Winter 2015

W’ R most desire, that which costs nothing by Erik Stensland and yet is worth everything: peace, s llness, tranquility. Apparently, there I wonder what I am doing here. is no way to box these up to sell. Yet, Have I taken a wrong turn, like Alice in back home in Rocky Mountain Na on- Wonderland, becoming lost in a world al Park, these treasures are abundant. where nothing is real? Above me A gentle walk on any trail off ers them fake stars twinkle in a sky that never generously, as well as so much more. grows dark, while nearby, clusters of The truly meaningful things in our plas c trees dot a fl at and lifeless le world are the things that we are least landscape. Gaudy symbols of wilder- likely to no ce. Goodness, truth and ness have been planted in the middle beauty are never brash, but gentle of a modern, concrete world where and subtle, making them easy to over- they serve as li le more than quaint look. Not only can they be ignored, reminders of the beau ful and expan- they can even be destroyed in our sive natural world from which we’ve manic pursuit of progress. Yet it is come. They approximate the idea of these quiet things that we most need wilderness but miss its very essence. in life. I’m on a visit to Minneapolis, All year long, our lives are like the wandering through America’s largest winter winds, rushing and restless. Un- shopping mall, the Mall of America. It able to slow down long enough even is truly a surreal experience. Around to think, we strive and race and push me shoppers hurry back and forth, as if our lives would shrivel up without focused and intent: they have im- constant ac vity. We leave no space for portant tasks to do, places to be and silence and contempla on. As a result, things to buy. The air is fi lled with the we live with no refl ec on or thought strains of Jingle Bells while vendors for where we are heading. We race of pizzas, popcorn and perfumes vent blindly onward leaving untold damage their odors into the hallways. Lights in our wake; to ourselves, to others gli er, colors fl ash and noise fi lls the and to this world in which we live. air: all the sights, smells and sounds Nature knows a be er way which scream for a en on and assault the it will gladly teach to those who take senses. There is no subtlety, no peace the me to listen. No ce how the and no mystery. The only wonder is tenor of the mountains changes as the that of shoppers wondering if the fi rst snows arrive in the Rockies. The next purchase will fulfi ll their dreams. fran c pace of autumn comes to an This massive and glitzy mall off ers end and the world slips into a lower everything one could possibly want and yet I cannot fi nd here that which I (Winter’s Rest con nued on page 2)

I: PARK CENTENNIAL FILM PREMIERS JANUARY 17, 2015 — PAGE 3 2 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er

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February Tundra Sunset by Erik Stensland

(Winter’s Rest con nued from page 1) There is an almost holy hush amongst prepare for another year. the sleeping ponderosa. What if we, as fellow inhabitants gear. Trees and grasses no longer For the next fi ve months the of this natural world, took a similar stretch skyward to collect the sunlight, animals and plants accept the harsh approach? What if we became aware bears and squirrels no longer roam winter world, wai ng pa ently for the of the changing winds and adjusted the forest for food and the rushing warm spring sun to return. They know our pace accordingly, making ad- waterfalls slow to a trickle. Even the this is a period of rest, these creatures di onal room in our lives for rest, elk walk at a more sedate pace, no of the forest, in tune with the seasons refl ec on and silence. Then perhaps, longer bugling and sparring with one and with their own frailty. They do not when spring returned, we would fi nd another to proclaim their dominance. strive against the wind, as we humans ourselves more alive and human than A gentle hush se les over the world, a tend to do, but let the winds bluster ever before. deep quiet that permeates our bones. while they withdraw, recover and

“Photography is a way for me to communicate my deepest feelings about our natural world. To me, nature is more than a random collec on of mineral elements and organic growth; it is a story which tells us who we are. Today people fl ock to the mountains, deserts and oceans to connect with a deep longing and desire that they feel in the presence of untamed nature, a yearning that is hard to put into words, an almost spiritual connec on with these wild places.”

Erik Stensland is a na ve Minnesotan who moved west and ul - mately se led in Estes Park. Here, he has plenty of opportuni es to explore his deep love for the mountains through photography. His gallery in Estes Park, Images of Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, features his stunning landscape photography. His images also can be viewed online at www.imagesofrmnp.com.

Photo (le ): Erik Stensland Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 3 Ask Nancy Quarterly Editor Nancy Wilson a empts to unearth answers to any ques ons asked by Conservancy members and park visitors. If you are curious about something in or about the park, email [email protected] or write: Nancy Wilson, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, PO Box 3100, Estes Park, CO 80517.

What enables delicate lichens to grow and thrive in exposed areas with extreme weather condi ons, like freezing rain, sustained snow cover and drought? Lichens are essen ally a mutualis c rela onship generally between a fungus and a green algae or a blue-green cyanobacteria (o en called blue-green RMNP Centennial Film algae). The fungal hyphae grow on the outer surface and have a material in them called chi n, which is the same substance to Premier January 17, 2015 that makes the hard exoskeleton of insects. As such, it provides protec on against the elements. The algae, in turn, photosyn- In celebra on of the park’s 100th Anniversary, Rocky thesizes, making sugars that feed both the algae and the fungus. Mountain Na onal Park, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy In addi on to the protec ve chi nous layer on the outside of and Fall River Produc ons are proud to announce the January the lichen, many lichens grow rela vely fl at on rocks and other release of their new fi lm “Rocky Mountain Na onal Park: substrates. While this isn’t the case for all lichens, this also helps Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder.” protect them against harsh winds. Regarding their tolerance to This fi lm, commissioned by the Rocky Mountain Conser- drought, lichens can absorb water very quickly as well as retain vancy, combines stunning visual imagery, engaging storytell- that water for extended periods of me. This allows the algae ing, and inspira onal interviews with the park’s ranger staff to con nue producing sugars for as long as possible a er a rain to show the evolu on of the park’s wilderness, wildlife and event. Even if it isn’t raining, they also typically absorb moisture stewardship over the past 100 years. from fog, dew or simply just the air. — Jim Bromberg, RMNP Created by Fall River Produc ons co-owners Alexander vegeta on program supervisor Ho and Brian Biggs and wri en by local historians Jack and Lulie Melton, the new Centennial fi lm is presented in three What is happening with the park’s boreal toad popula on parts: Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wonder. Each sec on refl ects and the research studying this rare and elusive creature? the park’s Centennial slogan, Honor the Past, Celebrate the The boreal toad is currently listed as an endangered species in Present, Inspire the Future, through the use of historic imag- the state of and is one of fi ve amphibians na ve to ery and the crea ve use of videography and s ll photography. RMNP. It has been pe oned for federal lis ng with a decision “We were so pleased and honored to be chosen to make expected by September 30, 2017. Boreal toad popula ons and this fi lm and have truly enjoyed nearly a year of fi lming in the breeding success has declined in its na ve habitat over the last park, “ said Ho and Biggs. “With the help of our wonderful 30 years, and the species is now absent from much of its historic writers and enthusias c rangers, we are proud of the fi nal range within the park. Amphibian surveys and park records col- fi lm and are excited to share it with all the fans of Rocky lected since 1915 document boreal toads breeding at 20 sites Mountain Na onal Park.” and present through observa on at four addi onal sites. In The fi lm will be released on January 17, 2015, at the Bea- recent years, the number of breeding sites has greatly decreased. ver Meadows Visitor Center and on January 26 in Grand Lake. During the past 10 years, breeding has only been documented at The fi lm then will be shown at the Beaver Meadows Visitor fi ve sites within the park. Batrachochytrium dendroba dis (Bd), a Center and Kawuneeche Visitor Centers throughout the year. fungal pathogen which causes a fatal skin disease in amphibians, has been credited as the cause of the recent and rapid declines Cover photo credits of boreal toads within RMNP. Park staff , in coordina on with the U.S.G.S., has been moni- (Upper): “Bighorn Ewe” by Conservancy Member Jim Ward, toring the known boreal toad breeding sites and ac vely search- Estes Park, CO; (Lower) “Snowy Sunrise on Longs” by ing for new sites while implemen ng a reintroduc on project Conservancy Member Erik Stensland, Estes Park, CO. near Red Mountain Trail on the west side of the park. RMNP Please send high-resolu on images to nancy.wilson@ toads are also part of the cap ve breeding program at Colorado rmconservancy.org by December 1 for publica on in the Parks and Wildlife Na ve Species Hatchery in Alamosa, CO, which 2015 Spring Quarterly. supports boreal toad reintroduc on eff orts. The park par cipates Photos are always appreciated! Scenery, wildlife and wild- with the Boreal Toad Recovery Team which is currently revising fl owers greatly enhance this publica on, so get out there and the recovery plan for the species. Through these conserva on take a hike! Thank You! ac ons we hope to improve the status of boreal toads in the park and across their historic range. – Mary Kay Watry, RMNP supervisory biologist 4 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er

The in Winter: It’s For the Birds!

by Mandy Cluck Seasonal RMNP Interpre ve Ranger, Colorado River District

Mountain chickadee Photo: Phyllis Holst The sun sparkles brightly atop be classifi ed as cute. Chickadees are very large groups foraging for seeds the freshly fallen fl akes. The sky is a known as gleaners, feeding on insects that have fallen to the ground. perfect bluebird color, not a cloud in and spiders, and occasionally conifer Echoing through the forest on a sight. The so sound of snow gen- seeds. These small birds o en are bri le snowy morning, downy and tly swishing underneath my skis is found in small groups. hairy woodpeckers can be heard the only sound to break the silence. O en found in the company of drumming into the trees. Very similar I could glide along like this forever, chickadees is the white-breasted in coloring with an overall black and gazing at the mountain splendor on nuthatch, most noted for its ability white pa ern with a red patch on the either side of me. Then I hear it: the to climb a tree trunk head-down and head of males, the main dis nc on dzee dzee buzzing sound from just off hang upside down from the branches. is their size; the hairy woodpecker is to my le . I quickly raise my bin- A li le larger than the chickadee, it obviously larger and the downy has a oculars and look toward the sound, sports an all-white face and breast, a more striated pa ern on its body. and see a fl i ng from an Englemann long beak and black atop its head. This The dark-eyed junco is also found spruce. The fl ashing of black and lively forest resident is a cavity-nester in the forest or brushy clearings in the white is familiar, I fi x my sights on that feeds on seeds and insects. winter. It’s a fl ashy li le sparrow nota- it, and sure enough, it’s a mountain Keep your eyes peeled for another bly marked by white outer tail feath- chickadee! fairly common sight in the winter – ers that fl ash bright white in fl ight, a Visitors to the Kawuneeche Valley the fl ash of yellow that might be a charcoal-colored head, and a rusty in winter o en are surprised to fi nd pine siskin. These small, brownish patch on its gray or slate-colored back. that is plowed for ten spo ed birds are some mes found in Also frequently seen in winter are miles, providing access to trails that white-crowned sparrows, rosy fi nches, have been tracked by cross-country CCassin’s fi nches and pine grosbeak. skiers or snowshoers. (Beware! Count yourself lucky if you catch Snowshoeing on ski tracks is a a glimpse of the rare and strange punishable off ense!) People might --looking red crossbill. A bright spot of also be surprised to know that there rreddish-orange on a winter’s day, this are many birds that make this valley bbird’s beak overlaps the upper and their home throughout the winter. llower mandibles crea ng a unique Fairly common throughout anda confusing facial feature. This bird the year, the mountain chickadee feedsf by inser ng its bill into conifer is easily recognized by its frene c ccones and forcing the scales open to hopping in trees, dis nc ve white gget to the seeds inside. Because of eyebrows, and black on its head, a readily available food supply year- through its eye, and under its chin. rround, crossbills will some mes begin In the range of pe te in size, with nnes ng as early as January. its diminu ve beak, it can easily Bohemian waxwing Photo: Gregg Thompson Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 5

Two birds that o en are over- looked (but wrongfully so!) are the American crow and the common In order to see birds it is necessary raven. These iridescent black corvids to become a part of the silence. are two of the most intelligent of all bird species, able to learn and retain ― Robert Lynd informa on, count, solve puzzles and recognize human faces. They are among the most heavily studied birds. Fairly similar from a distance, they Photo: Jim Ward can be dis nguished from each other by their tails and beaks: the raven searching for fi sh in has a wedge-shaped tail while the river, ducks or the crow’s is fl at and short. The small mammals. raven also has a large, humped beak. Last but not Other rela ves of the crow that o en least are Bohemian wax- are seen in the Kawuneeche Valley is the boundary of Rocky Mountain wings that occasionally are are the Stellar’s jay, gray jay, Clark’s Na onal Park. Here, a perennial favor- found in this area near the Park-Forest nutcracker and black-billed magpie. ite, the ouzel, or American dipper can Service bridge. I discovered them by While visi ng this area in the win- be seen. Also found along the Colo- accident a few years ago in March ter, be sure to travel just south of the rado River Trail in the Kawuneeche when snowshoeing in this area. There valley to an area along the Colorado Valley, this unique bird is small, round- were hundreds of them, and they River to Pine Beach in the Arapaho shaped and charcoal gray and forages were making the most beau ful trill- Na onal Recrea on Area, just off the in the rapids of the river, feeding on ing sound as they fl ew above the river islands of Shadow Mountain Reser- small invertebrates among the rocks catching insects. These birds summer voir. Here, open areas of water that underwater. It can be seen bobbing in Alaska and Canada, and can be seen have not frozen over host mallards, or bouncing on rocks or logs, then here only for a few weeks in mid- goldeneyes, buffl eheads and mer- dipping quickly under the surface of March. They are a lovely buff color gansers that can be seen dabbling or the water for a tasty morsel. It’s a very with black masks, yellow wing ps and diving in the shallow water. entertaining bird to watch! yellow ps on their tails. Con nue south another ¼ mile Also in this Na onal Forest area Here’s to hoping that you now to Green Ridge to an en rely diff er- are bald eagles. Usually closed in have birds on the brain and are ent habitat along the Colorado River. mid-winter as a protected area, these champing at the bit to explore the Park at the end of the campground impressive raptors nest along this por- west side of the park! Binoculars and and snowshoe or ski down the road to on of the river and in the back of Col- a good bird book are all you need, the Double A Barn. You’re s ll in the umbine Bay, on Lake Granby. Eagles my favorites being The Sibley Guide Na onal Forest, but across the bridge o en are seen soaring overhead, to Birds and the Na onal Geographic Society Field Guide to the Birds of North America. Another useful tool is the iBird Pro Guide to Birds phone app. Not only is it a pocket-sized bird guide, it also plays a variety of songs which is very useful when you can hear a bird but not see it. So, grab your binoculars, don your parka and strap on your snow- shoes. The mountains beckon and the solitude of a snow-covered landscape is awaits. The Kawuneeche Valley in winter – it’s not just for the birds.

American dipper Photo: Putney Nature Images 6 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Rocky Mountain Field Institute Celebrating Rocky’s First 100 Years with Centennial Programs Visit www.RMConservancy.org for the en re lis ng of 2015 classes Or: Download a pdf version of the catalog! (Look for your catalog to be mailed in January!) 2015 Field Institute Centennial Series Highlights Rocky Mountain National Park: Native Americans ’ Wildlife: Then & Now The First 100 Years & the Wickiups of Rocky July 20 June 27–28 July 19 Instructor: Jared Gricoskie Instructor: Cur s Mar n One of Enos Mills’ biggest contribu ons was Instructor: Mary Taylor Young his observa on of wildlife in the Rocky Moun- The fi rst residents of the Rocky Moun- See billion-year-old rocks, a game drive wall tain region. Explore the park while looking at tains, the highly mobile Ute and Arapaho used by prehistoric hunters, Apache Fort, site the changes the park has faced since Enos’ Indians, built shelters for themselves called of an early Indian ba le, and the loca on me, including the ex rpa on of wolves and “wickiups,” conical wooden structures of the 1915 Dedica on Ceremony. Discover grizzly bears, the reintroduc on of elk and sort of like small pis. A number of these the “phantom” park en- their impact over the past 100 years, and fragile features s ll can be found in Rocky trance and old entrance road. Explore early bighorn sheep popula on declines. Hear sto- Mountain Na onal Park and elsewhere in ranches and the remnant of a guest lodge, ries of mountain bluebirds, pikas, and other Colorado. Learn about wickiups and the and witness the changes fl oods in two diff er- animals that graced the pages of his works, people who made them and par cipate in ent centuries have le on the park. including one of his favorites, the beaver. building a replica wickiup. Rocky Mountain National Park: A Centennial History July 27 Instructor: Dr. James Pickering Review the “na onal park idea” and the six-year-long campaign to create Rocky Mountain Na onal Park; Centennial Celebration Series then, visi ng the sites associated with the park’s fi rst century, including early farming and ranching, the Ancestral Technology: Primi ve Life Skills — June 6 great lodges and resorts, inholdings and famous sum- RMNP: The First 100 Years — June 27-28 mer visitors, the building of Old Fall River and Trail 100 Years, 100 Wildfl owers of RMNP — June 27–28 Ridge Roads, the Civilian Conserva on Corps and much Na ve Americans & the Wickiups of RMNP — July 19 more! The contrast between “then” and “now” will be highlighted through the use of historic photographs. Enos Mills’ Wildlife: Then & Now — July 20 RMNP: A Centennial History — July 27 100 Years of Photographing the “Small Wonders” of RMNP — Aug. 6–8 Environmental Change in RMNP Sketchbook Journaling in Watercolor — August 10–11 August 17 100 Years of Environmental Change in RMNP — August 17 Instructor: Dr. Ellen Wohl History of Stewardship in Rocky — August 31 Examine a broad-stroke history of environmental change in the park, including the history of mining, water engineering, recrea onal development and tour- ism, atmospheric inputs of dust and nitrates, wildlife management, and climate change. Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 7 SIMPLIFY YOUR GIVING WITH SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIPS It’sI easy, it’s a me-saver and it will simplify your life!

BecomingB a sustaining member is an easy and aff ordable way to support tthe Rocky Mountain Conservancy. Just choose an amount that fi ts your budgetb and your contribu on is charged to your credit card each month.

YourY membership automa cally renews each year, which helps us elimi- nnate postage and other administra ve costs. As a sustaining member, you eenjoy the added benefi t of knowing that more of your gi will go towardt the Conservancy’s eff orts to protect and preserve Rocky Moun- ttain Na onal Park and other public lands.

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Photo: Lisa Thompson Photo: a month. Your ongoing contribu on makes a diff erence!

8. The bulbous muzzle of a moose has complex inner channels that prevent Park Puzzler inhaling or swallowing ___ while munching on subsurface aqua c plants. by RM Conservancy Member Joel Kaplow 10. The sixth-tallest peak in the park is 13,502-foot ___ Mountain, named for a Wisconsin governor who was appointed to several poli cal posts. He AAcrosscross rode on the Georgetown Loop in 1886. 3. Visible from many miles away, this RMNP monarch has a diff erent appearance 13. At 13,560 feet is ___ Peak, RNMP’s fourth-tallest, named for a Bosto- from every angle it is viewed. At 14,259 feet, ___ Peak is the northernmost four- nian geologist known for surveying Yellowstone NP. He climbed 3-Across in teener in Colorado. 1871. 5. Just north of Estes Park is , with all its rounded, granite domes. 15. ___ Mountain is the fi h-tallest in the park at 13,514 feet. Its name is A prominent forma on called Twin ___ will pop out at you if you use a li le derived from the Y-shaped gulley system on its southeast fl ank. imagina on. 16. Alces americanus, or just plain moose, is the largest member of the 7. The best place to spot moose is on RMNP’s west side, especially in the ___ deer family and the tallest mammal in North America. A male can weigh up Valley where it’s we er, and willows abound. to 1,600 pounds and can measure up to ___ feet at the shoulder. 9. Moose will typically lose their antlers during this month, well a er ma ng 17. The term “___” applies to a male weasel, squirrel, rabbit, deer or mouse. season is over, and start growing new ones in April. 19. Very prominent when viewed from the east, Mount ___ stands at 11. A male weasel or a ___, its close cousin, is properly called a “hob.” 13,911 feet and is RMNP’s second-tallest peak. It was named for an 12. Dozens of park area landmark names are on the map thanks to three ___ experimental agriculturist who moved to Greeley. Indians who were taken on a tour of the area in 1914. They revealed, for the record, how they and their ancestors referred to these sights. 14. Making lemonade out of lemons, the CDOT is redesigning Rte. 36 a er the fl ooding of September, 2013, and will included a bike path where there was none before. Some backing is coming from Great Outdoors Colorado, the agency which allots funding from the Colorado Lo ery. Bicyclists will soon be much safer riding from Estes Park down to ___. 18. At 13,425 feet, the park’s eighth-tallest, ___ Mountain is found in its namesake subrange, which is itself within the , a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. 20. The third-tallest in the park, ___ Peak stands at 13,579 feet, sits to the west of 3-Across, and is easily spo ed from Denver. (2 wds) 21. The term “terciel” refers to a male hawk or male ___, its close rela ve. 22. When ma ng season begins, a bull moose will dig out a shallow basin with its hooves, fi ll it with urine, dip his antlers and wallow in it to announce his presence olfactorily. This bowl is called a ___ pit. DDownown 1. The term “___” applies to a female weasel, squirrel, rabbit, deer and even a mouse. 2. Deer and elk antlers are solid, and they fall off and grow back annually. In contrast, ___ are hollow and, unless broken off , stay permanently on the animal, such as bighorn and antelope, and show annual growth rings like trees. 4. The RM Conservancy’s Next ___ Fund is there to, simply put, connect kids with nature. Outdoor ac vi es are designed to educate and help foster the idea of stewardship in these young people. 6. Resembling an Eastern temple somewhat, 13,497-foot ___ Peak is RMNP’s seventh-tallest. 8 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Photo: Crystal Brindle Crystal Photo:

I love winter. The crisp blue skies, the survive for long in winter condi ons. Hibernate: The ability to simply shut fabulous powder for skiing or snow- So how do the animals of Rocky down or greatly reduce the body’s shoeing, and the bri le, star-studded Mountain Na onal Park get through systems to save energy is a miraculous nights. But I’ll quickly confess that I the season of cold and dark? They adapta on. There are various degrees am grateful to be si ng by my fi re have many wonderful adapta ons to of hiberna on. The marmot is a true with a mug of hot cocoa at the end do so, commonly referred to as the hibernator, entering the den in late of the sols ce day – my puny human “ates”: migrate, hibernate, insulate September and not emerging un l body doesn’t have what it takes to and congregate are a few. April. Their body temperature drops to about 36 degrees F, with heart MMigrate: Seasonal movements allow rates and respiratory rates dropping aanimals to leave the condi ons that dras cally as well. With reduced body hhave become too harsh for them. func ons, their stored body fat is able SSome animal migra ons are al tu- to meet their survival needs. Black ddinal, like most elk and mule deer bears, on the other hand, don’t actu- mmoving from the higher country down ally hibernate. Instead, they enter a tto their winter ranges. Mountain lions torpor, or deep sleep, with heart rate ffollow the prey species to the lower and respiratory rates dropping, but aareas. Some migra ons are cross- not to the level of a marmot. Their ccountry, including up to 2/3 of North sleep can be considered an adap ve AAmerican songbirds moving to warmer hypothermia, with their brown fat (a rregions, and monarch bu erfl ies leav- special type of adipose ssue) sup-

Photo: Lyn Ferguson Lyn Photo: ining for the Mexican highlands. plying up to 8,000 calories a day to Coyotes have excep onal hearing and are prevent the loss of lean muscle. tuned-in to the slight sounds of small animals burrowing in the packed snow. Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 9

Insulate: Some animals, such as Congregate: Two is company, ptarmigan, grow extra feathers on and three’s a crowd. How their feet. Others, such as coyotes, about 37? That is how many grow a thicker fur coat to provide pygmy nuthatches I counted needed insula on. S ll others simply popping one-by-one out of a allow the snowpack itself to protect small hole in a tree one frosty them from plunging temperatures and morning. They had huddled cold winds. Snow may feel cold to our together for warmth in the touch, but it is a top-notch insulator. tree cavity to survive the Grouse o en will fl y into a powdery night. Small rodents also will dri of snow allowing the snow itself occupy shared dens when to provide a “blanket” for the night. temperatures plunge. Photo: Jim Ward The snow has yet Animals trying to adjust Another cool adapta- caused by a quickly warming climate more secrets: beneath to the rapid changes caused on is prac ced by don’t have the evolu onary luxury of fi nding ways to survive. Scien sts are the snow lies a hid- by a quickly warming climate bblack-capped chicka- den world called the ddees which are ac ve asking ques ons about how quickly don’t have the evolu onary subnivean layer where tthroughout the winter new adapta ons might develop. Can temperatures are luxury of fi nding ways mmonths. They make it a snowshoe hare, with fur color that stable at 32 degrees F to survive. Scien sts are tthrough harsh winter changes from brown to white for once the snow cover asking ques ons about how wweather by going into winter camoufl age, survive if it turns white while its surroundings have no has reached a depth quickly new adapta ons ““regulated hypother- of six inches or more. mmia” – they can lower snow? How long – how many genera- Not only does this might develop. ttheir body tempera- ons – might it take for natural selec- provide insulated tture 12 to 15 degrees on to adjust the ming of snowshoe warmth for small non-hibernaiberna ng below their normnormal day me tempera- hares’ color changes to be er match creatures, it also off ers some protec- ture to conserve energy during freez- increased snow-free condi ons? on from predators – at least, except ing nights. These and other ques ons keep us from those with excellent hearing like The wonders of animal adapta- curious about our natural world and, foxes and owls. When you are out on ons go on and on. These intricate I hope, keenly aware of our impact on a snowshoe trip, imagine the voles strategies have developed over hun- our planet. Step out into the park and and mice ea ng old grass in a well- dreds of thousands of years. Animals see what you can observe this winter! developed system of tunnels nearby! trying to adjust to the rapid changes

Photo: NPS/Ann Schonlau Photo: Putney Nature Images 10 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er ridor. The crewmembers raced up the trail to evacuate and calm the children who were near the fi re. Then, later in December, a er many homes were evacuated as a result of the fi re, those same Alpine employees went to the local elementary school to talk with and calm the children who were upset because of the fi re. During the 2013 fl ood, the crew played an integral part in recovery eff orts by placing sandbags around the Estes Valley Public Library, work- ing with the Na onal Guard to deliver food in the Pinewood Springs area, and shoveling the mud along the river walk in downtown Estes Park with Hotshots on the Have Lake Fire in 2014 on private mberland on the Olympic Peninsula. other Rocky staff . “Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, Alpine Hotshots bring leadership, which has been home for the Alpine IHC for 22 years, and all our surround- experience to RMNP & Community ing communi es benefi t from having by RMNP Fire Management Staff ly for fi re assignments for 173 days, of this resource of talented and dedicat- Rocky Mountain Na onal Park’s which they were assigned to fi res for ed people ,” said RMNP Fire Manage- fi re management program is one of 105 days. They traveled 82,000 miles ment Offi cer Mike Lewelling. only two na onal park fi re programs to fi res from the Southwestern U.S. to This winter will mark the third to host a hotshot crew based at a the Pacifi c Northwest and California. year of an outreach and educa on na onal park site. Despite their rar- During those 173 days, they had 31 program the Alpine IHC has conducted ity, as a na onal resource, the Alpine days off . And 2014 was a slow year. with Eagle Rock High School, an value- Interagency Hotshot Crew’s sphere In addi on to their commitment driven, alterna ve school for students of infl uence reaches well beyond the to serve as hotshots, crew members from all over the United States. Stu- local unit to provide leadership train- also are dedicated family and com- dents in the program not only learn ing and specialized opera on skills munity members. When they are about fi re management and fi re’s throughout the region and na on. in-sta on at Rocky, Alpine crew mem- role in the ecosystem, but also about An interagency hotshot crew (IHC) bers provide assistance and support physical fi tness, teamwork and, most is a mul -skilled, professional, 20-per- to manage fi res and other incidents in importantly, the Alpine crew’s core son wildland fi refi gh ng crew with the and around the park. This was evident values of duty, respect and integrity. mission to “provide a safe, profession- during the 2012 Fern al, mobile and highly skilled hand crew Lake Fire and the for all phases of fi re management 2013 fl ood. During and incident opera ons.” These crews the Fire, provide the boots on the ground for Alpine crewmembers the highest priority incidents in the not only fi lled key country, and are trained to demand- leadership roles in ing physical fi tness standards and for incident command, diffi cult assignments under the most they also demonstrat- extreme condi ons. ed a more compas- Combine the physical demands sionate side. When with the me and commitment re- the fi re fi rst ignited, quired and the percent of those quali- Alpine crewmembers fi ed and willing to do this job drops were alerted to two precipitously. While typical fi re crews busloads of third- may be off -site on assignments 30 grade students that days or so during fi re season, this year were on a fi eld trip in On the Myrtle Fire in the Black Hills Na onal Forest in 2012, the Alpine crew was available na onal- the Fern Lake trail cor- just outside of the Wind Cave Na onal Park entrance. Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 11

and dirt to for fy the walking surface. Because of minimum impact wil- derness ethics, the project was done almost en rely with hand tools in the fi eld. The group used crosscut saws to notch the wood, and some park visitors, especially the younger ones, loved to watch the volunteer group sawing the logs with the crosscut and wanted to give this “an que” tool a try. The group was more than happy to take a break and let the budding trail builders give it a try. The new sec on of trail was com- pleted by the end of the week – just one more project completed in Rocky Mountain Na onal Park by its amazing Volunteers with a sec on of the elevated causeway they were building on the volunteers! Fern Lake Trail. If you’d like to bring a group to work in Rocky, check out the park’s Group Volunteers website at www.nps.gov/romo/ supportyourpark/group-volunteer.htm Making a Diff erence in Rocky or call 970-586-1330 to speak with by Zephyr McConnell house, transplan ng plants, as well as someone in the park Volunteer Offi ce. RMNP VIP Group Coordintor more physically demanding projects We’d love to hear from you! Rocky Mountain Na onal Park involving long hikes into the backcoun- has a thriving volunteer program that try to assist with trail maintenance or enables the park to accomplish many stacking logs for fi re mi ga on. cri cal projects. A special branch of This season, the Na onal Smoke- the volunteer program welcomes jumpers Associa on volunteered enthusias c groups that are mo vated to repair a sec on on the Fern Lake to apply their talents to signifi cant Trail just before The Pool that ex- needs in the park. From building trails perienced a huge landslide last fall. to removing exo c plants, a variety of Most of these re red smokejumpers opportuni es are available that are had fought fi res back in the day and both engaging and educa onal. It’s had moved on to other careers. They a unique ac vity that off ers groups fondly remembered the hard days a chance to work together toward a working on the fi re line and wanted to common goal to benefi t the park and direct their energy toward improving the visitors that enjoy it. park trails. This was their second sea- Make no mistake – volunteer son volunteering with the Trail Crew ac vi es have no small impact. By at Rocky. the end of August, 2014, the park During one week in June, the logged approximately 11,822 cumula- smokejumpers built a sec on of ve work hours through the eff orts of elevated causeway on the Fern Lake more than 858 volunteers. trail where the trail was especially low This year, volunteer groups came and wet. Elevated causeways involve from all over the United States, as well building log or rock walls that raise the as a group from Costa Rica. Local school trail above normal trail grade to keep groups and corporate work day groups hikers’ feet high and dry while also were involved in many park projects, helping to prevent erosion of the sur- The work looked so fun it en ced some including less physically demanding rounding area. Once the walls are built young hikers to try their hand at notching jobs such as working in the park green- they are fi lled in with crushed stone with a crosscut saw. 12 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er

RMNP Fund News

ColoradoColorado GivesGives DayDay Once again, we had a tremendous response to Colorado Gives Day EstesE ValleyV ll Legacy:L on December 9! Dozens of Rocky Mountain Na onal Park fans, some A Planned Giving brand-new to our growing Conservancy team, gave a total of more than $17,500 via the GivingFirst.org website — a new record! Most Collaborative gi s will be directed to our Next Genera on Fund, which supports Programming and resources youth educa on at a cost of at least $500,000 annually. We had lots of available in 2015! fun on Facebook, too, pos ng plenty of compelling, inspira onal pho- In early 2015, the Estes Park Nonprofi t Resource Center will tos. It is always thrilling to see how much launch the newly formed Estes Valley Planned Giving Collabor- you love Rocky Mountain Na onal Park a ve. The purpose of the Collabora ve is to provide informa- and how much work we can accomplish on and assistance to individuals who donate to Estes Valley together. Thank you! Tune in next year for nonprofi ts to help them maximize the tax benefi t of current another great opportunity to give to Rocky! and future gi s, including estate gi s. The Rocky Mountain Conservancy is proud to be a Founding Member of the Annual Appeal Update Collabora ve! We hope you have received invita ons to support the Conservan- cy through our Annual Appeal campaign. This is the one me of year Once the Collabora ve’s website is launched, you will enjoy: • educa onal programs regarding planned and estate giving that we ask everyone in our community to do what you can to support • full access to a Gi legacy website our work. If everyone gives a gi , small or large (all gi s make a dif- • private, unbiased, confi den al planned gi counseling ference!), we will be poised to have a stellar year suppor ng the park • access to professionals to assist with making planned dona ons during its 100th birthday year! As of today, we have received more than 707 gi s totaling $128,215. That is tremendous — thank you! By pooling our resources, the Collabora ve will give Estes If you have not yet made a gi , there is s ll me. You may re- nonprofi ts, and our members and donors, a wide range and member that our priority fundraising projects for this year include the depth of knowledge allowing us all to maximize and sustain Next Genera on Fund, our Conserva on Corps and the Trail Improve- our charitable missions in the future. We hope you will fi nd it ment Fund. Give what you can to the project closest to your heart. As a convenient, valuable, objec ve tool as you plan your estate. always, gi s to Best Use allow us the fl exibility to apply your gi to the Once the website is complete, those resources will be avail- able to everyone, not only to those in Estes Park. If you have greatest need, when needed. For informa on on any of these projects ques ons about this new resource, or about estate planning in (and others!) visit www.RMConservancy.org. general, please contact: Julie.Kle @RMConservancy.org RMNP License Plate Estes Valley Legacy Preliminary Petition Update Educational Program Calendar In November 2013, we launched a pe on to gain Tuesday, February 3, 7 – 8:30 pm, Estes Valley Library support for a Rocky Mountain Giving Feels Good – Timing, Size and Method – Marsha Yelick Na onal Park Group Special Tuesday, May 26, 11:30 – 1:00 pm, First Western Trust Colorado license plate. In order Planned Giving for local CPA’s A orneys (Sphere of Infl uence) to bring the bill to the Colorado State Legislature to a vote in the Janu- – w/CE credit (to include Fiduciary Review) – a collabora ve ary session, we needed to secure 3,000 valid signatures in support of approach to one’s Estate Plan and What’s New in Estate Planning. the ini a ve. Once again, you stepped up to the plate. As of press me, Tuesday, May 26, 7 – 8:30 pm, Estes Valley Library we had gathered nearly 4,000 signatures. Thank you for your support! Giving Feels Good – Timing, Size and Method – Marsha Yelick The signatures are just the fi rst step in a lengthy applica on pro- cess. Our applica on will need approval from the Colorado Department Thursday, July 16, 7 – 8:30 pm, Estes Valley Library of Revenue. Then it will proceed to the Colorado State Legislature as a Giving Feels Good – Timing, Size and Method – Marsha Yelick bill with the support of a legisla ve sponsor. The Legislature will then Thursday, August 27, 4:30 – 6:00 pm, First Western Trust vote on the bill. Inheritance Strategy – How to not outlive your money Find complete informa on about the license plate at our website. Please watch our Facebook page and your email for updates as we Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7 – 8:30 pm, Estes Valley Library move this project forward. We’ll keep you posted. Giving Feels Good – Timing, Size and Method – Marsha Yelick Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 13 The Rocky Mountain Conservancy expresses special thanks to the following people for their donations toward projects in Rocky Mountain National Park: September 11, 2014 – December 16, 2014 748 gifts ~ total donations $279,739

S P Elinor and Stephen Feiss, Towson, MD Steven Disch, Arvada, CO: JJoyceo and Mark Fleming, Cedar Rapids, IA C C In Honor of Larina & Mark Konold Donna Gisle, Boulder, CO Barbara J. Dowd, Cedar Falls, IA AccentAccent LearninLearningg and ConsuConsull nngg LLC, WWilliam W. & Rhondda Grant, Denver, CO Ann Duncan, Boulder, CO Stoughton, WI Richard & Elaine Greenwood, Oviedo, FL Paul and Rosemary Eide, Eide Ft Collins, Collins CO Dorothy H. Dunn, Augusta, NJ Renate Edmundson, Estes Park, CO Gia Hamilton and Charles Proudfi t, Fred & Catherine Gaupp, Donna Dye, Muncie, IN Linda Gardner, Grand Lake, CO Boulder, CO: Diamondhead, MS Gregg Dye, Broomfi eld, CO Robert & Katherine Gould, In Honor of Graig and Jan McHendrie Donna Gisle, Boulder, CO Tina Elam, Lenexa, KS Cambridge, WI Glonda Hix, Estes Park, CO Marianne Holmes, Arvada, CO Elizabeth Eliassen, Denver, CO Phyllis & William Howard, James Immelt, Worthington, OH Susan & Leonard Epstein, Fort Collins, CO All in Memory of Peter Jeff ris Pleasant Hill, IA Carolyn E. Kilgore, Estes Park, CO Richard Ernst, St. Louis, MO Fidelity Charitable Gi Fund, Boston, MA James & Gerry Irvine, Estes Park, CO Mary and Mike Ko ke, Fountain Hills, AZ Robert and Mary Farmer, Athens, TX Michael Lucey, Madison, WI Louise H. Johnson, Bloomington, IN: Gary Kubik, Omaha, NE Lloyd Fosdick, Estes Park, CO In Honor of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ludlum Mary Ann Kundtz, Estes Park, CO Patricia Gallagher, Prairie Village, KS Pa Johnson & Andy Wolfe, David and Barbara Lindsey, Arvada, CO Jeff and Nikki Garmon, Cheyenne, WY F R V Fort Collins, CO Mary Ann McHale and Jeff rey Corson, Wanda Gen le, Colorado Springs, CO Trisha Johnson, Ames, IA Loganton, PA Janice Gibb, Berthoud, CO C E Peggy A. Keefer, Geneva, IL: Janet Prehn, Arvada, CO Doris Glick, Westminster, CO In Honor of the Myhre and Kaufmann William and Norma Riley, Omaha, NE Rhonda Gobble, Fort Collins, CO DDr.r. and Mrs. JohnJohn ChrisChris anoano,, Jupiter,Jupiter, FL: Grandchildren Carlen Schenk and Barry Brezan, Charlo e Godbey, Camdenton, MO In Memory of John P. Chris ano and in Alfred Kiessel, Sturgeon Bay, WI New Berlin, WI Kathryn Goddard, Center Point, IA Honor of Marilyn Hubbard Mary and Mike Ko ke, Fountain Hills, AZ Gwendolyn Sco , Fort Collins, CO: Jane E. Gordon, Weston, CT Gary Kubik, Omaha, NE In Honor of Gayle Reising Grand Lake Art Gallery, Grand Lake, CO H P Wendy and Jeff Lahr, Santa Maria, CA: Alan Smith, St Albans, VT: C. William and June Gray, Powell, OH In Honor of Lisa & Alain Dalmau Merry Christmas to Judith Graziano, Poland, OH Ulla and Mani Lee, Loveland, CO Eric Smith & Maileen Hamto Van Grotenhuis and Kathryn Moore, KKathyathy and WesleyWesley Jacobson,Jacobson, GranviGranville,lle, Gerald Lenczowski, Papillion, NE Norman Stauff er, Grand Lake, CO Eden Prairie, MN: ND: Michele Lueck, Englewood, CO: Richard and Janet Coe, Estes Park, CO: In Honor of Robert & Normal Moore In Memory of Renelle Jacobson from In Honor of the Katherine & Daragh In Memory of Dorothy Kingsman Timothy and Wendlyn Haight, Grimes, IA Her Family and Friends Mulready Wedding Susan Nygaard, Duluth, MN: Carl and Nancy Hane, Fort Collins, CO Be y J. Lu kus, Aurora, CO In Memory of John Dings David and Regina Haner, Loveland, CO DougD & Lyne e Mannering, Loveland, CO Louise Desmond, Estes Park, CO: Rudi Hartmann & Kathleen Newman, L P Carole McFarland, Cedar Rapids, IA In Memory of Pierre Perney Denver, CO Frank and Paula Megorden, Jo Ann Hasselmann, Monroe, IA F Colorado Springs, CO Joseph and Judith Heck, Racine, WI Carleton and Diane Moore, Mesa, AZ T I Beverly Henderson, Estes Park, CO LLarryarry Adams,Adams, Longmont,Longmont, COCO Trish Nicholson, Corpus Chris , TX F Betsy Heppner, Boulder, CO Wendy Covert, Lakewood, CO Judith F. Nowak, Saint Louis, MO Ruth Hess, Loveland, CO: Kerri Driscoll, Denver, CO Debbie Reece, Phoenix, AZ In Honor of Helen & Rocky Lee Julie Guzze a, Arvada, CO William and Norma Riley, Omaha, NE Anne Abele, Mesa, AZ Ruth Hess, Loveland, CO: Dr. Donald Hillger, Windsor, CO Mr. & Mrs. David Rosenson, Joanne Akeroyd, Li leton, CO In Honor of Inez Kelley Rodney Kuhlmann, Omaha, NE Lakewood, CO Leslie and Neil Alexander, Nashville, TN Ruth Hess, Loveland, CO: Kris n Logan, Pearland, TX: Marilyn & Marvin Rutkowski, Tucson, AZ Norma Andrisek, Berea, OH In Honor of Richard & Shirley Tucker In Honor of Brian Logan Richard and Karen Sandberg, Omaha, NE Douglas Balok, Loveland, CO Dorothy and George Heyliger, Golden, CO Dr. Mark Longman, Denver, CO Robert and Mary Seifert, Estes Park, CO Vincent & Sandra Basanavage, Yardley, PA George and Susanne Hicks, Nashville, TN Karen Marie Manci, Fort Collins, CO John B. Simonson, Kansas City, MO Claire and Richard Beesley, Estes Park, CO Sue Horvath, Lansing, MI Robert and Brenda Ward, Windsor, CO Kay Srack, Pleasant Valley, MO Jon and Carolyn Bible, Aus n, TX Robert & Ellen Hostetler, Monument, CO Rosemary Evans, Caliente, CA: Keith & Jackie Stephenson, Richard and Judith Bliley, Erie, PA Jean Howell, Belvidere, IL In Memory of Jane O Robbins Estes Park, CO Ann Nord Blumrich, Round Rock, TX HP Company Founda on, Heidi Campbell, Estes Park, CO: William & Shirley Sterling, Jr., Gerald and Darcy Boock, River Falls, WI Washington, DC In Memory of Roy Brown Georgetown, TX Katherine Bruce, Bedford, TX Susan Huddleston, Wamego, KS: Jean Vevers, Palos Park, IL Mark Bruno, Smithville, MO: In Honor of Dave & Lois Sauer Jim Warner, Fort Collins, CO In Honor of Virgil Bruno Shirley & Jeff rey Hya , Melbourne, FL L E Carol and Steven Watson, Bozrah, CT Joe and Martha Burt, Houston, TX Veronica Johnson, Lansing, KS: ElizabethE Elser Dooli le Charitable Trusts, Mary and Orrie Capone, Walworth, NY In Honor of Bruce Brackman KennethKenneth Gamauf, Boulder, CO Milwaukee, WI: Liz & Dwight Carmichael, Willard & Patricia Johnson, Daniel Goye e & Kathy Falk, In Memory of Elizabeth Elser Dooli le Lee’s Summit, MO Peoria Heights, IL River Hills, WI: Mary Anne McCourt, Albuquerque, NM: Daniel Casey, Fort Collins, CO M. Lynn Kelly, Fort Collins, CO In Honor of Kathleen A. Falk In Memory of Martha Joy Noble Debbie and Robert Cass, Guthrie, OK Jan Kilgore, Estes Park, CO Maxine E. Johnson, Denver, CO Melanie Chamberlain, Fort Collins, CO Peter and Janet Kim, Olympia, WA C Jeff rey and Susan Conklin, Loudon, TN Gilbert and Mary Knapp, Spencer, NY N G F Trudy & Charles Cowman, Mary and Mike Ko ke, Fountain Hills, AZ O F Woodbury, MN Linda and Kenneth Kovar, Fort Collins, CO Walt and Sandra Cox, Blue Grass, IA Dr. Robert Krear, Estes Park, CO KathyKathy Bolinsky,Bolinsky, Loveland,Loveland, COCO Helen and Ralph Culter, Greeley, CO James Kubichek, Red Feather Lakes, CO Kenneth & Susan Brunk, Centennial, CO Elizabeth Elser Dooli le Charitable Trusts, Trusts Christopher & Patricia Daly, Gary Kubik, Omaha, NE Art Campfi eld, Fort Collins, CO Milwaukee, WI: Rosemount, PA Phil and Sharon LaFoe, Wichita, KS George and Barbara Clark, Meriden, KS In Memory of Elizabeth Elser Dooli le James Davis, Somers Point, NJ Thomas Landgraff , Toledo, OH Colorado State Questers, Greeley, CO Caroline de Dreu, Cincinna , OH Eric Lapham, Papillion, NE Marjorie Dunmire, Estes Park, CO Luke DeGroud, Mankato, MN Art and Trudi Leissa, Fort Collins, CO Bruce Ellingwood, Estes Park, CO David Dent, Warrenton, MO Edith and Malcom Lerch, Conover, NC Marian & Rasmus Erdal, Fort Collins, CO Craig Dierksen, Kiowa, CO Shirley Lindley, Fort Collins, CO Richard Ernst, St. Louis, MO 14 Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er Carol T. Linnig, Estes Park, CO Patricia Jean Johnson, Davenport, IA: Tom Caudill, Lexington, KY Robert and Colleen Haven, Louisville, CO Debbie Lively, Duncanville, TX: In Memory of Howard D. Johnson Kathleen Cejka, Redlands, CA Mary Jo Havlicek, Omaha, NE In Honor of Bill Lively James and Chris ne Glenski, Robert J. Checkley and Susan Kummer, Louis Hegeman, La Grange, IL Jim Louk, Lutz, FL Shawnee Mission, KS: High Ridge, MO David and Marjean Heidt, Englewood, CO Kathleen Lowe, Manha an, KS: In Memory of John A. Morgan Susan Cheng, Chapel Hill, NC Roberta Heisterkamp, Denver, CO In Honor of Dave & Lois Sauer Robert Kretschman, Grand Junc on, CO: Nelson Chenkin and Judith Friend, Beverly Henderson, Estes Park, CO Keith Lucey, Arvada, CO In Memory of June Kretschman Fort Collins, CO John and Judy Herman, Fort Collins, CO Sherburne & Susan MacFarlan, Ann Trulove, Farmington, NM: Kathleen Clang, Aurora, CO Barry and Patricia Hia , Li leton, CO Boulder, CO In Memory of Ora Lumpkin Trulove Shari Clark, Lone Tree, CO: Beth Higuera, Greenwood Village, CO Lee Machin, Estes Park, CO Susan and Ronald Harris, Estes Park, CO: In Honor of Lori Rogers & John Jordan Mary Hill, Drake, CO The Mary Maff ei Family, Loveland, CO In Memory of Pierre Perney Robert Cleary, Westlake, OH Dick and Be y Hillyer, Blaine, WA Michael & Carolyn Managan, Houston, TX Kathy & Wesley Jacobson, Granville, ND: Randy and Barb Clinkscales, Hays, KS Dale Hilyard, Louisburg, KS Loraine Mandelko, Longmont, CO In Memory of Renelle Jacobson from Richard B. Coats, Clio, MI Emily Hirsco , Bellingham, WA Kathy L. Marlow, West Des Moines, IA Her family and friends Charles Cofas, Estes Park, CO Jane I. Hoel, Fort Collins, CO Norm Mar n, Leawood, KS Janene & Steven Hawkins, Pamela and Michael Cola, Greeley, CO Robert and Barbara Hoel, Windsor, CO Stephen A. Massad, Houston, TX Burnsville, MN: Barbara M. Coles, Allenspark, CO Heidi Hoff man, Omaha, NE Marcia Ma hews, Longmont, CO In Memory of Sable Ted and Lynn Coons, Columbus, OH Mary Ellen Holmes, Fort Collins, CO Susan McComb, Whitefi sh Bay, WI: Sandra Kuhn, Naples, FL: Jayne E. Coover, Camp Hill, PA Pieter and Helen Hondius, Estes Park, CO In Honor of In Memory of Stephen Kuhn M. Catherine Cornell, Estes Park, CO Andrew Hosier, Cedar Falls, IA Alexandra Jones & Charles Leonard Hope Covey, Morgantown, WV Charles and Joan Hoyt, Clare, IL Philip & Martha Melcher, Saint Paul, MN All in Memory of Dr. Donald G. Barron Trudy & Charles Cowman, Terry Huge, Cincinna , OH Guy Miller, High Rolls Mtn Park, NM Jenny & Gary Zi ergruen, Van Horne, IA Woodbury, MN Leah Hughes, Palm Beach Gardens, FL Bonnie Mock, Vero Beach, FL Susan Barron Covington, Cedar Rapids, IA Gloria Cox, Denton, TX Edward Hunt, Colorado Springs, CO: Carleton and Diane Moore, Mesa, AZ Brian & Catherine Sorenson, Marvin and Lela Criswell, Estes Park, CO In Honor of John Fleck and Kelly Hunt Catherine and Terry Nance, Gu enberg, IA Kathy David, Aurora, CO Kaste Hunter, Boulder, CO Overland Park, KS WilliamW & Peggy Davis, Baton Rouge, LA Ned Husman, Centennial, CO Leslie & Mary Ann Nesbi , Lafaye e, CO Diane Desmond and Sco Brodsky, Jane and Michael Imber, Lawrence, KS William & Janice Newman, Estes Park, CO B U Australia Laird & Carol Ingham, Hollywood Park, TX Tamarra Noirot, Louisville, CO Jeannine Dickerhofe, Superior, CO Carmen Irizarry, Staten Island, NY William and Anita Ondr, Centennial, CO RRickick AcAcheson,heson, Milliken,Milliken, CO Ernie and Nancy Diedrich, Denver, CO Anne Isbister, West Har ord, CT Debra Ore, Fairway, KS Inge R. Adam, Estes Park, CO Dennis Dintelmann, Godfrey, IL Chris Jansen, Lone Tree, CO: Albert & Dorothy Ossinger, Lakewood, CO Steven Ahrenholz, Cincinna , OH Steve and Marian Dodge, Los Angeles, CA In Honor of Lori & John Jordan Paula and Timothy Peele, Arvada, CO Mary & James Alfred, La Grange Park, IL Marilyn R. Downey, Eureka, MO Bruce and Carmen Johnson, Denver, CO Sheila Pe ersen, Evanston, IL Lorraine Alleman, Highlands Ranch, CO Constance J. Drumheller, Estes Park, CO Cynthia Johnson, Durham, NC Dennis and Candice Phillips, Merriam, KS Lisa Allman, Longmont, CO Alex Drummond, Salida, CO Kay I. Johnson, Evergreen, CO Mike Phillips, Omaha, NE Bill and Nancy Almond, Estes Park, CO Neil and Joyce Dunbar, Golden, CO Richard K. Johnson, Kenosha, WI Shirley J. Pine, Li le Rock, AR Sarah & Richard Amos, Minneapolis, MN Margie Dupree, McKinney, TX J.R. and Nancy Jones, Neosho, WI Lyle and Marlys Polson, Estes Park, CO Swami Anantananda, Hurleyville, NY Corinne Dyer, Estes Park, CO Jean Jones, Saline, MI Janet Prehn, Arvada, CO Alissa and Jon Anderson, Estes Park, CO Eagle View Adult Center, Brighton, CO Sam and Linda Jones, Arvada, CO Ken and Jeri Ragan, Lenexa, KS Carol and David Anderson, Loveland, CO William & Gretchen Edwards, Gary & Pamela Jurgemeyer, Fairplay, CO Stephen Rapp, Estes Park, CO Winona Anderson, Blue Springs, MO: Centennial, CO Denise Jurgens, Carbondale, CO Donna Ricklefs, Olathe, KS In Honor of Bruce Brackman David Ehrman, Denver, CO Susan and Daniel Kagan, Wes ield, NJ William and Norma Riley, Omaha, NE Anonymous Annikki Elkind, Fort Collins, CO Terry Kane, Berkeley Springs, WV Joan and Terry Roberson, Cindy and Wayne Anthofer, Denver, CO Catherine & Pedro Engel, Fort Collins, CO Charles Kau old, Cincinna , OH West Des Moines, IA Elaine and Paul Arguien, Grand Lake, CO Fred and Tena Engelman, Bill Keiss, Grand Lake, CO Beth and David Robinson, Loveland, CO Barbara and William Armstrong, Colorado Springs, CO Lydia Kelley, Tucson, AZ Patricia Robinson, Bolingbrook, IL North Ridgeville, OH Chris Engleman and Joan Alexander, Stephen & Connie Kensinger, Paul and Mary Roloff , Lake Zurich, IL Virginia Arter, Longmont, CO Boulder, CO Excelsior, MN Barbara Roth, Franklin, WI William Askey, Magnolia, TX Gary and Kathleen Falk, Boise, ID Virginia and John Kent, Geismar, LA Merilyn & Marvin Rowan, Alden & Stephanie Atkins, Alexandria, VA Tom Farber, Aurora, CO Steven King, St. Louis, MO College Springs, IA Carola A. and James Aubuchon, Holt, MI Miriam E. Felsenburg, Winston Salem, NC Urling and Hugh Kingery, Franktown, CO Darrell and Judith Schaper, Bri , IA Laurie Augspurger, Broomfi eld, CO Mary Ferguson, Memphis, TN: Dorothy Kingsmore, Colorado Springs, CO Patricia Schaumberg, Greeley, CO Jane Axtell, Morrison, CO In Honor of Frieda & Wyndell Thomas David Kinser, Champaign, IL Carlen Schenk and Barry Brezan, Khalid Aziz, Fort Collins, CO Mary Ferguson, Memphis, TN: Clement & Elizabeth Klaphake, New Berlin, WI Robert and Yadja Bacher, Fort Collins, CO In Honor of Mary & David Markham Bellevue, NE Marla Schiebout, Loveland, CO Carol Bachhuber, Kansas City, MO Steven M. Fishburn, Aus n, TX Gary and Doris Kling, Indianapolis, IN Michelle and Sco Shonbeck, Bellaire, TX Charles & Janice Baggs, Margaret P. Fleming, Denver, CO William Klingensmith, Englewood, CO Don Smith, Denver, CO Colorado Springs, CO David Fli er, Denver, CO Barry and Sharon Knapp, Rochester, MN Bridget Stauring and Michael Garmon, William Baird, Greeley, CO Daniel and Tara Flynn, Sparta, NJ Alice Knox, Denver, CO Divide, CO Thomas E. Bale, Carmel, IN Richard J. Flynn, Boulder, CO Curt and Tonya Knudsen, Chris ne and Donald Steger, Placitas, NM John N. and Nina S. Bates, Osage, IA Lyman and Fran Freemon, Lincoln, NE Highlands Ranch, CO Erik Stensland, Estes Park, CO Donald Bauman, Wilmington, DE Robert & Charline Freitag, Lawrence, KS Deborah Knutson, Fraser, CO Philip Stoff el, Denver, CO Doug and Teri Beezley, Snellville, GA Constance Frick, Cincinna , OH Jane and Doug Koons, Saint Paul, MN: Janice and Kevin Stout, Dillon, CO David Benner, Roscoe, IL Jerome and Norma Fricke, Golden, CO In Honor of Vaughn Baker Mark and Joan Strobel, Saint Paul, MN Laurel Benson, Loveland, CO Howard and Dana Fry, Castle Rock, CO Deborah Kosich, Houston, TX William Stuart, Estes Park, CO Rod Betsch, Castle Rock, CO Helga Gaff ron, Longmont, CO John and Louise Koss, Fort Collins, CO Be y Sturdivan, Longmont, CO Florence and Tony Bielat, Estes Park, CO John and Carolann Gerhard, Loveland, CO Mary and Mike Ko ke, Fountain Hills, AZ Suchomel Family, Evergreen, CO Nancy Black, Rifl e, CO Janet Gingrich, Dunwoody, GA John and Joyce Kriedeman, Janesville, WI Barbara and Ralph Swanson, Phillips, WI Mary K. Blue, Longmont, CO Gordon and Linda Goff , Estes Park, CO Gary Kubik, Omaha, NE Phil and Starr Teague, Ft Collins, CO Blair Bollinger, Cherry Hill, NJ: Donna Govan, Loveland, CO: Naomi Kuhlman, Colorado Springs, CO Patricia Thomas, Broomfi eld, CO In Honor of The Johnson / Ashley Family In Memory of Renelle Jacobson Kay Kuner, Garland, TX Ann H. Turney, Arlington, TX Catherine Pe to Boyce, Sea le, WA Elizabeth Grant, Denver, CO Christopher J. Kyle, Galloway, NJ Ron and Marilyn Tu le, Loveland, CO Brewster and Helen Boyd, Denver, CO Gertrude Grant, Denver, CO Anne M. Kylen, Fort Collins, CO Barbara Van Doren, Estes Park, CO William and Louise Bradley, Boulder, CO William W. & Rhondda Grant, Denver, CO Bob and Susie Ladenburger, Denver, CO Jane and Ray Verm, Asheville, NC Anne Brown, Kerrville, TX Deborah S. and John P. Green, Drake, CO Paul and Joan Lavell, Boulder, CO Rob and Fran Wagner, Canton, MI Rufus Brown, Newport News, VA Roger Gunlikson, Fort Collins, CO Bud and Kelly Lester, Georgetown, TX Dee Ann Walker, Estes Park, CO Barry Bryan, Glenside, PA Norman Gurnsey, Loveland, CO Michael H. Levy, Broomfi eld, CO Joseph and Barb Wasung, Greeley, CO Marda Buchholz, Boulder, CO Margaret & George Guthrie, Jason Lillegraven, Laramie, WY Carol and Steven Watson, Bozrah, CT Ann and Russ Buckley, Erie, CO Estes Park, CO Lembit & Karen Lilleleht, Jeremy and Judy Wild, Emporia, KS Robert and June Burket, Coatesville, PA Heather Hahn, Takoma Park, MD Charlo esville, VA Linda and Howard Williams, Charlene Byers, Denver, CO Barbara & Richard Hamman, Denver, CO Marilyn Lines, Clarkston, MI Colorado Springs, CO Douglas & Patricia Campbell, Greeley, CO John and Jan Hana, Garner, IA Margy and Thomas Lininger, Greeley, CO Judy and David Winkel, Bloomington, IN Minerva Canavan, Boulder, CO Kathy Hanfelt, Loveland, CO Mary Loberg, Plymouth, MN Joan Winstein, Oak Park, IL Robert & Patricia Canfi eld, Leawood, KS Nicholas & Patricia Hanson, Teri Lorkowski, Fairbanks, AK Thomas E. Washburn, Estes Park, CO: R. Laurent & Betsy Cannon, Cincinna , OH Francis M. Loustalet, Greeley, CO In Memory of Burton R. Washburn Englewood, CO Marian Hardin, Aus n, TX Robert Lundy, Louisville, CO Karen Tyndall, Lewis Center, OH: William Carle, Golden, CO Dianne & James Harper, Fort Collins, CO Fred F. Lyle, Jr., San Antonio, TX In Memory of Erma Bolthouse Peggy Carr, Denton, TX Susan K. Harris, Estes Park, CO Tom Macgillivray, Windsor, CO George C. Casey, Denver, CO Darby Hartman, Estes Park, CO Rocky Mountain Conservancy Newsle er 15 Deane Maddocks and Marion Maddocks, Pat Riley, Salida, CO Arthur and Edith Wartburg, Boulder, CO Gaylon Rogers, Floresville, TX: Glenwood, IA William and Norma Riley, Omaha, NE Carol and Steven Watson, Bozrah, CT In Memory of Loyd Agee Lough Randall & Janet Maharry, Estes Park, CO Larry and Nancy Robinson, Plano, TX Joan Watson, Denver, CO Susan Turman, Denver, CO: Anne e and Harold Marksberry, Rocky Mountain Na onal Park, Allen and Georgia Weber, Lakeway, TX In Memory of Marcia & Bill Turman Cincinna , OH Estes Park, CO: Jerry and Sally Webster, Elgin, IL Ellen McAllister, Oregon, WI: Carol and Harry Martz, Los Alamos, NM In Memory of Renelle Jacobson Laura Wei, Boulder, CO In Memory of Peter A. Jeff ris Joel and Patricia Marx, The Guests of Rocky Mountain Park Inn, Dawn Welding, Loveland, CO Robert & Nora Copeland, Colorado Springs, CO LLC, Estes Park, CO Western Sod Installa on, Loveland, CO Fort Collins, CO: Margaret & Larry Mason, Fort Collins, CO Bob Roelofsz, Loveland, CO Dan Wethington, Greeley, CO In Memory of Richard Beidleman Martha L. Maxwell, Boulder, CO Karlan Rosenberg, Dillon, CO G. G. and Dorothy Wheeler, Tucson, AZ Trudy Zimmerman, Thornton, CO: Gary & Mary Lee Mayfi eld, Larry and Twila Rosenow, Grinnell, IA Faye White, Abilene, TX In Memory of Robert Calfee Kailua Kona, HI Josef Ruhl, Arvada, CO Bruce Williams, Aus n, TX Sarah Greenleaf, Estes Park, CO: Garland and Sue McAulay, Paris, TX Doris Runice, Bel Air, MD: Nancy Williams, Sea le, WA In Memory of Robert Schoeller James and Carole McCo er, Denver, CO In Honor of Jeremiah Fund of the Rickee Ryplewski, Longmont, CO: Mr. and Mrs. Dale McCutcheon, Plano, TX Tom, Debbie, & Colleen Culbertson San Antonio Area Founda on In Memory of Ron Navarro William McDonald, Pi sburgh, PA Allen & Mary Anne Sanborn, Gayle and Roger Wilson, Carrollton, MO Carol Gerlitz, Boulder, CO: McDonald Transit Associates, Santa Fe, NM Dale & Kathleen Winder, Fort Collins, CO In Memory of William A. Braddock Fort Worth, TX Don Sanders, Dallas, TX Joy Wolf, Racine, WI Colleen A. McLaren, Hygiene, CO Dan and Tami Scace, Estes Park, CO Ruth M. Woodward, Loveland, CO All in Memory of Donald G. Barron Anne McLellan, Greeley, CO Carl and Pam Schaal, Longmont, CO Mary Alice and Larry Woody, Kailua, HI Marilyn Barron, Gu enberg, IA Ronnie McManus, Hurst, TX: Rebecca & David Schnakenberg, Marion & Chris Woolam, Dana Barron, Bloomington, IN In Honor of Vienna, VA Albuquerque, NM Larry and Linda Haynes, Gu enberg, IA Madeline Framson’s Birthday Liz Schoeberlein, Boulder, CO Ralph & Madeline Wrobley, Jeff rey & Carolyn Hoff mann, Rhonda Mickelson, Estes Park, CO Jane and Ken Schroll, Kansas City, MO Gu enberg, IA Microso Matching Gi s Program, Highlands Ranch, CO Robert & Deborah Wycoff , Pasadena, CA Ed Nelson, Luzerne, IA Princeton, NJ Susan Schubert, San Jose, CA Katherine and Mark Young, Boulder, CO Patricia and Jerry Peck, Gu enberg, IA Dawn Mitchell, Arvada, CO Janet Seeley & John Bartholow, Be e Younger, Fort Collins, CO Schuster & Mick Law Offi ce, John and Karen Mize, Salina, KS Fort Collins, CO Carolyn Zeisset, Lincoln, NE Gu enberg, IA Roberta Moak, Greeley, CO Garland and Marlys Seibert, Ankeny, IA William Zinke, Boulder, CO Leighann Stejskal, Cedar Rapids, IA The Monday Forum, Denver, CO Marcus and Joan Sessel, Livingston, TX Kenneth & Eilene Znidersic, Louisville, KY Kris ne Van Cleve, Cedar Rapids, IA Douglas & Rosemary Moore, Shell Oil Company Founda on Roy Paulsen, Sun City Center, FL: Loveland, CO Matching Gi s, Princeton, NJ In Memory of Arle e Paulsen All in Memory of Darrell Phillips Fred Moore, Boulder, CO Dana Shonbeck and James Orshaw, Howard and Dana Fry, Castle Rock, CO: Diane Peters, Coralville, IA Jerry Moore, Estes Park, CO Somerville, MA: In Memory of Barbara & Howard Fry Dale Phillips, Coralville, IA Susan N. 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Snider, Tuscaloosa, AL Murray and Teresa Fogler, Houston, TX: Kay Moser, Southbury, CT Carol Neustadter, Broomfi eld, CO Donna Sobczyk, Omaha, NE In Memory of Dale E Wiggins Robert Nurin, Redding Ridge, CT Melissa Newell, Longmont, CO: Diane Sodeustrom, Li leton, CO Howard and Dana Fry, Castle Rock, CO: June Utecht, Orange, CT In Honor of Gregory Newell Tracy and Rudy Spano, San Diego, CA In Memory of Darrold & Helen Cannan Mr. & Mrs. Paul Newendorp, Peter Springberg and Lynne e Jung, Thomas and Monica S ller, Loveland, CO: All in Memory of Estes Park, CO Fort Collins, CO In Memory of Donald Lane Hisey Dr. William Raymond Cook, M.D. Elizabeth & Donald Niemi, Andover, MN Stanley Black & Decker, New Britain, CT Richard and Donna Cur s, Brewster, MA: Andrew Burness, Bethesda, MD Linda Nolan, Loveland, CO Kari Star, Li le Compton, RI In Memory of Sanford School of Public Policy, Duayne Nyckel, Glendale Heights, IL Ken Staroscik, Firestone, CO Eleanor, Glenn, & Jim Greenfi eld Durham, NC Mrs. Jean O’Donnell, Denver, CO: Susan Steele & Michael Conley, Ann Fields, Aus n, TX: In Memory of Bryant O’Donnell Estes Park, CO In Memory of Enda Mills Kiley Thomas O’Donnell, Denver, CO: Robert Stephan, Bloomington, IL Juanita R. Muntz, Tuala n, OR: O F All in Memory of Bryant O’Donnell Elizabeth and Gerald Stonecipher, In Memory of Geoff Muntz James and Mary O’Hara, Denver, CO Estes Park, CO Elmer Sprague, Brookline, MA: F Donna Owens, Gunnison, CO Carol Struve, Estes Park, CO In Memory of Gretchen Sprague Mike and Marilyn Oxby, River Grove, IL Maurita Stueck, Saint Louis, MO Gladys Scheid, Cheyenne, WY: Olson Family Fellowship Alexander Pandolfo, Lone Tree, CO: David and Carla Stu s, Houston, TX In Memory of Karen Scheid Alan and Carol-Ann Olson In Honor of Michael and Corrisue Sweeney, Lori Ann Rogers & John Jordan’s Wedding San Antonio, TX Parks Family Founda on, Dallas, TX Houston and Ma lda Swenson, Patrick and Melissa Parnell, Branson, MO Indianapolis, IN Stephen and Virginia Paul, Denver, CO Ned and Nancy Sworts, Arvada, CO PARK PUZZLER SOLUTION Brenda & Winston Peeler, Pla e City, MO Wilma Tebow, Aurora, CO: James and Karmen Penfold, Greeley, CO From the Whole Family in Honor of Her Susan Pensinger, Champaign, IL Great Grandparents Robert Peterson, Denver, CO The Giving Campaign, Norfolk, VA Rosemary Peterson, Lakewood, CO Herbert & Sharon Thompson, Decatur, IL Jerry and Mary Ann Petr, Lincoln, NE Gregory Thorwald, Westminster, CO Phong Phan, Aus n, TX Phoebe & Jack Timberlake, Flat Rock, NC Joseph & Chris ne Polazzi, William and Jan Tindall, Carmel, IN Fort Collins, CO Mr. and Mrs. John Todd, Greeley, CO Ethel Pope, Boulder, CO Dr. Giles D. Toll, Golden, CO Paul W. Poston, Denver, CO Chris an Trummel, Crystal Lake, IL Dianne and Richard Pra , Durango, CO Kellun Turner & Mike Boggess, Joel and Linda Prehn, Lakewood, CO Denver, CO Susan Putnam, Aurora, CO Floyd and Leslie Tyson, Eaton, CO Ann Raisch, Boulder, CO Doug Van Auken, Prairie Village, KS Glenn Randall, Boulder, CO Jessica Van E en, Long Branch, NJ John Reber & Sarah Wynn, Longmont, CO Barbara Vogelsang, Madison, WI Frank and Nancy Reilly, Phillipsburg, NJ Richard O. Walker, Butler, PA Margaret Reinaas, San Antonio, TX Rufus Wallingford, Houston, TX Cheryl Reyes, Sycamore, IL Roger Walton and Helen Anderson, Beverly Rich, Chicago, IL Lakewood, CO Walter Richards, Estes Park, CO Weldon and Eva Wamble, Houston, TX Pamela Riggs, Georgetown, TX Dave Warburton, Newhall, CA Nonprofi t Organiza on US Postage PAID Permit #184 Estes Park, CO Charles Money, execu ve director Nancy Wilson, Quarterly editor PO Box 3100 Estes Park, CO 80517 (970) 586-0108

You know those deep blue Colorado skies everyone talks about? Yup. They’re for real. (Photo: Norma Andersen) Nature Notes Ahhhh, winter in the high country. The grasses are brown, the trees are bare, and the snippets of color, like the plump rosehips and red willow branches, are a welcome respite for the eye. It’s been a weather smorgasbord of late, with a taste of bi er chill and high winds and a more generous helping than usual of calm days — is it the calm before the storm? Time will tell. In any case, the Winter Sols ce heralds increasingly longer days....Park Volunteer Keith Stephenson was hiking along Lumpy Ridge where he found the white tail of a black-tailed weasel on the trail, apparently the vic m of a tale of preda on despite its winter cloak of invisibility.....Keith, and his wife, Jackie, were about two miles from the Fall River entrance where they stopped to off er a li to a young guy walking west. He shoved a huge backpack through the car door, climbed in and off they went. Oh yes: This was about 2:30 p.m. on a Tuesday ... last March. “Where are you headed?” they asked the seemingly intrepid adventurer. “Oh, west,” he replied. “On this road?! Where exactly west are you going?” Keith asked, incredulous. “To where this highway intersects with U.S. 40. It’s the quickest way to get to Interstate-15 North in Utah. I told my mom I would be home by Monday,” the young man answered. “And where is home?” Keith ventured to ask. “Calgary,” was the answer. “You know, don’t you, that this road, Trail Ridge Road, is closed in 8 more miles?” Keith asked. “Oh, no problem,” the guy said. “I’ve got camping stuff and some food here in my Photo: Phyllis Holst backpack.” Keith paused. “And that Trail Ridge Road is covered with deep snow for The park is a veritable playground for winter ac vi es! Snowshoes make hiking easier most of its 50 miles, 12 miles of it above treeline?” Long pause. “Oh ...” “Look,” in deep snow, giving access to stunning backcountry winter adventures with few other Keith said. “We will do you a favor. We will take you back to the east edge of Estes people around. Many of the more front country places can be packed by previous hikers Park and you can catch a ride east to I-25 and start north to Canada.” “Well, if you or wind-blown enough to not need snowshoes for much of the season, especially at lower think that’s best,” the young man said, “but, I must phone Mom to cancel that eleva ons. Backcountry skiing is another great winter sport in the park. Strap on your dental appointment on Friday.”.....Re red Resources Management Specialist Jeff skins (don’t forget your helmet!) and hike up the slopes for a sublime downhill whoosh or Connor spo ed a northern shrike near Lake Estes in December. This is a bird that take a peaceful glide through the quiet hills — there’s nothing quite like it! winters in the Estes area and breeds farther north. It hunts small rodents and birds and occasionally will impale them on a tree to feed on them later. Hmmm, the Interpreter Kathy Brazelton and re red wildlife biologist Gary Miller co-noted that there latest in holiday tree decora ons?.....Conservancy Director of Development Julie was evidence of heightened beaver ac vity near this fall. The “busy li le Kle observed a beau ful red fox alongside Highway 34 in Estes Park in the late beavers” had been harves ng aspen at the T-intersec on near the picnic area and stables a ernoon and watched as it very intently stalked an unsuspec ng vole. The fox and the naturalists surmised that it was likely that the beaver had a bank burrow along snagged it with the grace and precision of a ballet dancer and proceeded to chomp the stream in that vicinity.....While fi shing the Colorado River one day, Conserva on Corps and swallow in one gulp.....Julie also had a close encounter when she backed out Manager Geoff Elliot was surprised when a beaver swam up next to him and smacked its her door with an armful of packages at her home in Estes Park. She heard a loud tail on the water. This happened to be his Birthday Weekend trip and he felt as though “huff ” and the cla ering of hooves behind her, and when she turned around, she he’d just been given a gi .....Geoff also encountered a large bighorn ram, three ewes realized that she’d almost bumped into two huge 6- and 7-point bull elk that were and a lamb while fi shing the Big Thompson in early December, and he came upon thirty hanging out by her door.....CRD Facility Management Systems Specialist Debbie turkeys on one day, blocking his way in to work. (I have to ask: why do wild Mason was driving on Highway 7 out of Estes Park in early December when she turkeys seem to emerge from the wilds right before Thanksgiving? Do they have a death got the best view of a bobcat that she’d ever seen. The medium-sized creature was wish? Are they taun ng us and unwi ngly triggering a primal impulse buried deep within crossing the road, and, with plenty of me to see the animal as it slowly loped, us — or, at least, me? Perhaps this is a ques on for...ASK NANCY!).....Looking forward to then walked across the highway, she easily spo ed the tu s on the ears that are spring, take a deep breath and no ce — really see — the beauty in winter around you. one of the hallmark iden fi ers for bobcats — as opposed to a big dog.....RMNP Challenging some mes? Yes. But worth it! www.rmconservancy.org