third Street Center on May 27 from 8am to noon. “During COVID-19, Americans delayed or avoided entirely their routine preventive health care, and appointments have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels,” said 365 Health CEO Gary Drews. To view the list of available screenings and make an appointment, visit www.bit.ly/350HealthCdale

Coal Basin

White River National Forest Service is soliciting public comments regarding a proposed methane release study at Coal Basin. Visit www.bit.ly/CoalBasinMethane for more information. A public meeting, organized by proponents of the study, will be held at the Church of Redstone on May 17, at 6pm.

They say it’s your birthday!

Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Mark Chain (May 11); Dylan Rose Emmer (May 12); Camy Britt, Jimmy Byrne, Megan Cook, Bill Jochems, Pat Noel, Renee Prince and David Taylor (May 13); Debbi Fadli, Paige Gibbons, Doc Phillip and Steve Standiford (May 14); Jenny Cutright, Lindsay Dudycha, Kellie Land, Jonelle Luther, Greg Masse, Feénagh O'Donnell, Morgan Williams and Ana Vega Terrazas (May 15); Bartlett, Cynthia Butterfield, Aaron Luttrell and Fred Pulver (May 16); Terrie Geddes, Lisa Johnson and Steven Quint (May 17).

Working Together For Pets And Their People 2801 CR 114 Glenwood Springs, (970)947-9173CO RJ

RJ PADDYWACKS offers a “C.A.R.E. package” for new families, including a “Paws for plan a first time 15% discount for your new pet.

RJ PADDYWACKS offers a “C.A.R.E. package” for new adoptive families, including a “Paws for Points” plan and a first time 15% discount for your new pet.

Tonchi loves to chill! This handsome fella is three years old and just wants to lounge beside his person. No other cats please--he’s the king!

Thru May 15, Tonchi’s adoption fee is only $25 courtesy of the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s ‘Empty the Shelters’ national adoption event.

Sustainability has a new team of leaders. I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the rock star team that is going to make Dandelion Day a roaring good time this year! Thank you Quinn Port, Kat McAfee and Luke Wander for not only carrying on this event, but adding your magic. I’m excited for their hard work to bloom on May 13!

As difficult as it is to write a short list, I’d like to acknowledge the biggest supporters of Dandelion Day who helped me over the years: Amy Kimberly and Carbondale Arts for bringing Dandelion Day under their umbrella; KDNK for airwave outreach and hosting the Beer Garden; Bill Flanigan for the groovy sound system; Evergreen Events making it zero-waste; Eric Brendlinger, Steve Weaver, George Wear and Richard Vottero for continued assistance and volunteering; Carbondale’s African drummers and dancers and Bonedale Flashmob for your arts; MANA Foods for hosting the plant sale in 2020’s pandemic, and supporting local agriculture year-round.

Shout-out to all the farmers and ranchers working hard to keep the heritage of the land, and stewarding it into the future! You make Dandelion Day the plant extravaganza that it’s known for, the green heart at the center.

Can you believe the Town almost let Dandelion Day disappear?! Hearing this event was optional when its succession was in question years ago lit a fire in me to continue its legacy. Today, Carbondale’s Environmental Board is the largest contributor to the event, a commitment of the Town’s belief in its inherent value. Thank you Environmental Board for your support! One day I hope Dandelion Day gets to see its 50th and 100th anniversary like its predecessors, Mountain Fair and Potato Day!

I’m grateful for the opportunity I had to organize and serve this inspiring community. It was not easy to say goodbye to this event, or town. I developed as a person putting on this daunting, and highly rewarding event for five years. It’s a comfort that this year’s team fully embraced Dandelion Day’s legacy, and have organized a very special day for you all to enjoy.

Get out there, join the Parade of Species, grab your plant starts and celebrate spring and sustainability the Carbondale way.

With love, Natalie Rae, Portland

ATVs in Marble

If the commissioners wanted to reapprove ATV use on County Road 3 (CR3) near Marble, they would have during their meeting last week. The agenda even included a blank form of the resolution to approve. As a concession to ATV opponents, the commissioners have made the approval an annual event. The fact that they have left the reapproval to such a late date shows that they recognize serious concerns.

It is highly ironic that Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is considering banning paddleboarding on Beaver Lake near Marble, while the Gunnison commissioners are considering ATV traffic on adjacent CR3. It is hard to find a lower impact, silent, human-powered activity which only temporarily disturbs the water. Try to imagine a higher impact activity than ATVs, which affect the environment in multiple ways, quality of life for residents and visitors and even property values.

In defense of CPW, of all the agencies which regulate this area, they are the only ones with a clear mission statement. This allowed them to make the simple decision to not allow parking for ATVs at Beaver Lake. The paddleboarding issue will be based on the management of the lake as a state wildlife area, not as a state park.

Parking for ATV unloading is the commissioner's first consideration. As absentee managers, the commissioners are probably not aware that on a typical summer weekend, cars drive up to Marble and then leave after searching in vain for a parking space. ATVs take two to three parking spaces.

Provision of an unloading site at Marble Mill Site Park, a national historic site, is part of the plan to allow ATVs on CR3. Efforts were made to connect the commissioners with the Small Business Administration and History Colorado. Both agencies enforce the covenants which are violated by the parking plan. There was no mention at the meeting that ATV unloading would be available at Mill Site Park.

Given parking restrictions by CPW, the Town of Marble and Gunnison County, the only other possible unloading site is at the base of Daniels Hill. The Gunnison County public works director addressed efforts to provide parking there. He did not mention that the right-of-way there does not even allow enough space for ATV trailers to turn around.

Kevin Warner, district ranger for the Forest Service, stated that there was no plan for that agency to provide a parking lot there, citing the opposition of the Lead King Loop Study Committee. Another consideration was the possibility of a Town of Marble management program for ATV parking. It was mentioned that moving the ATV parking across the street was still within the Mill Site Park and thus continues to violate covenants.

There continues to be an idea that an ATV management program could be funded by parking fees. The covenants at Mill Site Park do not allow any commercial operations. This is why the Town of Marble attempted to modify the covenants. In fact, the ATV lobby has successfully passed a state resolution which prohibits any state, county or local group from imposing any additional fees to access public lands. It is amazing that this fact goes unnoticed. Did you know that Marble took back their town for a weekend last summer?

In order to put on the wonderful and highly attended Marble Fest, the town actually banned ATV parking at the Mill Site Park for the weekend. This meant that CR3, below the town where ATV traffic is not allowed, was the site of dozens of illegal drivers parking for ATV continues on page 25

Among the exhaust, honks of approval and a few finger flippings, Colorado Rocky Mountain School (CRMS) seniors took to the roundabout to practice civil action as part of their "Human Rights in the 21st Century" class taught by Beth Krasemann. The history class first looked at global issues, then local concerns. After some dialogue, the students agreed, "We shouldn't feel unsafe in schools," and decided to protest mass gun violence in schools on May 4, without necessarily taking a policy stance. "They'll remember this more than an exam," stated Krasemann.