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Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Service Employee Newsletter
Standing Str ong Despite
Blizzards & Budgets
655 Parfet Street, RM E200C Lakewood, CO 80215-5505 720-544-2810-P 720-544-2965-F
I am hopeful and optimistic, particularly
because the folks we have here in Colorado
Highlights are dedicated and committed to the task at
hand and are flexible in changing environ-
ments. In light of all of the fluctuation and
by my desire to improve communication between
Allen Green levels within the state, I am planning an
State Conservationist optional all employees teleconference on
April 11, 2006 from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM. I
will update you on the budget, state efficiency
plans, and other items that you may be inter-
The first three months of the year has been quite eventful for ested in. All NRCS and partner employees are
Colorado. Our recent snow storms and our budget have made the welcome to participate in the teleconference.
first quarter a bit taxing on us all. None the less, I have no doubt Call in information DIAL IN NUMBERS:
that we will prevail and continue our works as we have always, 888-829-8672 PASSCODE: 47893.
and that is with the highest level of quality and customer satisfac-
Until then, please feel free to send me
tion.
any suggestions for topics you would like me
Traditionally, you (the NRCS employees) have risen to the to address. We will also allow time for ques-
occasion in times of strife. Colorado is no stranger to disasters, tions or comments that you may have. I look
natural and man-made. Within the last 10 years, we have seen forward to talking with you on April 11th.
devastating droughts, floods, fires and of course snow storms.
And, through each tragedy, we have prevailed and led the recov-
ery efforts for Colorado’s natural resources. We will continue to
do so.
Today’s budget does call for us to manage our operations a
bit differently. It does not, however, call for us to compromise
inside this issue:
the quality of products and services which are of the great pride to Engineer of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
our agency. As I’ve said before, we (as with every other state) Cattle Owners Plead for Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
have a decreased budget, but we will be able to balance our budg- One to Grow On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
et without drastic means. Again, that means, there will be no RIFS District Receives Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Record Breaking Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
(reduction in force), furloughs (time off without pay), or termina- A Winter I Will Never Forget . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
tion of agreements that are paying people (such as district techni- State Office News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
cians and ultima contract employees) this year. Area Office News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Ag. Outlook Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
I’m also aware of your concerns regarding office consolida- Call for Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
tions. Let me assure you, that all management decisions are made A Trail to Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
by weighing our responsibility to the agency, its customers, our RC&D Association Conference . . . . . . . . . . . .14
USDA Attorney’s Conservation Tour . . . . . . . .15
natural resources, and the NRCS employees. We are reviewing
Employee Spot Light - Shelley Anderson . . . .16
our delivery system in light of our agency’s new strategic plan, Women’s History Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
future budget predictions, and changing customer base. Techno Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
www.co.nrcs.usda.gov
Andrews Named NRCS 2007 Engineer of the Year
(L-R) Chief Lancaster, John Andrews, and Maureen
Andrews
ohn Andrews, easy decision,” Green states. ing Team Leader for the
J NRCS State
Conservation
Engineer, was recently select-
“When Dave presented me
with the idea I was over-
whelmingly in favor of it.
Rocky Mountain Engineering
Team. Its function is to
assess the engineering
ed as NRCS’s 2007 Engineer We’ve always known how design needs at the State,
of the Year. As a result, repre- good John is. This was an regional, and national levels
sented the agency in his opportunity for the rest of the and coordinate actions for
nomination for the 2007 agency and engineering com- obtaining agency engineering
National Society of munity to realize it as well.” tools including software devel-
Professional Engineers opment.
As Colorado’s State
(NSPE) 28th Annual Federal
Conservation Engineer, The NSPE Engineer of
Engineer of the Year Award.
Andrews has overall respon- the Year is selected by a
sibility for 200 Colorado panel of judges established
NRCS field employees’ job by the NSPE Professional
“I am grateful to approval authority regard-
ing the design and con-
Engineers in Government
who consider engineering
struction of engineering achievements, education,
have been nomi- practices. This includes,
on an annual basis,
continuing education, profes-
sional/technical society activi-
nated and am 25,000 acres of irrigation
improvements; 1,200
ties, NSPE membership,
awards and honors, and civic
structures for irrigation, and humanitarian activities.
proud to be erosion control, and live-
stock water; 600,000 feet
Candidates are nominated by
their respective federal agen-
of terraces and diversions cies that must employ at least
NRCS’s winner...” for erosion control; 50 engineers worldwide.
1,400,000 feet of irrigation
“Although this year’s
pipeline; 55,000 feet of irri-
NSPE award went to another
gation ditch lining; 200
deserving candidate, I am
Andrews was nominated pumping plants; 70 water
grateful to have been nomi-
as NRCS’s “top engineer” by wells; and 300 watering facili-
nated and am proud to be
one of his employees, Dave ties.
NRCS’s winner,” states
Wolff, Agricultural Engineer
In addition to his respon- Andrews. “I was even more
and his supervisor, Allen
sibilities as State appreciative to represent the
Green, State Conservationist.
Conservation Engineer, agency on such a prestigious
“Recommending John was an
Andrews also serves as act- occasion.”
2
The Colorado Connection - Feb - Mar 2007
article courtesy of
The Denver Post
Cattle owners plead for aid denver & the west
by
John Ingold
HIT HARD BY SNOWS Denver Post Staff
Writer
al financial assistance to Wayne Allard and Ken their property 10 or more
help them recover from a Salazar - about their diffi- times this winter, almost
“ I think you brutal winter that began
with a December storm
culties and frustrations. every hand in the room
went up.
"It isn't that we need
could easily say that left drifts up to 15
a handout every time "There are so many
feet high, stranding cattle.
that it’s a $50 Counties got money for
something comes along,"
said Ryan Bulkley, whose
additional expenses that
everybody has incurred,"
snow removal, but farm-
to $100 million ers are not yet being
family owns a ranch in
northwest Baca County.
she said.
Foos, who owns a
loss.” compensated for losses.
"This was a once-in-a-life-
ranch in Baca County,
This month, the U.S. time storm event for us,
said he has probably suf-
Department of Agriculture and it is going to take our
fered about $300,000 in
Hundreds of south- denied disaster relief profit for several years just
losses. Others estimated
eastern Colorado ranchers because the losses did to recover."
their losses at $100,000 or
- many arriving with not meet its threshold of
Officials said about more.
muddy boots and tired 30 percent of production.
3,500 cattle died during
faces - packed a small State Farm Service "I think you could
the storm, but the winter's
community center Sunday Agency executive director easily say that it's a $50 to
true toll has yet to be cal-
to plead with state and Lewis Frank, whose office $100 million loss," Stulp
culated.
federal officials to provide is making the case for fed- said. "And we're not out of
some kind of direct assis- eral disaster assistance, "Nobody has a solid winter yet."
tance to offset a winter of said there is no good way handle on what the losses
Rancher Lyman
punishing weather and to tell what the true losses are," said Colorado
Edgar, at 93 the dean of
catastrophic losses. are. Agricultural Commissioner
southeastern Colorado
John Stulp, "but they're
"This is pretty close "For the county areas ranching, said he hopes
probably higher than what
to home," said rancher here, it's just the best the help doesn't come too
anybody has talked
Curtis Foos, who estimat- guess," he said. "We don't late.
about."
ed he has lost more than have any reporting mech-
"It will be interesting
250 calves and cattle. anism for losses." The ranchers said
to know," he said, "how
"Raising cattle is our liveli- feed costs have gone up,
His office is now try- many people who are
hood. The experience the equipment and snow-
ing to get federal assis- here now will still be here
last two months that removal bills have mount-
tance in a different way, five years from now."
everybody in this room ed and animal weights -
he said.
has had is going to be and thus the price the ani- Staff writer John
something we'll be talking The Baca County mals fetch at market - Ingold can be reached at
about for the rest of our Conservation District have dropped. 720-929-0898 or jin-
lives." organized Sunday's "lis- gold@denverpost.com.
When Baca County
tening session" so that
Ranchers and farm- Conservation District man-
ranchers could tell a panel
ers in 10 counties on the ager Misty George asked
of state and federal offi-
Eastern Plains have yet to how many people had had
cials - including represen-
receive any state or feder- to plow themselves out of
tatives of U.S. Sens.
cont. on page 17
3
The Colorado Connection - Feb - Mar 2007
Yuma Conservation District
One to Grow Receives Prestigious Award
On... The Yuma County
Conservation District (YCCD)
was recently recognized at the
National Association of
Conservation Districts Annual
“People often say that motiva- Meeting. Chester Zwirn,
tion doesn't last. Well, neither YCCD President, accepted the
does bathing.. that's why we Grazing Lands and Public
recommend it daily.” Lands Resources District
Excellence Award at the cere-
Zig Ziglar
mony held in Los Angeles, CA.
(L-R) YCCD President Chester Zwirn receiving award from
The District was recognized for
"The state of your life is NACD President Bill Wilson.
providing educational pro-
nothing more than a reflection of
grams for livestock operators.
your state of mind."
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer The YCCD has sponsored or co-sponsored 15 range/ranch work-
shops since December 2002 partnering with the Grazing Lands
“Everyone has his burden. What Conservation Initiative (GLCI), numerous other local conservation districts,
counts is how you carry it.” Resource Conservation and Development offices (RC&D), wildlife organi-
Merle Miller zations and local cattlemen’s group. In total, YCCD workshops have host-
ed more than 650 landowners.
“Our attitudes control our lives. YCCD understands the importance of offering workshops that have
Attitudes are a secret power the greatest impact on the landowner and the conservation and improve-
working twenty-four hours a ment of natural resources. As a result, presenters have been experts in
day, for good or bad. It is of their field providing insight into topics ranging from Irrigated Pasture,
paramount importance that we Drought, Livestock Handling, Wildlife, Early Weaning for Drought,
know how to harness and Grass/Grazing Mgmt, Ranching Profitably, Beef Cow Nutrition &
Economics 101, Bud Williams Marketing School, and Ranchers Forum.
control this great force.”
Tom Blandi YCCD is proud of its leading efforts in learning opportunities for rural
ranchers. Attendees are also pleased with the organization’s labor as
“Happiness is not by chance, evaluations have been overwhelmingly positive, with a high demand for more
but by choice. “ workshops. It is not uncommon for attendees travel more than 100 miles to
Jim Rohn attend these workshops: One participant traveled more than 400-miles.
“Attitudes are contagious.
Are yours worth catching?”
Anonymous
er Week
“I’m so optimistic I'd go after National Volunte
Moby Dick in a row boat and 07
April 15-21, 20eason
take the tartar sauce with me.”
s in S
Zig Ziglar Caring is Alway
“The chief cause of failure and
unhappiness is trading what you Please take this opportunity to
want the most for what you thank your Earth Team
want now.” Volunteers and let them know
Zig Ziglar
how much you appreciate their
efforts in conserving and pro-
tecting our natural resources.
4
The Colorado Connection - Feb - Mar 2007
Record Breaking Attendance
CD Annual Meeting
The Kiowa Acreage Metzger. Each were
Conservation District Conservationist of the winners in the 6th
(CD) held their Annual Year Award to Rowan grade poster contest.
Meeting recently with and Marilyn Tyson of
In addition to the
a record-breaking 150 Elbert for their many
numerous landowners,
landowners attending. years of conservation
the meeting was also
work in Elbert County.
Don Hijar of attended by members
Good Attendance at Pawnee Buttes Seed The Small of the Colorado State
Company was the Acreage Conservationist Conservation Board;
Pasture Walk keynote speaker, and of the Year award was Double El and
gave a well-received presented to Greg and Douglas County
Eighteen participants braved presentation on Jane Benz. Conservation District;
a blustery north wind as the Flagler seedbed preparation, and the local NRCS
The District also
Conservation District hosted a pas- seed, seeding, and Franktown Field Office
presented awards to
weed control. staff.
ture walk to review drought effects. Kayla Morris, Thomas
Dr. Roy Roath, CSU Cooperative The Kiowa CD Mackiewicz, Cody
Extension Range Management presented their Large Fordyce and Ash T.
Specialist, was the speaker.
Attendees looked for signs of
drought stress and recovery in pas-
A W inter I W ill
tures south of Flagler. Never Forget
Among many lessons by Mary Miller,
learned, it was most noted that the Area 3 Public Affairs Specialist
different height structure of plant On December 20, 2006, I
species plays a critical role during a reported 1.5 inches of new snow on
drought. the ground at the ranch for my
daily Community Collaborative
Structure breaks up surface
Rain, Hail & Snow (CoCoRaHS)
land patterns that will allow even report. Little did I know that from
‘micro’ amounts of moisture to stay then on, I would be reporting more
in place. This extra moisture then snow and precipitation than I ever had since becoming a CoCoRaHS volunteer.
promotes future grass production In all, it has snowed 47.5 inches at the ranch.
and encourages greater root growth. David, my husband (Dave Miller, NRCS District Conservationist, Rocky
When tempted to remove Ford FO) and I had gone through the October 1997 blizzard with our sheep and
‘extra’ grass that we think is ‘wasted’ guard dogs. At that time, we also had horses. During that blizzard, we lost one
Great Pyrenees pup that had just been born a week or so before and was being
by not being grazed off, think again! raised by its Mom out in the pasture with the sheep.
That extra structure allows for bet-
During the blizzards of 2006, we were fortunate to not lose any sheep or
ter root growth which determines
dogs. We did lose Old Hal, our 14-year-old Pyrenees, to old age and the cold a
the following years grass production. couple of weeks later.
That extra ‘structure’ is not wasted,
Having grown up in Minnesota, I have seen many nasty blizzards and
it’s an investment in the ‘next year’ cold, cold winters. But, my family did not have any livestock. We lived in town.
production of your pasture.
The worst storm began on Thursday evening, December 28, and lasted
A special thanks to the until Saturday, December 30, at sundown. It was quite the blizzard. Most roads
cooperating landowners, Ellie in Southeast Colorado were closed due to drifting and whiteout conditions.
Kountz and Bill Grimes.
cont. on page 19
5
on the pulse
State Office News
Allen Green, State Junction, systems, timekeeping, Web
Conservationist, establilshes TaTrecia Wesley, SC, TCAS, travel policy, and
advisory teams to represent Greeley employment.
the field and to provide input Dawn Jackson, DC, Sterling
to help assure that field Tim Macklin, RC&D
needs and concerns are Coordinator, Lamar
considered as state level Jason Turner, SCEP, Pueblo
decisions are made.
Teams consist of:
Programs (Tim Carney)
Members:
John Knapp, AC, LaJunta
Lori Jazwick, DC Steamboat
Springs
James Wittler, Soil Con,
Springfield
Michael Rich, DC, Cortez
NRCS Financial
Operations; (Randy Randall) Management, Human
Members: Resources, and
Roy Hall, AC, Greeley Management Services
Dan Moreno, STC, Sterling departments recently held a
Levi Montoya, DC, Trinidad two-day training workshop
Dan Lynn, DC. Durango to share information with
agency secretaries and
SRC (Jeff Burwell) Terri Skadeland, NRCS
area administrative coordi-
Members: State Biologist, partnered
nators. The workshop was
Cathee Wilson, AC, Monte with numerous conservation
aimed at updating everyone
Vista partners to develop the
and to gather feedback on
Kathy Boyce, SC, Montrose Pocket Guide to Prairie
what administrative proce-
Boyd Byelich, DC, Longmont Birds. For additional infor-
dures were working and
Joel Moffet, DC, Springfield mation or copies, please
which needed improvement.
contact Terri at 720-544-
Administration - Ila Binard Topics included lease and
2813.
Members: contract management, pur-
David Doty, AC. Grand chase card management
6
and activities. Districts to host a series of
Representatives from all watershed meetings. The
seven Congressional inital meetinges are target-
Districts as well as both ed toward local landowners.
Senators Allard and Salazar The purpose is for partici-
were present. pants to leave the meeting
knowing 1. the resource
concerns within their water-
shed; 2, what their water-
shed boundaries are; 3.
Dave Ueda, IT what a watershed is; and 4.
Specialist, helps load a van
why it’s important to know
with more than 46 used
what a watershed is, and
government computers.
why it’s important to begin
The equipment was given to
thinking and planning on a
Colorado’s Liberty school
watershed basis.
district located in Joes,
Colorado.
Government agencies Colorado’s NRCS
The NRCS State
have always had the capabil- Office of Public Affairs has
Office and the Earth Team
ity to donate its used equip- just released a new publica-
welcomes Kathy Morgan.
ment to public education tion outlining NRCS accom-
Kathy is excited about being
systems once it has been plishments and activities as
an Earth Team volunteer
offered and refused by other they align with the National
and began volunteering with
government agencies. Five Year Strategic Plan.
NRCS in February 2007 as
The publication will be post-
To date, the USDA an Office Assistant. Before
ed on the Colorado website.
offices in Colorado have coming to the agency, she
For immediate assistance,
donated more than 200 was an office manager for
please contact Katherine
computers. eight years with a video
Burse-Johnson at 720-544-
monitoring service.
2863.
She decided to volun-
teer with NRCS because
she had never worked in a Congratulations to
government office and Karma Anderson, Resource
thought it would be interest- Conservationist, and Petra
ing. She hopes this experi- Barnes Walker, State
ence will allow her the Public Information Officer,
opportunity to learn about on their selections to serve
the many different areas on the National Master
Allen Green, and other and programs within the Facilitator’s Cadre.
USDA Agency Directors in agency.
They were selected
Colorado hosted a
from a poll of over 60 candi-
Congressional Update
dates and will serve with 18
aimed at providing highlights NRCS in Colorado has
other NRCS employees on
about their respective partnered with the Colorado
this three-year collateral
organizations, programs Association of Conservation
duty assignment.
7
on the pulse
Area Office News 62 landowners, the Gunnison Presenters included
Area One Conservation District,
Gunnison County
Stockgrowers Association,
Jason Peel, NRCS Irrigation
Water Management
Specialist; Sandra Geer,
Gunnison County Landfill NRCS Administrative
Mitigation, Colorado Sate Coordinator; Steve Anthony,
University, Colorado Division Garfield County Vegetative
of Wildlife HPP, BLM, NRCS, Management; Scott Ely,
and USFWS (Partners for President, Sunsense, Inc. Jim
Wildlife Program). Heneghan, Delta Montrose
Electric Association, Brian
Fowler; and Debbie Smith,
Hydro Development LLC.
Lars Santana, The Mount Sopris,
Rangeland Management Bookcliff, and Southside
Specialist, Gunnison Field Conservation Districts provid-
Office (FO) recently went to ed lunches and Sharie Prow,
Reno, Nevada to present a their District Manager, over-
poster at the Society for saw the kitchen. Master
Range Management’s annual Chef and Soil Conservation
meeting. Lars, along with Technician, Mike Kishimoto
Some 100 producers
Paul Jones, Conservation prepared pork while Dennis
gathered at the Area One
Biologist, Colorado Division of Davidson, NRCS District
2007 AG Day Event held in
Wildlife, collaborated to pro- Conservationist, Glenwood
New Castle. Participants
duce a technical poster Springs, an Ultima Services
heard presentations about
titled, “Brood-rearing Habitat employee, and a few District
volunteerism, mobile irriga-
Improvement Practices for Board Supervisors from the
tion water labs, invasive
Gunnison Sage-grouse, 4 three districts previously
species identification, geo-
Unique Projects done in mentioned as well as Elise
thermal heating, cooling, hot
2006.” DeFor, and Eagle County,
water systems, solar power
also lent a helping hand.
In one of the projects usage in agricultural opera-
115 miles of sagebrush tions and the use of bio-
meadow interface was seed- diesel and crop diversifica-
ed with the cooperation of tion.
8
The conservation dis- snow, 33 ranchers came to
Area Two trict awarded two college
scholarships to Kelsey
Simpson and Elizabeth
hear Kit Pharo, Chip Hines,
and other innovative ranch-
ers share their ideas about
McManus to pursue agricul- livestock management and
tural-related degrees. The profitability. Other sessions
small acreage conservation- in the four-part workshop
ist of the year was awarded included the Beef Cow
to Christine Hashimoto. Nutrition and Economics
101 session; Ranching
Economically in Eastern
The Greeley FO and Colorado; and Bud Williams
West Greeley Conservation Marketing School. Several
District hosted a booth at workshop series were spon-
the Annual CCTA sored by the Yuma County
Conference held in Greeley, Conservation District and
This annual conference had the Wray NRCS office.
West Greeley over 300 attendees and
Conservation District and numerous speakers, and
the Greeley FO recently offered continuing education Dr. Fred Provenza,
staffed a booth at The credits. Professor in the
Colorado Farm Show. The Department of Forest,
Greeley field office staff was Range, and Wildlife
available to answer ques- The Brighton FO hos- Sciences at Utah State
tions about District and ted an information booth at University recently present-
NRCS programs. the Colorado Agriculture ed a workshop in Limon,
This was an excellent “Big and Small” Conference Colorado.
time to interact with more and Trade Show. NRCS
Sixty-four participants
than 32,262 farm show personnel were on hand to
enjoyed a day-long presenta-
attendants. discuss programs, conser-
tion about ‘animal foraging
vation buffers, and manag-
behavior’ which was deliv-
ing land in Colorado.
ered with ‘down to earth’
The Douglas County information and great
Natural Resources humor!
Conservation District (DCN-
RCD) recently held their The low cost workshop
annual meeting where a was the result of a Grazing
total of 26 people bravely Lands Conservation Initiative
ventured out on a snowy (GLCI) grant written for the
night to listen to the fea- conservation districts in the
tured speaker, George Beck, Republican River
a Colorado State University The Ranchers Forum Watershed.
weed specialist. Douglas was the last of a four part
The Flagler
County weed specialist ‘Till the Cows Come Home’
Conservation District was
Jonathan Rife also provided workshop recently held in
one of 12 sponsors that
information about local Yuma County. Despite the
brought Dr. Provenza to
infestation problems. high winds and blowing
Colorado for this workshop.
9
from all of Colorado’s four River Watershed Grazing
Area Three areas in addition to two
NRCSers from Wyoming.
Peter Robinson and Clare
Management Conference
was a one-day workshop
that focused on animal
Prestwich, West National grazing behavior and dis-
Technology Support Center, cussed methods to better
taught the course. Brady manage livestock to opti-
McElro, Lamar field office mize nutrient use from pas-
and area 3 Irrigation Water tures.
Management Engineer,
coordinated the course.
Congratulations to
Janet Tanski, Woodland
Topics included basic pivot
concepts, soils and how to
use the web soil survey, lay-
Area Four
Park FO. Janet won first out, flow requirements,
place in the livestock divi- design for chemigation
sion of the Colorado equipment, plus many oth-
Department of Agriculture ers.
photo contest.
Her first place photo is
Bill Gardiner, District
of livestock at E Bar M
Conservationist, Salida
Feedyard in Greeley (see
field office, was a speaker at
above). Tanski also received
the January 28 Sustainable
an honorable mention for Charlene Lucero is the
Living Series session held in
her photo of Lawlor new Area Administrator
Salida. The topic of his
Wakem’s, Teller-Park Coordinator for Area Four.
presentation was
Conservation District board Mrs. Lucero has over 15
“Community Supported
member, favorite horse. years of administrative
Agriculture and the Central
The photos are featured on experience. Additionally, she
Colorado Foodshed Alliance
the Colorado Department of has state and local govern-
Project in Chaffee County.”
Agriculture’s website. ment work experience. This
is her first position with the
federal government. She
The East Central
has worked for the New
RC&D has completed many
Mexico Department of
projects in the past few
Health and the City of
months. The Central
Monte Vista, in various posi-
Lincoln County Public Safety
tions such as accounts
project helped provide need-
payable, cashier, and office
ed equipment to three pub-
manager.
lic safety agencies. The Hi-
Plains Elementary School Charlene and husband
Area 3 recently hosted
Playground project provided Ted along with their son,
two, 2-day sessions of a
playground structures that Antonio, two dogs, a cat,
center pivot training course
will help the school children and a horse, reside in
at Otero Junior College.
develop upper body Monte Vista.
Students included NRCSers
strength. The Republican
cont. on page 11
10
area news cont.
Trust, the US Fish and Garcia, Biologist, Division of
She enjoys sports, Wildlife Service (USFWS) Wildlife (DOW) was recently
including softball and volley- and DOW to protect a awarded with the 2006 (US
ball and also being in the stream that holds a distinct Fish and Wildlife Service)
outdoors. Rio Grande Chub genetic USFWS Partner Award. The
Charlene will also serve award was presented in
as the Area Administrative appreciation of her wetland
Coordinator for the Monte and riparian restoration
Vista Area Office and the partnership efforts on pri-
new Area Earth Team vate lands. Scott Miller,
Coordinator. Coordinator of Partners for
Fish and Wildlife, San Luis
Valley, presented the award.
Welcome Joseph Since 2004, Garcia has
Lobato. Lobato was recent- population.
served as the private lands
ly hired as a Soil The stream has been biologist for the Colorado
Conservation Technician in historically used for flood Watershed Network and
the San Luis FO. He fills the irrigation. NRCS has helped Colorado’s DOW in Monte
vacated position of Felix fence the stream from live- Vista. Her duties include
Lopez, who recently retired. stock, install alternate water working cooperatively with
We also want to welcome sources, “fish friendly” diver- the Natural Resources
Robert Pacheco, who was sion structures as well as a Conservation Service
also recently hired by the reservoir for irrigation and (NRCS) to implement Farm
Costilla Conservation fish habitat. We have also Bill programs, specifically
District. planted willows for stream the Wetlands Reserve
habitat improvement. Program and the Wildlife
Habitat Incentives Program
This has been a awe-
within the Southwestern
some opportunity to assist
portion of the state.
a landowner with wildlife in
the Valley and has spurred In addition to providing
interest and an opportunity technical assistance for 15
to launch a WHIP proposal WRP contracts totaling $4
in the county. million and covering 4,000
The Center Field Office acres, Garcia implemented
has been working for Chubs. the Wetland Reserve
The Rio Grande Chub (tech- Enhancement Program pilot
nically known as Gila of which Colorado was one
Pandora), is a native of five participating states.
Colorado species of fish She also led efforts in the
which has been categorized Wetland Reserve Program
as a State Special Concern Reverse Bid Pilot, of which
by the Colorado Division of Colorado was one of eleven
Wildlife (CDOW). participating states.
The Center FO has part-
nered with the Orient Land Congratulations to
Chanda Garcia. Chanda
11
State Conservationist
Speaks at Governor ’s
Ag Outlook Forum
Allen Green, Natural
Resources Conservation Service State
Conservationst, Lakewood, CO spoke
at this year’s 16th Annual Ag Outlook
Forum where he discussed the 2002
Farm Bill.
Green speaking during breakout session.
During the breakout session,
Green talked about the various conser-
vation programs, NRCS’s role, and the natural resource benefits gained from implementing conserva-
tion practices onto private lands.
The facts, effects, and policies associated with global climate change were the main focus of the
2007 Colorado Agricultural Outlook Forum. The forum, "From Colorado to the Clouds: Agriculture
and a Changing Global Climate," provided agriculturalists opportunities to examine how evolving cli-
mates can and will effect agriculture.
State and national experts presented facts about climate change and engaged in question and
answer sessions with the audience. Opportunities for agriculture to curb the emission of greenhouse
gases and farm policies related to climate change were also discussed.
Other speakers included Naomi Pena of the PEW Center for Global Climate Change; Bill
Hohfenstein of the USDA-Office of the Chief Economist; John Sheehan, a senior strategic analyst at
the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden; and Colorado State University professors Bill Cotton,
Dennis Ojima and Keith Paustian.
In addition to the Conservation Title of the Farm Bill breakout session presented by Green and
Loutzenhiser, other topics included the Farm Bill and farming without subsidies, land-use planning
options for green-space and conservation easements, and an update and round-table report from the
Agriculture Water Alliance.
Concerned Landowners Call for Action
by Misty George, Clerk, Baca County Conservation District
t was standing room only Baca County Conservation strophic effects the blizzards
I as Southeast Colorado
agriculture producers
packed the Baca County
District organized this meeting
on behalf of local agriculture pro-
ducers, who have been repeat-
have had on area livestock oper-
ations. The total production
losses Southeastern Colorado
Resource Center Sunday, edly hammered by back-to-back agriculture producers spoke of
February 25th. Over 200 con- blizzards, sub-freezing tempera- Sunday are staggering; some as
cerned producers presented tures, and freezing winds. Curtis high as $300,000 for a single
their need for disaster assis- Foos, Steve McEndree, and operator. Again and again cat-
tance to a panel of Legislative Ryan Bulkley represented area tlemen said, “We are only half-
and USDA representatives. cattlemen with slide show pre- way through the winter. We
sentations typical of the cata- don’t even know how high our
cont. on page 13
12
Call for Action cont.
A Trail to Success
Over 200 farmers
and ranchers voice
their concerns to
Political Represen-
tatives and USDA
Officials
The San Juan Resource
Conservation and
Development Council
(RC&D) is proud of its
partnering efforts to
help restore a trail
system along the
Vallecito Reservoir.
Local Landowner
describes the losses his
Since 1981 the Vallecito
cattle operation suffered
Service League (VSL) has been work-
from the continuous
ing to make a difference in their rural
storms.
community. In 1991, with the help of
the Pine River Irrigation District
(PRID) and some lottery money from
La Plata County, they began a trail
system around portions of Vallecito
Reservoir.
Over the years they have
completed over six and one-half
miles, allowing visitors and residents
total loss from this disaster is left with valuable information and an opportunity to enjoy the area and
going to be yet.” a better idea of what type of assis- walk along the water’s edge instead of
tance livestock producers need. on the county road contending with
Although the livestock death
Panel members included: Doris traffic. Benches have been purchased
toll continues to climb, mounting
Morgan, representative for by various sponsors and are placed at
daily expenses are the most
Senator Wayne Allard; Allison various viewpoints along the trail. A
pressing concern: feed, fuel, live-
Cortner, representative for Senator picnic area with three picnic tables,
stock weight loss, dropping live-
Ken Salazar; John Stulp, great natural cover of tall ponderosa
stock prices, tank and fencing
Commissioner of Agriculture; pines, and gorgeous views towards the
repairs, and other related expens-
Cindy Lair, State Conservation lake was developed near the spillway.
es. Producers took the opportuni-
Board Program Manager; Allen
ty to request disaster assistance: The 2002 Missionary Ridge Fire
Green, Natural Resources
to take care of their living stock, brought much destruction to the
Conservation Service, State
reparation for the dead, any kind Vallecito area, including both the trail
Conservationist; Lewis Frank,
of financial assistance to help and picnic area. Hazardous burned
Farm Service Agency, Director;
them recover from the disaster. and dead trees needed to be removed.
and Mike Bennett, Rural
Federal and State represen- Development, Director. The picnic area trees were a total loss,
tatives stated they appreciated the as were the tables.
positive and constructive feedback Subsequent to the fire, mud-
from producers. Representatives
cont. on page
13
Colorado League of RC&D hosts
2007 Western RC&D Association Confer ence
T
he Colorado League of Resource Strategic Plan, and invasive weed management in the
Conservation and Development (RC&D) future, to name a few.
recently hosted the 2007 Western RC&D
Throughout the conference, the attendees were
Association Conference in Colorado Springs.
able to enjoy performances by Sonny McAdams and
The 2007 theme, Revitalizing the Old West, con- Lani Torres; participate in silent and live auctions;
sisted of an informative three-day conference that pro- attend a presentation of awards that recognized RC&D
vided tools and strategies to create workable, local councils; and laugh at “Donk” the Clown, also known as
solutions during the Western RC&D Association’s time Rich Mullaney, Northeast Colorado RC&D.
of transition. The conference provided a mix of expert-
The Western RC&D Program consists of over 80
ise that addressed energy issues, community and eco-
RC&D Councils in the states of Arizona, Colorado,
nomic development, land management, non-profit man-
Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico,
agement, and water issues.
North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
The conference kicked off with a President’s Each RC&D Council is organized and directed by local
Reception which Joe Leichtnman, President of the people to meet local needs. The RC&D Program identi-
Western RC&D Association, attended. At the general fies and solves problems in rural communities that
session, Leichtman welcomed everyone during opening include human, economic and environmental issues.
ceremonies and the keynote speakers were Richard
The Colorado League of RC&D Councils provides
Skorman, Director, Pikes Peak Regional Office and a
leadership in development and implementation of
representative from the office of the Honorable Ken
RC&D Councils, and actively participates in rural leg-
Salazar, United States Senator.
islative initiatives and resource management partner-
The breakout sessions included topics of discus- ships to accelerate the conservation, development and
sion such as the community economic value of working utilization of natural resources; improve the general
landscapes, energy as a means to sustainable commu- level of economic activity; and enhance the environ-
nity development, working with power companies for ment and standard of living in RC&D areas.
renewable energy partnerships, RC&D and the NRCS
14
USDA Attorneys
Attend
Conservation
Easement Tour
Recently, NRCS easement
program managers and support
staff from around the country gath-
ered in Colorado for a National
BCPOS Director Ron Stewart explains easement issues with OGC Attorneys NRCS conservation easements
workshop. Representatives from
the national and regional offices of the USDA Office of Inspector General and
the USDA Office of the General Counsel (OGC) were also present.
“It was a great conference,” said Tim Carney, NRCS Assistant State
Conservationist for Programs, Colorado. “A lot of useful information was shared
by subject matter experts, including the USDA-OGC attorneys, who provide legal
oversight for NRCS easement program transactions and compliance issues.”
NRCS also provided a tour for OGC Attorneys so they could see, first-
hand, agricultural lands enrolled in the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection
Program (FRPP). “This was really important for the folks to see,” said Gary
Finstad, NRCS Easement Coordinator. “Often times, these folks don’t get the
opportunity to actually see how their decisions materialize and their effects. This
provided that opportunity.”
Finstad coordinated the tour with representatives of the Boulder County
Parks and Open Space Department (BCPOS), and local landowner Jules Van
Thuyne, both past FRPP participants in conservation easement transactions on
working agricultural lands in Boulder and Weld Counties.
Carney accompanied the group on the tour and helped the Boulder
County officials explain the land use issues affecting agriculture along the Front
Range, the history of the farms visited, and the way FRPP will protect them from
conversion to non-ag uses.
“Many participants said they were really impressed by what they learned
on the tour, and that it gave them a sense of accomplishment to be able to finally
connect the long hours spent on meticulous reviews of legal documents with actu-
al on-the-ground farmland protection,” Carney went on to say.
15
NRCS Employee Spot Light
more than meets the eye
My Father...His Story
by Shelley Anderson, Soil Conservationist, Longmont
My ers who end up in happened would be a good
Dad was in Indochina escape, returning place to start and put it
WWII in to Allied hands. together.
Indochina,
My Dad was a recon- Then we decided to
which is
naissance pilot over the write one part of his experi-
now known
China Sea and the crew ences called the Gibson
as Vietnam.
went down off the coast of Girl story and send it to
During
Indochina in enemy territo- Reader’s Digest. I wrote
WWII,
ry in January, 1945. This is that story and when it was
Indochina
chapter 3 and how this finished we decided to write
was occu-
amazing story begins. the whole story. The
pied by the
Gibson Girl story became
Japanese After hearing funny
chapter one.
although the war stories all my life my
French Dad came to me in 1990 My Dad transcribed
were still asking for help to get his his memories into a small
running the complete story down on tape recorder and I had
civil parts of the govern- paper before he forgot it. I them professionally tran-
ment. The French people in said I could help get it start- scribed. This was the raw
Indochina hated the ed and we determined that material that started the
Japanese and had set up a a timeline of events that book.
resistance group called the included where, when, why,
Gordon Group. This group with whom
was to help any Allied fly- and what
Family in 1954 - (Shelley in dad’s arm)
Bill in copilot seat of restored PBM, 2002,
Tucson, Arizona
cont. on page 19
16
Area 3 NRCSers &
Conservation District
load hay onto Army MK48
vehicles. In all, the National
Guard and volunteers delivered
Techno-Tips
Employees Help approximately 5000 bales of
Ranchers After hay to stranded cattle.
Blizzard During the days following the
by Mary Miller blizzard, Misty George, Shanda
Area 3 Public Affairs Specialist Nobles, and Dayna Davis,
BCCD, answered phones for
the Baca County
Commissioners and helped
organize the hay drops. Do You Know
Tim Macklin, Southeast
Colorado Resource about our
Conservation and
Technology Team?
Development, helped coordi-
nate getting medicine, propane The Team works from
for heat, and food to stranded the Colorado Technology
townspeople and ranchers and Plan. The plan provides
farmers. NRCS staff also recommended actions to
helped deliver these supplies as help employees understand
well as shuttle individuals to and use current technology
the hospital as needed. efficiently and effectively to
Macklin also helped coordinate do their job, carry out Farm
the hay drops and coordinate Bill requirements, provide
snow removal so schools could better products and informa-
get back into session. He also tion to our agency’s cus-
fter the December 28-
A
worked with Colorado State
30 2006 blizzard, the tomers, and research and
University and the Baca
Springfield USDA test new technology as it
County Commissioners on
Natural Resources becomes available.
ideas as to how to handle the
Conservation Service (NRCS) dead cattle carcasses. The Technology Plan
field office staff and the Baca James Wittler, NRCSer who is part of the state business
County Conservation District lives in Walsh, helped with plan. The Technology Plan
(BCCD) staff helped with the snow removal there. is maintained by the
emergency situation in their On February 25, the BCCD Technology Support Team,
county. Joel Moffet, district sponsored a listening session an interdisciplinary group
conservationist, led the team attended by Federal, state and appointed by the State
loading hay that would be USDA officials. Approximately Conservationist.
dropped to stranded cattle onto 150 ranchers affected by the
the helicopters brought in by Team members rep-
storm attended. Three Baca
the National Guard. In addi- resent various disciplines at
County ranchers affected by
tion to Moffett, B.J. O’Doherty field, area and state levels.
the storms gave presentations
and Storm Casper, NRCS and For additional information
on their losses and the contin-
Gary Thomas, BCCD, helped. ued expenses of feeding, about the team, the plan
repairing equipments, etc. and its members, please
They drops only lasted from visit:
January 2-4 due to the cost. http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/int
After that, volunteers would ranet/ComputerAppsInfo/TechT
eam/TechTeam.html
17
March is National Women’s History Month
Generations of Women Moving History Forward
Each year, March is designated as National Women’s History Month to ensure that the history of American
women will be recognized and celebrated in schools, workplaces, and communities throughout the country. The
stories of women's historic achievements present an expanded view of the complexity and contradiction of living
a full and purposeful life.
The knowledge of women's history provides a more expansive vision of what a woman can do. This per-
spective can encourage girls and women to think larger and bolder and can give boys and men a fuller under-
standing of the female experience.
The theme for Women’s History Month 2007 is “Generations of Women Moving History Forward.” This
theme celebrates the wisdom and tenacity of prior and future generations of women and recognizes the power
and impact of generations working together. “Moving History Forward” is a process of individuals coming
together for the greater good of the society and confirming the idea that individuals working together can be
effective in building a better, more compassionate world.
The 2007 Honorees represent generations of women who have moved history forward and who have created
new possibilities for the future. This year, the National Women’s History Project are honoring 14 women whose
lives and work span over 150 years and eight generations, as well as a wide range of occupations and accom-
plishments. Although from different regional, educational, cultural, racial, religious, and economic backgrounds,
each of the 2007 Honorees have with skillful and courageous actions helped move history forward. (Bios at
http://www.nwhp.org/whm/gage_bio.php)
The 2007 Honorees are:
Lupe Anguiano (b. 1929) Suzanne Lewis (b.1956)
Protector of the Earth and Activist for the Poor First Woman Superintendent of Yellowstone National
Park
Virginia Foster Durr (1903-1999)
Civil Rights Activist and Author Constance Baker Motley (1921 -2005)
First African American Woman Appointed to the Federal
Matilda Joslyn Gage (1826—1898) Judiciary
Women’s Rights Activist, Theorist, and Historian
Monique Mehta (b. 1973)
Martha Wright Griffiths (1912—2003) Executive Director of the Third Wave Foundation
Congresswoman
Toshi Reagon (b. 1964)
Rebecca S. Halstead (b.1959) Musician and Songwriter,
Commanding General, 3rd Corps Support Command
Joanelle Romero (b. 1957)
Barbara Haney Irvine (b.1944) Launched Red Nation Media Internet and Television
Founding President, Alice Paul Centennial Channel
Foundation, Inc.
Mary Ruthsdotter (b. 1944)
Brownie Ledbetter (b. 1932) Co-Founder of the National Women’s History Project.
Civil Rights Advocate and Activist
Minniejean Brown Trickey (b.1941)
Civil Rights Activist
18
My Father Cont. Foreign Legionnaires. I had to go identified. In July, Tom
I wrote in my spare time, back and change all the refer- Kaesemeyer from the Gates
enjoying the telling of his unbeliev- ences to them as Legionnaires in Family Foundation in Denver visit-
able story and along that path that the book. ed the site to meet with the vari-
took years, many adventures hap- ous partners, who explained the
After many years of writing,
pened. My goals were to make needs and roles each played in
the book was finally finished! What
the book easy to read for non-mili- this exciting project. In Sept, the
started out as a gift to my Dad was
tary and young people and to SJRC&D received notification that
a huge gift to me. Not only did I
include a parallel story about my the project was awarded the
get to have tremendous travels, I
mom and her experiences in requested amount of $35,000 for
learned so much about history,
America during the war. this project. This significant dona-
about war, about research and
tion, along with other donated
A historian from the about my Dad. This was truly one
funds from the VSL, Greater
University of Atlanta called my of the grandest experiences of my
Outdoors Colorado (Lottery
Dad wanting information about life and I’m very grateful to my Dad
Funds), USDI Bureau of
Indochina during WWII. He was for choosing me to assist him.
Reclamation, the Ballantine
writing an official history of the Family Fund and the Southern Ute
region during this time. We Indian Tribe, make up the bulk of
became very close to Martin and the funds needed for the struc-
he helped us gather information to tures and facilities. Many count-
increase the accuracy of the book less hours of volunteer labor from
I was writing. My father’s wartime a variety of sources (both local
experiences became a secret file Success Trail Cont. and visiting), and materials sup-
after WWII and in 1995 those files plied by the area residents, mer-
were opened to the public. Both slides dumped debris into many of
chants, and La Plata County are
Martin and I collected information the drainages along the trail.
helping bring this project to com-
from these archived files and Musk and Canadian thistles and
pletion. As the leaves fall, the
much of it was brought into the other noxious weeds began to
final funding is being secured to
book. take over. The erosion of the
assure this $150,000 project with
shoreline threatened the trail in
My father was saved by construction to commence during
places.
some Frenchmen during the war the summer of 2007 and complete
and Martin was able to find them As VSL worked to restore, by summer 2008.
in France by searching through maintain, and extend the trail after
local phone books. This find led to the fire, a special opportunity was
A winter Cont.
two visits to France to see these identified. The Williams’ vacation
men in 2003. It was truly an cabin, located on leased Bureau of When one has livestock, the ani-
amazing experience. We went to Reclamation property, was mals count on their rancher-owners to
France and were treated like kings destroyed during the fire. The take care of them. So we ventured out.
and queens getting special treat- Bureau decided not to renew the We were able to get to our ewe flock
ment including a private tour by lease. The site, with a wonderful and their dogs near Rocky Ford with
the Veterans Affairs staff of the view of the lake, is now available one of our big 4x4 pickups on
Hotel Deville, which is the private for public use. The VSL began the Saturday. The ewes were heavy with
residence of the president of process of working with the vari- babies and needed good nourish-
Paris. These men and their fami- ous partners needed to develop ment—alfalfa hay and corn.
lies became very close friends. this site as a handicap accessible
We tried to reach the lamb
picnic area, with pavilion and rest-
During the war my father flock south of the La Junta Wal-Mart
rooms, connected to their trail sys-
knew these Frenchmen as French but were unable to do so. Highway 50
tem. Partners include the Bureau
Foreign Legionaries and this is was closed east of La Junta. The Wal-
of Reclamation (land owner), Pine
how I was describing them in the Mart had become the parking lot for
River Irrigation District (Reservoir
story. During our trip to France we stopped semis. We tried to drive down
Manager) and the San Juan
found out that they were actually the road that went to the pasture but
Resource Conservation and
French Secret Service and they were stopped by 7-foot drifts. We
Development Council (SJRC&D),
could not tell this to my Dad and were only 100 yards from the pasture
among others.
his crew during the war, so but could go no further. After getting
instead, they told them they were Working together, a plan was
developed and funding sources cont. on page 20
19
A winter Cont.
path to lure the lambs up to the main feeding area. We fin-
ished feeding the flock at sunset. We were thankful that we
had been able to feed both flocks within just a few days of
their pastures being covered with snow.
All of our dogs were troopers. They stayed with
their flocks through thick and thin. On Monday we fed both
flocks and were able to clear their stock tanks. The snow had
insulated the tanks so they did have water/slush in them. The
dogs and sheep were happy.
On Tuesday, we worked on clearing the ranch so
that we could get our trucks and trailers out and drive into
our driveway and not get stuck.
Within four days of the December 28-30 blizzard,
stuck and unstuck, we headed home at sunset. On the way we brought the lamb flock and their dogs home to feed in
home, we could see the skies clearing from the West. one of our corrals. It was too hard to get hay and water to
Sunday would be another day to try to get to the lambs and them.
their dogs. The ewe flock stayed on pasture until mid-February.
On Sunday we started out early in the morning. The They and their dogs had been relatively easy to get to with
sun was shining but the news said that Highway 50 was still food and water. But now with the snow melting, the drive to
closed. Again, we set out with small bales of hay on our 4x4 them has turned into a muddy bog that even challenged our
truck to try to reach the lambs and their dogs. They had not 4x4 trucks.
had food for two days and would be hungry. Sheep can eat Blizzards and major snow storms have a new mean-
snow for a few days and do okay as far as being hydrated. ing when one has livestock that needs care. While others are
The drive on Highway 50 to the stoplight at Wal- able to stay in their homes, ranchers are out in the elements
Mart was not too bad. The road was snow packed and icy trying to get to, find, and take care of their animals. That’s
but plowed. At the stoplight we were greeted by members of our job.
the Colorado National Guard who were not allowing traffic During these December storms, I took some photos.
to turn south onto the road we needed to take to get to the Since then I have taken more photos of snow, livestock, dead
lamb pasture. David walked down the road amongst many livestock, wildlife, dead wildlife, etc. than I can count. I
stuck semis while I stayed with the truck in case it had to be have traveled in the hardest hit counties in Southeastern
moved. He finally returned and said that we were going to Colorado to get these photos. Some days I have cried
turn around, go back to Swink, go through Swink to County because of what I have seen and just the concern for our fel-
Road BB, then head east on that to the lamb pasture. Thanks low ranchers in this part of the State.
to area farmers who had large tractors with blades to plow
snow, the county roads in the area had been plowed to at Meetings, media events, and work to help the farm-
least one or one and a half lanes. ers and ranchers in our area continue.
The people we were renting pasture from had also David and I have chosen our way of life. Ranching
plowed a path for us to back into the drive on the east side of is not always easy, especially during drought or blizzards or
the pasture so that we could unload the hay and feed the extra snowy and cold winters. It teaches one about life and
lambs. There was one problem. The lambs were at the south about death. It challenges and tests one’s endurance—physi-
end of the pasture approximately 150 yards from the truck cally, mentally, and emotionally. But, there are the rewards
and us. In between us was a sea of snow that came up to my of a successful lambing season or a new batch of guard dog
waist in some areas. David and I spent 1.5 hours walking to puppies that will grow up to care for ours and others’ live-
the lambs and dogs and back to the truck. We called our stock. There is the reward of living in the country where I
friends with the big blade tractor to see if they could blade a can see the stars, the mountains, and the Arkansas River
path and feeding area close to where the truck was able to be Valley. And there is the reward of living the rest of my life
parked. They could, but it would be late in the day as they with my husband and calling ourselves ranchers.
were busy helping people in the country who did not have
tractors clear their drives.
Our friends finally arrived about an hour and half
before sunset. They cleared the path and feeding area for us
then lent us one of their snowmobiles to haul bales down the
20
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