MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING GRAND COUNTY BOARD of COUNTY COMMISSIONERS June 6, 2011

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING GRAND COUNTY BOARD of COUNTY COMMISSIONERS June 6, 2011 MINUTES – SPECIAL MEETING GRAND COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS June 6, 2011 Present: Commissioner James Newberry, Commissioner District 1 Commissioner Nancy Stuart, Commissioner District 2 Commissioner Gary Bumgarner, Commissioner District 3 – Chair Also Present: County Manager Lurline Underbrink Curran County Attorney Jack DiCola Finance Director Scott Berger Assistant County Attorney Bob Franek County Planner Kris Manguso Chief Building Official Scott Penson Housing Authority Director Jim Sheehan Road and Bridge Supervisor Ken Haynes Public Health Nurse Brene Belew-LaDue Those presented recited the Pledge of Allegiance. General Public – Comments/Issues Chief Deputy Clerk and Recorder Sandra Renfroe presented: Ms. Dorothy Hammer, now deceased, willed equal ownership of her retail liquor store, Dry Run Liquors, located at 202 Main Street in Parshall to her two daughters, Sueham Kay Hoffman and Laila Saeda Urban. Both ladies completed an Individual History Record and the Corporate Report of Changes to change ownership from Mrs. Hammer to both of them equally. They have submitted their mother’s death certificate and Last Will & Testament. The Sheriff’s letter reflects no adverse actions; therefore, I am recommending approval of their request to change the ownership of Dry Run Liquors Retail Liquor Store into both their names, Sueham Kay Hoffman and Laila Saeda Urban. [End of Staff’s memo] Commissioner Newberry moved to approve the request of change in ownership for Dry Run Liquor. The motion passed unanimously. Public Health Nurse Brene Belew-LaDue stated that the CSBG Tri-Partite Board had a meeting last week and she gave them the information that Mr. Winkler had given her from the Department of Local of Affairs about the options that they were proposing. Ms. Belew-LaDue also gave them her opinion as to the options. Jen Giacomini was at the meeting to talk about where she stands with the funds. Glen Chambers was at the meeting to talk about his opinion as to how that would affect his department if the County took the funds. Ms. Belew-LaDue stated that Mr. Winkler indicated that DOLA could provide technical assistance and streamlining processes. Ms. Belew-LaDue has been to the trainings from the Department of Local of Affairs, she had an audit last fall, and she performed exceedingly well and there were no recommendations to eliminate or increase processes or procedures. Ms. Belew-LaDue stated that one option from Mr. Winkler was to decrease the amount of the vouchers for the program. Ms. Belew-LaDue stated that with any of the options provided, she believes that there will be a lot of administrative costs. The new grant is requiring that applicants provide more complete proof on their financial status. Ms. Belew-LaDue stated that the County has a Community Service Block Grant from the Department of Local Affairs and the County has had the grant for several years. The Public Health Department has been Minutes – Special Meeting of the Grand County Board of County Commissioners June 6, 2011 Page 2 of 11 administering the grant. The goal of the grant is to decrease poverty and it is based on the percent of poverty in the County on the census every 10 years. It is specifically for those that are 125 percent of Federal poverty and below. It can go to many different things; assist with education, assist with jobs, assist with health issues, help with food costs, lodging, etc. The ACHES and PAINS programs are through the Grand County Rural Health Network. It is a non-profit that works closely with Public Health in their stop-gap programs that provide acute health care vouchers to low income uninsured children and adults. For the past years, the County has been receiving the CSBG grant for the vouchers for 125 percent of poverty and it costs a significant amount for administering the grant. This year, with more stringent requirements that DOLA is passing down, the Rural Health Network and Public Health looked at the cost of administering the grant. The administration costs are nearly as much as the $12,000 provided in the grant. Commissioner Newberry stated that what this discussion on was whether the administrative costs was worth having the money coming in. The County sent DOLA a letter saying “thanks, but no thanks” because it costs the County more to administer the grant than the County gets from the grant. After that DOLA, sent their representative up saying “can’t you find some way to use the money and here are some other options” and that is what got us here today. Commissioner Newberry stated that he believes this will cause a ripple effect back up. The bureaucracy is what everyone is talking about; all of the reporting is making it so cumbersome that it is not worth getting the grants. Commissioner Newberry stated that he believes that the message is getting through to the granting agencies. Ms. Belew-LaDue stated that the Tripartite Board decided to not accept the grant because the money is not going to the people that need it. The other entities that received this grant in the past turned it down years ago because of the reporting requirements. Ms. Underbrink Curran suggested that a follow-up letter be sent stating that the grant application was reviewed again and it was confirmed that a vast majority of the money does not go to the poor, but goes to administration – so what is the point. Ms. Underbrink Curran will pen a letter for the Board. Ms. Belew-LaDue stated that the grant states that only 10 percent go to administration. What is happening is that Grand County is subsidizing because of the cost of administration. Ms. Belew-LaDue stated that she received confirmation from Mr. Winkler that refusing this grant would not affect any other funding. Finance Director Scott Berger, Finance Director, presented the Warrant Register and Expenditure List to be paid on June 8, 2011, for vendor payments. The list for this period was verified for the Board’s approval. Commissioner Newberry moved to approve and sign the general warrants and Social Services warrants to be paid on June 8, 2011. The motion passed. Housing Authority The Board convened a Special meeting of the Grand County Housing Authority. Public Comments EMS Chief Ray Jennings provided the Board with a series of contracts for improvements to Station Nos. 1, 2, and 4. For Station No. 4, it is to replace the lighting with Dave Peterson Electric Inc. in an amount of $4,569. Commissioner Newberry moved to approve the Construction Contract between Grand County and Dave Peterson Electric, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $4,569 for work at EMS Station No. 4. The motion passed. Minutes – Special Meeting of the Grand County Board of County Commissioners June 6, 2011 Page 3 of 11 Chief Jennings presented a contract with Sunset Flooring for flooring work at Station No. 1 to replace the carpet in the meeting areas and replacing some vinyl. The contract is in the amount of $2,978.36. Commissioner Newberry moved to authorize the Chair to sign the Construction Contract between Grand County and Sunset Flooring, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $2,978.36 for the flooring project in Station No. 1. The motion passed. Chief Jennings presented a contract for a concrete project at Station No. 1 with Maple Street Builders, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $9,263.76. Commissioner Newberry moved to approve the Construction Contract between Grand County and Maple Street Builders, Inc., for the concrete project at Station No. 1 in an amount not to exceed $9,263.76 and authorize the Chair to sign. The motion passed. Chief Jennings presented a contract for concrete work at Station No. 2 with Maple Street Builders, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $3,556. Commissioner Newberry moved to approve the Construction Contract between Grand County and Maple Street Builders, Inc. for concrete work at EMS Station No. 2 in an amount not to exceed $3,556 and authorize the Chair to sign. The motion passed. Road and Bridge Supervisor Ken Haynes stated that County Road 134 did slide enough to break the phone cable this week. Mr. Haynes stated that the YMCA wants magnesium chloride on County Road 53. Mr. Haynes stated that he was contacted by the Department of Water Quality last week and they will be checking out the wells at the landfill. Mr. Haynes suggested that the County cancel the contract for the camera installation at the landfill because he is worried that the weight of the slide will crush the camera. Division of Natural Resources Jennifer Scott stated that there was a roadless rule put into effect in 2001 that has been contested ever since that time. It came about that Colorado, in 2005, petitioned to allow a joint effort with Idaho to collaborate and determine what kind of roads they would like to see. The two proposals that are out now are a synopsis of what the State Task Force put together. Proposal No. 2 appears to be the most favored by the State of Colorado. The Proposal does not change any of the existing boundaries except one small area of Vasquez. That would affect Denver Water in summer month maintenance but not in winter months. The overall acreage that has been put into roadless and the upper tier have been reduced from the original 2001 roadless rule. Ms. Scott stated that they took out already Congressionally designated areas and any areas that have been substantially altered; such as ski areas. They put in non-inventory roadless areas with roadless characteristics which accounts for another 400,000 acres.
Recommended publications
  • Trait Ridge Road Guide
    Sign No. 9 Medicine Bow Curve (11,640 feet) succeeded more than 80 years ago in bringing water from Never The sign here points northwest to the Medi­ Summer streams through the Grand Ditch and La Poudre Pass Rocky Mountain National Park cine Bow Mountains which extend into Wyo­ to irrigate the semiarid lands east of the Rockies. He failed to 9 ming, 44 miles away. The Cache la Poudre find sufficient precious metals in Lulu City diggings to establish River twists through the glacial gorge before profitable mines. Broken stone chimneys and rotting founda­ you, separating this point from rounded, tion logs are all that remain of this once bustling mining camp. v 7 This country is also a favorite home of the beaver. Trait Ridge brownish Specimen Mountain to the west. Its color provides a clue to the mountain's orgin, Sign No. 12 Shadow Mountain National as a volcano, and the cliffs at Iceberg Lake Recreation Area are of lava from this source. Shadow Mountain Lake and Lake Granby Road Guide Sign No. 10 Continental Divide, Milner Pass are two reservoirs of the Colorado — Big (10,758 feet) 12 Thompson Project, built and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Department of Surprise! You thought the Continental Divide \ 7 the Interior. From here water flows through would be the highest point on your trip. But Grand Lake and the 13.1-mile Adams Tunnel this delightful spot where an undecided rain­ to Estes Park. There, east of the Continental drop might flow either to the Atlantic or to \10/ Divide, it stairsteps down through penstocks the Pacific is more than a thousand feet below and turbines producing electric power and finally emptying into the Alpine Visitor Center, and 1,425 feet be- reservoirs and irrigation canals east of the Front Range.
    [Show full text]
  • Hiking in the Kawuneeche Valley Rocky Mountain
    National Park Rocky Mountain National Park Service Hiking in the Kawuneeche Valley Adams Falls (East Inlet Trailhead) This easy 1/3 mile hike leads to a small, pleasant waterfall. If you wish to go further, past the falls, you will come to a large, grassy, glaciated valley with a river running through it. Moose are sometimes sighted in this valley. Many types of wildflowers are found in this area. (79’gain) Cascade Falls (North Inlet Trailhead) Photogenic Cascade Falls is 3.4 miles into the North Inlet trail. This easy hike passes through an open meadow where marmots are often found, and by a river that winds through a lodgepole pine forest. Fishing is good for small brook trout and an occasional brown trout. Allow about 3-4 hours for hiking this trail. (300’gain) Lulu City (Colorado River Trailhead) A flowered field is all that remains of this once booming mining town. Pass by the remains of log cabins and look for tailings from Shipler Mine about 2 miles into the trail. The trail parallels the Colorado River and passes meadows on this easy to moderately difficult 7.4-mile round trip hike. (350’gain) Lulu City/Yellowstone Loop (Colorado River Trailhead) After passing Shipler’s cabins, you will come to a sign that will designate Lulu City to the left and Little Yellowstone to the right. Stay right at the Y. Follow the trail all the way to the Grand Ditch. Little Yellowstone is a miniature version of the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, formed of stark gray volcanic rock.
    [Show full text]
  • Rocky Mountain U.S
    National Park Service Rocky Mountain U.S. Department of the Interior Rocky Mountain National Park Wild Basin Area Summer Trail Guide Welcome to Wild Basin. Rich in wildlife and scenery, this deep valley has flowing rivers, roaring waterfalls, and sparkling lakes rimmed by remote, jagged peaks. Tips for a Narrow Road, Limited Parking Watch the Weather: It Changes Quickly! Great Hike Wild Basin Road is gravel and often narrows to Thunderstorms are common in summer and one lane. It isn’t suitable for large vehicles like are dangerous. Plan your day to be below RVs. Park only in designated areas. Don’t park treeline by early afternoon. If you see building in wide spots in the road, which let oncoming storm clouds, head back to the trailhead. If cars pass each other. Violators may be ticketed caught in a lightning storm, get below treeline. or towed. Always carry storm gear, even if the sky is clear You Must Properly Store Food Items at when you start your hike. Trailheads and Wilderness Campsites Improperly stored food items attract wildlife, It might be summer, but expect snow, gusty including black bears, which can visit any time winds, and cold temperatures at any time. of day. Food items are food, drinks, toiletries, Carry layers of windproof clothing. If the cosmetics, pet food and bowls, and odiferous weather turns, you’ll be glad to have them. attractants. Garbage, including empty cans and food wrappers, must be stored or put in Bring the Right Gear trash or recycling bins. 3 Bring waterproof outer layers and extra lay- ers for warmth.
    [Show full text]
  • A Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Rocky Mountain National Park
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Natural Resource Program Center A Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Rocky Mountain National Park Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/WRD/NRR—2010/228 ON THE COVER Rocky Mountain National Park Photograph by: Billy Schweiger A Natural Resource Condition Assessment for Rocky Mountain National Park Natural Resource Report NPS/NRPC/WRD/NRR—2010/228 David M. Theobald1,2 Jill S. Baron2,3 Peter Newman1 Barry Noon4 John B. Norman III1,2 Ian Leinwand1 Sophia E. Linn1 Richard Sherer4 Katherine E. Williams2,5 Melannie Hartman2 1Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1480 2Natural Resource Ecology Lab, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1499 3U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins, CO 80523 4Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1474 5Current address: Department of Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071 This report was prepared under Task Order J2380060103 (Cooperative Agreement #H1200040001) July 2010 U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Natural Resource Program Center Fort Collins, Colorado The Natural Resource Publication series addresses natural resource topics that are of interest and applicability to a broad readership in the National Park Service and to others in the management of natural resources, including the scientific community, the public, and the NPS conservation and environmental constituencies. Manuscripts are peer-reviewed to ensure that the information is scientifically credible, technically accurate, appropriately written for the intended audience, and is designed and published in a professional manner. Natural Resource Reports are the designated medium for disseminating high priority, current natural resource management information with managerial application.
    [Show full text]
  • Rocky Mountain National Park Lawn Lake Flood Interpretive Area (Elevation 8,640 Ft)
    1 NCSS Conference 2001 Field Tour -- Colorado Rocky Mountains Wednesday, June 27, 2001 7:00 AM Depart Ft. Collins Marriott 8:30 Arrive Rocky Mountain National Park Lawn Lake Flood Interpretive Area (elevation 8,640 ft) 8:45 "Soil Survey of Rocky Mountain National Park" - Lee Neve, Soil Survey Project Leader, Natural Resources Conservation Service 9:00 "Correlation and Classification of the Soils" - Thomas Hahn, Soil Data Quality Specialist, MLRA Office 6, Natural Resources Conservation Service 9:15-9:30 "Interpretive Story of the Lawn Lake Flood" - Rocky Mountain National Park Interpretive Staff, National Park Service 10:00 Depart 10:45 Arrive Alpine Visitors Center (elevation 11,796 ft) 11:00 "Research Needs in the National Parks" - Pete Biggam, Soil Scientist, National Park Service 11:05 "Pedology and Biogeochemistry Research in Rocky Mountain National Park" - Dr. Eugene Kelly, Colorado State University 11:25 - 11:40 "Soil Features and Geologic Processes in the Alpine Tundra"- Mike Petersen and Tim Wheeler, Soil Scientists, Natural Resources Conservation Service Box Lunch 12:30 PM Depart 1:00 Arrive Many Parks Curve Interpretive Area (elevation 9,620 ft.) View of Valleys and Glacial Moraines, Photo Opportunity 1:30 Depart 3:00 Arrive Bobcat Gulch Fire Area, Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest 3:10 "Fire History and Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation Efforts" - Carl Chambers, U. S. Forest Service 3:40 "Involvement and Interaction With the Private Sector"- Todd Boldt; District Conservationist, Natural Resources Conservation Service 4:10 "Current Research on the Fire" - Colorado State University 4:45 Depart 6:00 Arrive Ft. Collins Marriott 2 3 Navigator’s Narrative Tim Wheeler Between the Fall River Visitors Center and the Lawn Lake Alluvial Debris Fan: This Park, or open grassy area, is called Horseshoe Park and is the tail end of the Park’s largest valley glacier.
    [Show full text]
  • State of the Park Report
    National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior State of the Park Report Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado December 2017 National Park Service. 2017. State of the Park Report for Rocky Mountain National Park. State of the Park Series No. 50. National Park Service, Washington, DC. On the cover: Hallett Peak reflected in Dream Lake. NPS Photo. Disclaimer. This State of the Park report summarizes the current condition of park resources, visitor experience, and park infrastructure as assessed by a combination of available factual information and the expert opinion and professional judgment of park staff and subject matter experts. The internet version of this report provides additional details and sources of information about the findings summarized in the report, including references, accounts on the origin and quality of the data, and the methods and analytic approaches used in data collection and assessments of condition. This report provides evaluations of status and trends based on interpretation by NPS scientists and managers of both quantitative and non-quantitative assessments and observations. Future condition ratings may differ from findings in this report as new data and knowledge become available. The park superintendent approved the publication of this report. Executive Summary The mission of the National Park Service is to preserve unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of national parks for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. NPS Management Policies (2006) state that “The Service will also strive to ensure that park resources and values are passed on to future generations in a condition that is as good as, or better than, the conditions that exist today.” As part of the stewardship of national parks for the American people, the NPS has begun to develop State of the Park reports to assess the overall status and trends of each park’s resources.
    [Show full text]
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
    A Resource Assessment ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION JULY 2002 State of the Parks Program More than a century ago, Congress established Yellowstone as C ONTENTS the world’s first national park. That single act was the begin- ning of a remarkable and ongoing effort to protect this nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage. Summary page 1 But over the years, Americans have learned that designat- I. ALPINE WONDER 4 ing national parks does not automatically ensure the well being of the resources parks are meant to protect and the his- II. ROCKY MOUNTAIN ASSESSMENT 6 tory those resources represent. Many parks are threatened by incompatible development of adjacent lands, air and water Natural Resources 7 pollution, skyrocketing visitation, and rapid increases in Native Biodiversity 7 motorized recreation. Historic structures suffer from deterio- Terrestrial Communities and Systems 9 ration. Most cultural landscapes have yet to be adequately Freshwater Communities and Systems 12 inventoried. Only a small part—usually less than 10 percent—of the Cultural Resources 14 National Park Service budget each year is earmarked for man- History and Historic Structures 14 agement of natural, historical, and cultural resources. And in Collections and Archives 16 most years, only about 7 percent of permanent park employ- Archaeological Sites 17 ees work in jobs directly related to preserving park resources. The National Parks Conservation Association initiated Ethnography 18 the State of the Parks program in 2000 to assess the condition Cultural Landscapes 19 of natural and cultural resources in the parks, forecast the like- Stewardship Capacity 20 ly future condition of those resources, and determine how well equipped the National Park Service is to protect the Funding and Staffing 20 park—its stewardship capacity.
    [Show full text]
  • Little Buckaroo Ranch Barn National Register
    United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 2280 National Register of Historic Places 1201 "I" (Eye) Street, NW Washington D.C. 20005 The Director of the National Park Service is pleased to announce actions on the following properties for the National Register of Historic Places. For further information contact Edson Beall at (202) 354-2255 or E-mail: [email protected] Visit our web site at http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr WEEKLY LIST OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON PROPERTIES: 7/06/09 THROUGH 7/10/09 KEY: State, County, Property Name, Address/Boundary, City, Vicinity, Reference Number, NHL, Action, Date, Multiple Name ARIZONA, PIMA COUNTY, Agua Caliente Ranch Rural Historic Landscape, 12325 E. Roger Rd., Tucson vicinity, 04001246, LISTED, 7/09/09 (Cattle Ranching in Arizona MPS) CALIFORNIA, ORANGE COUNTY, Cogged Stone Site--CA-ORA-83, Address Restricted, Huntington Beach vicinity, 01001455, DETERMINED ELIGIBLE, 7/10/09 COLORADO, EL PASO COUNTY, North Cheyenne Canon Park, 2120 N. Cheyenne Canon Rd., Colorado Springs, 09000489, LISTED, 7/08/09 COLORADO, GRAND COUNTY, Little Buckaroo Ranch Barn, 20631 Trail Ridge Rd., Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake vicinity, 09000490, LISTED, 7/08/09 GEORGIA, CHATHAM COUNTY, Eureka Club--Farr's Point, 2326 E. Blvd., Savannah vicinity, 09000491, LISTED, 7/08/09 GEORGIA, JASPER COUNTY, Pope-Talmadge House, 2560 Calvin Rd., Monticello vicinity, 09000492, LISTED, 7/08/09 ILLINOIS, COOK COUNTY, Ethnic (European) Historic Settlements of the City of Chicago, 1861-1930 MPS 64501044, COVER DOCUMENTATION ACCEPTED, 6/26/09 NPS Form 10-900 OMB No. 10024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Registration Form This form is for use in nominating or requesting determination for individual properties and districts.
    [Show full text]
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison Great Sand Dunes Mesa Verde Rocky
    COLORADO NATIONAL PARK TRIP PLANNER Black Canyon of the Gunnison Great Sand Dunes Mesa Verde Rocky Mountain TOP 4 ROAD TRIPS 14 Cody Dinosaurs and Deserts Thermopolis GETTING Wildlife and Natural Wonders 120 Best of Colorado Loop Idaho Land of Enchantment Falls 26 THERE Lander Dinosaur National Monument Plan your dream vacation Laramie with our top routes to Colorado’s national parks and monuments. Grand Estes Park 40 Lake Learn more at Steamboat Lyons 40 Glenwood Springs MyColoradoParks.com. Springs 133 Delta Cripple Creek Colorado National Montrose Monument Park and Preserve. For 25 BEST OF a unique wildlife 550 Great Sand Dunes COLORADO LOOP experience, drive east National Park 160 Alamosa and Preserve from Denver to Pagosa Miles 1,130 Springs Keenesburg to visit The Farmington The ultimate Colorado Wild Animal Sanctuary, road trip includes home to more than 450 550 Taos 25 Bandelier charming mountain rescued tigers, lions, National Monument towns, hot springs, wolves and bears. Santa Fe desert scenery and impressive peaks. Head straight to Rocky DINOSAURS Mountain National Park AND DESERTS from Denver and take Trail Ridge Road west Miles 1,365 to Grand Lake. Soak in Go from red-rock the pools of Hot canyons to alpine Phoenix Sulphur Springs before meadows on this loop. heading to Winter Park Abilene Start in Salt Lake City Carlsbad Caverns and Dillon. Stop in National Park and drive southeast to Glenwood Springs to Vernal, Utah, the experience the town’s Flaming Gorge National Map by Peter Sucheski legendary hot springs Recreation Area and and adventure park. Just south you’ll find with New Mexican stunning San Luis Dinosaur National Continue west to the WILDLIFE AND Grand Teton National deserts on this Valley.
    [Show full text]
  • The Colorado River: Lifeline Of
    4 The Colorado River: lifeline of the American Southwest Clarence A. Carlson Department of Fishery and Wildlife Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA 80523 Robert T. Muth Larval Fish Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA 80523 1 Carlson, C. A., and R. T. Muth. 1986. The Colorado River: lifeline of the American Southwest. Can. J. Fish. Aguat. Sci. In less than a century, the wild Colorado River has been drastically and irreversibly transformed into a tamed, man-made system of regulated segments dominated by non-native organisms. The pristine Colorado was characterized by widely fluctuating flows and physico-chemical extremes and harbored unique assemblages of indigenous flora and fauna. Closure of Hoover Dam in 1935 marked the end of the free-flowing river. The Colorado River System has since become one of the most altered and intensively controlled in the United States. Many main-stem and tributary dams, water diversions, and channelized river sections now exist in the basin. Despite having one of - the most arid drainages in the world, the present-day Colorado River supplies more water for consumptive use than any river in the United States. Physical modification of streams and introduction of non-native species have adversely impacted the Colorado's native biota. This paper treats the Colorado River holistically as an ecosystem and summarizes current knowledge on its ecology and management. "In a little over two generations, the wild Colorado has been harnessed by a series of dams strung like beads on a thread from the Gulf of California to the mountains of Wyoming.
    [Show full text]
  • The Colorado River Compact
    The Colorado River Compact CRWUA ‐‐ As the 20th century dawned, the vast domain of the Colorado River lay almost entirely untouched. Though there had been a few early filings for diversion and a "grand ditch" conveying water some 16 miles across the Continental Divide into eastern Colorado in the late 1800s, California's Imperial Valley was among the first areas to tap the river's true potential. In early 1901, the 60 mile long Alamo Canal, developed by private concerns, was completed to deliver Colorado River water for irrigation, and a wasteland was transformed. But the Imperial Valley did not move ahead without problems. About 50 miles of the canal coursed through Mexico, leaving the valley farmers at the mercy of a foreign government. And in 1905, the river, raging with floods, eroded the opening to the canal, roared through and created the Salton Sea before the river was pushed back into its normal channel. With the constant threat of flood looming along the lower Colorado, demands grew for some sort of permanent flood control work ‐a storage reservoir and dam on the river. And Imperial Valley farmers called for a canal totally within the United States, free of Mexican interference. By 1919, Imperial Irrigation District had won the support of the federal Bureau of Reclamation. A bureau engineering board recommended favorably on the canal and added the government "should undertake the early construction of a storage reservoir on the drainage basin of the Colorado." While this report was greeted with enthusiasm by people along the river's lower stretches, it was viewed with alarm by those in upper reaches.
    [Show full text]
  • TRATL RIDGE ROAD Rocky' Mountain National Park Between
    TRATL RIDGE ROAD HAER No. CO-31 Rocky' Mountain National Park Between Estes Park and Grand Lake Estes Park vicinity Larimer County COLO Colorado 7- y PHOTOGRAPHS WRITTEN HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE DATA HISTORIC AMERICAN ENGINEERING RECORD National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior P.O. Box 37127 Washington, D.C. 20013-7127 HISTORIC AMERICAN ENGINEERING RECORD TRAIL RIDGE ROAD Rocky Mountain National Park 7- HAER NO. CO-31 Location: Traversing Rocky Mountain National Park from Estes Park to Grand Lake, Colorado. Quadrangle and UTM: East end: Fall River Entrance Estes Park quad 13/448191/4470700 West end: Grand Lake Entrance Grand Lake quad 13/428765/4456351 Construction Date 1926-1949 Present Owner: Rocky Mountain National Park, National Park Service Present Use: Park scenic highway Significance: Trail Ridge Road has national, state, and local significance as an engineering feat-- the highest continuous highway in the United States—and for its role in the development of the Rocky Mountain National Park road system. Project Information: Documentation of Trail Ridge Road is part of the National Park Service Roads and Bridges Recording Project, conducted during the summer of 1993 under the co-sponsorship of HABS/HAER and Rocky Mountain National Park. Richard Quin, HAER Historian, August 1993 TRAIL RIDGE ROAD HAER NO. CO-31 (page 2) II. HISTORY The highest road in the national park system, and the highest continuous paved highway in the United States, the Trail Ridge Road is the principal highway crossing Rocky Mountain National Park between the park border communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake. The road was constructed largely between 1929 and 1932 to replace the Fall River Road; after its completion, the western portion of the old road was abandoned, and the eastern segment became a one-way uphill road.
    [Show full text]