HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 Feb 2023 packet
Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change
Agenda | February 16, 2023
River Park Center
Second Floor Conference Room
123 Emma Road, Basalt CO 81621
Time Item
4:00 PM • Board Comment
• Public Comment
• Additions/Deletions to Agenda
4:10 PM • Approval of the minutes
DATE
Jan 19, 2023; Nov 17, 2022; Nov 21, 2022; Aug 18, 2022 • Staff Reports
Lincoln Creek Water Quality - Kurt Dahl, Environmental Health Manager, Pitkin County (no packet materials)
Healthy Rivers Fund Update and 2023 Projections – Connie Baker, Budget Director, Pitkin County
• Outreach/Education/Grants
Request for Discussion/Feedback on Crystal River OST Properties for Future Management Plan Updates – Carly
O’Connell, Senior Planner and Liza Mitchell, Natural Resource Planner and Ecologist, Pitkin County Open Space and
Trails (no packet materials)
Beaver Education Campaign Plan and Radio/TV Discussion– Matt Annabel, Back40; Diane Schwener, Schwener
Design Group Inc; Tim Braun, b2 inc.
• Administrative Items
7:00 PM Healthy Rivers Board By-Laws- Proposed Amendments • Staff Reports
7:15 PM Healthy Rivers Staff Report- Lisa Macdonald and Lisa Tasker • Open Discussion
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Agenda items are subject to change – Times are approximate and are also subject to change
Snake River Water District versus Division 5 of the Colorado Division of Water Resources
Laura Makar, Assistant Pitkin County Attorney
8:00 PM • Adjourn
Upcoming Meeting Dates
Upcoming 2023 Regular Meetings: Mar 16, Apr 20, May 18, Jun 15, Jul 20, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21
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HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting August 18, 2022 4:00 PM Third Street Center, Calaway Room 530 South Third St., Carbondale, CO 81623 River Board members present: Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons, Kirstin Neff, Chuck Ogilby, Andre Wille, Chris Wheatley River Board members absent: Bill Jochems Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa MacDonald and Lisa Tasker _____________________________________________________________________________________________ The Board met at the Third Street Center Parking lot and traveled to the Crystal River off of Crystal Bridge Drive for a site visit to the Carbondale Riverfront Park area project led by Heather Lewin of the Roaring Fork Conservancy, Mark O’Meara
of the Town of Carbondale, Stephen Ellsperman of DHM, and Eric Brendlinger of the Town of Carbondale.
The Board reconvened at the Third Street Center’s Calaway Room to continue the meeting after the site visit at
approximately 5:10 pm. Board Comment: Chris Wheatley and Chris Lemons both mentioned they thought the August 3rd joint meeting with the BOCC in Aspen was very valuable. Chris Lemons mentioned it was important to note there is an advocacy group for the Crystal Wild and Scenic efforts and then there will be a separate Stakeholder Group and to note the difference. Public Comment: None Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: None Fryingpan River Winter Flows and Water Leasing Funding Request – Heather Lewin Roaring Fork Conservancy Ms. Lewin briefed the Board on a project with the Colorado River District to lease water from Ruedi Reservoir for winter environmental flows. The Board heard a presentation on the program at the June regular board meeting by Ms. Lewin and Rick Lafaro, Executive Director of the Roaring Fork Conservancy. Chuck Ogilby brought up the idea to not just fund the leasing program for one year, but to consider funding it for the next five years.
Ms. Huber moved to recommend funding for the River District leases of $50,000 per year for a 5-year term for
enhancement of winter flows on the Fryingpan River below Ruedi Reservoir, while encouraging other entities and
interested businesses in the area to also contribute to these efforts to address anchor ice. Chris Wheatley seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. City of Aspen Water Resources – Steve Hunter, Utilities Resources Manager Mr. Hunter provided the Board with information and a PowerPoint regarding the City’s Integrated Water Resource Plan, their Drought Efficiency Programs and their Enhanced Hydrologic Monitoring & Measurements Program. Discussions ensued regarding the various programs.
Open Discussion Lisa Macdonald discussed the Aspen Public Radio contract which expires soon and is approximately for $4,100. She needs direction as to whether to continue this year. Healthy Rivers started engaging with them in 2016. There may be potential to create a line item for this service in our annual budget process.
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Ms Huber made a motion to fund Aspen Public Radio for another year. Chuck Ogilby seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Open Discussion Lisa Macdonald asked if anyone has any budget recommendations for 2023. The line items for the Forest Service beaver and cutthroat trout projects being discussed for next year were added as was the Youth Water Studio being worked on by Matt Annabel. The program can always go back to the BOCC and request more funding if the board has a need. Lisa Tasker mentioned there may be more opportunity for the board to become substantially involved in the Carbondale Riverpark project if they commit substantial funding as has been requested. Mr. Wille made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. The meeting adjourned at approx. 7:00 pm
Approved: Attest:
______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Chris Lemons - Chairman Lisa Tasker
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HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting November 17, 2022 4:00 PM
123 Emma Road, 2nd Floor Basalt, CO 81621
River Board members present: Bill Jochems, Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons, Kirstin Neff, Chuck Ogilby, Andre Wille River Board members absent: Chris Wheatley Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa MacDonald, Lisa Tasker, Laura Makar, Matt Annabel _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Board Comment: None Public Comment: None Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: None Airborne Snow Observatory Snow Mapping in the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Watesheds – Water Year 2023 Jeff Deems ASO, Inc. This item was continued from the September regular meeting when AOS was seeking a grant from the Healthy Rivers Board. The Board asked Mr. Deems to return with further funding partnerships. Mr. Deems provided updated information concerning funds. The Board did not have the full request amount of $77,000 from 2022 and recommended funding $65,500 of the ask. Mr. Wille moved to recommend approving the grant request in the amount of $65,500 to AOS for Snow Mapping in the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Watersheds for the 2023 Water Year. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Overview of the National Fish and Wildlife Federation Annual Restoration and Stewardship of Outdoor Resources and Environmental Colorado Program and WECO’s Water Leadership Program. Kirstin Neff, Manager SouthWest Rivers Program Ms. Neff provided an overview of the program to the Board. She gave insight, explained the funding opportunities and an overview of her experience in the program. Ms. Neff also participated in the Water Leadership Program for 2022 put on by Water Education Colorado and spoke of the experience. Snowmass Rodeo Lot Wetlands - Chris Daniels and Bryan Gieszl Mr. Daniels and Mr. Gieszl provided information to the River Board about potential development near and at the Snowmass Rodeo Lot Wetlands in Snowmass Village. Many citizens have grave concerns regarding the bird and wildlife population should the Town move forward with their plans that are currently being contemplated.
Mr. Wille moved to direct staff to look into timing of phase II of the project and draft a letter for the Chair’s signature to
the Snowmass Village Town Council regarding potential damaging effects of the development and offer resources from the program. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 5/0. Mr. Ogilby had stepped out during the motion.
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Crystal River Restoration Project- Mark O’Meara Town of Carbondale and Quinn Donnelly RiverRestoration.org Mr. O’Meara and Mr. Donnelly provided an update on the project and what funding the Town has received to date.
Staff Report – Lisa MacDonald and Lisa Tasker Staff provided an update on projects and work as contained in the report in the Board’s packet. Open Discussion Mr. Jochems raised concerns over the proportions of funds being sought for the Fryingpan Winter Flows Water Lease Program previously moved upon by the Board in August. Ms. Neff moved to enter into executive session pursuant to CRS 24-6-402(4)(b) for the purpose of: Discussions regarding contract water in Ruedi Reservoir.
Ms. Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. The Board exited the executive session. Ms. Neff made a motion to direct staff to set and notice a special meeting for further discussion and to revisit the vote for funds for the Fryingpan Winter Flows Water Lease Program with the Roaring Fork Conservancy and the Colorado River District. Mr Wille seconded that motion. The motion passed 6/0. The board members present agreed to a special meeting on November 21, 2022 at 6:00PM via Zoom.
Ms. Huber made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. The meeting adjourned at approx. 7:15 pm
Approved: Attest:
______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Chris Lemons - Chairman Lisa Tasker
___________________________________ Laura Makar, Assistant County Attorney
The above signed attorney, representing the Board of County Commissioners and being present at the Executive Session, attests that the subject of the unrecorded portions of the session constituted confidential attorney-client communication.
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HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD
Special Meeting November 21, 2022 6:00 PM
VIA ZOOM River Board members present: Bill Jochems, Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons, Kirstin Neff, Chuck Ogilby, Andre Wille, Chris Wheatley
River Board members absent:
Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa MacDonald, Lisa Tasker, Laura Makar, (APR) Aspen Public Radio - no name given _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Fryingpan River Winter Flows and Water Leasing Funding Request Dave Kanzer, Colorado River District, Pete Conovitz, Colorado Water Conservation Board, Rick Lafaro, Roaring Fork Conservancy, Heather Lewin, Roaring Fork Conservancy The River Board directed staff to set a special meeting for discussion regarding the Fryingpan River Winter Flows and Water Leasing Funding Request out of concerns regarding the 5-year funding commitment. This was by both the cost and the relative proportionality of contributions from partners and financial beneficiaries of the effort. Mr. Wille joined at 6:20 pm. Mr. Jochems joined the meeting and had technical issues and rejoined at approximately 6:25pm.
Ms. Huber moved to recommend funding $50,000 toward the water lease program to address anchor ice on the Fryingpan
River on an annualized basis for the winter flows with the expectation the board will hear from RFC again next year.
Chris Lemons seconded the motion. The motion passed 7/0. The meeting adjourned at approx. 6:34 pm
Approved: Attest:
______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Chris Lemons - Chairman Lisa Tasker
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HEALTHY RIVERS AND STREAMS CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD
Regular Meeting January 19, 2023 4:00 PM
123 Emma Road, 2nd Floor Basalt, CO 81621 River Board members present: Wendy Huber, Chris Lemons, Kirstin Neff, Chuck Ogilby, Chris Wheatley, Andre Wille; Mr. Wille appeared via Zoom. River Board members absent: Bill Jochems
Attendees in addition to presenters: Lisa MacDonald, Lisa Tasker, Laura Makar, Matt Annabel _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Board Comment: Ms. Neff updated the board that the newly created Grants Committee had just met for the first time prior to the board meeting today. The group will be exploring various ideas, such as revisiting the application process, updating the Scoresheets, the type of scoring, and creating a common Excel template. They are weighing the idea of sending out a survey to past applicants and to board members. The next meeting of the committee will be February 15th. Public Comment: None
Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: None Approval of the minutes for June 6, 2022, July 21, 2022, Special meeting of Aug 3rd and 16th 2022. Mr. Wheatley moved to approve the minutes. Chairman Lemons seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0. Crystal River Restoration and Riverfront Park Project - Mark O’Meara, Town of Carbondale and Quinn Donnelly,
River Restoration, Inc Mr. Donnelly and Mr. O’Meara provided further updates and funding issues since their prior presentations to the board in July and November of 2022. The project was re-posted for bid on January 19 with bids due in 6 weeks. Pre-bid conference is February 2nd at 1:00 on-site. The Board expressed interest in partnering with the Town on the project provided it was not just by “writing them a check” and getting some signs at the property. The Town and Engineers supported the partnership request and will keep the Board informed and will invite them to the stakeholder group. Staff and/or a Board member(s) will be part of the contractor selection process and involved throughout the project’s construction and signage.
Ms. Neff moved to seek authorization from the 2023 river budget general fund in the amount of $425,000.00 to partner
with the Town of Carbondale on the Crystal River Restoration Project. Ms. Huber seconded the motion. The motion passed
6/0.
White River National Forest (WRNF), Roaring Fork Watershed - Pitkin County Healthy Rivers Collaboration to
Partner with Beavers – Clay Ramey, West Zone Fisheries Biologist, White River National Forest-Aspen Sopris Ranger
District (This presentation was originally planned for the October 2022 board meeting which was canceled due to a lack of a quorum.) Mr. Ramey presented to the board on beavers, titled “Step 1, Beaver Inventory”. The plan he presented grew
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from an idea the in the spring of 2022 the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers program brought to Mr. Ramey and the WRNF to brainstorm what activities could be initiated to better understand and support beavers on the forest. His presentation described the myriad of benefits beavers, a keystone species, can bring to a stream, but explained that to date little data was available regarding the number and extent of existing beavers locally. Mr. Ramey explained the best first step became the intention to hire two USFS seasonal employees to inform the West Zone Fisheries program of the on-the-ground distribution of beaver, and the extent and availability of habitat in the sub-watersheds of the Roaring Fork watershed. The Healthy Rivers program secured a line item during the 2023 budget planning process for $50,000 to fund this beaver project. The inter-governmental agreement between the USFS and the county will go before the BOCC during a work session and then for two readings at the BOCC regular meetings for final approval. Housing is being sought for both of these interns and not yet secured.
Private Property Beaver Activities Along Woody Creek– Jennifer Craig, landowner Ms. Craig discussed the extent of beaver activity along approximately a mile of Woody Creek that runs through the Craig property. She showed drone footage she had taken along the Creek and expressed how pleased she was that beavers had re-colonized the riparian area. She related to the board the differences in landowners understanding and appreciation of beavers and their engineering abilities and the challenges that has presented her intimating those will be seen again in the future, not only by her, but by the board. Ms. Neff suggested at some point the Healthy Rivers board might consider not only providing information and but even financially helping with various means (i.e. “beaver deceivers”) available to assist landowner’s abilities to live with beavers.
Cold Mountain Ranch Helms Ditch Repairs Grant Report- Bill Fales, Cold Mountain Ranch Mr. Fales provided the Board an update and deliverable information from his Grant award in 2018 of $24,000, with an extension in 2020, for modernizing and improving efficiencies on the Helms ditch. He will provide photos to share. He was very thankful to the Board for the grant and pleased with the 700 feet of ditch improvements.
Staff Report – Lisa MacDonald and Lisa Tasker Staff provided an update on projects and work as contained in the report in the Board’s packet.
Open Discussion – None
Chairman Lemons moved to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Neff seconded the motion. The motion passed 6/0 The meeting adjourned at approx. 7:20 pm
Approved: Attest:
______________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Chris Lemons - Chairman Lisa Tasker
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2022 Revised
Budget
2022
Actual
Budget vs.
Actual Variance
Budget
Carryforwards 2023 Budget 2024 Budget 2025 Budget 2026 Budget 2027 Budget
Revenues
Taxes 1,519,178 2,037,708 518,530 1,743,536 1,856,866 1,931,141 2,008,387 2,088,722
Intergovernmental 525,000 - (525,000) 524,784 - - - - -
Other Revenue 350,000 350,000 - - - - - -
Interest Income 18,510 - (18,510) 74,228 114,950 136,190 124,660 111,690
Total Revenues 2,412,688 2,387,708 (24,980) 524,784 1,817,764 1,971,816 2,067,331 2,133,047 2,200,412
Expenditures
Salaries and Wages 168,143 174,601 (6,458) 176,856 182,162 187,627 193,256 199,054
Employee Benefits 31,677 35,293 (3,616) 35,588 36,656 37,756 38,889 40,056
Health Insurance 37,350 29,476 7,874 28,983 30,432 31,954 33,552 35,230
Professional & Technical Services 300,000 98,522 201,478 490,000 512,050 527,412 543,234 556,815
Robinson Ditch 65,000 - 65,000 - - - -
White Water Park 230,000 110,989 119,011 257,000 268,565 276,622 284,921 292,044
Other Services 213,950 149,880 64,071 308,400 322,278 331,946 341,904 350,452
7,000 3,758 3,242 9,500 9,928 10,226 10,533 10,796
-
Land Improvements (White Water Park) 2,179,981 1,065,198 1,114,783 1,114,783 - - - - -
Infrastructure 60,000 - 60,000 60,000 - - - - -
Computers & Computer Equipment - 798 (798) - 3,135 - 3,315 3,390
Furniture & Fixtures 4,450 - 4,450 4,450 - - - - -
Other Expenditures 55,054 66,133 (11,079) 131,046 136,943 141,051 145,283 148,915
Grants & Contributions 288,000 202,725 85,275 313,000 327,085 336,898 347,005 355,680
Total Expenditures 3,640,605 1,937,371 1,703,234 1,179,233 1,750,373 1,829,234 1,881,492 1,941,892 1,992,432
(1,227,917) 450,337 1,678,254 (654,449) 67,391 142,582 185,839 191,155 207,980
Beginning Available Fund Balance 4,027,625 4,477,962 3,823,513 3,890,904 4,033,486 4,219,325 4,410,480
Ending Available Fund Balance 4,477,962 3,823,513 3,890,904 4,033,486 4,219,325 4,410,480 4,618,460
3,295,871 12/31/2023 fund balance per 5-year plan
595,033 improvement vs. budget projection
2023 Budget & Five-Year Plan
Supplies
Property
Annual Surplus/(Deficit)
Pitkin County Healthy Rivers & Streams Fund
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Communications & Engagement
February 2023
“Bring Back Beavers” Educa on Campaign
Why Beavers?
In the ecological community, there has long been broad acceptance that beavers are
good for riparian ecosystems. Beavers are a “keystone” species in North America. They
play a crucial role in biodiversity. Hundreds of species, including many threatened and
endangered, rely either partly or en rely on beaver-created habitat. They assist with
groundwater aquifer recharge, maintaining stream and river flow during dry late
summer months, repairing incised and damaged stream channels, decreasing erosion,
removing pollutants from surface and groundwater, and preserving open space. They
also create and enhance opportuni es for wildlife observa on, fishing, photography,
bird watching and quiet relaxa on in nature.
Unfortunately, their “keystone” status has done li le to protect the beaver from human
influence. Historically, the North American beaver was viewed as a nuisance rodent who
also had very valuable fur. This did not bode well for the species as homesteading
ranchers and miners began to se le the Rocky Mountain west. Beaver were nearly
ex rpated by trappers in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Protec ons allowed North
American beaver popula ons to rebound to an es mated 6–12 million by the late 20th
century; s ll far fewer than the originally es mated 60–400 million North American
beavers before the days of the fur trade.
Locally, the beaver remains underappreciated and misunderstood by many. Evidence
indicates some landowners and agencies con nue to perceive beavers primarily as a
nuisance that cause damage, or undesirable aesthe cs, to private property. Irrigators
have expressed concern that beavers (and stream restora on projects that promote
increased beaver ac vity) could nega vely impact their ability to irrigate. Though recent
literature has piqued the ecological community’s interest in pursuing beaver
reintroduc on projects, the general public’s understanding and support for the “where
and why” of these projects is far from ubiquitous.
In 2023, Pitkin County Healthy Rivers (PCHR) plans to embark on a mul -pronged effort
to address these challenges and “Bring Back Beavers” in the Roaring Fork Watershed.
PCHR has entered into a collabora ve partnership with the United States Forest Service.
Ini ally, the project will facilitate an inventory of exis ng beaver popula ons and
suitable habitat in the Roaring Fork Watershed on the White River Na onal Forest. This
research will iden fy poten al beaver reintroduc on sites, as well as habitat restora on
and enhancement opportuni es on our local public lands (not private land), that may
one day help more beavers co-exist with humans in the Roaring Fork Watershed.
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Communications & Engagement
February 2023
“Bring Back Beavers” Educa on Campaign
Simultaneously, PCHR is embarking on a beaver educa on and outreach effort with the
following objec ves:
1. Elevate local ci zens’ level of educa on about and sen ment for beavers and
their importance to local river health and climate resiliency
2. Achieve broad public support for beaver-related restora on ac vity and projects
3. Inspire ci zens, landowners, and communi es to plan for and seek a healthy
coexistence with beavers.
4. Establish PCHR as the local lead organiza on in beaver advocacy and related
projects
5. Generate a greater awareness of our watershed and river health issues in general
PCHR plans to use the best available science to present the facts about beavers, dispel
common myths and relate beavers’ amazing ability to help remedy many of our
watershed’s river health woes.
The following is an outline of the proposed “Bring Back Beavers” educa on campaign
plan.
Timeline
● Immediate & Mul -year (launch in Feb 2023)
Objec ves
● Elevate local ci zens’ level of educa on about and sen ment for beavers and their
importance to local river health and climate resiliency
● Achieve broad public support for beaver-related restora on ac vity and projects
● Inspire ci zens, landowners, and communi es to plan for and seek a healthy coexistence
with beavers.
● Establish PCHR as the local lead organiza on in beaver advocacy and related projects
● Generate a greater awareness of our watershed and river health issues in general
Strategies
● Create an iconic and memorable campaign mascot/character
● Leverage current research to help shape local public percep on of beavers
● Develop a comprehensive por olio of beaver based collateral material
● Use various mediums to spread the message
● Connect with the public’s individual and collec ve stewardship ethic
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Communications & Engagement
February 2023
“Bring Back Beavers” Educa on Campaign
Tac cs (possible op ons)
● Campaign mascot – at the core of all campaign materials
● Media kit – graphics, taglines, hashtags, and basic messaging
● Social media outreach – Instagram, Facebook
● PCHR webpage – Beaver project page with Story, facts, myths, and FAQ. All campaign
collateral redirects here.
● Press release(s) – specific to real world PCHR beaver projects
● Promo onal video – for distribu on via PitCo YouTube, movie theater ads?)
● Print ad spaces – local papers, RFTA bus banners
● Digital ad spaces – local papers (online), IG/Youtube ads, local TV
● Radio ads – PSA’s, talk-show interviews
● Brochure/Handout
● Ci zen advocacy – “Beaver spo ers” photo contest, community (or kids) art contest
● Swag – T-shirts, hats, bumper or bo le s ckers
● Beaver themed beer - (Orange Tooth Stout, Beaver Tail Ale, Give-A-Dam Amber, Tail Slap
Ale, others?)
Taglines (possible op ons)
● Give a dam about river health
● Tail slaps for tomorrow
● Doing dams right for millions of years
● Building river communi es for millions of years
● Busy building biodiversity
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13
Communications & Engagement
February 2023
“Bring Back Beavers” Educa on Campaign
Character Development:
● Tone:
○ confident, educated, informa ve, trustworthy, folksy, tongue-in-cheek, clever,
“kind of a big deal” but humble, approachable, and down to earth
● A ributes:
○ keystone species, wetlands specialist, master lodge builder, master gardener,
hydro engineer, bio engineer, planner, architect, community builder, biodiversity
promoter, hardworking, teacher, family values, team player
Core Character Roles/Messages:
1) Agent of biodiversity: As a Keystone Species, beavers have a dispropor onately large
effect on the overall structure of our riverine communi es, and the abundance of life of
many other species. Healthy beaver colonies build be er watershed biodiversity. (If their
agency had a name it might be “Keystone Biodiversity Builders” or “Beaver Conserva on
Corps”)
2) Improver of late season flows: By slowing down water, beavers dams recharge
groundwater aquifers which contribute to late season river flows. Beavers are a
nature-based approach to stream augmenta on.
3) Fixer of broken stream profiles: Beavers maintain robust, resilient, and healthy riparian
landscapes by maintaining wide valley floor profiles. Without beaver ponds, streams
form deep, incised, and unhealthy channels. Beaver reintroduc on is a natural
alterna ve to more invasive and mechanized methods of stream restora on.
4) Nature’s architect, engineer, and community builder: Beavers are our watershed’s
original organizer, planner, architect, engineer, and gardener - building complex
structures and crea ng rich riparian communi es in the process. Whether you see their
work as ordered, or messy, the vitality they create is one of nature’s great marvels.
5) Fire resilience expert: Wetland areas created by beaver bonds are highly resistant to
wildfire, create natural fire breaks in the forest, and help mi gate post wildfire mud and
ash flow events.
6) Teacher: Some say the beaver taught the trout how to jump. As nature’s original dam
builder - who also managed to grow (not destroy) biodiverse communi es in the
process, there is probably a thing or two we humans could learn from beavers as well.
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Communications & Engagement
February 2023
Increasing Radio & TV Presence
Background
To date, Pitkin County Healthy Rivers’ (PCHR) radio presence has been limited to its
annual underwriting agreement with Aspen Public Radio (KAJX, Aspen) plus sporadic
earned media coverage (short news stories) specific to PCHR’s capital improvement
projects.
During its December 2022 retreat, the PCHR board set a goal of increasing the
organization’s local radio presence through both earned media coverage and paid
underwriting or advertisement on additional stations including KMTS (Glenwood
Springs) and KDNK (Carbondale).
The board, staff, and communications team briefly discussed this during the January
2023 regular board meeting, at which time some board members expressed an
additional interest in creating TV specific Healthy Rivers content to be aired on local
Aspen area resort television channels; targeting visitors; focused on water conservation
messaging.
The comms team has researched opportunities to increase both radio and TV presence.
A list of opportunities & comms team recommendations follows.
Radio Opportunities
1)KAJX (Aspen Public Radio)
●Underwriting (general) - current contract with APR
●Underwriting (outdoor report) - current contract with APR
●Earned media coverage through news programming
RECOMMENDATION: Status quo. Continue underwriting at current level. Comms teams
will continue to make project specific pitches to the news director as opportunities arise.
2)KDNK (Carbondale Community Radio)
●Underwriting (general)
●Paid advertising not an option on public radio.
●Possible earned media coverage through news programming
●Possible interviews on existing Public Affairs Programs (“Get Out!” w/ Morgan
Neely, “For Land’s Sake” w/ Bill Kight, possibly others)
●Possible hosting of a PCHR board member originated - local river issues focused -
live talk show. This is a unique opportunity. It is somewhat surprising that no one
else in the valley is consistently covering this niche on the radio.Morgan Neely
interviewed Heather Sackett on his “Get out!” program last October about a wide
range of local river news. That interview is a good reference for the possible
opportunities/challenges of hosting such a program.
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Communications & Engagement
February 2023
Increasing Radio & TV Presence
RECOMMENDATION: Initiate annual underwriting contract. If there is board member
interest in hosting a river focused talk show, we should prioritize vetting that idea
further. Short of that, if there is board member interest in participating in an existing talk
show, we should pursue that. Short of that, the comms teams will continue to pitch PCHR
project news to the news director as opportunities arise.
3)KMTS (Glenwood Springs)
●Public service announcements (30 seconds to 1 minute)
●Paid advertising spots (30 seconds to 1 minute) PSA’s are less expensive and
contextually a better fit.
●Live interview on “Community Connections,” a free public affairs program.
RECOMMENDATION: Pursue PSA contract and schedule a Community Connections
appearance.
4)Other commercial radio stations to consider:
(paid ad space only):
●KTND (Thunder 93.5, Aspen)
●KSNO (103.9)
●Many others exist
RECOMMENDATION: Focus on opportunities 1-3 (KAJX, KDNK, KMTS) initially. Hold off on
pursuing others for the time being.
TV Opportunities:
1)Aspen 82 (commercial TV)
●Get interviewed on the live daily show.
●Script and create, or have Aspen 82 produce Healthy Rivers, specific ad content
to air during Aspen 82’s daily broadcasts.
RECOMMENDATION: Pursue an advertising contract with Aspen 82. Comms team scripts
and creates ad content, or works with Aspen 82 to produce it. If any board members
have an interest in participating in a live TV interview, the comms team is happy to help
set that up.
2)Grassroots TV (public TV)
●Pitkin County is contracted with Grassroots TV for broadcasting BOCC meetings
and other Pitkin County communications. They routinely air Healthy Rivers video
content.
●Underwriting is possible though Pitkin County already underwrites which may
water down the effectiveness of PCHR underwriting as a separate entity.
RECOMMENDATION: Status quo, continue airing PCHR video content as available
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Communications & Engagement
February 2023
Increasing Radio & TV Presence
ACRA Partnership:
Though not part of the original scope, TV advertising research revealed an opportunity to
partner with the Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) in a way that may meet
some of the same goals.
ACRA is open to help communicate PCHR’s mission and educate locals, particularly
new residents, on relevant topics. This can include topics on water conservation, river
stewardship, beavers, etc.
●There is opportunity to provide ACRA website content specific to their
Sustainability section and “How To Aspen” section.
●PCHR can provide content for ACRA’s welcome kit for new residents called
“Living in Aspen.”
●ACRA will also post/amplify appropriate content (i.e. tips) on their social feeds.
●Example pages:
○https://aspenchamber.org/plan-trip/how-to/living-in-aspen/drought-awaren
ess
○https://aspenchamber.org/plan-trip/how-to/get-outside/river
RECOMMENDATION: Comms team pursues the partnership!
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AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
WORK SESSION DATE: February 7, 2023 AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Healthy Rivers Bylaw Amendments STAFF RESPONSIBLE: Lisa Tasker and Lisa MacDonald – Healthy Rivers Program
ISSUE STATEMENT: The By-lays of the Pitkin County Healthy Rivers and Streams Citizens Advisory Board were originally adopted on May 13, 2009 via BOCC Resolution #34-2009, Amended March 10, 2010 via BOCC Resolution #30-2010 and further Amended by
BOCC Ordinance #13-2020. The amendments included the ability of board members to
maintain their status if their residence changes and the addition of the Formulation of County Policy. Currently, the by-laws state that a quorum of the board shall be three of the five Pitkin County
resident board members. It also requires a chair and vice-chair be one of the five Pitkin County
resident board members. The quorum requirement has resulted in the cancellation of two board meetings this year alone and numerous others in past years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to hold board meetings,
take action on items and issues when the board only meets once a month for three hours and
then has to cancel due to a lack of quorum. It requires immense staff time to set an agenda, schedule presentations, assemble packet materials, post agendas and packets on the website, only to have a meeting cancelled,
sometimes just days prior.
Adding cancelled agenda items to future agendas only stacks the agenda, allowing less time for thoughtful discussion and direction.
As mentioned above he by-laws also state that the Chair and Vice Chair can only Pitkin County
resident members This also adds to the hardship of holding meeting as on numerous occasions, both the chair and vice have been absent. Attendance – Being a volunteer board, it is understood members have other commitments.
The current bylaws state a member may be removed by recommendation of the Chair after
missing six meetings. This number currently equals ½ of the meetings held in a year. Other citizen boards bylaws state that after missing 1/3 of meetings, the chair can recommend removal of the member. Not attending half of the board meetings, is not conducive to board business, the members are not up to speed on current issues and projects, often miss program updates or
important presentations and in turn cannot offer insight and direction to the staff. A board
member missing numerous meetings cannot be productive and offer meaningful insight to the program.
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After discussions with the River Board and staff, it is recommended to amend the by-laws with
the following amendments.
There are minor amendments recommended such as the layout of the agenda and direction from the Chair regarding agendas, minutes etc. as well. All are highlighted in the attached bylaws draft.
3. CURRENT: Article IV Membership Section 5. Removal. A Board member may be removed from the Board for good cause only, by a vote of the BOCC after a recommendation concerning removal is made by the Board. The Chair shall request the BOCC remove a trustee who is absent for more
than six regularly scheduled meetings within one calendar year. Good cause for removal shall
also include a violation of the conflict of interest policy contained within these Bylaws RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT: Article IV Membership Section 5. Removal. A Board member may be removed from the
Board for good cause only, by a vote of the BOCC after a recommendation concerning removal
is made by the Board. The Chair may request the BOCC remove a member who is absent for more than three regularly scheduled meetings within one calendar year. Good cause for removal shall also include a violation of the conflict of interest policy contained within these Bylaws.
1. CURRENT: Article V Officers Section 1. Officers. The officers of the Board shall be a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Chair and Vice Chair shall be selected by the members of the Board but shall be limited to those Board members who are Pitkin County residents. RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT: Article V Officers Section 1. Officers. The officers of the Board shall be a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Chair and Vice Chair shall be selected by the members of the Board. 2. CURRENT: Article VI Meetings Section 5. Quorum. A quorum of the Board shall be constituted by the personal attendance of three of the five Pitkin County-resident members of the Board. Once a quorum is made it cannot be broken until the meeting is adjourned RECOMMENDED AMENDMENT: Article VI Meetings Section 5. Quorum. A quorum of the Board shall be constituted by the personal, telephonic, or electronic appearance of three of the seven members of the Board. Once a quorum is made it cannot be broken until the meeting is adjourned 3. CURRENT:
Article VI Section 7. Meeting Notices and Study Materials. The director shall furnish the Board members minutes of the previous meetings and copies of material to be studied or acted upon
including an agenda and a monthly report prior to the conduct of each regular meeting
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AMEND TO READ
Article VI Section 7. Meeting Notices and Study Materials Staff shall furnish the Board
members minutes of the previous meetings and copies of material to be studied or acted upon including an agenda and a staff report to the conduct of each regular meeting. 4. CURRENT:
Article VI Section 8. Agenda. The agenda shall be prepared by the Chair and its director
with copies to be distributed in advance of each regular or special meeting. AMEND TO READ: Article VI Section 8. Agenda. The agenda shall be prepared by the Chair and staff with
copies to be distributed in advance of each regular or special meeting.
ATTACHMENTS Draft by-laws with amendments Attendance record of board members 2021, 2022 and 2023( to date)
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BYLAWS OF THE HEALTHY
RIVERS AND STREAMS FUND CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD
Originally adopted on May 13, 2009 via BOCC Resolution #34-2009 Amended March 10, 2010 via BOCC Resolution #30-2010 Amended by BOCC Ordinance #13-2020 ARTICLE I Name Section 1. Name. The name of this board shall be the Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund Citizens Advisory Board (the “Board”). ARTICLE II Purpose and Policy Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the Board is to assist the Board of County Commissioners (the “BOCC”) in implementing the Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund Program, as authorized by Pitkin County voters, and to advise the BOCC on the expenditures and administration of the Healthy Rivers and Streams
Fund. Section 2. Policy. The policy of the Board is to further the goals of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund as set out in ballot Referendum 1A, 2008 coordinated election: (1) Maintaining and improving water quality and quantity within the Roaring Fork watershed; (2) Purchasing, adjudicating changes of, leasing, using, banking, selling, and
protecting water rights for the benefit of the Roaring Fork watershed; (3) Working to secure, create and augment minimum stream flows in conjunction with non-profits, grant agencies, and appropriate State and Federal agencies to ensure ecological health, recreational opportunities,
and wildlife and riparian habitat; promoting water conservation; and (4) Improving and constructing capital facilities that contribute to the objectives listed above. Section 3. Additional Policies. The BOCC may from time to time adopt priorities for the implementation of the voter authorized program goals. ADD vetting opinions and recommendations
Section 4. Formulation of County Policy. The principle role of the Pitkin County
Citizen Boards is to provide the BOCC with opinions and recommendations based upon the
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unique experiences of the individual Board members and collective understanding and opinion of what may be in the best interest of the citizens and property owners of the
County.
The opinions and recommendations of the Citizen Board are utilized by the BOCC to develop County policy, positions, legislation, programs and other actions to benefit Pitkin County. Only the BOCC may articulate a position or policy on behalf of the County with
the exception of actions specifically authorized by the terms of these By-laws, the County’s
Charter or Colorado law. In order to preserve consistent communication with other
organizations, governments and individuals, communications prepared for a Citizen Board should always be vetted through a staff liaison or the County Attorney prior to publication. Individual Board members are free to express personal opinions in any manner as long as
they are not made in a representative capacity for their Board or the County and not made
as a Citizen Board member.
ARTICLE III Responsibilities
Section 1. Functions. The functions of the Board are:
(1) Make recommendations to the BOCC regarding expenditures and management of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund.
(2) To review proposals and opportunities presented to the Board and advise the BOCC on the merits of such proposals or opportunities. (3) Make recommendations to the BOCC for the acquisition of interests in water rights that would further the objectives of the Healthy Rivers and
Streams Fund. (4) Establish relationships with local, regional and state agencies and boards to more effectively make recommendations to the BOCC.
(5) Make recommendations to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Open Space and Trails Board or other County boards and staff regarding activities within the County as they may impact the goals of the Healthy Rivers and Streams Fund.
ARTICLE IV Membership Section 1. Appointments. Appointments to the Board shall be made by the Board of County Commissioners. There shall be a minimum of five members and a maximum
of seven members on the Board. Section 2. Term. Each Board member shall be appointed for a four-year term. The terms shall be staggered so that continuity is preserved within the Board. The initial
Board members shall have terms that expire two years from appointment for the first two
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3
members, three years from appointment for the next three members and four years from appointment for the final two members. The first five appointed board members shall be
residents of Pitkin County. Section 3. Qualifications. Five members of the Board shall be residents of Pitkin County. Of these five members, one member shall be appointed from each of the five Pitkin County commissioner districts, if possible. The two remaining members must be
residents of the Roaring Fork Valley watershed. A Board member shall hold no office or
appointment in any County or municipality nor be employed by any County or municipality during the term of the appointment. (amended 3/10/2010 via BOCC Resolution #30-2010) Section 4. Compensation. Board members shall serve without pay.
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Section 5. Removal. A Board member may be removed from the Board for good cause only, by a vote of the BOCC after a recommendation concerning reoval is made by the Board. The Chair shall request the BOCC remove a trustee who is absent for more than six regularly scheduled meetings within one calendar year. Good cause for removal
shall also include a violation of the conflict of interest policy contained within these
Bylaws.
AMEND TO READ:
The Chair may request the BOCC remove a trustee who is absent for more than three regularly scheduled meetings within one calendar year.
Section 6. Membership. Should an appointed Board Member’s residency change
during their term but the Board Member remain a resident of the Roaring Fork Valley watershed, such member may continue to serve their term as originally appointed and may be reappointed for subsequent terms at the discretion of the Board of County Commissioners. (added 3/10/2010 via BOCC Resolution #30-2010)
ARTICLE V Officers Section 1. Officers. The officers of the Board shall be a Chair and a Vice Chair.
The Chair and Vice Chair shall be selected by the members of the Board but shall be
limited to those Board members who are Pitkin County residents. AMEND TO READ The officers of the Board shall be a Chair and a Vice Chair. The Chair and Vice
Chair shall be selected by the members of the Board. Section 2. Elections and Term of Office. The Chair and Vice Chair shall be appointed by the Board at the first regular meeting of a calendar year. Subject to early
termination, each officer shall hold office for up to two years and until a successor has
been appointed. The Chair and the Vice Chair shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. Section 3. Vacancies. Should the office of Chair or Vice Chair become vacant, the Board shall appoint a successor at its next regular or special meeting. Such appointment
shall be for the unexpired portion of the previous term. Section 4. Duties. (1) Chair. The Chair shall preside at all meetings of the Board and shall
perform all duties usually incident to the office of Chair and such other
duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board. The Chair shall execute and acknowledge, in the name of the Board, all recommendations and communications authorized by the Board. The Chair shall see to the execution of resolutions and adoption of minutes of the meetings of the
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Board.
(2) Vice Chair. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall have all
powers recognized to the Chair. The Vice Chair shall perform such other duties as shall from time to time be assigned by the Board.
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ARTICLE VI
Meetings
Section 1. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held at least once per month. The specific day for the conduct of Board meetings shall be determined by the Board in advance of the upcoming calendar year. A schedule of regular meetings shall be
made available to the public through customary County procedure. Section 2. Special Meetings. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chair or upon written request of two members of the Board. All special meetings must comply with notice requirements of the Colorado Open Meetings Law. Section 3. Order of Business. At regular meetings of the Board the following shall
be the recommended order of business: (1) Roll call. (2) Reading and approval of minutes of last meeting. (3) Public comment (4) Report of the director (5) Old business (6) New business (7) Executive session discussion (8) Adjournment AMEND TO READ:
At regular meetings of the Board the following shall be the recommended order of business or some similar form: Call to order
Board comments Public comments Additions/Deletions to the Agenda Minutes Approval Administrative Items Outreach Grants Education Infrastructure Policy Items Open Discussion Executive Session discussion Adjournment
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Section 4. Voting. Voting shall either be by voice or roll call vote. Any action
requiring a vote shall be decided by a simple majority, except a recommendation forwarded to the BOCC shall be made by a majority of the entire membership of the Board.
AMEND TO READ:
Voting shall either be by voice, or roll call means. Any member appearing by
electronic means shall vote by voice. Any action requiring a vote shall be decided by a simple majority, except a recommendation forwarded to the BOCC shall be made by a majority of the entire membership of the Board. Section 5. Quorum. A quorum of the Board shall be constituted by the personal
attendance of three of the five Pitkin County-resident members of the Board. Once a quorum is made it cannot be broken until the meeting is adjourned. AMEND TO READ: A quorum of the Board shall be constituted by the personal, telephonic or electronic appearance of three of the seven members of the Board. Once a quorum is made it cannot be broken until the meeting is adjourned. Section 6. Parliamentary Procedure. The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of
Order shall govern the Board in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws or other County laws, rules or regulations.
Section 7. Meeting Notices and Study Materials. The director shall furnish the
Board members minutes of the previous meetings and copies of material to be studied or acted upon including an agenda and a monthly report prior to the conduct of each regular meeting AMEND TO READ Meeting Notices and Study Materials. Staff shall furnish the Board members minutes of the previous meetings and copies of material to be studied or
acted upon including an agenda and a staff report to the conduct of each regular meeting.
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acted upon including an agenda and a monthly report prior to the conduct of each regular
meeting. Section 8. Agenda. The agenda shall be prepared by the Chair and its director with copies to be distributed in advance of each regular or special meeting. AMEND TO READ:
The agenda shall be prepared by the Chair and staff with copies to be distributed in
advance of each regular or special meeting. Section 9. Public Access. All meetings shall be open to the public, except for executive sessions as authorized in the Colorado Open Meetings Act, C.R.S. § 24-6-402,
et seq.
ARTICLE VII Conflict of Interest Section 1. Policy. A. In order to ensure the impartiality and integrity of their local government decision makers, as provided in section 8.6.1 of the County Charter, the people of Pitkin County intend to prohibit County policy-makers from
participating in matters in which they have a conflict of interest. This
prohibition applies to County policy-makers serving their elected or appointed terms and those who have concluded their terms of office. B. A conflict of interest is a disparity between the private interest and the
official responsibilities of an individual in a position of trust in
government. This code is intended to prevent conflicts of interest without obstructing fair and speedy resolution of issues that come before the County.
Section 2. Prohibition on Conduct. A. No Board member shall vote or otherwise participate in a decision making process which affects any entity or property interest in which he/she has a financial interest or which any member of his/her family has a financial
interest. Family is defined as spouse, parent, brother, sister, grandparent,
child, grandchild, step-child, step-parent, step-grandparent, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, or any individual who is a part of the County policy maker’s immediate household. A Board member otherwise barred from participating in a
discussion pursuant to this section, may, if requested by the BOCC, give
information about the issue or transaction in which he/she has a financial interest. B. If an issue arises in which a Board Member believes he/she may have a
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conflict of interest, he/she must divulge that potential conflict of interest to the County Attorney for an opinion on the validity of the conflict, and inform the Board. If determined to be in conflict regarding the issue
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before him/her, he/she will refrain from participation in discussion or vote
on that issue. C. Failure to comply with the terms of this section may be deemed adequate cause for removal under Article IV Section 5. ARTICLE VIII Amendment Section 1. Amendment. These By Laws shall be the province of the BOCC and shall be adopted and amended only by the action of the BOCC.
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Meeting
HUBER
WATERSHED
REP
TASKER
WATERSHED
REP
LEMONS OGBILBY WHEATLEY WILLE JOCHEMS
Jan 2021
Feb Spec mtg with
BOCC
Feb 2021 absent
March 2021 absent absent
April 2021 absent
April spec mtg
2021 absent
May 2021 absent
June 2021 absent absent
July 2021 no
meeting
Aug 2021 absent
Sept 2021 absent absent
Oct 2021 no meeting
Nov 2021 absent
Dec 2021
TOTAL MISSED 2 1 1 4 2 2 0
HUBER
WATERSHED
REP
NEFF
(replaces
Tasker)
WATERSHED
REP
LEMONS OGILBY WHEATLEY WILLE JOCHEMS
Jan 2022
Feb 2022 absent absent
March 2022
April 2022 absent absent
May 2022
cancelled
no quorum 3 of the
5 unavailable
May spec mtg 2022 absent recused absent
June 2022 absent absent
July 2022 absent absent
Aug Ex River Brd absent absent
Aug Ex with BOCC absent
Aug 2022 absent absent
Sept 2022 absent absent absent absent
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Oct 2022
cancelled
no quorum 4 of 5
unavaible absent absent absent absent
Nov 2022 absent
Dec 2022
TOTAL MISSED 0 2 2 6 8 5 1
HUBER
WATERSHED
REP
NEFF
(replaces
Tasker)
WATERSHED
REP
LEMONS OGILBY WHEATLEY WILLE JOCHEMS
Jan 2023 absent
Feb 2023 absent
March 2023
April 2023
May 2023
June 2023
July 2023
Aug 2023
Sept 2023
Oct 2023
Nov 2023
Dec 2023
TOTAL MISSED
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530 East Main Street Suite 301 - Aspen, CO 81611
970 920 5191 office - 970 379-8654 cell
pitkincountyrivers.com
MEETING DATE:February 16, 2023
TO:Healthy Rivers Board
FROM:Lisa Tasker and Lisa Macdonald
CC:John Ely and Laura Makar
AGENDA ITEM:Staff Report
A summary of projects and work is provided below.
Administrative:
By-law amendments will be presented to the River Board at this meeting, then to the BOCC on a future work
session agenda.
Staff is working with the Back 40 Stories team on standard sign designs and has met with fabricator to work
on signage for the Whitewater Park.
Projects and Infrastructure:
Fisherman’s Park improvements
Panels were delivered, we are waiting on boulder steps that have been ordered. Construction completion is
estimated to be wrapped up early this year.
Beaver and Cutthroat Project with the USFS
R. Clay Ramey, the West Zone Fisheries Biologist with the White River USFS attended the River Board
meeting on Jan 19th to provide more details on the inventory project. Clay also attended the BOCC at a work
session on January 24th, that was overwhelmingly supported by the BOCC. We are in receipt of a Collection
Agreement for funds to be issued with the USFS that was first heard via a resolution at the Feb 8th BOCC
meeting with a second read on Feb 22. A major obstacle facing the project is that of housing two interns for
the project. The County currently has no units available nor does the USFS, again, should the Board know of
any space on land for an RV or other such unit or housing units for lease for the short term of the project
please let staff know.
Fryingpan River Winter Flows Program
Staff provided the BOCC with the River Board’s recommendation at its January 10th, work session. The BOCC
expressed concerns regarding the County’s large contribution comparative to other entities and the county’s
funds being used when Pitkin is likely the highest contributor to the River District. They recommended the
funding for one year but strongly suggested other funding opportunities for future years. The BOCC
authorized the funding and contract with RFC via an informal resolution process on February 8, 2023.
Wild and Scenic Efforts
Staff met with Back 40 Stories and Wilderness Workshop on updated website design.
33
530 East Main Street Suite 301 - Aspen, CO 81611
970 920 5191 office - 970 379-8654 cell
pitkincountyrivers.com
Government members of the Collaborative who chose the facilitator for the Wild and Scenic Community
Stakeholder process met to finalize fiscal details and discuss the process of picking stakeholder members.
Crystal River Restoration Project – Town of Carbondale Partnership on Project
Staff attended the pre-bid meeting at the site on February 3. 2023. Numerous contractors attended the pre-
bid although attendance was not mandatory. Bids are due February 28th. Staff has drafted a budget
supplemental that will go to the BOCC on March 7th. The BOCC hears budget supplemental requests
quarterly on items that are not included in the current budget year.
Outreach/Education/Grants
Staff is working with Back 40 Stories regarding the Board’s request to expand our radio presence on
KDNK and KMTS, perhaps a River Report type on-air show. This will be discussed at the February
meeting.
Beaver Education will be presented at this meeting
USFS is receiving calls from multiple interested parties in beaver efforts after the Aspen Daily News
article. USFS and others including HR staff will organize a March meeting, details TBD.
Spring Healthy Rivers grant applications are due March 31st
Staff is working with local high schools on scholarships. Most applications are due to the schools on
or near February 15th
Education and Training 2023:
Colorado Water Congress Winter Conference end of January, Aurora - Huber, Makar, Neff and Tasker
Colorado Water Congress water sessions Monday mornings when in session - Tasker/Makar
Stream Restoration proposed bill, Colorado Water Congress Subcommittee- Tasker
Roaring Fork Wildfire Collaborative – Staff participation, last meeting discussed new GIS projects map
Watershed Collaborative Meetings Tasker/MacDonald
Colorado Basin Roundtable Meetings every 2 months- Tasker
Crystal Wild and Scenic Coalition Core Group meetings- staff
Webinar: The Upper Colorado and San Juan rivers endangered fish recovery programs: What's at
stake as reauthorization looms?
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