Is Mud Season Really Over?

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La Nina - El Nino weather patterns across North AmericaIf you’re a regular — or even an occasional — visitor to our Jeffco Open Space Parks, you’ll know about the mud season routine. Walk through, not around the mud.

We’ve had a fabulous spring this year, the mud was intense for a while, but now that the daily rains have slackened off, is mud season really over?

I doubt it.

My reasoning follows the upcoming shift from La Niña to El Niño, which is happening now. So why would this natural climate pattern change impact the mud season in the Colorado high country?

First, a little backstory. La Niña and El Niño are conditions that develop in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, and in so doing, impact the weather patterns across the Pacific Basin and North America.

When the eastern Pacific gets cooler than “normal”, it pushes the Jet Stream – those massive rivers of air that undulate around the globe at the intersection of our atmosphere (the Troposphere) and the Stratosphere – northward. The impact of this movement often causes the southern and interior sections of Alaska, and the lands from the Pacific Northwest to New England, to be cooler and wetter than average. The southern section of the US, from California to the Carolinas, tends to be warmer and dryer than average. This is a La Niña event.

When the eastern Pacific gets warmer than “normal”, the Jet Stream pushes south, allowing this cooler and wetter weather pattern to drop over the mid-continent, and even into the deep South. This is a typical El Niño event.

These two opposite weather patterns are not a certainty, but they are a probability, and the probability that they will manifest is based on how much warmer or cooler than “normal” the waters of the eastern Pacific become.

This year, it’s looking like there’s a very good chance that El Niño will settle in by summer and extend through the fall and winter of 2023-2024. Typically, an El Niño year portends a wetter summer, fall, winter, and spring. Long-range weather forecasting is a challenge, so let’s say that this El Niño year will be “typical”.

Hence the possibility that the mud season is not over, not yet.

So remember, when you encounter mud on the trails, walk through the mud, not around. Stay on trail, no matter what. And if the trail is not to your liking, retrace your steps and try another trail.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

REFERENCES:

https://www.climate.gov/news-features/featured-images/how-el-ni%C3%B1o-and-la-ni%C3%B1a-affect-winter-jet-stream-and-us-climate

https://www.weather5280.com/

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LEARNING ABOUT THE LAND IN ‘23

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PJ Academy Fall 2022 banner image

How do you describe a day full of learning, a day full of presentations on ecosystems, and the many ways to conserve our natural resources? It was fun. It was engaging. It created an awareness of what is happening in the conservation world and what each of us can do about it.

On the 29th of April, 2023, a room full of open space enthusiasts gathered to hear the full story of Jefferson County Open Space, from how it was in the beginning, to the geological, climatological, and biological treasures encompassed within and outside the parks, to future directions in visitor management. Alternative methods of land conservation were introduced. Interactive discussions on diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocacy kept the participants engaged throughout the day.

PLAN Jeffco founder John Litz presenting at the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Academy

 

The morning sessions were opened by John Litz, original member and co-founder of PLAN Jeffco, engineer and graduate of the Colorado School of Mines, as he delivered a story of stewardship in Jefferson County, starting with an acknowledgement of the original Indigenous peoples of this area. He then described the beginnings of the Open Space idea, as crafted by PLAN Jeffco in 1971, and followed through with the challenges that faced PLAN Jeffco and the Open Space Park system through the years.

Dr. Jean Tate presenting at the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Academy

John was followed by Let’s Get Physical, an overview of Jefferson County ecoregions, their physical components and inter-relationships, and the direct and indirect impacts of climate change, pollution, and human constructs, as presented by Michelle Poolet, PLAN Jeffco Co-President, professional geologist and climatologist. Jean Tate, PLAN Jeffco Board Member, Ph.D. in Ecology, followed up with Maintaining Healthy Biodiversity and Ecosystems, describing the direct and indirect impacts of human intervention on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the consequences thereof, with suggestions on how to help mitigate such impacts.

Cathi Schramm, PLAN Jeffco Board Member, Master of Conservation Biology, wound up the morning sessions with a presentation on Taking Care of Our Lands. Turns out that there are multiple methods of conserving and stewarding the land, including but not limited to conservation easements, rewilding, habitat restoration, Leave No Trace, and volunteer opportunities at Jeffco Open Space and beyond.

Martin Barwick, Jeffco Open Space Park Ranger Supervisor, presenting at the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Academy.

The afternoon sessions were opened by Martin Barwick, Jeffco Open Space Park Ranger Supervisor, as he talked about The Visitor Experience. Jeffco Open Space is comprised of 28 parks, 265+ miles of trails, and over 56,000 acres of land preserved. It hosts more than 7 million visitors each year, more per acre than any other park system in the State of Colorado. JCOS has been studying park carrying capacity and methods of enhancing trail courtesy. Martin’s presentation was an update on the latest findings about trail safety, courtesy, and communication.

Carmela Montenegro of Not Mad, Just Misunderstood, a diversity consultant and teacher of diversity, equity & inclusion, with a particular focus on the outdoor industry, lead an interactive discussion on barriers to diverse populations in open space. What makes people feel unwelcome in open spaces? What actions can be taken to mitigate this discomfort?

Colorado State Senator Lisa Cutter and Jefferson County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper presenting at the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Academy

The Academy wound up with a truly meaningful discussion about advocacy – how to successfully argue for your favorite cause – presented by none other than Jeffco Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper and Colorado State Senator Lisa Cutter. They offered tips on how to talk to the County Commissioners, OSAC (the Open Space Advisory Committee) and other county employees, how to get people to listen, be interested, and be motivated to consider your point of view, and most importantly, what not to do.  This was a valuable addition to the Academy program, and a great way to end this full day of presentations.

Did I mention that coffee and donuts, a delicious lunch, and a one-year membership to PLAN Jeffco were all part of the offerings for this day-long package?

All attendees were invited to join the PLAN Jeffco Board the following afternoon at Mount Glennon, a seldom-visited Open Space property, for cleanup, invasive species eradication, and reseeding with native forbs. To our delight, the Board was joined by seven Academy participants. More to follow in another post…

As of this writing, the Conservation Stewardship Academy is an event that PLAN Jeffco will repeat annually, updating with as much current information as we can fit into a single day. Understanding the foundations of Jeffco Open Space – why and how it came to be, the basics of the ecosystems – geophysical and biological – that underlie the Open Space Parks, and the challenges faced when visitors literally love the parks to death…these are topics that every dedicated Open Space visitor should know about.

Want to stay in the know? Want to be informed when the 2024 Conservation Stewardship Academy will be held? Sign up now!

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Many thanks to all those who participated in the 2023 Conservation Stewardship Academy – presenters and participants. Let’s do it again next year!

Female park ranger cartoon

 

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Git Yer SLASH On

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The 2023 SLASH Schedule – it’s that time of year, time to collect up all that woody debris that’s been hanging out in the yard and getting rid of it.  SLASH collections have started and will continue through the summer and into the fall.
When and where? and what time are the SLASH sites open?
All the SLASH sites will open at 9AM. The last load will be admitted at 3:30PM.

  • May 2023, Tincup Ridge Park, 151 South Rooney Rd, Golden CO 80401
    • Thursday 5/18 – Monday 5/21
    • Thursday 5/25 – Monday 5/28
  • June 2023, Elk Creek Elementary, 13304 US Hwy 285, Pine CO 80470
    • Thursday 6/1 – Monday 6/4
    • Thursday 6/8 – Monday 6/11
    • Thursday 6/15 – Monday 6/18
    • Thursday 6/22 – Monday 6/25
  • June-July 2023, Marshdale Property, 26624 North Turkey Creek Rd, Evergreen CO 80439
    • Thursday 6/29 – Monday 7/2
    • Thursday 7/6 – Monday 7/9
    • Thursday 7/13 – Monday 7/16
    • Thursday 7/20 – Monday 7/23
  • July-Aug 2023, Settlers Drive Property, 8335 Settlers Dr, Morrison CO 80465
    • Thursday 7/27 – Monday 7/30
    • Thursday 8/3 – Monday 8/6
    • Thursday 8/10 – Monday 8/13
  • Aug-Sep 2023, Blue Mountain Open Space, 23401 Coal Creek Canyon Rd, Arvada CO 80007
    • Thursday 8/17 – Monday 8/20
    • Thursday 8/24 – Monday 8/27
    • Thursday 8/31 – Monday 9/3
  • Sep-Oct 2023, Beaver Ranch Park, 11369 South Foxton Rd, Conifer CO 80433
    • Thursday 9/7 – Monday 9/10
    • Thursday 9/14 – Monday 9/17
    • Thursday 9/21 – Monday 9/24
    • Thursday 9/28 – Monday 10/01
  • October 2023, Evergreen Park & Rec, 1521 Bergen Pkwy, Evergreen CO 80439
    • Thursday 10/5 – Monday 10/8
    • Thursday 10/12 – Monday 10/15
    • Thursday 10/19 – Monday 10/22
  • October 2023,  Tincup Ridge Park, 151 South Rooney Rd, Golden CO 80401
    • Thursday 10/26 – Monday 10/29
What can I bring to a SLASH collection?
  • limbs
  • branches
  • woody debris
  • tree bark
  • pine cones
  • logs up to 8 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter
If you transport the woody debris, bark and cones in plastic bags, be prepared to unbag them when you get to the slash site.
What won’t be accepted at the SLASH collection site?
  • construction materials
  • lumber
  • household trash
  • metal of any kind
  • rocks
  • tree stumps
  • yard waste/grass clippings/leaves
  • bags
How big is a “load” and how much will it cost?
  • a load is 6 cubic yards, or 162 cubic feet of material
  • $20/load, that’s 1 truck bed or trailer
  • cashless — credit cards only!

Want to get on the “reminder” list? Scan this QR code…

Any more questions? want to map your route?  Go to https://www.jeffco.us/2493/Slash-Collection
Let’s give a big round of thanks to Open Space for spearheading this effort to clean up our landscape!
Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

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Mount Tom is Conserved!

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On Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, a joint effort between Jeffco Open Space, The Conservation Fund, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and Great Outdoors Colorado came to fruition with the conservation of some 2,000 acres within the Mount Tom Conservation Corridor area. This swath of land is located adjacent to the Ralston Creek State Wildlife Area, northwest of Denver and Golden.

The Mount Tom Conservation Corridor is comprised of fee-owned and conservation easements. It connects to other previously conserved areas, extending in a landscape-wide manner the natural resources for wildlife and Colorado communities while protecting floral and faunal species of special concern, as well as endangered species that live in this area, plus a critical watershed, the headwaters of Van Bibber Creek, a tributary of the South Platte River. The area is not yet open to the public, but following intensive monitoring, investigation and inventory of the future preserve, access for outdoor recreation for the publicly-owned sections are planned.

To read the entire press release, go to the JCOS News Flash here.

Another success for land acquisition!  Let’s hear it for this quorum of conservation organizations — many thanks to all the fine folk who worked so long and so hard to make this happen.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy – SAVE THE DATE!

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2023 Save the Date Academy image

PLAN Jeffco Academy Presents:  Stewardship of Open Lands

Do you want to learn more about public lands and how to preserve them for future generations?

Join staff from PLAN Jeffco, Jefferson County Open Space, Jeffco County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper, and Colorado Senator Lisa Cutter for a riveting and fast-paced day of learning and discussion at the second annual PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy, a one-day seminar open to the public, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. Lunch included.

The Academy offers presentations by local experts in conservation, biodiversity, land management and stewardship, and how to advocate for open space lands. Engage with PLAN Jeffco Board members, Jeffco Open Space staff, Jeffco Commissioner Dahlkemper, Senator Lisa Cutter, and Carmela Montenegro of “Not Mad Just Misunderstood”, learn from their experiences, and enjoy meeting others who share your love of the land.

Topics include the history of Jeffco Open Space, physical and biological components of ecosystems, impacts of human population, visitor experience and trail courtesy, strategies for encouraging inclusivity, land conservation and grassroots advocacy.

There will be an optional Stewardship Day on Sunday, April 30th, at one of the Jeffco Open Space parks under the guidance of an Open Space Field Specialist.

In 1972, PLAN Jeffco launched the citizen’s initiative which created the Jeffco Open Space program, protecting from development more than 60,000 acres, comprising Open Space 27 parks.

Enrollment starts March 1 at https://tinyurl.com/ypv67yh9

 

Saturday, April 29, 2023, 9 AM to 4 PM

American Mountaineering Center, 710 19th St., Golden CO

$17 fee, includes a one-year digital membership with PLAN Jeffco — limited  scholarships available.

For more information contact:  Co*******@PL********.org

Enroll now. Download planned curriculum HERE.

REGISTRATION OPENS 3/01/2023

Connect to EventBrite to make your reservation,

or download this form, fill it out, and mail with your check for $17 to

PLAN Jeffco

11010 West 29th Avenue

Lakewood, CO 80215

Unsure about whether or not you want to participate in this Stewardship Academy? Not able to make it this time because of conflicts? No problem – sign up and we’ll keep you informed about future Academies as we roll them out.

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*limited scholarship available upon request. Contact ac*****@pl********.org for more information.

PLAN Jeffco treasurer John Litz named to the Jefferson County Hall of Fame 2022

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“Few people have benefited Jefferson County and the surrounding area more than John Litz.”

—Jefferson County Historical Commission, Historically Jeffco magazine 2022

In recognition of the multitude of responsibilities John Litz has generously assumed on behalf of the community over many years, the Jefferson County Historical Commission has named John Litz to the Jefferson County Hall of Fame 2022.

Litz was nominated by JCHC member and historian John Steinle for his contributions in the areas of preservation, volunteerism and public service.

The award coincides with the 50–year anniversary of the approval of the ballot initiative creating the Jefferson County Open Space park system.  For the last 50 years, John has been a workhorse on behalf of the outdoors and a living history record of the open space saga.

John was an original member of the group that started PLAN Jeffco to create an entity to acquire and maintain open lands for the benefit of the general public. The work of PLAN Jeffco in those days produced the structure that constitutes today’s county Open Space Division.

Litz co-authored the ballot resolution that provided key funding in the form a half-cent sales tax. He was also part of the advocacy campaign that succeeded in winning the overwhelming support of voters.

In the ‘90s he envisioned raising the money to enhance the park system’s potential real estate portfolio and he helped organize a successful campaign to persuade voters in 1998 to fund a $160-million bond issue.

Among his other contributions, John has served on the Open Space Advisory Commission for 30 years.  He is the secretary/treasurer of the Jeffco Open Space Foundation and a member of the Applewood Community Foundation.

He supported offering free student field trips paid for by the Jeffco Open Space Foundation to Hiwan Heritage Museum and the Lookout Mountain Nature Center. He has been a member of Kiwanis for 54 years.

John was born in Zambia, Africa, where is father found work at a copper mine during the depression.  John is a metallurgical engineer, holds 16 patents and authored many articles on metallurgy and engineering.

Why did he join PLAN Jeffco back in pre-1972?  “My wife was a League (of Women Voters) member and PLAN Jeffco needed some male members. Then one of the original PLAN Jeffco members who was the treasurer died unexpectedly. So I became treasurer and helped with the fund-raising.” He has been a board member of PLAN Jeffco since its inception.

Growing up in a remote part of Africa, John developed an appreciation for the beauty of untouched landscapes. Venturing out to collect firewood, he realized, “If we had continued north we would reach the Mediterranean without crossing a paved road. Now that is open space.”

He attributes his dedication to community service to being brought up to participate in things, rather than being a “spectator.”  John is known for being the first to volunteer for even the most tedious and burdensome tasks and always delivering, above and beyond.

Vicky Gits, PLAN Jeffco board

Conservation Smart Brief 11/17/2022

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PLAN Jeffco started with an idea that open spaces are vitally important to the health and welfare of all, and since 1972 has been building on that idea. Time brings change, and so PLAN Jeffco has had to consistently adjust as change occurs. 

PLAN Jeffco tries to keep its thumb on the pulse of the conservation community. Every month, as part of our regular Board meetings, there’s a “President’s Report”, which records the activities of various conservation groups that PLAN Jeffco feels are community leaders. We’ve decided to share as much of this information with you, dear reader, as we can, so that you can understand where we’re going, and why.

 

Conservation Smart Brief, November 17, 2022:

Recently posted to our website blog:

Open Space Update – October 2022

SLASH Collections 2022 – Just a Few More Weeks! – October 2022

September 2022 Newsletter – October 2022

2020-2025 Conservation Greenprint – September 2022

Open Space Update – August 2022

Jeffco Open Space News & Events

https://www.jeffco.us/1523/News-Events

Know before you go! Check these sites for additional information on Park and Trail closures, openings, and other operations that may impact your Jeffco Open Space Park experience…

JCOS Alerts & Closures

JCOS News Releases

JCOS Event Calendar

JCOS Newsletters

Jeffco Fairgrounds – calendar

https://www.jeffco.us/calendar.aspx?CID=27

Denver Area Mineral Dealers Gem & Mineral Show, Exhibit Halls, November 18th & 19th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, November 20th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Summit School of Chess Youth Chess Tournament, Exhibit Halls, December 3, 2022, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Westernaires Holiday Party, Exhibit Halls, December 11, 2022, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

4-H Ring Rides, Event Center, December 13, 2022, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Convenience Pet Hospitals’ Golden Holiday Pet Bazaar, Exhibit Halls 1 & 2, December 17 & 18, 2022, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

…and much more. Please check the Fairgrounds website calendar for detailed information for these events.

Colorado Open Lands

https://coloradoopenlands.org/                               https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoOpenLands

Arkansas River Community Preserve in southern Lake County adds 100 acres, thanks to a decade-plus collaboration between Central Colorado Conservancy, Lake County, Colorado Open Lands, funders and other partners.  The ARC Preserve protects important wetlands and wildlife habitat for bighorn sheep, elk, beaver, and many bird species. The public will be able to access the area in about a year to hike, fish, and more.

Big Country Ranch, 698 acres in Grand County, connects a portion of Arapahoe National Forest to large swaths of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and other private conservation easements. The property is a known winter range for elk, and habitat for Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse, bighorn sheep, black bear, pronghorn, mule deer, and numerous songbirds, raptors, small mammals, amphibians and lizards.  Wetlands and several small ponds and a reservoir provide additional habitat value. The water rights are tied to the land with the easement as well. The Grand County Open Space, Rivers, and Trails program was a project partner.

Big Bend Pasture, located in the upper Tomichi Creek Valley, east of the City of Gunnison, is part of the Irby Ranch cattle and hay operation. The property, which provides summer and fall grazing ground for the family’s cattle, consists of irrigated meadows, sagebrush shrublands, subalpine forest, and ¾-mile of frontage along Big Bend Creek and 1.75 miles of frontage along Marshall Creek. The property is habitat for bald eagle, ferruginous hawk, greater sandhill crane, northern leopard frog, bighorn sheep, black bear, elk, moose, mountain lion and mule deer. It was the largest previously unprotected private property in the Marshall Creek drainage. This project was completed in partnership with Trust for Public Land.

Mountain Area Land Trust

https://www.savetheland.org/           https://www.facebook.com/MountainAreaLandTrustCO/

November 2, 2022: MALT has closed on a conservation easement in Boulder County. This 12-acre property is located west of Boulder, along Sunshine Canyon Drive. This CE is a connector between Boulder County Open Space and BLM lands. It ensures that scenic views of the Bighorn Mountain Natural Landmark are permanently protected, and is recognized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as habitat for many large mammals, including mule deer, elk, black bear and mountain lion.

November 4, 2022: MALT, Keep It Colorado and Park County Land and Water Trust Fund have joined forces to enable the Sacramento Preserve Conservation Easement, 56.5-acres in Park County near the town of Fairplay. This area features a rich riparian and wetlands habitat, beaver ponds, wildlife and a small cabin. The owners, Tri-Walk LLC, Lynn Grams and Christine Smith, wish to preserve their families’ legacy with this Conservation Easement.

Keep It Colorado                                        

https://www.keepitco.org/

Our mission is to unite, elevate and empower Colorado’s conservation community to protect the lands and waters that define our state.

Great Podcasts to Check Out     https://www.keepitco.org/podcasts

Stewards of Golden Open Space

https://stewardsofgolden.org/

2022 Accomplishments…

 SOLVE(Save Open Lands, Vistas and the Environment)

http://www.solveccc.org

Follow the postings from other Conservation Groups, listed at the bottom of our web pages:

Colorado Open Space Alliance (COSA)

Colorado Native Plant Society

Douglas Land Conservancy

Land Trust Alliance

https://landtrustalliance.org/land-trusts (to search for a specific land trust organization)

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust

Jefferson County – Sustainability Commission

Do you have questions about the County Climate Action Plan? Meetings, members and resources? Sustainability awards and the Sustainability Foundation? Find out more at https://www.jeffco.us/3406/Sustainability-Commission

 Jefferson County – COVID-19 Updates

Confused about COVID? Find out the latest alerts, recommendations and requirements at https://www.jeffco.us/3999/Coronavirus-Disease-2019-COVID-19

Watch This Space…

Update on Denver Golf Course

Park Hill golf course’s redevelopment just got a step closer to reality. But the deal is far from done If Westside redevelops the Park Hill golf course, a long-desired grocery store in Northeast Park Hill is not guaranteed. https://denverite.com/2022/10/20/park-hill-golf-course-redevelopment/

Hogback mine expansion in North Golden gets State approval.

To get more information on the Protect The Hogback group, go to https://www.protectthehogback.com/

 Bear Creek Reservoir Expansion Proposal

https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Projects/Bear-Creek-Reservoir-expansion-proposal

Gross Reservoir Updates

https://www.denverwater.org/grossreservoir

10/01/2022 – Boating season at Gross Reservoir has ended for 2022. There is no on-water recreation between Oct. 1 and May 26. Other recreation activities, including hiking, fishing and picnicking, are permitted year-round, sunrise to sunset. Click here for additional information about recreation at Gross Reservoir.

Climate Change Articles of Interest

How to buy a San Luis Valley reservoir. A local water district, a federal land agency, a state wildlife group and a national environmental nonprofit partnered on a creative water deal with multiple benefits for the valley. https://coloradosun.com/2022/11/02/shaw-reservoir-new-owners/?mc_cid=21b1b3f453&mc_eid=7396f15ef3

Fire Season Updates

Foothills Fire Protection District Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) was updated in December 2020. The plan in its entirety is posted at this link: https://foothillsfire.colorado.gov/cwpp

And there you have it. This is part of what we do, who we follow, what we’re interested in, because Conservation just doesn’t happen by itself…it takes a community to make it work. And as always, stay well, stay safe, be conservation-minded at all times.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

 

Open Space Update – October 2022

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Autumn – the leaves are turning gold and red and brown and falling to the ground. In some of the higher altitude parks the snows are accumulating, while the critters are getting ready for their long winter’s nap.

Let’s take a look and see what’s been going on at Jeffco Open Space these last two months…

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY 2022 – A WHOPPING SUCCESS

Volunteer celebrating after a successful National Public Lands Day 2022

The Clear Creek Trail Open Space Park got a thorough scrubbing on Saturday, September 24th, National Public Lands Day, when nearly 700 volunteers from Jeffco Open Space, the City of Golden and the City of Wheat Ridge cleaned up a 22-mile stretch of the Peaks to Plains Trail.

Over 13 tons of trash were collected, nearly filling two roll-off dumpsters. This year’s cleanup was a huge success, the largest volunteer effort ever, according to Open Space spokespersons. The volunteers, joined by JCOS supporters/partners and staff members, were hosted at an after-party at the Gateway Trailhead with free food trucks, live music, and a raffle for prizes.

Events like this are so valuable for our parks. Consider participating, make plans now, mark your calendars. The first National Trails Day for 2023 is scheduled for Saturday, June 3rd.  Keep your eyes open for the announcement from JCOS. Sign up for JCOS notifications at https://www.jeffco.us/1564/Newsletters.

 

VOLUNTEER PICNIC 2022 – FUN AND WELL-DESERVED

Volunteer picnic 2022

Being a JCOS volunteer isn’t all work and no play. In addition to being able to spend time in the great outdoors, nearly 200 volunteers were hosted at the annual Volunteer Picnic. This year’s picnic took place at Bear Creek Lake Park on August 25th, where JCOS staff served up food and drink and ice cream and fun. Read more

September 2022 Newsletter

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Inside this issue: Stewardship Academy 2022; Conservation Awards; South Table Solar; Mt. Tom Conservation Area; Forest Management; Courtesy Signs; OSAC Notes

Download your copy of the September 2022 newsletter here

SLASH Collections 2022 – Just A Few More Weeks!

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SLASH collection site

Don’t waste this opportunity!

SLASH collections are winding down. Oct 6th through Oct 9th, SLASH will be at the Rainbow Hills Foothills Fire Station, 28812 Rainbow Hill Road, Golden.

SLASH will wind up the season at Blue Mountain Open Space, 1.5 miles west of the intersection of Coal Creek Canyon Rd (Hwy-72) and Hwy-93. SLASH will be at Blue Mountain every  Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday until November 6th, 2022.

Don’t waste this opportunity, get rid of that stuff that’s been hanging around the house!

What is SLASH?

Slash is debris from nature, such as tree limbs, prunings and pine needles. If not removed, slash can add to potential fire hazards on your property. The importance of mitigating and preparing your property for wildfire cannot be overstated – and again this year, Jefferson County is your partner in this effort. Following is the proposed schedule for SLASH collection during the Summer and Fall of 2022.

Not sure what qualifies as SLASH? Check below for what is acceptable and what’s not.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. This posting will not be automatically updated if/when the schedule changes, so click the More Details link for the location/day you plan to contribute to the SLASH pile in your area to ensure they’ll be waiting for you.

SLASH Collection Calendar for Summer & Fall 2022

Slash Collection at Beaver Ranch Park

@ Beaver Ranch Park, 11369 South Foxton Road, Conifer, CO 80433

June 2, 2022, 9:00 AM - June 5, 2022, 4:00 PM

June 9, 2022, 9:00 AM - June 12, 2022, 4:00 PM

June 16, 2022, 9:00 AM - June 19, 2022, 4:00 PM

June 23, 2022, 9:00 AM - June 26, 2022, 4:00 PM

More Details

 

Slash Collection at Shaffer’s Crossing Aggregate Pile Site

@ Shaffer’s Crossing Road & Bridge Aggregate Pile Site – located at the intersection of Hwy 285 and Elk Creek Road, 12996 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80433

July 1, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 3, 2022, 4:00 PM

July 8, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 10, 2022, 4:00 PM

July 15, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 17, 2022, 4:00 PM

July 22, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 24, 2022, 4:00 PM

More Details

 

Slash Collection at Settlers Drive Property

@ Settlers Drive Property, 8335 Settlers Drive, Morrison, CO 80465

July 28, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 31, 2022, 4:00 AM

August 4, 2022, 9:00 AM - August 7, 2022, 4:00 AM

August 11, 2022, 9:00 AM - August 14, 2022, 4:00 AM

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Slash Collection at Marshdale Property

@ Marshdale Property is located near the intersection of Cty Rd 73 and N Turkey Creek Road, across the street from Marshdale Elementary School. 26624 N Turkey Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

August 18, 2022, 9:00 AM - August 21, 2022, 4:00 PM

August 25, 2022, 9:00 AM - August 28, 2022, 4:00 PM

September 1, 2022, 9:00 AM - September 4, 2022, 4:00 PM

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Slash Collection at Tin Cup Ridge Park (Rooney Rd)

@ Slash collection at Tin Cup Ridge Park is located just south of the Rooney Road Sports Complex. 151 S Rooney Rd, Golden, CO 80401

September 8, 2022, 9:00 AM - September 11, 2022, 4:00 PM

September 15, 2022, 9:00 AM - September 18, 2022, 4:00 PM

September 22, 2022, 9:00 AM - September 25, 2022, 4:00 PM

September 29, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 2, 2022, 4:00 PM

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Slash Collection at Foothills Fire Dept, Rainbow Hills

@ Foothills Fire Dept, Rainbow Hills Station, 28812 Rainbow Hill Rd, Golden, CO 80439

October 6, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 9, 2022, 4:00 PM

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Slash Collection at Blue Mountain Open Space

@ Blue Mountain Open Space – This site is located approximately 1.5 miles west from the intersection of Coal Creek Canyon Road (Highway 72) and Highway 93. 23401 Coal Creek Canyon Road, Arvada, CO 80007

October 13, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 16, 2022, 4:00 PM

October 20, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 23, 2022, 4:00 PM

October 27, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 30, 2022, 4:00 PM

November 3, 2022, 9:00 AM - November 6, 2022, 4:00 PM

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What is accepted?

Slash – limbs, branches and tree debris

Maximum length – 8 feet

Maximum diameter – 6 inches

Pine needles, tree bark and pine cones (unbagged)

 

What is NOT accepted?

Household trash

Tree stumps

Construction material and lumber

Metal material of any kind

Rocks

Yard waste/grass clippings

Bags of any kind

 

Fees for Slash Drop-off

Any size truck or trailer is welcome at Jefferson County Slash Collection sites. Dump fees are based on six cubic yards (162 cubic feet) of material: 6 yards = 1 load. The cost to drop off a single load is $20. Credit cards only.

This is equivalent to:

Truck bed full to truck cab height

Trailer up to 8′ l x 5′ w x 4′ h

Loads outside these parameters will be charged accordingly.

 

Miss Mountain Manners wants you to know that this is a public service announcement, and urges you to safeguard your home; fire season is year-round now. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to clear out the flammable slash before it’s too late.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco