Nature Conservancy Magazine  

The goal of CARE Indoor Air is to promote healthy indoor environments in homes, schools, and child care settings and reduce people’s exposures to indoor air contamination and asthma triggers. Our plan is to integrate indoor air quality education and management into four already existing programs in the SLV: home visits to elderly by home health care providers, home visits to infants and young children by early childhood educators, continuing professional development for child care personnel, and the delivery of a school based asthma management program by school nurses called Open Airways. This is a great opportunity for home health care providers, respite providers, childcare providers, school nurses, etc, to get in on some free training and professional development on asthma, COPD, and indoor air quality.

Below we offer information and links to pertinent information regarding a sampling of animals of current concern.

For a look at all T & E species go to this site.

GUNNISON SAGE GROUSE

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments on their proposal to list the Gunnison Sage Grouse as a threatened and endangered species. Comments are due by April 2, 2013.

For more information click on this link. To file comments got to this link.

Black Footed Ferret

The black footed ferret seems to have a limited presence in the San Luis Valley although there have been several unconfirmed sightings over the years. Here is a link to get further information. Recently the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requested input on a program for ranchers to host habitat for ferret recovery. Click here for the news story.

Canada Lynx

The San Luis Valley was chosen as a reintroduction zone to restore Canada lynx in 2001. The Wolf Creek Pass area hosted release of numerous lynx numbers and now seems to have a stable population.

For more information please go to this link.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher/ Yellow- Billed Cuckoo

These two bird species are linked together because they share the same habitat requirements and have populations in jeopardy. To protect and enhance one type of bird will benefit the other.

The San Luis Valley has extensive riparian areas that host these birds and areas suitable for species expansion. Due to federal regulations for these birds the Valley, sponsored by water users, initiated its own program to ensure habitat protection. The program is called Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Here is a local news story on the latest developments. For in-depth dialogue on concerns for these species start on this link.

Southwest Willow Flycatcher

Yellow Billed Cuckoo

"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike." John Muir

Art for the Endangered Landscape is a special project sponsored by the SLV Ecosystem Council and Community Partnerships of Adams State University which aims to integrate artistic expression with sensibility to our western wildlands. This first expression focused on an area that is a proposed wildcat oil well exploration site that is within a rural residential site surrounded by public land. Click for in-depth situation.

This premiere project had 2 events:

 1. The "paint-out" of Saturday, September 29, 2012 adjacent to a proposed oil drilling site on San Francisco Creek south of Del Norte, Colorado. The purpose of the event was to celebrate the existing conditions of the area through the various artistic avenues; painting, drawing, photography, videography, songwriting, sculpture, printmaking, poetry, dance etc.  Education professionals were encouraged to bring their students as a unique learning opportunity. The focus of this project was on human interaction with the land and the implications of the loss of wildlands and anticipated environmental impacts resulting from proposed industrial activity. See the news report by Valley Courier reporter Lauren Krizansky. Click here.

Here are some pics of the days activities with 20 artists participating and the local neighbors hosting a tasty lunch.

Evelyn Sprouse Rowe on location, Frank Scott and Deb Nichols entertaining and composing.

Greg Gosar and Steve Goldstein.

2. An exhibition and reception for the completed works/presentations.

Other Features of Art for the Endangered Landscape

Public and media education about the scope of the drilling, subsequent fracking and the associated degradation to rural lifestyle, wildlife and watershed. This can be augmented by welcoming general public attendance and media attention on the day of the event and subsequently by the exhibition of completed works later on.

 This is also a fundraising event for the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council go which has been at the forefront to educate and galvanize public scrutiny for the drilling proposal through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

 For more information.  info@slvec.org or 719 589-1518.

The U.S. Air Force began promoting an expansion of training airspace over New Mexico and Colorado in 2010. SLVEC participated in the initial public comment as well as responding to the Environmental Assessment released in September of 2011. (See documents listed below)

Summary of the Air Force Proposal:

The US Airforce proposes to fly the CV-22 Osprey and the C-130 airplanes at altitudes of 300 feet above ground level.  They will fly at night and at speeds up to 350 MPH. These maneuvers include in-flight refueling. There will be three flights per night over the mountains and valleys of a 60,700 square mile area of northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. In addition, the area will be used for the training of pilots controlling attack and serveillance drones.

The Air Force has announced its postponement of pursuing this project. See the following news items.

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

6/5/2012 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- In September 2011, the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., released a Draft Environmental Assessment analyzing the potential impacts of conducting low-altitude flying training in Colorado and New Mexico. The need for the low-altitude training still exists, however, emerging training requirements based on lessons learned in Afghanistan as well as training requirements identified in the 2007 "Air Force Special Operations Command Assets Beddown at Cannon AFB" Environmental Impact Statement now overlap with the need for the proposed low-altitude training.

In light of these emerging training requirements and the many public comments received on the Draft Environmental Assessment, the Air Force is evaluating whether or not a more detailed analysis is appropriate.

Currently, the Air Force is refining its special operations flying training requirements. Once these requirements are fully defined, the Air Force will determine the appropriate environmental analysis, including whether it should transition to an Environmental Impact Statement. At this point, we expect to make that determination in early 2013.

The Air Force received comments from approximately 1,600 people, agencies and organizations during the Draft Environmental Assessment public comment period in late 2011 and thanks all citizens, Tribes, Pueblos, federal, local and state agencies, elected officials and private organizations for their inputs.

The Air Force remains committed to being good stewards of the environment and good neighbors, which includes utilizing the National Environmental Policy Act analysis process to make well-informed decisions.

Also see the press release from Udall's office 

http://www.markudall.senate.gov/?p=press_release&;id=2348

Udall Acknowledges Air Force Decision to Postpone Plan for Low-Altitude Flights

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Posted: Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Mark Udall welcomed the Air Force's decision to indefinitely delay a plan to fly low-altitude training missions over portions of southern Colorado, the central mountains and the Four Corners region.

"I want to ensure that pilots and crews receive the training they need to perform their combat missions, but this training plan needed to be better coordinated with local communities and other airspace users,"Udall said.  "I appreciate the Air Force's decision to not move forward at this time with its Low Altitude Tactical Navigation training based on the feedback it received from community members in southern Colorado, the central mountains and the Four Corners region.  We need to make sure that the Air Force's training plans are crafted in consultation with the military in Colorado and the communities they would affect."

Udall has been actively engaged with the Air Force about this issue since mid-2010 when the 27th Special Operations Wing, based in New Mexico, announced plans to use the airspace over southern Colorado, the central mountains and the Four Corners region for low-altitude flight training exercises.  The low-altitude flight training exercises would have involved training exercises performed at altitudes as low as 300 feet above the ground and generated significant concern among local residents and Colorado military units that also use the airspace.

Wold Creek Ski Area owners, the Pitcher family, are hoping to expand their current operation by increasing lift lines and amenities while also expanding their turf into two parcels adjacent to their current operational boundary. Both areas on the expansion wish-list are in the San Juan National Forest which is in addition to the Rio Grande National Forest where the current use area is. 

The ski company recently conducted a series of public meetings to acquaint the public with potential changes and to receive comments on their proposals. There are currently no official National Forest processes to scrutinize the new proposals and no National Forest meetings are scheduled. A public process conducted by the National Forest agency is necessary for any changes in the current operations.

Of concern not only to the SLV Ecosystem Council,  Rocky Mountain Wild and other environmental organizations is the desire of Wolf Creek Ski Area folk's to expand into a part of the San Juan National Forest that is currently within a backcountry roadless area. Development within roadless areas of the National Forest system is contentious and also the subject of litigation. There are two versions of how the inventoried roadless areas are to be managed and what activities are appropriate and allowable. There is a federally mandated roadless rule as well as a roadless area management program sponsored by the state of Colorado.

The final method of roadless area management is currently in the courts. The federal administration also has the option to adopt the Colorado program which many consider less stringent than federal management.

We will keep you posted on the latest news about this issue.

April 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 4-27-11.pdf

May 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 5-25-11.pdf

June 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 6-29-11.pdf

July 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 7-27-11.pdf

August 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 9-7-11.pdf

September 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 9-28-11.pdf

October 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 10-27-11.pdf

November 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 11-30-11.pdf

2009 Well Testing Data from the Colorado Dept of Ag: codept.ofag2009water.pdf

Radon Information: SLV Radon Initiative

Air Quality Data: - olson air quality.pdf

The PACE EH-paceeh2.pdf

The CARE Road Map 20080620roadmap.pdf

Our logic model 9.09.10.performance measures1-1.pdf

Resources from our November 30th EPA Seminar

CDC's Chris Poulet's Presentation Slides on the ATSDR: epa slv care grantee nov 30 2011.pdf

EPA's Kyle Olson's Presentation Slides on Air Quality in the SLV: - olson air quality.pdf

EPA's Sabrina Forrest's Presentation Slides on CERLA:  forrest sabrina what is site assessment.pdf

EPA's Peg Perreault's Presentation Slides on Pesticides in the SLV: perreault peg pesticides-slv care-nov2011.pdf

EPA's Christina Wilson's Presentation Slides on Brownsfields: wilson christina bf overview_alamosa.pdf

EPA's Dr. Kristen Keteles Presentation on Endocrine Distruptors:  keteles kristine dc alamosa.pdf

Extent of Environmental Concerns in the San Luis Valley

San Francisco & Old Woman’s Creek Applications to Drill

As of May 13, 2013

The First Liberty Energy project well on Old Woman's Creek near Del Norte has been capped and sealed without finding any financially viable hydrocarbon yield. First Liberty conducted exploratory fracking at the zone of most potential. This was not a lateral frack but one along the main bore. First Liberty has publically stated that they will not be pursuing any other explorations at this time. For a comprehensive story on this please go to this link.

Here is a Valley Courier report on the latest hydrological study results. Click here

You can download and study the Rio Grande County Hydrological Study by going to this link and scrolling down to RGC Hydro Study.

We are currently awaiting for the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) on the permit to drill on San Francisco Creek from the Bureau of Land Management. The EA is likely to be released on or around June 1.

There are currently two oil and gas drilling permits granted by the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) for the entire San Luis Valley and they are both located in Rio Grande County. One is located along San Francisco Creek in the eastern foothills of the San Juan Mountains, the other is next to an abandoned well site from the 1980’s, along Old Woman’s Creek, near the Town of Del Norte, CO. San Francisco Creek is a tributary to the Rio Grande, just a few miles downstream of the proposed drilling. Dan A. Hughes, from Texas, wants to explore a small seam of sedimentary deposits that was previously explored in the early 1960s & 80’s. At that time, it was judged to be too small to be economically feasible. Hughes and First Liberty, who is speculating along Old Woman’s Creek, is calculating that new methods that drill directly into the source rock and the use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) might yield more hydrocarbons. The Old Womans Creek drill site has been sealed and abandoned after not finding commercially viable oil yield.

SLVEC organized area residents in 2010 and encouraged Rio Grande County Commissioners to pass strict oil and gas drilling regulations that would require Hughes to pay for a household water quality well testing baseline within a three mile radius of the proposed drill site. SLVEC has also met regularly with the water user community through the Rio Grande Roundtable. The recent First Liberty proposal finally galvanized the agricultural community and they met with Rio Grande County Commissioners requesting that a hydrologic and geologic study be conducted to determine baseline data on the Conejos volcanic formation to analyze the direction of water flow and provide support to determine at what depth the drill casing will need to be cemented to protect upper aquifers. Local geologists have speculated that we may need a casing depth of over 4,000 ft. to protect water quality. This argument convinced the Rio Grande County Commissioners to request that the COGCC not issue any Oil and Gas permits until this study is complete. The study is now completed.

Previously-

San Francisco Creek, a tributary to the Rio Grande near Del Norte, Colorado, runs through a residential sub-division with a split estate situation of private surface rights, but mineral rights belonging to BLM (Bureau of Land Management). This area has already experienced minimal exploration for oil during the 1950's, 60's and early 80's. Small amounts of oil were found in a rock formation that is not contiguous with the rest of the Valley–an anomaly that is a remnant of a previous geological formation–but the wells were abandoned and the deposit deemed insufficient to warrant further exploration.

Dan Hughes Oil Company, a Texas exploration and investment firm, plans to do exploratory drilling within the sub-division not far from San Francisco Creek. They secured a minerals lease from BLM in 2006 and recently purchased a lot (#46) on which to site their drilling rig. Hughes recently filed an APD (Application for a permit to drill) for a 6,600 ft. exploratory well. They filed this APD with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC).The COGCC has granted this drill permit.

Local residents are in the process of organizing to research and monitor COGCC-Colorado oil and gas regulations (The state process) but there is also a NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) federal BLM permitting process, which will involve public participation and comment. The BLM is expected to release the inital Evironmental Assessment by June 1, 2013, initiatiating the feveral comment process. There are also local Rio Grande County oil and gas regulations for citizens to become informed about.

http://www.riograndecounty.org/images/stories/docs/landuse/OG_2_2011_final.pdf (or refer below.)

SLVEC will continue to involve community participation in the Hughes application process. A water quality sampling plan for testing and monitoring in the area has been be initiated by COGCC which will includes a BTEX (Petroleum by-products) baseline which local residents are encouraged to participate in.

Contact Karen Spray, if you would like more information regarding the water quality testing process.

Karen L. Spray, PG
SW Environmental Protection Specialist
Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission
P.O. Box 2651
Durango, CO 81302
970-259-1619 (w)
970-259-9128 (f)
970-903-1242 (c)

karen.spray@state.co.us
www.colorado.gov/cogcc

SLVEC's comments to COGCC and other support material are posted below:

SLVEC Comments to COGCC, November 9, 2011363.67 KB

Support Material

1. Environmental Assessment on Proposed Oil and Gas Drilling on the Baca National WiIdlife Refuge, pg. 54-65, April 2011504.85 KB
   1. 2.4 Alternative C Maximum Protection of Refuge during Exploration (Proposed Action), Pg 54- 65504.85 KB
   2. 4.13 Resource Inventorying and Monitoring Plan169.33 KB
2. Well Location Map778.94 KB
3. Well Location by Lot Number928.56 KB

Hughes Application to the COGCC

1. Topo Map1.01 MB
2. Hughes Surface Use Plan37.04 KB
3. Pad Construction141.54 KB
4. Southwest Willow Flycatcher Map, ERO Resources Group, Denver, CO. 20071.1 MB 
5. Colorado Natural Heritage Program, Center for Native Ecosystem Elemental Occurance Map1.29 MB
6. Cross Section of SLV (US Fish and Wildlife Service)266.61 KB
7. Hughes Form 2 application69.26 KB
8. Hughes Drilling Plan374.08 KB
9. BLM Mineral Leasing Map224.35 KB
10. Hughes APD Submittal to the COGCC75.88 KB

Rio Grande Oil and Gas Regulations256.12 KB

Rio Grande County Comments on APD to COGCC185.5 KB

Oil & Gas at your Door? - A Land Owner's guide to Oil & Gas Development559.39 KB

NEPA Citizens Guide - December 2007931.59 KB

10.28.11 RGC Comments Web Report92.27 KB

10.27.11 RGC COGCC Response Final Document270.98 KB

6.25.10 Surface Use Agreement213.48 KB

Rulings Strengthen NEPA Oversight of Gas Drilling Absent SDWA Rule88.17 KB

Hughes APD Submittal COGCC Form 2A75.88 KB

Hughes BLM Lease236.39 KB

BLM Update of Management Plan90.86 KB

11.05.11 Response to draft Environmental Assessment (EA) regarding the establishment of Low Altitude Training for Cannon AFB, New Mexico399.9 KB

Sandhill Crane Distribution206.57 KB

CNHP Element Occurence of Threatened or Endangered Species in the Rio Grande Basin1.29 MB

LATN NEPA
10-12-10 Air Force Flyover
11-03-10 LATN Summary - Alamosa Scoping Meeting
LATN Comprehensive Talking Points
LATN Alamosa County Talking Points
LATN Conejos County Talking Points
LATN Costilla County Talking Points
LATN Mineral County Talking Points
LATN Rio Grande County Talking Points
LATN Saguache County Talking Points
LATN County Resolution - PDF
LATN County Resolution - DOC

The purpose of the LEAP-HIGH project is to develop community-based prioritization of environmental risks for the San Luis Valley. Though clearly defined geographically, the SLV is made up of diverse rural communities, many with very long (8 or 9 generations) histories on the land. Some of these communities, such as in Conejos and Costilla counties, have a mistrust of outside interference in community issues. In order to optimize the effectiveness of this project, and overcome the mistrust and apathy that exist in many Valley communities, we will work with the well-established and highly trusted public nursing community in gathering and disseminating information, and collecting future data. We have partnered with the public nursing community as we did free well testing under the EPA CPS grant over the past three years, and we will expand on that collaboration. Under the Colorado Public Health Act of 2008, the public health sector has been mandated to investigate and diagnose health problems and health hazards in the community, and to inform, educate and empower individuals about health issues, and to mobilize collaboration to identify and solve health problems. We believe that by partnering with the public health nurses, we will build a foundation for an environmental health component that is sustainable well into the future. We will collaborate with the nursing community to hold public meetings and gain public input, educate and inform about relevant issues, find and assess all sources of available data including the Toxic Release inventory (TRI), and incorporate environmental concerns into public health service.
We will also communicate with the school districts in the six Valley counties. We will present in high school science classes, and solicit participation in an environmental science component to be added to their curriculum. This would encourage students to do environmental science fair projects related to their local community situations, and to become more involved in local environmental health issues.
As problems are identified, the project will look for additional sources of funding in order to gather more information and conduct necessary testing. We will continue to add partners to the collaborative, as we identify sectors that lack representation or as education and outreach efforts attract more interest. We are hopeful that through the use of the partnership, the nursing community, and the high school students, a momentum and infrastructure will be built that will enable us to be self-sustaining. With this structure, new problems can be addressed as they arise, and new solutions incorporated into existing programs.

1.) To reduce people's exposures to toxic pollutants through collaborative action at the local level

2.) To help communities understand all potential sources of exposure to toxic pollutants

3.) To work with communties to set priorities for risk reduction activities

4.) To create a self-sustaining, community-based partnerships that will continue to improve the local environment

We are now positioned to implement to action findings from CARE I to the next phase.

 Our Vision

A healthy environment is fundamental for public health and is essential for the well being of people and communities.  Maintaining environmental health requires monitoring and modifying physical, chemical, biological and other factors that may impact the quality of air, water, soils, foods, homes workplaces, transportation, and recreation.  Environmental health can be improved by decreasing harmful environmental impacts and by enhancing healthy choices through education and positive lifestyles.

The LEAP HIGH with CARE Project

Extent of Environmental Concerns in the San Luis Valley

Goals of the CARE Project:

1.) To reduce people's exposures to toxic pollutants through collaborative action at the local level

2.) To help communities understand all potential sources of exposure to toxic pollutants

3.) To work with communties to set priorities for risk reduction activities

4.) To create a self-sustaining, community-based partnerships that will continue to improve the local environment

March 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 3-30-11.pdf

April 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 4-27-11.pdf

May 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 5-25-11.pdf

June 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 6-29-11.pdf

July 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 7-27-11.pdf

August 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 9-7-11.pdf

September 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 9-28-11.pdf

October 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 10-27-11.pdf

November 2011 CARE Steering Committee Meeting Notes: 11-30-11.pdf

 Village at Wolf Creek:
FOR THE LATEST NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS ON THE VILLAGE please go to the Friends of Wolf Creek web site  click here to go to Friends of Wolf Creek

We are awaiting the release of the EIS on the Village at Wolf Creek. Here are the comments that SLVEC submitted in response to the draft EIS

Click here to read this comprehensive response.

The Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) is seeking comments on the Village at Wolf Creek Access Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) during a 45-day public comment period upon publication in the Federal Register on Friday, August 17.  The analysis was initiated as a result of a land exchange application submitted by Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture (LMJV).

“A lot of hard work has gone into the analysis for this DEIS,” said Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas. “I encourage the public, special interest groups and our partner agencies to carefully review the DEIS and provide comments that will help further improve our analysis.”

The Forest held three open house meetings to provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the analysis and provide comments.

The DEIS includes analyses of the land exchange as the proposed action, an access alternative, and a no-action alternative.  The proposed land exchange involves approximately 204 federal acres and 178 non-federal acres within the boundaries of the Rio Grande National Forest. Part of the federal land proposed for exchange would connect the private land to U.S. Highway 160, thus precluding the need for securing access across the national forest.

The primary benefits of the land exchange proposal over the previous easement access proposal include scaled down development on the private land, relocation of most of the proposed private land development to an area farther away from the ski area, and a net gain to the Forest Service via acquisition of wetlands and perennial stream habitat for wildlife.

LMJV previously sought a right-of-way access across RGNF from U.S. Highway 160 to their private land.  Since their private land is surrounded by National Forest System land, LMJV is entitled by federal statute to have granted to them by the Forest Service a right-of-way for access commensurate with the reasonable use and enjoyment of their property.

Comments should be submitted within 45 days of the publication of the DEIS notice in the Federal Register on August 17.  Comments may be emailed to: comments-rocky-mountain-rio-grande@fs.fed.us. Please include “Village at Wolf Creek Access Project DEIS” in the subject line of the e-mail. Hardcopy comments should be addressed to:

Village at Wolf Creek Access Project

c/o Tom Malecek, Divide District Ranger

Rio Grande National Forest

13308 West Highway 160

Del Norte, CO  81132

For more information about the proposed Village at Wolf Creek Access Project, visit the Rio Grande National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande.
Please call me for more information.
Thank you!

Mike Blakeman

Public Affairs Specialist

SLV Public Lands Center

719-852-6212

Prior to  August 2012

For over a dozen years SLVEC has worked to protect sensitive habitat threatened by a massive development with 2,172 housing units on Wolf Creek Pass just below the Continental Divide at 10,800 feet in altitude. The 288 acre tract adjoining the family owned and operated Wolf Creek Ski Area was acquired by Texas billionaire “Red” McCombs in 1986 through a questionable land exchange transaction.

Following a court decision (filed by Colorado Wild and SLVEC) in 2008 the ruling judge declared that the Rio Grande National Forest Service must do another EIS without outsourcing the assassment work as was originally done.

In the fall of 2009, the developer was back with a new, scaled down version of the Village. The McCombs group are now requesting another 207-acre land exchange next to the current in-holding, wanting to transfer their current wetlands property for 207 acres of magnificent spruce trees with highway frontage. This new proposal includes 1,711 units to be constructed in 8 phases, beginning with 492 units. This new piece of property,directly adjacent to Highway 160, would remove the obstacle of highway access.

            In Spring 2011, the Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) began a NEPA public review scoping process which initiated a feasibility study which officially proposes this “Village at Wolf Creek” land exchange. This process will determine the scope of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) that will be prepared by anenvironmental consultant and due to come out in July 2012, managed by the RGNF and paid for by Red McCombs. Mr. McCombs is asking for the RGNF to exchange 178 of his wetland acres for 204 old growth spruce acres that belong to the USFS. SLVEC, with partners Rocky Mountain Wild and Citizens for Responsible Development have organized citizens on both sides of Wolf Creek Pass through this NEPA scoping process. Outstanding issues highlighted include water and utility availability, highway safety, wetland protection, wildlife corridor protection, and protection of the Rio Grande late season flow.

            Considering that Mr. McCombs current property has easements that restrict his developments and that he has no legal access to his property for this development, his property is “valueless” as a proposed site for a village of 8,000-10,000 people. The property he wants to trade for has highway access and is not necessarily restricted by easements. It is stated in the feasibility study that Mr. McCombs could make up the difference in the values of the two properties with cash (this is the policy with regards to land exchanges if the value of the two properties are seen to be a difference of 25% or less).

            The RGNF has decided that one of the alternatives in the EIS will be access granted to Mr. McCombs original property, so that it’s possible that he can “go back to plan A”. The RGNF has said that whatever alternative is chosen, the end goal, being the proposed village, must be a consideration. How they analyze the Village in either a land exchange or granting road access for Plan A is where we will be focusing all of our efforts. The big question is “Will this be in the public’s interest?”

            Even at the abbreviated phase one build-out, 491 units, it would have a serious impact on resources. Should it go through as presently proposed, it would impact the ecological values that currently exist. The development would have serious impacts on wildlife, as it sits directly in the middle of an important wildlife migration corridor between the South San Juan and Weminuche Wilderness Areas. In 2004, a joint study involving state patrol, a car rental company and Center for Native Ecosystems found this section of Highway 160 to be one of a dozen major Wildlife Linkage/Migration Corridors in the state. Highway 160, at this point, is a narrow, curving road with cliffs on either side. The increased traffic on this stretch of highway would surely result in a much higher percentage of animal-auto accidents. The area is home to a number of threatened and endangered species, including the recently re-introduced Canadian Lynx.

            The developers have identified nearby Pass Creek as the major water source for the project, and their previous plan committed to storing water in 7 tanks (diameter of 200 ft., 26 ft tall) holding 6 million gallons each. Pass Creek is at the headwaters of the Rio Grande; what affects Pass Creek affects this major river system. At present, no clear plan is in place for sewerage disposal or containment of run-off.

Plan, Goals, and Objectives: SLVEC will mobilize citizens to respond to the Feasibility Study decision, and advocate against the land exchange at the proposed location. A site visit at Wolf Creek planned by the Forest Service took place in September 2011 and over 125 citizens, resource personnel, developer advocates and media participated. The citizens and media were very informed and asked excellent questions. The public inquired about impacts to Pass Creek and the surrounding watershed. SLVEC plans to advocate for a thorough EIS analysis of the water delivery system, research of prior-appropriation and other case law applied to the area, the sewerage disposal plan, and the impacts to downstream wildlife and water users, as well as impacts on the Rio Grande main-stem.

            SLVEC and Rocky Mountain Wild met with the Colorado State Engineer’s office to understand the consumptive use of Pass Creek, and the adequacy of McComb’s plans to meet the needs of his proposed development as well as wildlife needs and the rights of downstream water users. The Forest Service and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) have in-stream flow rights above and below Pass Creek. SLVEC will direct the Forest Service and state to develop in-stream flow protection plans through the EIS, include research of peak demand to ensurethat requirements of their water decree are met.

Evaluation: SLVEC still advocates for a public buy out, returning this property back into public lands. The Forest Service is also receptive to this option pending Joint Venture response to the Land Exchange analysis. An exchange for land at a lower elevation closer to public services and without the extreme impacts to wildlife would also be an acceptable outcome. Discussions with Rocky Mountain Wild have also contained the possibility of analyzing the original RGNF 1986 Environmental Assessment recommendation which proposed a maximum 110 units, but we are presently nowhere near this type of analysis or negotiation.

Click here for the Feasibility Analysis Report

The Rio Grande National Forest is proposing one of two actions, either one of which at full build-out would allow a city of up to 8,000 people ("Wolf Creek Village") to be built on a private inholding adjacent to the Wolf Creek Pass Ski Area. Wildlife-including Canadian Lynx, water quality and quantity, scenery, impacts to recreation experiences associated with Wolf Creek Ski Area, the surrounding USFS lands, Weminuche Wilderness, wetland impacts and Rio Grande cutthroat trout would be significantly degraded by the proposed Village.
 
This time Mr. McCombs is asking for the RGNF to exchange 178 of his acres for 204 acres that belong to the USFS, adjacent to Hwy 160. Considering that Mr. McCombs property has easements that restrict his developments and that he has no legal access to his property for this development, his property is not suitable as a proposed site for a village of 8,000 people. Remember, the property he wants to trade for has highway access and is not necessarily restricted by easements. In the feasibility analysis (attached) it was stated that Mr. McCombs could make up the difference in the values of the two properties with cash! (This is the policy with regards to land exchanges if the difference in appraised value of the two properties differs by no more than 25%).

The RGNF has decided that another one of the alternatives in this EIS will be to grant access across national forest land to Mr. McCombs property so that he can “go back to plan A”, his original plan!

The RGNF has said that whatever alternative is chosen, the end goal, being the proposed village, must be a consideration. How much they consider the Village in either a land exchange or granting road access for Plan A is a very important consideration.
 
After more than 25 years of controversy, the proposed Village at Wolf Creek project has never received the fair, transparent, and honest analysis regarding impacts that the public deserves. We believe that an honest evaluation would cause fair-minded people to conclude that the huge development is most inappropriate for Wolf Creek Pass, and ultimately, the Forest Service needs to be encouraged to get McCombs’ property back into public ownership via purchase or exchange.

Consider making some or all of the following points when you write your letter to public officials:

More Background

Since 1999, Colorado Wild/SLVEC's Friends of Wolf Creek campaign has fought to preserve a critical wildlife corridor, threatened species, wetlands, air quality, scenic and recreational resources on the Continental Divide, and the integrity of nearby Wilderness areas in the Southern Rockies from a massive development proposal at Wolf Creek Pass. Squeezed between the South San Juan Wilderness Area – the Southern Rocky Mountains’ wildest – and the Weminuche Wilderness Area – Colorado’s largest – the habitat along Wolf Creek Pass forms the headwaters of both the Rio Grande and San Juan Rivers and serves as a critical ecological and recreational linkage. Yet out-of-state developers with little knowledge of high altitude conditions and values are proposing the “Village” at Wolf Creek, a city of up to 8,000 people at the top of the Pass. This intense development in an otherwise undeveloped area entirely surrounded by National Forest would dramatically impact the entire region.

After years of foiled attempts to circumvent the public process, and millions spent on politically manipulated approvals, the Friends of Wolf Creek have successfully overturned every permit thus far acquired by the developer. This saga to protect one of Colorado’s prized landscapes continues to be made possible thanks to the dedication and generosity of thousands of committed citizens. For More information, see: www.friendsofwolfcreek.org

2. TAKE ACTION: Write a Letter to the Editor

We need to continue to spread the word about the “Pillage” at Wolf Creek, and expand our network of concerned activists. Consider writing a Letter to the Editor (usually under 300 words), or call your local paper and ask if you can submit a full editorial (usually around 700 words). Either is a great way to reach out to the public and share your concerns. Feel free to contact us at Colorado Wild if you want any help with your letter.

3. TAKE ACTION: Contact Your Elected Officials

Friends of Wolf Creek have had outstanding support from elected officials at the local, state and federal level. As the Forest Service initiates a new EIS process, it is critical that we re-engage our elected officials, and ask for their help. Beginning with Colorado’s Congressional Delegation, we encourage you to contact:

• Congressman Scott Tipton, Cortez, CO
  Phone: 970.565.7383
  Tipton website 
  Alamosa:  719-587-5105
• Senator Mark Udall, Durango, CO 
  phone: 970-247-1047
  Udall website
  Alamosa: 719-589-2101
• Senator Michael Bennet, Durango, CO
  phone: (970) 259-1710
  Bennet website
  Alamosa: 719-587-0096

Ask each for their continued leadership on this issue. Specifically, request that they:

1. Request that the Forest Service conduct public hearings, not just “open house” meetings, to solicit public comments.
2. Request that the Forest Service complete a thorough analysis of all of the project’s impacts including, but not limited to water quality, water quantity, wildlife, wetlands, traffic, air quality, socio-economic impacts, public safety, and more.
3. Request that the Forest Service consider a full range of alternatives in the EIS including return of the property to public ownership.

 Please also contact your local and state elected officials. You can find their contact information

Mineral County Commissioners contact page

Rio Grande County Commissioners

Archuleta County Commissioners contact page

http://www.votesmart.org/index.htm

Colorado Wild/SLVEC/CRD

For more info contact Paul Joyce @ 970-385-9833 or paul@coloradowild.org", Christine Canaly @ (719) 589-1518 or slvwater@fairpoint.net" or www.slvec.org

Jim Turnbull, Citizens for Responsible Development (Creede) (719) 658-2410 or visit friendsofwolfcreek.org also www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande

Documents

Analysis of Access to Village at Wolf Creek Stopped

Forest official updates status of Wolf Creek Access EIS
Judge Protects Rio Grande National Forest Halts road construction to proposed “Village at Wolf Creek”
Colorado Court of Appeals rejects appeal by Wolf Creek developers
March 22, 2007 - Village at Wolf Creek (VWC) Update

Call or write now.

Ask our federal delegation to Request that the US Fish and Wildlife Service do an EIS, see summary below.

Click here for the Summary

BACKGROUND-So folks can understand context of letter

Original Lawsuit Filed by SLVEC 
Investigative Report on Endangered Species Act and Conflict between Science and Policy
Findings on Preliminary Injunction Order
Stipulated Settlement Agreement
Definition of Significance
NEPA Citizens Guide

Public Comment Support Material

Wetlands Map
Dr. Colburn Baca Refuge Analysis and Comments
Baca Briefing Paper
 

Tell the Fish and Wildlife Service to protect theBaca National Wildlife Refuge from Oil and Gas Drilling:

The 92,000 acre Baca National Wildlife Refuge in SouthCentral Colorado is the state's newest and largest Wildlife Refuge. It waslegislated into creation as part of the Great Sand Dunes National Park andPreserve Act of 2000. This legislation turned the former privately-owned BacaRanch into three public land agency acquisitions which include the NationalPark Service, (Great Sand Dunes Park and Preserve) U.S. Fish and WildlifeService (Baca National Wildlife Refuge), and United States Forest Service (RioGrande National Forest Baca Mountain Tract.) This public land base hasbeen referred to as the Baca Public lands Complex.

The 2000 legislation passed through US Congress veryquickly, a record 18 months. Before passage of the 2000 Congressional Act thatestablished these Public Lands, efforts were underway to purchase theMineral Rights and reunite them with the surface. Unfortunately, theRefuge property had it's mineral rights severed in the 1980's while it wasstill private property. It became clear that acquisition of the mineralrights would be a lengthy process, so the Acts sponsors decided to move thelegislation expeditiously, in anticipation that the mineral rights would beacquired later.

The majority of rights to oil and gas underneath the refugebelong to Lexam Explorations, a private Canadian-based company, andConocoPhillips, who are the other 25% share holders.

In 2006, Lexam Explorations announced its intent to conductexploration activities on a portion of the Baca NWR, and to drill twoexploratory-14,000 ft. wildcat oil and gas wells on this split estate. These companies want to drill deep, "high risk" wells under the refuge withoutgiving due regard to the outstanding ecological and archeologicalcharacteristics in the area.

The federal government may not own the mineral rights tothese underground resources, such as oil and gas, but it does have significantpower to deny unreasonable development proposals. The public process is nowengaged to do another Environmental Assessment (EA) to analyze the drillingof these two proposed oil and gas wells only. Since there is yet noComprehensive Conservation Management Plan (CCMP) in place for the Baca Refuge,there is no baseline with which to analyze impacts. Therefore, an EnvironmentalImpact Statement (EIS) is now being encouraged to pursue in place of an EA,which is not as thorough.

A lawsuit was filed in 2007 by San Luis Valley EcosystemCouncil (SLVEC) and later joined by Citizens for San Luis Valley WaterProtection Coalition (WPC) and through settlement negotiations, Lexam became awilling seller of it's mineral rights in 2010. The public is now engaged in adual track process, one track is this public (NEPA) Environmental Assessmentprocess to analyze oil and gas impacts on the Baca Refuge and the other is thepursuit of purchase and retirement of the mineral rights for a permanent longterm solution.

The refuge contains approximately 15,000 acres of irrigatedwetlands, and another 10,000 acres of playa wetlands, considered by many to beamong the most concentrated, most pristine and biologically diverse wetlands inthe entire southwestern United States. The mandatory, ComprehensiveConservation Management Plan (CCMP) has just been engaged for the Baca Refugeand will begin in earnest in 2011. This will be an EIS process and they expectit will take approximately 4 years. Why not wait until after the CCMP iscompleted to make a final decision on the Lexam drilling proposal?

It is clear to those who are familiar with the area that theRefuge is home to threatened or endangered species including the bald eagle,greater sandhill crane, and mountain plover, and provides important aquatichabitat for an isolated species of Rio Grande Sucker – which is on the state'sendangered species list and the Rio Grande Chub- which is considered to be astate species of concern. In addition to providing critical fish habitat, itcontains important calving grounds for deer and elk. World-class Folsom sitesthat date back more than 11,000 years have been found near the Refuge, butmandatory archeological surveys have not yet taken place Refuge-wide.

Tell the US Fish and Wildlife Service that drilling inthe refuge would have an unreasonable impact on the outstanding ecological andarcheological significance of the area.

Sample Talking Points

(Date)

U.S. Postal Service
David Lucas, Chief, Division of Refuge Planning
US Fish and Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 25484
Denver, CO 80225-0486 or E-mail:
DraftEAComments@fws.gov

Suggested Talking Points

Thank you US Fish and Wildlife Service for taking the time to realize a more thorough Environmental Assessment (EA).

Conclusion
These mineral rights need to be purchased and retired in perpetuity. We encourage all the Public land managers that are now responsible for the lands acquired in the 2000 legislation to be engaged in this purchase and retirement process. The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Management Plan already contains 50,000 acres of recommended wilderness designation for the Park. If these mineral rights are purchased, then the National Park Service can proceed with designating it's recommended wilderness area. The US Fish and Wildlife Service can play a vital role in making this happen by giving serious consideration through one of it's alternatives to the purchase and retirement of the mineral rights beneath the Baca National Wildlife Refuge.

Until a full Environmental Impact Statement is complete, the US Fish and Wildlife Service will not know the full extent of the impacts. The Baca NWR provides a home to threatened and endangered species, such as the globally imperiled Slender Spiderflower, potential habitat for the endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, greater sandhill crane, and a genetically unique population of the endangered Rio Grande sucker fish.  Although currently deemed exploratory,  the currently proposed high risk drilling project could open the way to massive industrial development that would destroy wildlife habitat through roadbuilding, threaten air, land, aquifer and waterways with contamination, and generate excessive traffic and noise.  

No drilling should be approved until a thorough analysis is done to ensure that there will be no unreasonable impacts.  Should the drilling be deemed reasonable, the developer must be required to use all alternatives and mitigation measures to protect the sensitive values of the Refuge.  These include: locating development away from meadows, wetlands and riparian areas; protecting water quality and quantity; monitoring of air and soil quality; requiring the most stringent standards for hazardous materials; and preserving important historical and cultural sites. 

Thanks for taking the time to protect this unique area on behalf of the American public future generations. Thanks for giving me (us) the opportunity to voice a concern and solution.

Sincerely, 

Also, send copies to:

"Charlotte Bobicki" <Charlotte_Bobicki@bennet.senate.gov> (Senator Bennet)

11-01-10 Conejos County Clean Water, Inc., San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, and Concerned Citizens for Nuclear Safety file suit against the Department of Energy.

11-01-10 Antonito Trans-Waste Complaint.

1998-2013

1. In 1998, SLVEC submitted a Citizen's Management Alternative (CMA). Approximately one-half of the 1.86 million acres of Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF) is now prescribed as either Back Country or Designated Wilderness.
    
2. 1999, SLVEC organized, advocated and testified before Congress for the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000 preserving the 100,000 acre former Baca Ranch, moving this pristine landscape into Public Land. The ranch is now part of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Baca National Wildlife Refuge, and a Baca Mountain Tract addition to National Forest.
    
3. 2001-2004, SLVEC was appointed to the Great Sand Dunes NPS Management Plan Advisory Council by Interior Secretary Gayle Norton, pushing for recommendation of 50,000 acres of wilderness designation. Acquiring the mineral rights beneath the National Park will move this Wilderness recommendation forward.
   
   
4. 2001-2003, SLVEC, in cooperation with Southern Rockies Conservation Alliance (SRCA) inventoried one-half million areas of Roadless Areas within Rio Grande National Forest (RGNF), using ground truthing forms for documentation and GIS/GPS points imbedded in photographs. Thousands of photos were taken linked to GPS.
   
   
5. 2004-2005, SLVEC performs a BLM Rapid Assessment Inventory on ½ million acres of BLM roads for the SLV BLM Travel Management Plan and submitted a Citizens Management Alternative. A 51% road closure was recommended by BLM.
   
   
6. 2005, SLVEC and Colorado Wild filed a lawsuit challenging the Rio Grande County Commissioners' decision on accepting the "Village at Wolf Creek" plat design, a proposed development of 2,122 units near the continental divide. District Judge Kuenhold agreed with the claim because there was no year round access to the land.
   
   
7. 2006, SLVEC testified before Congress and the Rio Grande Natural Area Act was passed, designating 33 miles of Rio Grande Corridor, from the southern boundary of the Alamosa Wildlife Refuge to the New Mexico State line, extending protection for one-quarter mile from either bank of the river, under BLM jurisdiction.
   
   
8. 2006, Judge Marcia Krieger agreed with an adjacent landowner and SLVEC lawsuit challenge of the Rio Ox-bow Land Exchange claiming that it was not in the public interest. This decision protected some of the few remaining public access points in the Upper Rio Grande. The case has also brought precedence regarding public/private land trades in Colorado to require an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
   
   
9. 2006-2012, Colorado Wild and SLVEC challenged the Forest Service EIS decision granting access to "Village at Wolf Creek". In 2008 Supreme Court Justice Kane agreed with these claims, including the Forest Service narrowing the scope of the EIS. Another "Village at Wolf Creek" land exchange is now being proposed and analyzed.
   
   
10. 2005-2012, Water Quality Awareness Project, recipient of EPA Environmental Justice Community Problem-Solving and (CPS) and recently received EPA CARE 1 Grant. Fewer than ten grants were awarded throughout the USA. SLVEC was recipient of the EPA Environmental Stewardship Award (2007) for organizing free household well testing in small communities throughout the SLV. Over 800 household wells have received this free well testing. SLVEC has begun Environmental Health Risk assessments within 13 communities of the SLV. The CARE Project will be setting priorities based on community input to determine next steps for impacting environmental health issues, plus sending out 500 free radon test kits.
    
    
11. 2006-2010, Challenge of Oil and Gas development within the SLV Baca National Wildlife Refuge, SLVEC spearheaded a legal challenge of Oil and Gas Drilling on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge because the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process was being avoided. This case has recently settled with US Fish and Wildlife Service. Lexam Explorations, Inc. is now a willing sellerof it¡¦s mineral rights and the opportunity to acquire and retire these rights is underway, which would permanently protect the area.
    2007 - San Luis Hills and Flat Top Mesa, -Parcels Withdrawn
    2008 - Leasing on Rio Grande National Forest and BLM lands-144,000 acres deferred
    2011-13 - San Francisco Creek, near Del Norte, CO -Application to Drill (APD) filed with Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) for 5,000 ft exploratory O & G Well by Hughes Oil. Filed comments to the BLM for their EIA process. BLM recommendations to be issued late summer 2013. 
12. 2007-2013, The Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area (NHA), signed into law by President Obama in March 2009, establishes cultural, historical, and natural resource preservation and protection for the southern three counties within the San Luis Valley. The Great Sand Dunes Park and Preserve lands are included within the NHA. SLVEC has served for 4 years on the Board which is now ushering in a Management Plan.
    
    
13. 2008-2012, SLVEC works with the public and continues to comment on the BLM proposed Solar Energy Zones (SEZ's) on 22,000 acres of land within the San Luis Valley.
    
    
14. Recent Public Involvement

• With Conejos County Clean Water taking the lead, reached a settlement agreement regarding the Department of Energy (DOE) proposal for a low level Transwaste facility in Antonito. This transwaste transfer point has been withdrawn. The material was to originate from Los Alamos, NM. A site specific (NEPA) public process will have to be conducted if DOE decides to reopen this proposal.
   
• Organized another round of public comments challenging the Air Force Low Altitude Tactical Navigation (LATN) Flyovers, bringing together organizations and sharing information from Colorado and New Mexico constituencies. The proposed project spans 62,000 sq. miles and impacts 38 counties in some of Colorado's most remote Backcountry.
   
• Hosted Three Public Education forums with Transmission Line Coalition (TLC) surrounding the proposed Transmission line over La Veta Pass, including bringing the utilities (Tri-State and Xcel) together for public discussion. SLVEC supported public scrutiny of this proposal has resulted in the "postponement" of this project. In 2012, Xcel pulled its participation in the line making its liklihood of further pursuit doubtful.
  
  
• Co-sponsored a Solar Workshop with other groups at SLV Rural Electric Coop in Monte Vista, CO to bring small businesses and communities together to discuss a community scale solar siting process.

2012 included the development of a San Luis Valley Renewable Energy Master Plan to infuse support of community based siting of solar installations.

Fall 2011 Newsletter606.75 KB
Fall 2008 Newsletter236.53 KB
Fall 2007 Newsletter122.98 KB
Fall 2006 Newsletter34.65 KB

Documents

Preserving our public lands2.59 MB
Natural Dividends3.03 MB
Citizen’s Guide National Environmental Policy Act468.43 KB
SLVEC By Laws40.21 KB
A Report on The Bush Administration Assaults on our National Parks, Forests and Public Lands318.21 KB

Acronyms

Various Local, Regional and National Non Profit Environmental and Conservation Organizations.

SLVEC working group members dealing with issues such as:

• Energy Development on Public Lands Surrounding the SLV
• The Village at Wolf Creek, Protection of Roadless Areas
• Travel Management Planning on Public Lands
• Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) - Environmental Health Risk Assessment within the SLV
• Transmission Line Coalition (TLC)- Providing Public Input Regarding the Proposed Transmission Line Over La Veta Pass into the SLV from the East.
• San Francisco Creek Working Group- Local Residents Monitoring Oil and Gas Exploration in a Major Watershed of the San Juan Mountains
• San Luis Valley Solar Master Planning Process

Supporters

• Brown Foundation
• El Pomar Foundation
• Fund for Wild Nature
• Maki Foundation
• New Land Foundation
• Patagonia
• Peradam Foundation
• Carolyn Foundation
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Environmental Justice Program
• Many Individuals, Families, and Businesses
Thank you for making our work possible

Vision Statement

Through education, stewardship practices, community investment and public policy advocacy efforts, SLVEC fosters understanding of complex ecosystems and the constructive interplay between human cultures and the natural world. SLVEC embraces and promotes the preservation of beauty, biodiversity and the health of the San Luis Valley and upper Rio Grande region.

Currently, SLVEC helps organize over 100 volunteers involved in different working groups. The mailing list consists of over 4,000 individuals and 500 members.

Mission Statement

The mission of the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council (SLVEC) is to protect and restore, through research, education, and advocacy, the biological diversity, ecosystems, and natural resources of the Upper Rio Grande bioregion, balancing ecological values and human needs.

Board of Directors

		Dave Miller, Crestone, Colorado Board President Dave brings his expertise in working with the New Mexico State legislature for almost 30 years. His expertise was transmission and energy issues. Though he is no longer a practicing attorney, he has developed several policy making skills which is beneficial when mounting campaigns and also has a keen interest in the long term financial stability of the organization.  Dave also likes to hike, camp, collect fine masks and makes the most of exploring the western United States.
		Suzanne Shriber, Alamosa, Colorado Board Secretary Suzanne arrived in the SLV in 1978. She was first a bus driver for a migrant school and then became a guidance counselor for the Center Schools System. She taught for 23 years and recently retired. She has been in education for 30 years. Suzanne  graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is very involved with the Water Quality Project and Citizens for the Alamosa Ranch.
		Richard Luckemeier, Alamosa, Colorado Board Member Richard arrived in the SLV in 1983 and has worked for La Puente and as a certified engineer for the City of Alamosa. Richard joined the Board in 2007. Richard is an avid hiker, horseman, camper and an outdoorsman with a keen eye for spotting birds and other wildlife. He spends his spare time roaming in the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. He likes to track and photograph the Mexican Wolf in New Mexico.
		John Stump, Alamosa, Colorado Board Treasurer John joined the board in 2012. He recently retired from the San Luis Valley Development Resources Group, a valley wide organization that promotes and facilitates economic and community development programs by working closely with all six counties in the SLV. John authored the 5 year Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy under the US Economic Development administration. He has also provided most of the statistical/comparative analysis (demography) for SLVDRG for almost 20 years. John is also an avid birder and has participated in the Audubon Society bird survey (count) for decades. He was awarded a BS from the University of Wisconsin with a major in Sociology.
		Jim Turnbull, Creede, Colorado Board Member Native Californian. Attended Northern Arizona University School of Forestery (Grad '80), Worked for Colorado State Forest Service (Silviculture, Timber Mgt. & Planning), Southwest Forest Ind. (Timber Cruiser, Forester, Commercial Timber Admin.), City of Scottsdale, AZ. (Water Resources Admin, Water Conservation, Policy and Impact Fees), Retired in 2000 and returned to Colorado. Presently Mineral County Coordinator, ColoradoWild (2005).
		Karen Lemke, Alamosa, Colorado Board Member Karen is the Director of the College Readiness Programs at Adams State University in Alamosa. She holds a MA from University of Northern Colorado in English Rhetoric and Composition. She is also a board member with the SLV Local Foods Coalition, supporting nutrition, physical activity food sovereignty food justice, access . Karen is a diverse musician and plays with the SLV symphony orchestra and community steel drum band. Her many interests include the art of beekeeping. Karen is our most recent board addition.
Staff and Support
		Christine Canaly, Crestone, Colorado Director Chris joined SLVEC in June 2000.  Chris mobilized key local and regional constituencies to support legislation for the Great Sand Dunes National Park and remained on their Management Plan Advisory Board through 2006. She originally worked with the Citizens for San Luis Valley Water to protect the Baca Ranch from a trans-basin water diversion and received congressional recognition for that work. She has voluntarily developed organizational infrastructure for a number of Valley non-profit restoration and conservation organizations. Before moving to the SLV in 1988, she worked as a Engineer with CNN Headlines in Atlanta, Georgia and NBC News in New York City.
		Leah Opitz, South Fork, Colorado Indoor Air Quality/CARE Coordinator Hailing from Wyoming, Leah is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Microbiology. She brought her talents to the council in 2010 and is coordinating the Indoor Air Quality Program after completting two years coordinating the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) and the SLV Radon Initiative.
		Jerry Freeman, Alamosa, Colorado Office Manager, Special Projects Jerry Freeman is a semi-retired professor working as a consultant and volunteer. He has worked and lived in the Valley on a partial-basis since the late 1970’s. He has been involved in the SLV in biological research for the Colorado Division of Wildlife, in human services for Care & Share and La Puente Home, and in environmental issues and environmental education with Citizens for SLV Water and the SLV Ecosystem Council. His interests are in water, biodiversity, environmental education, and stewardship. He resides with his wife, Dores Jay-Pang, in Alamosa.
		David Montgomery, Alamosa, Colorado Consultant, Accounting and Special Projects Coordinator Dave is a nationally known landscape painter. He has lived in Colorado since 1958 and was "drug here" by his family in 1965. Dave has been a persistent voice for conservation and the environment in the San Luis Valley for the past 35 years. Dave was one of the original founding board members and is now on staff to contribute to the council in a greater capacity.

The Colorado Governor’s Energy Office, in a report published in 2008, identified the San Luis Valley as a prime location for solar development in the state of Colorado.  The San Luis Valley has clear skies, cool temperatures and a high elevation at over 7,000 feet, and 1-3% gradient slopes on the Valley floor, making it a very favorable location for development of large-scale solar facilities.   

In 2007,  Sun Edison built a solar photovoltaic plant near Mosca, Colorado, and power generation from this facility was higher than projected.  Sun Edison has also developed PV plants for Alamosa High School and the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center. Since then two more solar electric plants have been built in the Mosca-Hooper area and another plant has just been granted a permit to build.

This type of energy production, which is small-scale, distributed, and does not require large-scale transmission, is one example of how energy demands can be met.  (See The Nation:  Think Solar, Think Small and Rocky Mountain Institute Newsletter:  Small is Profitable).  Germany has incorporated many similar types of facilities into their basic infrastructure, and despite the fact that they receive only 58% of the sunlight as the Southwest, they are able to meet many of their energy demands. 

Industrial Scale or Concentrated Solar Plants, on the other hand, produce energy on a large-scale.  They require some type of additional power to keep the energy flowing even when the sun is not shining, and they usually require the construction of high-voltage transmission lines to deliver the energy to areas of need.  Most of the CSP plants currently in operation use large amounts of water (see table).   Many citizens believe that caution must be exercised for the San Luis Valley, where water issues have been a topic of concern for years.  Sandia Laboratories, in New Mexico, is experimenting with Stirling Engine technology to address this concern. 

Geothermal resource development is another example of a renewable energy source. This science taps into the heat available from magma masses below the earth surface using water as the transfer agent. Surface emanations of hotsprings are obvious indicators of hot water and caution must be excersized when developing thermal operations so as not to jeopardize naturally occuring features. SLV Ecosystem Council has responded for requested comments in a recent draft BLM Environmental Assessment of geothermal potential in the SLV.

Comments on the EA for geothermal development in the SLV by SLVEC.

SLVEC is very involved and committed in the process of renewable energy potentials evaluation.  We recently submitted comments (See also Sand Hill Crane Distribution) to the Bureau of Land Management on four public lands areas in the SLV that have been identified as possible sites for large-scale solar development.  (See BLM Map).  We believe that is crucial to protect the water, public lands, and natural resources in the San Luis Valley, and that any large-scale development should address these concerns.  

TRANSMISSION LINES 

The debate about how best to address these energy issues is happening around the country. A major consideration is the location and capacity of electrical transmission lines in respect to distribution and channeling generating sources that have not previously been on line.  The problems and costs associated with the construction of high-voltage transmission lines are of concern to many.  A proposal for Green Path North, a transmission line that would travel 85 miles and cross the Mojave Desert in southern California, has drawn tremendous opposition from local residents and environmental groups.  The Energy Justice Network has produced educational materials about transmission lines, including the problems with electromagnetic fields, and keeps track of transmission line proposals around the country and in Canada. 

(See Transmission Lies, What is Smart Grid? and A Smart Grid, Yes.  A New National Grid, No.) 

The San Luis Valley is facing the same issue.  The SLV is a prime location for solar development and some developers wish to create a major electrical generation zone here but need upgraded or new high voltage transmission lines for this to happen. Xcel Energy and Tri-State Generation and Transmission have proposed the construction of a 95-mile, double circuit 230 kV transmission line from Alamosa to Walsenburg.  This line would cross La Veta Pass, and would be visible from Highway 160.  (See Proposed Transmission Corridor Map). 

SLVEC is working closely with the Citizens for San Luis Valley Water Protection Coalition to address the concerns associated with the construction of this line.  We formed a Solar Working Group, and met on a regular basis to discuss future actions.  (See Position Paper)

Xcel formally pulled its support of the La Veta Pass corridor line in 2011 and the recent donation of a conservation easement on 90,000 acres by Louis Bacon, owner of the Blanca Trinchera Ranch through which miles of transmission lines were proposed, makes construction of this particular segment doubtful.

Tri-State and SLV Rural Electric Coop have recently announced (January, 14, 2013) a proposal to construct a high voltage line hooking into New Mexico from Antonito. Click here for the most recent press release . This reveals that the La Veta Pass route is no longer being considered as a current possibility.

SLVEC works to protect the public lands involved in all aspects of renewable energy development, and to protect the biological resources, ecosystems and natural diversity of the San Luis Valley.

Documents

Opportunities and Concerns: BLM/DOE Solar Programmatic Draft Environmental Impact Statement

Comments on the BLM Solar Energy Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, (DPEIS) specifically, 4 study areas selected for Colorado in the San Luis Valley

SLV Solar/Transmission line Alternatives and Redundancy recommendations compiled by: The San Luis Valley Solar/Transmission Work Group in cooperation with the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council and Citizens for San Luis Valley Water Protection Coalition196.17 KB

11 x 17 Map of Sensitive SLV Resources (11.5 MB)
47 x 36 Map of Sensitive SLV Resources (13.65 MB)

San Luis Valley Load Fact Sheet
Map of Proposed Transmission Lines
Expert Opinion
Designating Energy Corridors on Federal Land
Xcel Seeks Bids on World's Biggest Solar Project 
SLV Solar Symposium - Questionaire
Proposed Section 368 Energy Corridors - Colorado - Map - CAUTION: Very large file
Rocky Mountain Institute Newsletter - Small is Profitable
Does a Big Economy Need Big Power Plants? A Guest Post
The Nation: Think Solar, Think Small
Transmission Lies
What is a Smart Grid?
A Smart Grid, yes. A new national grid, no.
Federal Transmission Bill 3-09

There is currently active interest in one of the few ares of the San Luis Valley where buried sedimentary deposits can be accessed- around the town of del Norte. Much of the San Luis Valley floor consists of thousands of feet of alluvial outwash. The Sangre de Cristo range is predominantly uplifted metamorphic rock while the San Juans are a result of extensive volcanic deposits neither of which have ever produced any hydrocarbons. This may not discourage some explorations, however, so we will keep you updated if other regions are slated for developmental exploration.

Please go to this section to learn more about the active oil and gas explorations around Del Norte.

During the Bush Administration, oil and gas development on public lands reached an unprecedented high.  At the end of 2008, just before leaving office, leases were offered on lands adjacent to or within the viewshed of three national parks:  Arches, Dinosaur, and Canyonlands.  (See Utah Oil & Gas).  This was the final attempt by the Bush Administration to allow our finest public lands to be opened up for development.

The San Luis Valley faced several similar threats.  On March 14, 2008, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offered a 146,000 acre oil and gas lease-parcel sale, primarily on Rio Grande National forest lands in the San Juan Mountains near Del Norte and South Fork, as well as on parcels near the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.  These parcels were on sensitive areas of the forest, including 19,000 acres of roadless areas, critical seasonal habitat for big game, and habitats for special, threatened, or endangered species, including the Canada lynx, bald eagle, and bighorn sheep.  Some of the parcels offered for lease had a slope of over 40%, where erosion from road and pad construction could cause significant stream sedimentation and habitat destruction.  Over half of the lease parcels were within watersheds containing the endangered Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout.  These parcels straddled two tributaries to the Rio Grande and the town of Del Norte municipal watershed. 

SLVEC worked with a coalition of regional and national environmental organizations, including local citizen groups from Rio Grande and Saguache Counties, to persuade county commissioners to respond.  Ninety-eight protests were submitted to the Colorado BLM office (a number higher than any previous submittal) requesting a full withdrawal of these parcels.  Because of the public outcry, both Rio Grande and Saguache County Commissioners also requested withdrawal or deferral of the lease sales.  SLVEC, in conjunction with Western Resource Advocates, submitted a protest that referenced a previous lawsuit requiring due diligence on roadless area analysis.  Our Congressional delegation also requested deferral. 

The Forest Service responded by recommending to BLM that these lease sale parcels be temporarily withdrawn.  The FS deferred those parcels on USFS land, but those on BLM land were sold. 

SLVEC also organized similar opposition efforts when the BLM proposed the lease-sale of lands in the San Luis Hills, Flat Top Mesa area of Conejos County in the spring of 2007.  SLVEC, thanks to daily briefings from the Southern Rockies Conservation Alliance network, responded quickly to news of the potential lease sale.  Working with Alamosa Riverkeepers and local media, SLVEC organized public meetings to inform the citizens and landowners about the proposed sale.  San Luis Hills contains many areas that have been identified as appropriate for Wilderness designation.  SLVEC organized multiple protest comments to the BLM lease office from local county officials and nearby landowners, and the proposed parcels were removed from sale consideration at that time. 

When former Colorado Senator Ken Salazar became Secretary of the Interior under the new Obama Administration, the lease sales in Utah were re-evaluated and some of the most sensitive leases were postponed indefinitely. 

Documents

San Luis Hills Area Lease Sales Parcels
Proposed land for sale by the Bureau of Land Management
Utah Oil and Gas Sale
60 Minutes - Did Speculation Fuel Oil Price Swings?
Winter Ozone Levels a Concern

Baca National Wildlife Refuge & proposed land exchange:

Situation: In 2006, Lexam, Inc. a Canadian Mining Company, filed an application to drill two 14,000 ft test wells on the newly created Baca National Wildlife Refuge (BNWR). SLVEC filed a lawsuit in May of 2007, which forced the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to undergo a NEPA process and provide a range of alternatives. In the spring of 2008, the FWS released anEnvironmental Assessment (EA) stating No Significant Impact of drilling. This decision was challenged by SLVEC with a Preliminary Injunction.

            In 2011, SLVEC reached a settlement agreement with US Fish and Wildlife Service. The stipulated Agreement was filed just days after a request by Colorado Senator’s Udall and Bennet, “to facilitate a discussion about buying out mineral rights in Baca National Wildlife Refuge to protect it from future drilling.” The senators sent a letter asking Dan Ashe, the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for a meeting with stakeholders to explore potential solutions to conserving the refuge's natural resources.” These actions have been supported by years of public outcry (28,000 responses) for buyout and will further efforts to work towards permanent protection of theBaca National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent public lands.         

            Although litigation had been focused on the Baca Wildlife Refuge, other federal landmanagement agencies have expressed interest in a broad mineral acquisition that would also protect the unique character of the Sand Dunes National Park and the National Forest Baca Mountain Tract, part of the 2000 Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve legislation.

            In March 2012, Senator Udall’s and Bennet office, regional and DC, brought together almost 30 representatives from various agencies and interested parties to facilitate a meeting. Present were: 4 representatives from US Fish and Wildlife, including the real estate office, 4 reps from National Park Service, including the new Superintendent, Forest Service real estate office, the Rio Grande Water Conservation District- SLV water users, 2 reps from Trust for Public Land, the Dept. of Interior office, Saguache County Commissioner, BLM’s real estate office, SLVEC and Lexam’s representatives from Toronto.            

            Lexam made an announcement. Understanding the financial constraints imposed on the federal government at this time, they offered a land exchange. Lexam already has anoperating gold mine in Nevada and would like to build a facility next to the mine, not to expand the mine, but to improve efficiency in operations.  This property is currently owned by the BLM so Lexam is proposing a land exchange of that BLM property in exchange for divestiture of all their mineral rights within the San Luis Valley. This land exchange will require an act of congress since the mineral/land properties in question are contained within two different states.  BLM was tasked to go back and discuss this proposal within various BLM and congressional offices.  It appears to be a proposal worthy of consideration, but research will need to be conducted in coming months. The various interests left the meeting feeling cautiously optimistic.

Plan, Goals, and Objectives: Federal Mineral Rights acquisition within the San Luis Valley.

            During negotiations in 2010, Lexam made an offer to sell their minerals rights for $8.3 million. Trust for Public Land (TPL) agreed to act as negotiator, with the original intention to facilitate purchase with private funding support until federalfunds could be appropriated to move all the rights into the public domain, and then retired. SLVEC secured funds and a Mineral Remoteness Report was developed and given to the Congressional Delegation, Public Land Managers, Water Users, Trust for Public Land and the Dept. of Interior in the fall of 2011.  

            SLVEC received commitment from a private source to fund a full mineral appraisal of Lexam’s mineral rights when that becomes necessary and made that announcement as a point of negotiation at the March 1^st meeting.  In coming months, the Senatorial offices of Colorado and Nevada will meet to determine the feasibility of this land exchange and in the event of agreement, will prepare legislation to move it through congress. SLVEC will continue to mobilize public support for Mineral rights/BLM Land exchange. We believe that because there is a win/win interest to both the public and private sector, that it will not attract much controversy in congress.

After a multi-year battle to protect the water in the San Luis Valley aquifers, the BNWR was created by the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000.  This legislation was the result of efforts by many local individuals and groups, including the Citizens for San Luis Valley Water, San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council and other conservation organizations, local governments in the SLV, state officials, local federal officials, and our Congressional delegation. The legislation included the expansion of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the creation of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, and added additional acreage to the Rio Grande National Forest, known as the Baca Mountain Tract.  

Over the course of the following four years, The Nature Conservancy acted as a broker in acquiring the additional lands for the Park, the Refuge, and the Forest.  This included the purchase of the Baca Ranch for $33 million, then held by Farallon Corporation.  At the time, the mineral rights had already been severed and sold to a third party, Lexam, and were not available for purchase.  Farallon could only sell the surface and water rights that it held.  It was important to purchase the surface and water rights in the Baca Ranch in a timely manner in order to acquire the property needed for federal designation, and in order to avoid losing the ranch to a third party.  In September of 2004, land acquisitions had been finalized, and the official designation was signed by then Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton. 

Because of the new lands that were acquired, the Great Sand Dunes National Park had begun the process of creating a General Management Plan late in 2003.  The BNWR, due to funding constraints from the US Fish &Wildlife Service (FWS), was not scheduled to begin their own comprehensive management plan until 2011.  Surveys of the land, including studies of flora and fauna and cultural resources, were delayed as well. 

In December of 2006, Lexam Explorations, owner of the mineral rights under the BNWR, notified the FWS that they intended to drill two 14,000-foot deep exploratory oil & gas wells (see map). Since Lexam owned the mineral rights, and had a surface-use agreement in place that had been established with the previous owner, FWS took the position that they did not need to engage the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) over the issue, and that there was no need to solicit public comment. 

Many citizens and environmental groups disagreed.  In May of 2007, the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council filed a lawsuit asserting that the FWS had a duty to implement NEPA, and involve public process, to protect the public interest in the BNWR.  The lawsuit established important safeguards for the refuge, and the FWS agreed to institute an Environmental Assessment (EA) before any exploratory drilling could begin. 

Throughout the year of 2008, the EA process went forward.  Over 47,000 comments were received from the public, including comments from many local entities that expressed concern over the fact that no Comprehensive Management Plan had been done for the refuge, and no baseline data existed for evaluating the effects of oil & gas drilling.  Specific concerns about air quality were raised by both the National Park Service and the EPA.  The State Historic Preservation Office and the Hopi Tribe expressed concerns about the cultural resources that could be damaged by drilling, and requested accountability regarding how these concerns would be addressed.    

Despite numerous comments and concerns, expressed both in scoping, and as reaction to the draft EA, (see Press Release on EA) the FWS issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) in November of 2008. 

As the EA process went forward, concerns arose about the role that Lexam Explorations and its consultants were playing in the creation of the EA.  The Citizens for San Luis Valley Water Protection Coalition, who had been involved in water protection in the same area in the 1990’s, filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, in which they asked for documents and internal communications between FWS, the DOI Solicitor’s office, Lexam, Lexam’s attorneys, and ENSR Corporation, a consultant working with Lexam.  

When these documents were released, it became evident that there was inappropriate influence, including specific wording and edits to the EA, and inappropriate exchange of information.  This helped insure that the scope of the final EA was very narrow in its assessment of impacts from drilling.  The result was that the EA, and the FONSI Record of Decision, were not a true representation of either the science or the concerns expressed during the EA scoping and comment period. 

In September of 2009, at the request of SLVEC’s attorneys, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Walker Miller granted a Preliminary Injunction (PI) which recognized the likelihood that environmental groups would prevail in the lawsuit.  Judge Miller’s decision, subsequent settlement talks, and the small likelihood of finding developable minerals (0.03%, according to a USGS study), have created a situation where purchase and retirement of the mineral rights may be the best alternative.  Although litigation is focused on the BNWR, other federal land management agencies have expressed an interest in a broad mineral acquisition, which could further protect the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Baca Mountain Tract of the Rio Grande National Forest. 

In January of 2010, during the process of settlement talks stemming from Judge Walker’s PI decision, Lexam became a willing seller and offered to have the Mineral rights purchased for $9.7 million. The current goal is the development and implementation of a public/private partnership that can move swiftly to meet the challenge of purchasing these rights on behalf of the American public and having them retired in perpetuity. 

SLVEC continues to advocate for protection of these lands.  In approving the legislation of 2000, Congress recognized that these lands offered “unique hydrological, biological, educational, and recreational values deserving of preservation into perpetuity.” 

We now have the historic opportunity to complete the process that began with the Park and Preserve Act of 2000 and protect this public lands complex for the American people.

Background Information

Original Lawsuit Filed by SLVEC 
Investigative Report on Endangered Species Act and Conflict between Science and Policy
Findings on Preliminary Injunction Order
Stipulated Settlement Agreement
Definition of Significance
NEPA Citizens Guide

Documents

Energy drilling may be avoided at wildlife refuge
Telesto Memo on Water Quality/Lexam
Press Release on Suit Filed Against Fish & Wildlife Service
Drilling delayed until August - Valley Courier Article
Drilling on Baca NWR Halted - Press Release
Stipulated Agreement

Wolf Creek Pass is also home to a world class "Ma and Pa" family -owned ski area now seeking expansion as well as a potential controversial land development.

Click on PROJECTS  links to the left for 

Village at Wolf Creek

Wolf Creek Ski Area Expansion

Documents

Travel Management Planning Summary
Record of Decision
Supporting Letter

All over the world, water quality is quickly becoming one of the most pressing environmental concerns of the 21st century.  Life depends on it, and yet access to clean water is growing increasingly difficult.  The New York Times, in a five-part series titled “Toxic Waters” has outlined many of the problems:  from over-flowing and aging sewer systems, to toxic waste from industry; from agricultural run-off to chemical contamination.  Colorado has its own share of problems, stemming from unprecedented population growth and large-scale oil and gas development over the past decade.  (See “Colorado Waters Under Pressure.”)

Municipal Systems
Municipal systems are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, and are required to test water for bacteria and other contaminants on a regular basis.  Despite the testing and the regulation, problems still occur.  (See National Assessment of Tap Water Quality)  Alamosa, like many other municipal systems, has experienced its share of problems.  In March and April of 2008, there was an outbreak of salmonella poisoning, which was traced to the city water system.   Arsenic was discovered in the city water system in the 1980’s, at levels exceeding EPA regulations, and the City was required to install a reverse-osmosis system to deal with the problem.  Arsenic has been linked to many serious health problems. 

Private Wells
Private wells are not regulated by any government authority (such as EPA), and are not required to test for problems.  It is up to the individual well-owner to regulate their own water quality.  The same problems that are seen in city water systems are often seen in domestic wells, from heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium, to problems with bacteria and nitrates.  It is estimated that thirty percent of SLV residents are not served by public water systems, and obtain their water from household wells.

In 2006, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) came to the San Luis Valley and worked with the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council to form a collaborative partnership made up of several businesses, organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and environmental groups.  This partnership was named SLV LEAP-HIGH (Landscape Environmental Assessment Plan-Health Inspired Goals for Humans).  Working with volunteers from the group, EPA brought a mobile lab to the Valley, and conducted free household-well testing in each of the six counties.  Over 400 households participated.  Results indicated that 28.5% of household wells tested positive for bacteria, 1.4% for nitrates, 11.9% for arsenic, 1.4% for lead, 3.6% for fluoride, and 3.1% for uranium. 
Because of the success of the project, on April 12, 2007, EPA officials presented six community leaders who participated in the SLV LEAP HIGH project with the U.S. EPA Friends of Environmental Protection Award for outstanding stewardship and outstanding environmental education in a rural setting. 

The SLV LEAP-HIGH partnership, through the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, recognizing the extent of the problem with private well water, received a three-year grant under the EPA Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving program.  With that funding, the collaborative group has held regular monthly meetings, and has brought in additional partners, including the Colorado State University Extension Project.  In the summer of 2009, the group presented educational meetings in five Valley counties, and gave out free household-well test kits.  Over 300 households participated in this second phase of well testing.  Preliminary results indicate 42% of household wells tested positive for bacteria, and 9% for harmful coliform bacteria.  There were high levels of arsenic, cadmium, and iron, and many tests exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for sodium, sulfates, nitrates, and total dissolved solids.  The LEAP-HIGH collaborative is compiling the results of this testing, and creating maps of Valley counties showing the test results by geographic area.  A report will be issued in the spring of 2010 outlining these results.

Helpful Tools
As part of the educational presentation, participants were given DVDs and other materials which detailed many of the important aspects of maintaining a private well.  Participants were instructed on how to apply shock chlorination to treat bacterial problems in the water. CSU also offers a tool for understanding test results.  Simply type in the results from your lab report, and get a detailed analysis of problems.  The booklet, Protecting Your Private Well, was also presented at meetings and contains lots of helpful information about household well protection.

Additional materials have been developed by the collaborative to help well owners.  Many people are not aware of the problems caused by bacteria or arsenic or any of the other contaminants found in the SLV.  For a better understanding of the contaminants and the related health concerns, check out The Dirty Dozen.  Other materials present information on things you can do to protect your well and the types of treatment systems available and the problems they address.  

Bottled Water
When problems are encountered with water, many individuals switch to bottled water.  This can be a valuable and sometimes necessary temporary solution.  Almost everyone in the city of Alamosa was forced to use bottled water for a few weeks in the spring of 2008.  But not all bottled waters are as safe as we imagine.  In one study, published in The Archives of Family Medicine, researchers compared bottled water with tap water from Cleveland, and found that nearly a quarter of the samples of bottled water had significantly higher levels of bacteria.  To understand the labeling of bottled water and what it means, go to Hitting the Bottle.

The use of bottled water brings with it a whole host of other environmental concerns.  These include the fact that petroleum products are used in the production of the plastic, and that shipping of bottled water is enormously costly in terms of the burning of fossil fuels and the resulting damage to climate change.  Plastic bottles take over 1000 years to biodegrade, and only about 20% are recycled.   

These are not the only concerns.  Bottled water has had a detrimental affect on many neighborhood communities throughout the USA and the world.  The Sierra Club, as well as citizen’s groups in Michigan, Maine and California, have gone to court over the Nestle Corporation’s water bottling operations.  These groups claim that Nestle’s practices have degraded lakes and wetlands, lowered water tables, and pose a threat to residential and agricultural water supplies.  A series of cases have found that Nestle Waters North America has damaged the environment through their pumping operations.  Closer to home, the Nestle Corporation is currently working with Chaffee County to bottle water from the springs at Brown’s Canyon, on the upper Arkansas River.  This water would be piped to Johnson Village and then trucked to Denver to be sold as part of Nestle’s Arrowhead brand.  (See Controversy brews over Nestle-Aurora water issue)

Future Goals

The SLV LEAP-HIGH group hopes to continue this important work of education and outreach in the area of water quality.  We will extend the partnership to include county nurses, and will work closely with Colorado State University Extension Office, the Department of Agriculture, and other agencies throughout the San Luis Valley.  We will compile well water quality information from many different sources, in order to give us a better picture of what is happening in the Valley aquifers.  We believe that environmental health is the foundation of public health, and we are committed to helping the citizens of the San Luis Valley learn more about their water and how to protect it.  If you would like to learn more, please e-mail us at info@slvec.org.

Documents

Water Quality Project Update - January 22, 2010
LEAP HIGH Pamplet
Bush Administration Covered Up 500+ Blocked Water Pollution Cases
Decline of Clean Water Act Enforcement Program - Memo

Wildlife:  Roadless areas offer protection for fish and other wildlife, including more than 1,600 threatened, endangered, or sensitive plant and animal species.

Habitat:  Roadless areas offer wildlife the unfragmented habitat that they need in order to thrive.

Water: Roadless areas protect water and watersheds from pollution— sedimentation and contaminants from the building, maintenance, and use of roads not to mention erosional impacts from accessed areas.

Refuge:  Roadless areas offer quiet, pristine landscapes that allow visitors to experience the world of nature, unmarred by the noise and bustle of civilization.

Alpine Tundra: Tundra areas, both alpine and arctic, are particularly susceptible to damage.  Some areas along the Trail Ridge Road, in Rocky Mountain National Park, have sustained damage from people walking off-trail.  Damaged areas can take centuries to recover.

July 17, 2012

On July 1, 2012, the Obama administration and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack officially adopted the Colorado Roadless Rule as the guideline for managing roadless areas in Colorado National Forests.

From the Durango Herald Tribune , July 2 2012

Some Colorado Conservationists are not very supportive of the Colorado Roadless Rule as in the following article: Click here for commentary    

PREVIOUSLY:

Below is a statement from Mike King, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, regarding the Roadless Rule ruling from the 10th Circuit on October 10, 2011.

Federal Court Reinstates Roadless Rule

Previously.........In 2001, after three years of analysis, the Forest Service adopted the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protected 58.5 million acres of national forest nationwide from most logging and road construction.  When George Bush entered office, he modified this rule to allow states to pass their own roadless area designation rules.  Colorado’s roadless area protections can be found here. www.dnr.state.co.us/roadlessrule

SLVEC, along with other environmental organizations such as the Colorado Environmental Coalition and the Southern Rockies Conservation Alliance, has worked diligently to help preserve roadless areas in the Rio Grande National Forest.  We were instrumental in taking photos and obtaining data for several wilderness and roadless areas in the forest.  Pictures and other information from the Roadless Inventory Project can be seen at Colorado’s Forest Legacy.

SLVEC continues to be involved in planning on the Rio Grande National Forest, and will continue to work to protect these important landscapes.

Documents

Roadless protections better later than never

10th Circuit Court of Appeals Roadless Area Decision

The mission of the Sangre de Cristo National Heritage Area is to promote, preserve, protect, and interpret its profound historical, religious, environmental, geographic, geologic, cultural, and linguistic resources.  These efforts will contribute to the overall national story, engender a spirit of pride and self-reliance, and create a legacy in the Colorado counties of Alamosa, Conejos and Costilla.

A national heritage area is a place where national, cultural, historic and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinct landscape.  Such a landscape exists here in the San Luis Valley, where several distinct cultures intersected.

Mt. Blanca, the 14,345 foot peak that towers over the valley, was originally given the name Sisnaajini (White Shell Mountain) by the Dine (Navajo) people and is considered a sacred landmark, denoting the northeastern boundary of their world.  The Ute, Apache, Tiwa, Tewa, Comanche, Kiowa, and Arapaho tribes also lived in the area, either following the migration of large game animals along what is now known as the Old Spanish Trail or building villages of adobe and farming crops such as squash and corn.  Evidence of their presence is found today in petroglyphs and pictographs that tell the stories of their cultures.

Buffalo hunting and indigenous nomadic life was intersected by Mexican land grants and penitente moradas.  This area includes the oldest town in Colorado (San Luis), and the oldest parish in Colorado (Our Lady of Guadalupe in Conejos).  Several of the large tracts of land were once land grants from Spain, including the area of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge, and what has since become the Forbes-Trinchera.

Explorer Zebulon Pike was the first American to provide a detailed description of this area.  Captured by Spanish soldiers in 1807, near the area of Pike’s Stockade, this rebuilt structure is a symbol of westward expansion and exploration.  Pike’s foray in the Valley was followed by the military, sheepherders, Mormon settlement, mining, railroads, cattle ranchers and Japanese farmers.

The San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council serves on the Board of Directors for the heritage area, and is working hard to help implement 501C3 status.  We also work to provide input into the preservation and protection of the overall environmental, geographical, and cultural landscape of this unique area where Spanish, Anglo and Native American cultures converged.

The Alamosa Ranch is 1,300 acres of open space, woods, and wildlife habitat bordering the Rio Grande River on the north side of Alamosa.  The City of Alamosa purchased this property in 1996 from a local rancher, who wanted to see the land protected from development.  Local citizens, with support from SLVEC, formed CFAR (Citizens for the Alamosa Ranch) to address management of the property, and to insure that development of the site is limited, at best. 

CFAR wrote a Draft Management Plan for the property in February 2009.  This plan supported the preservation of the ranch as open space, with a focus on activities such as walking, jogging, bicycle riding, wildlife and bird watching, and other appropriate open-space activities.  There are currently eight miles of trails on the ranch, and this proposal uses a phased-in approach to providing additional trails as needed. The plan further calls for the continued historic use of flood irrigation on the ranch for livestock grazing, which supports the wetlands and associated wildlife. 

Educational opportunities for nearby school groups, and seasonal activities such as fishing, ice-skating, and cross-country skiing are also proposed.  Primitive camping is also proposed.

CFAR completed an updated Management Plan in June of  2010 and submitted it to the Alamosa City Council and the Alamosa Ranch Advisory Board.  No immediate action was taken and soon a project was proposed for the ranch that has since changed the integrity of the wildlife preservation areas. The proposal was to create a disc golf course on public land and after many candidates for this marginal sport's location a prime wildlife habitat area of the Alamosa Ranch was targeted.

CFAR was in the forefront to find other areas that would be more appropriate for a developed sport such as disc golf.  The Alamosa Ranch Board and City Council however chose to insert this golf course into an area that had been under management to regenerate cottonwood and nurture the supported wildlife. Currently the course has fragmented the former wildlife habitat by developing the central portion of a 100 acre section. Plans are now in place to further impact this once wild area by constructing professional-grade cross country tracks. This proposal is a collaborative effort with the city of Alamosa and Adams State College. As of March 2013, this project has been suspended awaiting grant funding.

The management for the Alamosa Ranch is trending, perhaps irreversibly, towards human developed recreation in detriment to former wildlife habitats. The  Alamosa City Council recently disbanded the Ranch Advisory Board which could further dilute public involvement in management decisions.

This page will be updated as new situations occur, or you can contact SLVEC for up to the minute changes- 719-589-1518.

Click below to view the Citizens for the Alamosa Ranch 2011 Management Plan

2011 Ranch Management plan.pdf

San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council is a 501C3 non-profit corporation, which was incorporated in 1998 by a group of citizens concerned about impacts to public lands around the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.

We believe in the power of education, stewardship, community involvement and public advocacy. Our mission is to protect and restore the biological diversity, ecosystems, and natural resources of the Upper Rio Grande region, balancing ecological values and human needs.

We have organized several different working groups, including the Friends of Wolf Creek, LEAP-HIGH Water Quality, the Solar Working Group, and others, which include over 100 volunteers. SLVEC has over 400 members, who give what they can in money, time, or expertise. Because of their dedication and support, we have enjoyed many successes in helping to protect this beautiful area. We are very grateful to all of them.

If you would like to get involved, please fill out a membership form, and mail it to:

San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council, PO Box 223, Alamosa, Colorado, 81101

Or contact us at 719-589-1518 or info@slvec.org.