SAN JUAN COUNTY, COLORADO BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING AGENDA April 28, 2021 DUE TO THE COVID 19 EMERGENCY SAN JUAN COUNTY WILL CONDUCT ALL OF ITS PUBLIC MEETING VIRTUALLY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. THE INFORMATION NECESSARY TO CONNECT TO THIS PUBLIC MEETING IS LISTED BELOW CALL TO ORDER: 5:00 P.M. Flood Plain Work Session BOCC Meeting Minutes for April 14, 2021 APPOINTMENT 6:35 P.M. Jim Donovan, OEM - Evacuation and Re-Entry Plan 7:00 P.M. Public Hearing - Colorado Liquor Retail License Application, The Lift at Cascade, LLC 7:30 P.M. Gilbert Archuleta, Fire Authority CORRESPONDENCE Colorado State Forest Service - 2020 Health of Colorado s Forest Bonita Peak Mining District Update CAG Letter CDOT/San Juan County Meeting Rural Colorado COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS Memorandum of Understanding - San Juan Basin Health and San Juan County Public Health Public Comment Commissioner and Staff Reports Next Regular Meeting - May 12, 2021 8:30 A.M. Join Zoom Meeting https lzoom Us//92136473203 Meeting ID: 921 3647 3203 One tap mobile +16699006833,92136473203# US (San Jose) +12532158782.92136473203# US (Tacoma) Dial by your location +1 € 9 00 6833 US (San Jose) + 782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 4 48 7799 US (Houston) + 1 646 3/6 9923 US (New York) +1 1 01 3592 US (Germantown) + 1 5799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 3647 3203 SAN JUAN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 AT 8:30 A.M. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Chairman Scott Fetchenhier. Present were Commissioners Ernie Kuhlman and Austin Lashley, and Administrator William Tookey. The meeting was held with the Commissioners and Administrator present in the Commissioner's Room and the general public attended via Zoom. Payment of Bills: Commissioner Kuhlman moved to authorize payment ofthe warrants as presented. Commissioner Lashley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimous. Minutes: Commissioner Lashley moved to approve the minutes of March 24, 2021 as presented. Commissioner Kuhlman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimous. Terry Morris was present to provide an update on the CAG activities. He noted that the CAG will be sending the EPA a letter that expresses their concerns. James Simino and Lew Sovocool of the San Juan National Forest Service were present to notify the Commissioners that a private property in with mining claims in the Island Lake area had approached the Forest Service to see if they were interested in purchasing the claims. The Forest Service is proceeding with the purchase of those claims. James Simino also informed the Commissioners that the South Mineral Road will probably be opened in mid-May and that they are planning on locating 4 porta johns at the Ice Lake trailhead. The Commissioners received a letter from the Town of Silverton concerning OHVS. The Commissioners discussed potential OHV staging areas. Social Services Director Martha Johnson was present to provide the Commissioners with a monthly update and to provide additional information concerning Social Services programs and funding. Also present were Elizabeth Barszcz from the Silverton School to discuss the TANF funding they received to support their summer program. And Sara Mordecai from the Silverton Family Learning Center to discuss the TANF funding they have received. Martha Johnson is recommending that the Commissioners continue to support the Silverton School program with $22,000 in TANF funding and the Family Learning Center with $14,000 in TANF funding. It was the consensus oft the Commissioners to proceed with contracts with both entities in the amounts recommended. A Public Hearing was held to receive comment concerning the Land Use Permit application submitted from Stacie and Victor Hunsicker to construct a Driveway, Culvert, Gate, Signs, and Electric on the Gold Spur Mill Site USMS No. 16761B, Lower Cunningham Gulch Road County Road 4. Upon completion of the Public Hearing Commissioner Lashley moved to approve the installation of a driveway, a culvert with location and size to be determined by Road Supervisor Girodo, a simple gate without any lettering as per the conditions recommended by the Planning Director in particular the site visit for a Historic Review ofthe site and for wetlands consideration. Commissioner Kuhlman seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimous. It was the consensus of the Commissioners that the application was incomplete concerning the issue ofinstalling electric power to the site and for camping on the site for a period in excess of 20 days. The installation of signage must be done in compliance with the County Sign Code. Road Supervisor Louis Girodo was present to discuss dust control on county roads for the summer season. It was the consensus of the Commissioners to allow the Road Department to apply enhanced mag chloride as proposed. Public Health Director Becky Joyce, Emergency Manager Jim Donovan and Public Information Officer DeAnne Gallegos were present to provide the Commissioners with a COVID-19 update. The public health order requiring the use of masks will be extended until May 15, 2021. The Commissioners recessed for lunch. The meeting was reconvened at 1:30 pm. A Public Hearing was held to review the temporary restrictions placed upon CR 22 for last summer. Upon completion of the public hearing the Commissioners discussed various options for CR 22. Commissioner Kuhlman stated that the barricades should be removed, and the road opened to motorized through traffic. Commissioners Fetchenhier and Lashley were in favor of! keeping barricades on the road that would allow for both motorized and non-motorized traffic but would prevent motorized through traffic. They would like the barricades improved to prevent dirt bikes and other motorized traffic from going through or around the barricades. They would also like to see them improved to allow bicycles to have easy access through the barricades. Commissioner Lashley moved to improved barricades on CR 22. Commissioner Fetchenhier seconded the motion. The motion passed with Lashley and Fetchenhier voting yes and Commissioner Kuhlman voting no. Resolution 2021-03 to accept the GOCO Resilient Community Grant was presented to the Commissioners. Commissioner Kuhlman moved to approve Resolution 2021-03 as presented. Commissioner Lashley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimous. The Commissioners: were presented with the January, February and March Treasurer's Reports for their review. Administrator Tookey provided the Commissioners with an update on sales tax. Having no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:50 P.M. Upon completion oftheir regular meeting the Commissioners inspected the new fire truck and toured the fire station. Scott Fetchenhier, Chairman Ladonna L. Jaramillo, County Clerk " cAn photo: Evacuation traffic Estes Park, 2020 Evacuation and Re-Entry Plan An Annex to the Emergency Operations Plan Sanjuan County, Colorado 2021 GAN JUAN coun CCI ENee PURPOSE 3 SCOPE 3 AUTHORITY 3 SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS 3 Planning Assumptions 4 CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS 4 Evacuation Orders and Notifications 5 Provisions for People Unable to self-Evacuate 7 Perimeter Control Requirements 7 Accountability 8 Return to the Risk Area - Re-Entry 8 Checkpoints and Routes 10 Roadblocks 11 Curfews 11 EVACUATION AND RE-ENTRY PUBLIC INFORMATION 12 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 12 PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE 13 RESIDENTIAL ACCESS PASS REGISTRATION 14 WILDFIRE RESPONSE AREA RE-ENTRY PUBLIC INSTRUCTIONS 15 (Modify as needed for each specific incident) 15 Hazards Include: 15 Power/Water: 15 Traffic: 15 Animals: 16 Re-Evacuation and Notification: 16 Household Hazardous Waste: 16 Emergency Notifications 16 Public Information and Notification 17 I. PURPOSE The purpose of this annex is to ensure the safe and orderly evacuation of people threatened by hazards in San Juan County, and to provide for the safe re-entry of the affected area. This annex outlines provisions to quickly evaluate and assess the immediate human and animal needs (food, water, health / medical, and housing), the operational status of vital community infrastructure transportation, communications and utility systems), and to assist impacted localities with the restoration of essential services. II. SCOPE This annex adopts an all-hazards approach to preparing for and managing evacuations. It establishes a methodology that is applicable to any threat, hazard, or event that results in the need to evacuate. This Annex includes all areas of unincorporated San Juan County including public land areas. Mass Evacuation is a highly complex event and this plan provides guidance for the probable scenarios. It is important to maintain maximum flexibility with the incident. As such, this annex provides considerations for the evacuation of populations affected by large or small incidents within San Juan County. A. LEAD PLANNING AGENCY: San Juan County, Office of Emergency Management B. LEAD OPERATIONAL AGENCY: San Juan County Sheriff's Office C. SUPPORTING AGENCIES: San Juan County Public Health, San Juan County Social Services, Silverton San Juan Fire, Silverton Medical Rescue, San Juan County Road and Bridge, Town of Silverton Public Works, La Plata County Humane Society, Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Department of Transportation, U.S. Forest Service and American Red Cross. San Miguel Power Association, Bureau of Land Management. III. AUTHORITY C.R.S. 24-33.5-704 Colorado Disaster Emergency Act outlines the powers of local and state governments to respond to emergencies and disasters, including the authority to evacuate residents and visitors in order to provide for public safety. Evacuation orders of local authorities and Sheriffs are legally enforceable I and a person disobeys an evacuation order at his or her own peril. With regards to evacuations, the Colorado Disaster Emergency Act: A. Direct and compel the evacuation of all or part of the population from any stricken or threatened area within the state if the governor deems this action necessary for the preservation of life or other disaster mitigation, response, or recovery; B. Prescribe routes, modes of transportation, and destinations in connection with evacuation. IV. SITUATION AND ASSUMPTIONS San Juan County is capable of supporting evacuations and supporting jurisdictions through existing agreements. However, a large incident, either within San Juan County or the region, may necessitate regional or state support. These incidents will require actions and support by many agencies, multiple local jurisdictions and nongovernmental organizations. Planning Assumptions A. The primary means of evacuation for most individuals will be personal vehicles. Individuals who rely on other means of transportation (carpool, vanpool, public transportation, etc.) may require assistance in evacuating. B. Individuals with access and functional needs may require evacuation assistance and/or transportation coordination. C. Spontaneous evacuation will occur. D. Some individuals will resist an order to evacuate. E. Residents will utilize all available public information sources to acquire emergency information. F. More than one incident could cause evacuation. G. There is a potential that public transportation and roadways could be disrupted or damaged. This will demand maximum flexibility in responses. H. Dissemination of information to the public is essential to gaining control of the situation, reducing fears and implementing an organized effort for evacuation. I. Tourist and Business Travelers-Adequate transportation may not be available in a large- scale evacuation from a tourist area for tourist and business travelers. J. It may be difficult to locate and inform seasonal and homeless populations, and to estimate the scope of the transportation requirements. K. Information that is available to the public may be conflicting amongst various sources and may cause credibility issues with official information sources. L. Some percentage of the population automatically assigns suspicion to the motives of government agencies, particularly with regards to evacuations. M. Communication of accurate information is crucial during an emergency, as conflicting, incorrect and often disruptive information is common in larger disasters. V. CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS Evacuation A. The authority for evacuation in San Juan County rests with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, who will make determinations regarding the evacuation of residents and visitors from affected areas within San Juan County. B. The Emergency Operations Plan establishes the use of the Incident Command System to manage events in San Juan County. C. All evacuation plans will be accomplished in coordination with the ICS structure established for the incident to ensure accountability of personnel. Evacuation Orders and Notifications A. Evacuation Orders will be issued by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. B. San Juan County will use the Everbridge (Nixle) as the primary system for all emergency notifications and evacuation orders. Additionally, orders will be sent via public address systems, through local media, and social media. Provisions will be made for translation services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who do not speak English. Dispatch Centers will coordinate as needed with neighboring counties to ensure communities along the San Juan County line are given consistent evacuation information. C. IPAWS (The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System) is a part of the Nixle/Everbridge system. D. Social media (twitter, facebook, others) will be used to disseminate accurate official information. This will be directed by the Public Information Officer. San Juan County will implement two types of notification: A. Voluntary Evacuation - To alert residents (when time is available) that evacuation may occur and to be ready for the order, and to alert residents who need additional assistance or time to begin evacuation actions for their own safety B. Mandatory Evacuation - The mandatory evacuation order of the affected population. Exceptions would include public safety officials, disaster response personnel and organizational / agency employees designated as "essential" to emergency operations. Evacuation Information The following information will be helpful for affected residents and workers to receive prior to an evacuation order: A. Nature of the hazard. B. Methods of warning and who will carry out the warning. C. Evacuation routes. D. Information about emergency evacuation points. E. Information about risks of sheltering-in-place (as needed). F. Information about care of pets and domestic animals (as needed). G. Need to connect with a public official at the evacuation point for more information related to the hazard and necessary safety actions Refusal to Evacuate Persons who refuse to comply with a mandatory evacuation order will not be arrested nor forcibly removed from their homes. Those who refuse to evacuate should be informed that they should not expect rescue or other lifesaving assistance during the incident. If minor juvenile children are present and under the care of those who refuse to evacuate, the children may be taken into protective custody if Law Enforcement believes the children are in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death. According to county policies, the Human Services Department will be contacted for continued care and custody of juvenile children. Additionally, and depending on the circumstances, those who refuse to evacuate that are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or displaying severe behavioral health issues may be taken into protective custody. A primary reason people refuse to evacuate may be due to pets not being allowed to transport with their owner, or a lack of provisions for the shelter and care of pets. San Juan County recognizes this need and has plans in place to ensure the evacuation of pets with people. Ready-Set-Go Model for Evacuation A. Ready indicates that a person is prepared for evacuation and has a personal plan in place. If they are a property owner they have taken steps to prepare their dwelling for an evacuation. They have cleared brush from around the area and turned off gas and water. They can volunteer to evacuate at this time. Persons should have a "go bag" and important documents with them. B. Set indicates the person is essentially prepared to evacuate at a moments notice. Public safety officials communicate that it is with 1 hour of a high probability. f they are able to evacuate it is recommended. Evacuation is still voluntary. C. Go indicates immediate evacuation from the area. Instructions are provided on how to evacuate and where to go. This is Mandatory Evacuation. Evacuation Centers and Shelter Destinations The American Red Cross, in coordination with San Juan County OEM, has established priority evacuation centers and shelter locations for communities outside of San Juan County. This list will be used as a first measure to determine sites and inform the public. ESF 6i is the lead for mass care operations in the San Juan EOC and will designate and shelters as appropriate. A. Transportation- Transportation issues include outbound traffic volumes and routes, inbound emergency access routes, traffic control, motorist communication and disabled vehicle removal. B. Evacuation Routes - will be established as soon as practical following an emergency and will be assessed regularly as the incident unfolds. Due to the two largest hazards in San Juan, wildfire and flood, these routes may change as the incident grows and/or changes. C. Inbound Emergency Access Routes - If possible, one lane on every evacuation route will be kept available for inbound emergency vehicles. The inbound routes will be used for authorized emergency travel including ambulances, buses, fuel trucks, tow trucks etc. There may be circumstances where both lanes of any given road/highway will be used for evacuation purposes or circumstances where the road is not wide enough for two-way traffic. D. Means of Controlling Flow of Evacuees - The evacuation of large numbers of people from vulnerable areas will stress the limited capabilities of roadways available tor this purpose, potentially requiring additional time to complete an evacuation. Consequently, evacuation must be initiated as soon as feasible upon recognition of the threat, and must continue to function efficiently until completion. In order to manage the flow of evacuees in a safe and orderly manner, evacuation zones will be established by Incident Command. These zones will be identified in advance of a threat whenever possible. E. Motorist Communication -Highway message signs, radio broadcasts, weather alert radio broadcasts, and law enforcement will direct the flow of traffic and communicate information on evacuation routes. F. Disabled Vehicle Removal - Tow trucks and/or those resources that can provide similar services may be essential during an evacuation. The function of this service would be to remove disabled vehicles and assist with the repair of vehicles SO the evacuation routes are kept moving. Limited fuel supplies could also be delivered. Provisions for People Unable to Self-Evacuate A. Access and Functional Needs population. Likely to require assistance with transportation out of evacuated areas and back into affected areas once the emergency is stabilized. Service Animals shall be allowed to remain with their people throughout evacuation, shelter and re-entry. B. School. Planning must include arrangements for family reunification and availability of school buses and drivers C. Daycare Provider. In addition to family reunification plans, infant seats and close supervision will be required. D. Tourist and Business Travelers. Transportation may be required to assist travelers and tourists without adequate transportation. E. Seasonal and Homeless Populations. Additional transportation and information requirements will be needed to locate and inform seasonal and homeless populations, and to estimate the scope of the transportation requirements. F. Air Transport. Air ambulances may be needed for evacuation of patients that may otherwise go by ground transport, due to evacuation route congestion or other travel delays and difficulties. This would involve multiple agencies, including the Colorado National Guard. Provisions for Domestic Animals The La Plata County Humane Society is the lead agency for evacuation and shelter of domestic animals. Animals are not allowed in human shelters because of the risk of animal allergies and phobias, potential bites and scratches, food hygiene and other public health issues. Service animals are the exception. A. Whenever possible, domestic animals should be sheltered near human shelters to allow pet owners to care for their pets while evacuated. B. With planning, arrangements may be made for animals to be sheltered with: Friends, Veterinarians, Humane Society, Local Boarding or Grooming Kennels, Local Hotels and Motels that accept pets. Provisions for Large Animals and Livestock humane society. Perimeter Control Requirements Plan to maintain access points and establish policies for permitting traffic in and out for official business. A. Plans must be flexible to allow for additional evacuations of people who initially refused, if they may be evacuated safely. B. Emergency personnel will not be engage in evacuation attempts of "hold outs" if the risk is deemed unreasonable C. Assure the public that patrols are routinely monitoring the evacuated areas to discourage theft and/or looting Accountability Data Collection assignments will be made by the EOC Planning Section at the San Juan County Emergency Operations Center. The following events, resources, or information must be accounted for in an evacuation operation: A. Where and when evacuation warnings have been issued B. Number evacuated C. Number remaining in the risk area, including provisions for functional needs and people with disabilities (medical conditions, medications, mobility, etc.) D. Number of evacuees in shelters E. Data Collection will be done in coordination with Damage Assessment Teams and Emergency Responders. F. Consider using a large map of the affected area to visualize the evacuation zones, closed roads, security check points and other facilities. G. Indicate which homes have been evacuated or are empty, and which households have been warned but are not leaving. H. Maintain a transmittable data file in common software format for data sharing when possible Re-Entry Plan Return to the Risk Area - Re-Entry The process for re-entry into the evacuated areas must be coordinated to ensure safety of the public, protection of property, and the continuation of response and recovery activities. The Sheriff's Office will be responsible for notifying residents when it is safe to return to their homes and businesses. Law enforcement will be responsible for ensuring the return occurs in an orderly and safe fashion. Re-Entry Decision The decision of when to permit residents to return to the affected area will be made cooperatively between the Incident Commander, Sheriff, County EOC and municipalities in the impacted areas based upon the three scenarios above. The decision to allow re-entry will be based on an overall evaluation of the situation, including the following major factors: A. Access. Following a major event a survey (ground or aerial) of the impacted areas should be conducted immediately to identify and prioritize the most seriously damaged areas of the locality. This can determine the level of damage to major routes into the area and help to determine the time needed for debris clearance from those routes. B. Essential Emergency Services. Emergency Services agencies that have been moved to a safe haven prior to an evacuation need to return back to their service areas. C. Water Levels. Floodwaters have receded from most of the area. D. Wildfire Areas. Wildfire activity is controlled and no longer a threat to the public. E. Public Health. Water and sewer services are operating, or reasonable accommodations are in place or available. F. Subsistence. Food is available or made available in the impacted area. G. Utilities. Electricity, water, telephone, propane and natural gas services are operating or information is available about when they will be available in the affected area or reasonable accommodations are in place or available. H. Existing services can support the people already in the impacted area as well as an additional influx of people. Pre-Reentry Teams Teams should begin the process of clearing access to critical facilities and roads to facilitate the reentry process. The Pre-Reentry Teams consist of but are not limited to: A. Public Works Team with heavy equipment (wheel loader, backhoe, etc), and chain saw crews. B. Power Crews to identify and remove downed utility lines (Power, Cable, etc). C. Emergency Medical Service to provide medical support to victims that are located while opening up roads. D. Fire Service Agencies to provide incident, evacuation and re-entry support Law enforcement to provide security for crews. It needs to be understood that the Pre-Reentry Teams are not Search and Rescue Teams, they are only tasked with opening up roads to gain access SO Search and Rescue Teams and Damage Assessment teams can gain access to areas of destruction. Informing Evacuees of Re-Entry Procedures Pubic Information Officers at the Incident Command Post, EOC and JIC will coordinate messaging regarding re- entry procedures. This will be done through multiple means, including news releases, public briefings, social media, website messaging and Everbridge notifications. Phased Re-Entry Once the decision to permit re-entry has been established, law enforcement personnel should set up checkpoints and roadblocks as needed based upon the level of damage that has occurred. Re-entry can proceed as recommended based upon a phased re-entry. This can ensure primary access to essential personnel and help to manage the number of people entering the disaster area. A. Phase A - Phase A allows the re-entry of agencies and groups that play key roles in restoring normal operations in the impacted areas following a disaster. Law enforcement personnel should restrict access during this phase to provide for area safety and security. Phase A agencies and groups may include, but are not limited to, the following: a. Law enforcement and security agencies (including private security for facilities and residential communities) b. Search and Rescue Responders C. Fire and EMS crews d. Facility/Industry Emergency Response Teams e. Debris Clearing and Removal Crews f. Infrastructure and Utilities Repair Personnel g. Official Damage Assessment Teams h. Other personnel at the direction of the EOC/IMT. B. Phase B - Phase B allows for the short-term limited re-entry of other critical groups as well as residents and business owners to assess damages. The local EOC in coordination with public safety personnel should determine when it is safe to begin Phase B entry. a. These groups may include, but are not limited to, the following: b. All agencies and personnel listed under Phase A C. Resident and Business Owners (with Insurance Adjusters and Contractors) to conduct insurance assessments (access may be temporary) d. Relief Workers e. Commodities Points of Distribution (POD) Teams f. Health Agencies g. Hardware/Grocery Store Operations and Staff (to support recovery ops) h. Hotel/Motel Staff (to prepare for receiving of State and Federal relief agencies) C. Phase C - Phase C allows for the re-entry of only those residents and business owners who can prove they live, own, rent, lease or otherwise have a need to be allowed into the affected areas. It includes all agencies and personnel from Phase A and B, as well as residents and business owners within the evacuated area. Phase C may still involve road blocks and areas where access is limited. a. Temporary Housing - If the impacted areas cannot support the return of evacuated residents, temporary housing may be established in the non-impacted areas near the disaster area. State and county authorities in accordance with the San Juan County Recovery Plan will make decisions on the location and operation of temporary housing facilities. Checkpoints and Routes In order to expedite the reentry process, an Identification Verification Area (IVA) should be established close to each checkpoint for people with questionable identification. Every effort should be made to ensure that residents return to their homes as soon as safely possible. Law enforcement may limit the flow of returning traffic to better manage the checkpoints. A. Evacuees will return to the area following primary and secondary evacuation routes. Pre-established Traffic Control points will be used to verify residents or workers have a need to re-enter a restricted area, or serve as a road block to deny entry for those looking to sight-see or other undesirable intent. B. Local law enforcement officers should be primarily responsible for establishing and staffing checkpoints for re-entry in their locality. Local check points may be supplemented by county, state, and mutual aid assistance. Secondary check points may be established by local jurisdictions where required. C. Identification Procedures a. Identification procedures are intended to provide guidance for law enforcement personnel who may be directing access to disaster-impacted localities. b. Residents should have proper identification that proves residence within the disaster area, such as a driver's license, voter's registration, utility bills, property tax receipts, etc. C. Relief workers and business owners should have a company ID card, and/or Dash Pass with agency information to enter an impacted area. Roadblocks The strategic location of roadblocks is an important part of the re-entry process. Roadblocks can be utilized to seal entry points into devastated areas for two main reasons: A. Roadblocks can be used to prevent mass entry of the civilian population, which can clog rescue routes for people in the impacted areas who may require medical attention. B. Roadblocks are a method to help curtail acts of unlawfulness such as looting. Curfews Curfews may be initiated as a crime prevention measure depending on the intensity of the disaster and the level of damage sustained. The decision to implement a curfew and the duration rests with the local governing body, but said curfews should be coordinated between appropriate law enforcement agencies and governing bodies to ensure continuity among jurisdictions. Curfews may be implemented countywide, regionally or within a municipality depending on the impact of the emergency. EVACUATION AND RE-ENTRY PUBLIC INFORMATION The Public Information Officer, in coordination with the Joint Information Center (if activated), will lead the public information process for evacuation from and re-entry to disaster affected areas. The PIO will issue news releases to local, state and national media outlets to inform the public of evacuation status and the county's re-entry policy. VI. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. San Juan County Office of Emergency Management a. Activate Evacuation Plan b. Activate the Alert and Warning Plan C. Activate the Public Information Plan d. Activate the Re-Entry Plan e. Communicate with neighboring jurisdictions and the State EOC f. Organize Damage Assessment Teams g. Coordinate with all partners and supporting agencies h. Deactivate the Re-Entry Plan B. San Juan County Sheriff's Office a. Coordinate evacuations in the impacted areas b. Establish, coordinate and monitor checkpoints and roadblocks in unincorporated areas of the county, as specified by the Operations Section of the EOC C. Provide security d. Support re-entry activities as needed in the impacted areas e. Conduct search and rescue in impacted areas within their jurisdictions f. Enforce curfews within unincorporated areas, if required. g. Monitor road conditions and report traffic flows and counts. h. Conduct aerial surveys of the impacted areas of the county i. Provide mutual aid to mutual aid law enforcement through the Operation Section of the EOC C. San Juan County Road and Bridge a. Provide signage for re-entry, if needed b. Provide resources for debris removal for primary routes D. San Juan County Public Health a. Provide health assessments of the affected area and provide guidance on the following: 1. Asbestos 2. Household Hazardous Waste 3. Water Quality Standard 4. Potable Drinking Water 5. Safe Clean-Up 6. Health Masks 7. Tetanus and First Aid Guidance 8. Food Safety Guidance 9. Mental Health Support 10. Infectious Diseases E. San Juan County Social Services a. Coordinate out of jurisdiction population sheltering b. Food and water F. Mutual Aid Law Enforcement Agencies a. Establish and monitor checkpoints and set up roadblocks in their jurisdictions b. Provide security within their jurisdictions C. Enforce curfews, if required, in their jurisdictions in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to avoid confusion G. Colorado State Patrol a. Monitor traffic conditions on state and federal highways and report to the county EOC H. La Plata County Humane Society, a. Provide for the safe and effective evacuation and shelter of small and large animals affected by the emergency or disaster I. Fire, Rescue and EMS Departments a. Conduct search and rescue in impacted areas within their jurisdictions b. Provide fire protection, suppression and hazardous materials response C. Provide traffic management support to Law Enforcement J. Public Information Officers / Joint Information Center a. Ensure that the public is informed about the identification required for re-entry b. Ensure that the public is notified once re-entry begins VII. PLAN DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE This plan is the principal source for guidance concerning evacuation and re-entry in San Juan County following an event that forces a significant evacuation of citizens from any area within the county. Overall coordination of this plan will be administered by the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. The San Juan Office of Emergency Management is responsible for developing and maintaining this annex. This annex will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to remain current. RESIDENTIAL ACCESS PASS REGISTRATION Address; Names of all household residents: Cell Phone #: Temporary Address: Vehicle #1 Make: Model: Color: Plate #: State: Vehicle #2 Make: Model: Color: - Plate #: State: Vehicle #3 Make: Model: Color: Plate #: State: Emergency Contact Information: Pass # Pass #. Pass # Pass #. Pass # Pass # -= DISASTER RESPONSE AREA RE-ENTRY PUBLIC INSTRUCTIONS (Modify as needed for each specific incident) You are returning to an inherently hazardous area with very limited utility service or emergency communications. You are primarily responsible for your own safety. We are counting on the self-reliant nature of San Juan County residents. Hazards Include: Fire: There are unburned areas that could carry significant and dangerous fire (life threatening). Be aware of safe zones and escape routes. Safe Zone - Places where you can survive without special equipment Escape Routes - A path to safely get to a safe zone Injury/Medical Response: Responders are limited in their capacity to respond to medical emergencies and injuries. Be careful and work in pairs/teams SO that in the event of an emergency, one person can go for help. Power/Water: Power inside subdivisions may be off for as long as 2-4 weeks Potable Water will be available in VERY limited quantities at the following locations. Bring your own containers. No truck tanks will be filled. Generators. If you use a generator, make sure you are not connected to the electric grid (main power connection). If you do not know what you are doing, don't use one - get advice. 0 If you have your, generator on the grid you will back feed down lines and can kill somebody or start a fire. Also, if grid power is restored - your generator will basically explode. Hazardous Structures, Trees, Poles, and Wires Damaged structures may not be safe to enter. Deck supports may be burned and unstable. Power Lines and poles are down. They should be off but may be back-fed by generators. Use Extreme Caution. Falling Trees and rocks make moving dangerous Traffic: o There is heavy utility and fire traffic in addition to all the returning residents. Drive at slow speeds and always yield to utility and fire traffic. 0 Everyone allowed to enter the affected area will be required to have credentials display that in your car at all times. Minimize your trips in and out carpool if possible During the initial days of the re-entry phase, NO LARGE VEHICLES OR TRAILERS. Nothing larger than a standard pickup truck until further notice. Larger vehicles will be turned away at the checkpoints. No delivery trucks (for appliances or other items) allowed in the canyon. Arrange to meet them outside the area and transfer to pick-up or small vehicle Insurance adjusters are allowed if accompanied by resident Residents may bring a few friends - no additional vehicles (NO TOURS OR SIGHT SEEING). Animals: 0 Minimize re-population of animals and NO large animals (Horses, Cattle, etc) at this time. There is a lot of wildlife around and on the roads. Lots of deer on the road. Drive slowly and carefully. Re-Evacuation and Notification: Reverse 911 may or may not work Ify you see a fire = proceed to a safe zone Household Hazardous Waste: U Many household chemicals can change character when exposed to heat. Be cautious of inhaling ash/dust or getting ash on your skin or in your eyes. Wear appropriate clothing. Dumpsters are for SPOILED FOOD ONLY. Dumpsters will be located at the following locations: Emergency Notifications To Report an Emergency: Use a cell phone if operable, Dial 911 Drive to the closest fire station if no phone is available Responders will be located in the following additional locations: Public Information and Notification A set of public information and notification pre-scripted sets are used to communicate via 1. Nixle/IPAWS 2. Social Media and Email Lists 3. Print Media 4. Broadcast Media 5. Sandwich boards 6. Flyers at strategic locations (post office, visitor center, count courthouse, town hall) 7. Create bilingual materials Public information is monitored for misleading information or disinformation and is dealt with immediately Public information is establish early in the incident to maintain credibility and accuracy. The general public is encouraged to direct questions to the authoritative social media sources. Disinformation and misinformation can move as quickly as verified and accurate information. Graphics for social media, print media and alerting systems. WILDFIRE EVACUATION Sign up for San Juan County, Colorado Emergency Alerts "Nixle", text 81433 to 888-777. Listen to public safety officials on what to do. Bep prepared. LEVEL 1: GET READY 627 & Prepareyourself.: get important documents and valuables together.aveago bag fory youandyourfamiy. LEVEL 2: GET SET Be prepared tol leave within an hour. Pre-evacuatelfy you can. If your need assistance evacuating let public safety officials know. LEVEL 3: GO! Leave Immediately, follow instructions. C READY GO! SET PREPARE NOW BE ALERT EVACUATE NOW! Level 1 Pre-Evacuation Level 2 Voluntary Evacuation Level 3 Mandatory Evacuation **For Emergency Updates **For Emergency Updates **For Emergency Updates text 81433 to 888-777 text 81433 to 888-777 text 81433 to 888-777 San Juan County, CO** San Juan County, CO** San, Juan County, CO** DR 8404 (01/22/20) COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE Colorado Liquor Liquor Enforcement Division (303) 205-2300 Retail License Application S New License New-Concurrent Transfer of Ownership State Property Only Master file All answers must be printed in black ink or typewritten Applicant must check the appropriate box(es) Applicant should obtain a copy of the Colorado Liquor and Beer Code: www.coloradogowentorcementlguor 1. Applicant is applying as alan Individual Limited Liability Company Association or Other Corporation Partnership (includes Limited Liability and Husband and Wife Partnerships) 2. Applicant Ifa an LLC, name ofl LLC; if partnership, atl least: 2 partner's names; if corporation, name of corporation FEIN. Number The LPT Ot Cacade, LLC 6 177 1433 2a." Trade Name of Establishment (DBA) State Sales Tax Number Business Telephone 2021105535D 470-944-420) 3. Address of Premises (specify exact location of premises, include suite/unit numbers) 50827 Hww $55 N. DuYTWho po $1301 City County State ZIP Code DURANGO S0n JUCANJ 81301 4. Mailing Address (Number and Street) City or Town State ZIP Code C - CONIYEIVLE D. Duranuo CO 6 1301 5. Email Address the casccele (PGyc wm 6. Ifthe premises currently has a liquor or beer license, you must answer the following questions Present Trade Name of Establishment (DBA) Present State License Number Present Class of License Present Expiration Date Section A Nonrefundable Application Fees* Section B (Cont.) Liquor License Fees* Application Fee for New License. $1,550.00 Liquor-Licensed Drugstore (County) $31250 Application Fee for New License w/Concurrent Review $1,650.00 Lodging & Entertainment L&E (City) $500.00 Application Fee for Transfer. $1,550.00 Lodging & Entertainment L&E (County) $500.00 Section B Liquor License Fees* Manager Registration H & R, $75.00 Add Optional Premises to H&F R. $100.00 X. Total Manager Registration Tavern. $75.00 Manager Registration Lodging & Entertainment. $75.00 Add Related Facility to Resort Complex $75 00) X. Total Manager Registration Campus Liquor Complex $75.00 Add Sidewalk: Service Area.. $75.00 Optional Premises License (City). $500.00 Arts License (City). $308.75 Optional Premises License (County). $500.00 Arts License (County) $308.75 Racetrack License (City). $500.00 Beer and' Wine License (City). $351.25 Racetrack License (County). $500.00 Beer and' Wine License (County). $436.25 Resort Complex License (City). $500.00 Brew Pub License (City) $750.00 Resort Complex License (County). $500.00 Brew Pub License (County).. $750.00 Related Facility Campus Liquor Complex (City). $160.00 Campus Liquor Complex (City). $500.00 Related Facility Campus Liquor Complex (County). $160.00 Campus Liquor Complex (County). $500.00 Related Facility Campus Liquor Complex (State). $160.00 Campus Liquor Complex (State). $500.00 Retail Gaming Tavem License (City) $500.00 Club License (City). $308.75 Retail Gaming Tavern License (County). $500.00 Club License (County) $308.75 Retail Liquor Store License-Additional. (City). $227.50 Distillery Pub License (City). $750.00 Retail Liquor Store Lioense-Addtional. (County). $312.50 Distillery Pub License (County) $750.00 Retail Liquor Store (City). $227.50 Hotel and Restaurant License (City). $500.00 Retail Liquor Store (County). $312.50 Hotel and Restaurant License (County) $500.00 Tavern License (City). $500.00 Hotel and Restaurant License w/one opt premises (City). $600.00 Tavern License (County). $500.00 Hotel and Restaurant License w/one opt premises (County).. $600.00 Vintners Restaurant License (City). $750.00 Liquor-Licensed Drugstore (City) $227.50 Vintners Restaurant License (County).. $750.00 * Note that the Division will not accept cash Questions? Visit: www.colorado.goventorcomoniquor for more information Do not write in this space - For Department of Revenue use only Liability Information License Account Number Liability Date License Issued Through (Expiration Date) Total $ DR 8404 (01/22/20) Application Documents Checklist and Worksheet Instructions: This checklist should be utilized to assist applicants with filing all required documents for licensure, All documents must be properly signed and correspond with the name of the applicant exactly. All documents must be typed or legibly printed. Upon final State approval the license will be mailed to the local licensing authority. Application fees are nonrefundable. Questions? Visit: www.coloradogovlenforcementlquor for more information Items submitted, please check all appropriate boxes completed or documents submitted I. Applicant information A. Applicant/Licensee identified K B. State sales tax license number listed or applied for at time of application C. License type or other transaction identified D. Return originals to local authority (additional items may be required by the local licensing authority) E. All sections of the application need to be completed F. Master file applicants must include the Application for Master File form DR 8415 and applicable fees to this Retail License Application Il. Diagram of the premises A. No larger than 8 1/2" X 11" B. Dimensions included (does not have to be to scale). Exterior areas should show type of control (fences, walls, entrylexit points, etc.) C. Separate diagram for each floor (if multiple levels) D. Kitchen - identified if Hotel and Restaurant E. Bold/Outlined Licensed Premises III. Proof of property possession (One Year Needed) A. Deed in name of the applicant (or) (matching question #2) date stamped 7 filed with County Clerk B. Lease in the name of the applicant (or) (matching question #2) C. Lease assignment in the name of the applicant with proper consent from the landlord and acceptance by the applicant D. Other agreement if not deed or lease. (matching question #2) IV. Background information (DR 8404-1) and financial documents A. Complete DR 8404-1 for each principal (individuals with more than 10% ownership, Officers, directors, partners, members) B. Fingerprints taken and submitted to the appropriate Local Licensing Authority through an approved state vendor. Do not complete fingerprint cards prior to submitting your application. The Vendors are as follows: IdentoGO - ps/venolcenbyocom, Phone: 844-539-5539 (toll-tree) IdentoGO FAQs: tps/www.coloradogowpaciieebudentification-fags Colorado Fingerprinting - ntp/www.coloradomnngeprinting.com Appointment Scheduling Website: tp/Nww.ooracoingerprninp.omcabs, Phone: 720-292-2722 Toll Free: 833-224-2227 C. Purchase agreement, stock transfer agreement, and/or authorization to transfer license D. List of all notes and loans (Copies to also be attached) V. Sole proprietor'husband and wife partnership (if applicable) A. Form DR 4679 B. Copy of State issued Driver's License or Colorado Identification Card for each applicant VI. Corporate applicant information (if applicable) A: Certificate of Incorporation B. Certificate of Good Standing C. Certificate of Authorization if foreign corporation (out of state applicants only) VII. Partnership applicant information (if applicable) A. Partnership Agreement (general or limited). B. Certificate of Good Standing VIII. Limited Liability Company applicant information (if applicable) A: Copy of articles of organization B. Certificate of Good Standing C. Copy of Operating Agreement (if applicable) D. Certificate of Authority if foreign LLC (out of state applicants only) IX. Manager registration for Hotel and Restaurant, Tavern, Lodging & Entertainment, and Campus Liquor Complex licenses when included with this application A. $75.00 fee B. Individual History Record (DR 8404-1) A C. If owner is managing, no fee required 2 DR 8404 (01/22/20) Name Type of License Account Number 7. Is the applicant (including any of the partners if a partnership; members or managers if a limited liability company; or officers, Yes No stockholders or directors ifa a corporation) or managers under the age of twenty-one years? 8. Has the applicant (including any of the partners if a partnership; members or managers ifa a limited liability company; or officers, stockholders or directors if a corporation) or managers ever (in Colorado or any other state): a. Been denied an alcohoi beverage license? b. Had an aicohol beverage license suspended or revoked? C. Had interest in another entity that had an alcohol beverage license suspended or revoked? Ify yous answered yes to 8a, b or C, expiain in detail on a separate sheet, 9. Has a liquor license application (same license class), that was located within 500 feet of the proposed premises, been denied within the preceding two years? If" "yes", explain in detail. 10. Are the premises to be licensed within 500 feet, of any public or private school that meets compulsory education requirements of Colorado law, or the principal campus of any college, university or seminary? or Waiver by local ordinance? Other: 11. isy your Liquor Licensed Drugstore (LLDS) or Retail Liquor Store (RLS) within 1500 feet of another retail liquor license for off-premises salesi in a jurisdiction with a population of greater than (>) 10,0000? NOTE: The distance shall be determined by a radius measurement that begins at the principal doorway of the LLDS/RLS premises for which the application is being made and ends at the principal door- * way of the Licensed LLDS/RLS. 12. Is your Liquor Licensed Drugstore (LLDS) or Retail Liquor Store (RLS) within 3000 feet of another retail liquor license for off-premises sales in a jurisdiction with a population of less than () 10,0000? NOTE: The distance shall be determined by a radius measurement that begins at the principal doorway of the LLDS/RLS premises for which the application is being made and ends at the principal doorway of the Licensed LLDS/RLS. 13 a. For additional Retail Liquor Store only. Was your Retail Liquor Store License issued on or before January 1, 2016? 13 b. Are you a Colorado resident? 14. Has a liquor or beer license ever been issued to the applicant (including any of the partners, if a partnership; members or manager if a Limited Liability Company; or officers, stockholders or directors if a corporation)? IF yes, identify the name of the business and list any current financial interest in said business including any loans to or from a licensee. 15. Does the applicant, as listed on line 2 oft this application, have legal possession of the premises by ownership, lease or other arrangement? Ownership ALease Other (Explain in Detail), a. If leased, list name of landlord and tenant, and date of expiration, exactly as they appear on the lease: Landlord/ - Tenant Expires aEc nd on DE HoA IVe bt at Cosacu LSC b. Is a percentage of alcohol sales included as compensation to the landlord? If yes, complete question 16. - c. Attach a diagram that designates the area to be licensed in black bold outline (including dimensions) which shows the bars, brewery, walls, partitions, entrances, exits and what each room shall be utilized for in this business. This diagram should be no larger than 8 1/2" X 11" 16. Who, besides the owners listedi int this application (including persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, limitedI liability companies) willl loand org giver money inventory, furniture or equipment to or for use in this business; or who will receive money from this business? Attach a separate sheet if necessary. Last Name First Name Date of Birth FEIN or SSN InterestPercentage) Last Name First Name Date of Birth FEIN or SSN IntereslPercentage) Attach copies of all notes and security instruments and any written agreement or details of any oral agreement, by which any person (including partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies, etc.) will share in the profit or gross proceeds of this establishment, and any agreement relating to the business which is contingent or conditional in any way by volume, profit, sales, giving of advice or consultation. 17. Optional Premises or Hotel and Restaurant Licenses with Optional Premises: Has a local ordinance or resolution authorizing optional premises been adopted? Number of additional Optional Premise areas requested. (See license fee chart) 18. Fort the addition of a Sidewalk Service Area per Regulation 47-302(A)(4), include a diagram of the service area and documentation received from the local governing body authorizing use oft the sidewalk. Documentation may include but is not limited to a statement of use, permit, easement, or other legal permicsione. 19. Liquor Licensed Drugstore (LLDS) applicants, answer the following: a. Is there a pharmacy, licensed by the Colorado Board of Pharmacy, located within the applicant's LLDS premise? I" "yes" a copy of license must be attached. DR 8404 (01/22/20) Name Type of License Account Number Tye WrokCecade LLC Guort 20. Club Liquor License applicants answer the following: Attach a copy of applicable documentation Yes No a. Is the applicant organization operated solely for a national, social, fraternal, patriotic, political or athletic purpose and not for pecuniary gain? b. Is the applicant organization a regularly chartered branch, lodge or chapter of a national organization which is operated solely for the object of a patriotic or fraternal organization or society, but not for pecuniary gain? C. How long has the club been incorporated? d. Has applicant occupied an establishment for three years (three years required) that was operated solely for the reasons stated above? 21. Brew-Pub, Distillery Pub or Vintner's Restaurant applicants answer the following: a. Has the applicant received or applied for a Federal Permit? (Copy of permit or application must be attached) 22. Campus Liquor Complex applicants answer the following: a. Is the applicant an institution of higher education? b. Is the applicant a person who contracts with the institution of higher education to provide food services? If' "yes" please provide a copy of the contract with the institution of higher education to provide food services. 23. For all on-premises applicants. a. Hotel and Restaurant, Lodging and Entertainment, Tavern License and Campus Liquor Complex, the Registered Manager must also submit an Individual History Record DR 8404-1 and fingerprint submitted to approved State Vendor through the Vendor's website. See application checklist, Section IV. for details. b. For all Liquor Licensed Drugstores (LLDS) the Permitted Manager must also submit an Manager Permit Application DR 8000 and fingerprints. Last Name of Manager First Name of Manager 24. Does this manager act as the manager of, or have a financial interest in, any other liquor licensed establishment in the State of Yes No Colorado? Ify yes, provide name, type of license and account number. - 26. Related Facility Campus Liquor Complex applicants answer the following: a. Is the related facility located within the boundaries of the Campus Liquor Complex? Ify yes, please provide a map of the geographical location within the Campus Liquor Complex, Ifr no, this license type is not available for issues outside the geographical location of the Campus Liquor Complex: b. Designated Manager for Related Facility- Campus Liquor Complex Last Name of Manager First Name of Manager 26. Tax Information. Yes No a. Has the applicant, including its manager, partners, officer, directors, stockholders, members (LLC), managing members (LLC), or any other person with a 10% or greater financial interest in the applicant, been found in final order of a tax agency to be delinquent in the payment of any state or local taxes, penalties, or interest related to a business? b. Has the applicant, including its manager, partners, officer, directors, stockholders, members (LLC), managing members (LLC), or any other person with a 10% or greater financial interest in the applicant failed to pay any fees or surcharges imposed pursuant to section 44-3-503, C.R.S.? 27. If applicant is a corporation, partnership, association or limited liability company, applicant must list all Officers, Directors, General Partners, and Managing Members. In addition, applicant must list any stockholders, partners, or members with ownership of 10% or more in the applicant. All persons listed below must also attach form DR 8404-1 (Individual History Record), and make an appointment with an approved State Vendor through their website. See application checklist, Section IV. for details. Name Home Address, City & State DOB Position %Owned Madeline Datos Nyw Awe Od. Wiofo 2-16-47 CMeL 50 Name Home Address, City & State DOB Position %Owned MMhye - DORLIE - 4 W/skou Duicalis C 8-15-74 N GC Name Home Address, City & State DOB Position %Owned Name Home Address, City & State DOB Position %0wned Name Home Address, City & State DOB Position %Owned ** Ifa applicant is owned 100% by a parent company, please list the designated principal officer on above. ** Corporations the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer must be accounted for above (Include ownership percentage if applicable) * Iflotal6wnershipi percentage disclosed here does not total 100%, applicant must check this box: Applicant affirms that no individual other than these disclosed herein owns 10% or more of the applicant and does not have financial interest in a prohibited liquor license puisuanl lu Arlicle 3 UI 5, C.R.S. DRE 8404 (01/22/20) Name Type ofLicense Account Number Tho LFTatCancadle LLC 3 60R Oath Of Applicant declare under penalty of perjury in the second degree that this application and all attachments are true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge. I also acknowledge that it is my responsibility and the responsibility of my agents and employees to comply with the provisions oft the Colorado Liquor or Beer Code which affect my license. Authorized Signalure Printed Name and Title Date - C RCkMA FTEPMRE OVMOK 2sly Report and Approval of Local Licensing Authority (City/County) Date application filed with local authority Date oflocal authority hearing (for newl license applicants; cannotl be less than 30 days from date ofa application) The Local Licensing Authority Hereby Affirms that each person required to file DR 8404-1 (Individual History Record) or a DR 8000 (Manager Permit) has been: Fingerprinted Subject to background investigation, including NCIC/CCIC check for outstanding warrants That the local authority has conducted, or intends to conduct, an inspection of the proposed premises to ensure that the applicant is in compliance with and aware of, liquor code provisions affecting their class of license (Check One) Date of inspection or anticipated date Wil conduct inspection upon approval of state licensing authority Is the Liquor Licensed Drugstore (LLDS) or Retail Liquor Store (RLS) within 1,500 feet of another retail liquor license for off- Yes No premises sales in a jurisdiction with a population of > 10,0000? Is the Liquor Licensed Drugstore(LLDS) or Retail Liquor Store (RLS) within 3,000 feet of another retail liquor license for off- premises sales in a jurisdiction with a population of < 10,0000? NOTE: The distance shall be determined by a radius measurement that begins at the principal doorway of the LLDS/RLS premises for which the application is being made and ends at the principai doorway of the Licensed LLDS/RLS, Does the Liquor-Licensed Drugstore (LLDS) have at least twenty percent (20%) of the applicant's gross annual income derived L from the sale off food, during the prior twelve (12) month period? The foregoing application has been examined; and the premises, business to be conducted, and character of the applicant are satisfactory We do report that such license, if granted, will meet the reasonable requirements of the neighborhood and the desires of the adult inhabitants, and will comply with the provisions of Title 44, Article 4 or 3, CRS, and Liquor Rules. Therefore, this application is approved. Locall Licensing Authority for Telephone Number Town, City County Signature Print Title Date Signature Print Title Date 5 € U S - 5 6 : - - - F DR 8495 (07/23/19) COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE Liquor Enforcement Division Tax Check Authorization, Waiver, and Request to Release Information pLE I, GADKN DSAUIN Chvwi bfam signing this Tax Check Authorization, Waiver and Request to Release Information (hereinafter "Waiver") on behalf of 14 ALD Xhey CwvbMr Q7EAShé Applicant/Licensee) to permit the Colorado Department of Revenue and any other state or local taxing authority to release information and documentation that may otherwise be confidential, as provided below. Ifl am signing this Waiver for someone other than myself, including on behalf of a business entity, I certify that I have the authority to execute this Waiver on behalf of the ApplicantlLicensee. The Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Revenue is the State Licensing Authority, and oversees the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division as his or her agents, clerks, and employees. The information and documentation obtained pursuant to this Waiver may be used in connection with the ApplicantLicensee's liquor license application and ongoing licensure by the state and local licensing authorities. The Colorado Liquor Code, section 44-3-101. et seq. ("Liquor Code"), and the Colorado Liquor Rules, 1 CCR 203-2 ("Liquor Rules"), require compliance with certain tax obligations, and set forth the investigative, disciplinary and licensure actions the state and local licensing authorities may take for violations of the Liquor Code and Liquor Rules, including failure to meet tax reporting and payment obligations. The Waiver is made pursuant to section 39-21-113(4), C.R.S., and any other law, regulation, resolution or ordinance concerning the confidentiality of tax information, or any document, report or return filed in connection with state or local taxes. This Waiver shall be valid until the expiration or revocation of a license, or until both the state and local licensing authorities take final action to approve or deny any application(s) for the renewal of the license, whichever is later. ApplicantLicensee agrees to execute a new waiver for each subsequent licensing period in connection with the renewal of any license, if requested. By signing below, ApplicantLicensee requests that the Colorado Department of Revenue and any other state or local taxing authority or agency in the possession of tax documents or information, release information and documentation to the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division, and is duly authorized employees, to act as the APplcantslcenses duly authorized representative under section 39-21-113(4), C.R.S., solely to allow the state and local licensing authorities, and their duly authorized employees, to investigate compliance with the Liquor Code and Liquor Rules. ApplicantLicensee authorizes the state and local licensing authorities, their duly authorized employees, and their legal representatives, to use the information and documentation obtained using this Waiver in any administrative or judicial action regarding the application or license. Name (IndivdualBusiness) Social Security Number/Tax Identification Number yo CRt LC at 80-177 1433 Address 50807 HwysDW City Staten DuCAnJLO Co 91301 Home Phone Number Business/Work Phone Number 920-244-000 620-2744000 Printed name of person signing on behalf of the ApplicantLicensee Madeleine Dearien ApplicantlLicensee' 'sSignature (Signature authorizing the disclosure of confidential tax information) Date signed, 3145 /24 Privacy Act Statement Providing your Social Security Number is voluntary and no right, benefit or privilege provided by law will be denied as a result of refusal to disclose it. S 7 of Privacy Act, 5 USCS S 552a (note). Colorado Secretary of State - Summary Page 1 of 1 Fort this Record.., Fillng history and documents Geta a certificate of good Summary standing Filea a form Subscribe to email notification Details Unsubscribe from email notification Name The Lift at Cascade, LLC Status Good Standing Formation date 01/20/2021 Business Home Business Information IDI number 20211055550 Form Limited Liability Company Business Search Periodic reportr month January Jurisdiction Colorado Principal office street address 50827 Hwy 550 n, Durango, CO 81301, US FAQs, Glossary and Information Principal office mailing address nla Regletered Agent Name Christina Doffermyre Street address 74 Columbine dr, Durango, CO 81301, US Mailing address n/a Flling history and documents Get a certificate ofg goodstanding Get certified copies of documents Fle a form Setups secure business filing Subscribe to email notification Unsubscribef from emailn notification Back Terms & conditlons Browser compatibility htps,/www.sos.statcousbizBusinessEntiyDeaill.do/masterfleld-20211055550 4/2/2021 4/27/2021 San Juan County Mail Liquor Licenseing Hearing on 4/28/21 Gmail Willy Tookey <admin@sanjuancolorado.us> Liquor Licenseing Hearing on 4/28/21 4 messages Gary Leonhard geomharu2i@gmal.com: Tue, Apr 27, 2021 at 10:18 AM To: omn@anpancooaous 04/27/21 To: Mr. William Tookey, County Administrator, San Juan County My name is Gary Leonhard and along with my wife, Anneile, we have been owners of condo units at Cascade Village for 7 years. Our condos would be less than 500 feet from the proposed bar. Like the majority of people at Cascade Village, we manage these units as part of our business; we rent them out to guests wishing to experience all that southwest Colorado has to offer. It is an significant business as tourism is extremely important to San Juan County (and to us as well); and every year we file a Schedule E with our 1040 federal tax returns listing those units as our business. We believe that this gives us standing to speak of the matter of granting a liquor license at Cascade Village. We would greatly appreciate it if you would see that this letter is presented to all of the Liquor Licensing officials involved before the hearing on 4/28/21. We oppose the granting of the proposed liquor license on the basis of: 1. Sufficient notice of the license hearing was not given to the residents and business managers who reside at Cascade Village or in the surrounding area as required by statute. As a matter of fact, the vast majority of residents, owners and business managers in the immediate surrounding area are from Cascade Village. We, just three days ago, accidentally discovered that this hearing was scheduled on Wednesday, 4/28/21. No prior direct notice was made available to the over 120 owners at Cascade Village. To be specific, I went outside of the building that is expected to house the bar in question, in order to look for the required public notice posting on the facility. I searched all over the building and could not find one. I finally had to ask whether such a posting existed. I was told yes and was informed it was posted high up on a stanchion that supports part the roof that covers a driveway in front of the door entrance (it is not posted on the building at all). Standing in front of that building, I still had to ask the employee to point to it as I still could not see it. it was not until I moved in much closer and away from the main building that could make it out (but it was still difficult to read as it was placed way above eye level). The sign was not placed in a conspicuous place where all interested parties could have seen it. Instead it was in a place where 98% the residents or business managers entering Cascade Village could not have possibly see it (as they continue driving in an opposite direction). There is no way for a driver in a moving vehicle to have comprehended what the notice was about or what it said (assuming that he/she saw it at all). It is mostly only service vehicles such UPS, FedEx or the postal carrier turn up that driveway to make deliveries. Residents or business managers almost never go up that driveway. If one did want to view the sign, they would need to literally stand in the middle of a paved entrance where traffic is free to drive through at any time. Bottom line: In order to view this Notice, it could put someone at risk of being hit by a car. A conspicuous" place would have been on the front door entrance or nearby windows of the building in question where everyone could easily see the notice as they go into that building all the time to pick up mail and use the pool, etc. Additionally, given that the vast majority of the property owners and business mangers reside outside of the state (e.g.- Arizona, New Mexico), other means to provide such notice to the stakeholders should have been given. All neighborhood stakeholders should have been given the opportunity to decide if they wanted to express an opinion or not. Also, the Cascade Village HOA Board never sent out a communication about this meeting. have already expressed my concern, along with another owner (lom Brunner), to the Board directly and we appreciate that the Board has heard our concern and may very well be considering the importance of this point. mtpslimatgoagecommalavona-tsawsHasepsawdratgemto-PasanSA.R2NO3ssamcmap3A188211317S. 1/5 4/27/2021 San Juan County Mail Liquor Licenseing Hearing on 4/28/21 Bottom line: 95% of Cascade Village owners have no awareness that this meeting, which is obviously handling a high stakes issue, is occurring. Because 95% of our Cascade Village community are unaware of this hearing, they have been denied the fundamental right they should have to be heard and voice their opinion. Meanwhile, San Juan County would be disabling its own ability to truly survey the wishes of the very large group of residents, owners and business managers who together form the largest tax base (property, sales and lodging) for all of San Juan County. We believe that the most pro-business and equitable decision for San Juan County to make is to simply give this group, who constitute the immediate neighborhood that this bar would affect : the right to consider this liquor license application and provide their comments back to you. There is no doubt that the owners of the proposed establishment wish to move forward, but why rush a process that does not have the full input from the impacted stakeholders when this decision would be making a huge potential change to Cascade Village . We are requesting that at the very minimum, due to serious faults in procedure and notice, that this hearing be delayed at least 30 days to allow for such communication to occur, both to and from all area residents, owners and business managers. Please see the attached photos showing actual placement of the notice as well as the conspicuous location where the notice should have been placed. 2. It cannot be shown that the granting of this application meets the "reasonable needs and desires" of the residents and business managers of the neighborhood. The region in question is a very sparsely populated mountainous area. It is already service by 5 drinking establishments/bars and two liquor stores within a 4mile radius. Two bars located at the Purgatory Ski Resort (1.5 miles away), one at The Nugget (about 2.5 miles away), one at the Sow's Ear restaurant (about 3.5 miles away and one at The Old Schoolhouse restaurant (about 4 miles away). The liquor stores are located at the Purgatory Ski resort (1.5 miles away) and next to the Needles Country Store (4 miles away). Reasonable alcohol consumptions needs and desires are clearly already being. metin this small mountainous region. There is noreasonable "need" for another bar in the area. 3. Concern and confusion about who will actually be the liquor license owner. There are two named officers on the liquor license notice. One is Chrissy Doffermyre, and another is Madeleine Dearien. The Board has only informed us of the role that Ms. Dorffermyre would potentially play. Given we were never informed about the background of Ms. Dearien, we believe it is even more important to delay this application hearing. What little information that could be quickly discovered was that Ms. Dearien is a college student. The granting of a liquor license is one of the most serious licenses governmental entities can give. It is appropriate for CV owners to know whether a college student may be given a liquor license and whether she will seemingly be making daily decisions about who to serve and not to serve. Please remember, owners at Cascade Village are typically middle aged people who have invested tens of thousands of dollars into their condos, all which benefits San Juan County. We have informed the Cascade Village Board of our concern about having a college student, or someone barely over the drinking age limit, being granted a liquor license to make decisions that could gravely affect the future of the image of Cascade Village. 4. Safety Issues. Cascade Village is located at the very entrance the famous Million Dollar Mile. While truly an area of tremendous beauty, it is also a roadway that is of a very windy, narrow and precipitous drop-off nature. It is subject to high volume and high speed traffic. Introducing further potential alcohol-impaired driving into that driving environment is very dangerously problematic. There is not a reasonable reason take this added dangerous risk. Historically, the roadway in front of Cascade Village has been famously transversed by thousands of vehicles including motorcycle caravans and clubs and RV's of all sizes who always have just driven right past Cascade Village on their way to Silverton and other locations (they have never had a reason to stop at Cascade Village as it has not offered them any reason). With a bar located at Cascade Village, there will now a be an enticing reason for many of these vehicles to pull off there and take a break by imbibing a favorite alcoholic beverage and then htps./mail.google.com/maluo7k-faseaeb.lesveweplisar.h-aléperihnad-hreadA3A1698211134759351370ésiml-msg.PA3AI69821113175. 2/5 4/27/2021 San Juan County Mail - Liquor Licenseing Hearing on 4/28/21 get right back on that windy, high speed mountainous road as they start up the beginning of the Million Dollar Highway. Taking. that potentially deadly risk is not a necessity. 5. Covid 19 Risk. La Plata County and especially Silverton have taken a very wise and conservative approach in dealing with and controlling the spread of this deadly virus. The whole town of Silverton was closed off to non-residents for many months; establishments were closed and vacation rentals were halted (including at Cascade Village). Given the prognostications of the Covid experts and scientists and the concern for public health safety, we believe that the previously exhibited caution should still be a determining factor in any new decision that might be made. In conclusion, the residents, owners and business managers of Cascade Village should be given the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns about granting this license. Cascade Village, in totality, we believe is the largest contributor to property taxes, sales taxes and lodging taxes in San Juan County; and that is primarily due to the success of this same group who deserve the right to be heard and to be taken seriously. Sincerely, Gary and Annelle Leonhard This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software, avast www.avast.com 2 attachments IMG_ 5921.jpg 1070K IMG_5913.jpg 851K Willy Tookey sdmingsmnuarcdvdour Tue, Apr 27, 2021 at 11:01 AM To: Ladonna Jaramillo <clerk@sanjuancouncountyolorado.us) https/mail.google.com/mailu07k-la5eaeb2teaview-piésearch=all8permth: IC thre a6-43A1698211.131753590samp-msgnA3A169821113175. 3/5 4/27/2021 San Juan County Mail Liquor Licenseing Hearing on 4/28/21 William Tookey San Juan County Administrator 970-387-5766 dmn@sanuancolcaoous PO Box 466, Silverton CO 81433 [Quoted text hidden] 2 attachments IMG_5921.jpg 1070K IMG_5913.jpg 851K Willy Tookey <admin@sanjuancolorado.us> Tue, Apr 27, 2021 at 11:02 AM To: Gary Leonhard geomarzi@gmai.com HI Mr. Leonhard. Your letter will be presented to the Commissioners as part of the public hearing. Thank you for your comments. Willy William Tookey San Juan County Administrator 970-387-5766 omnesanuancocnoous PO Box 466, Silverton CO 81433 [Quoted text hidden] Willy Tookey somnesnarcvradous Tue, Apr 27, 2021 at 12:28 PM To: Gary Leonhard geomar2i@gmai.com, Mr. Leanhard, forgot to inform you that you are welcome to attend the public hearing via zoom. The login information is as follows: Join Zoom Meeting https:!lzoom. us//92136473203 Meeting ID: 921 3647 3203 One tap mobile htps.lmail.google.com'maluok-laseaeb2lesvew-plisearch-alspemtha-hnread-A3A1698211.1347593513708simplemsg-Pa3AI63A169821113175. 4/5 4/27/2021 0(2016x1512) COME ntpslimaitaliachmentgoogeusecamentcomatacmenwou-sA-nseas2eivewaman7914202Aa00lasmtic.0iadsp-nineasale-l.- 1/1 4/27/2021 0(2016x1512) % B - a - V 9 h - n hitps/malaliachmentgeogeuserconteni.cntcomAlacmenwon.-28.k-laseaeb2 fe&view=a att@th-179142028a70004a8attd-0.28disp-iniine&safe-1. 1/1 04/26/21 To: Mr. William Tookey, County Administrator San Juan Board of Commissioners RE: Liquor license application for The Lift Position: Objection to granting of license at this time My name is Tom Brunner and my wife Maria and I have owned a condominium at Cascade Village for nearly five years. In that time our family has heavily invested in community enhancing projects, including spearheading the effort while collaborating with community partners to earn a fiber optic grant for our neighborhood in southern San Juan County. It is with serious concern that my wife and I write this letter. In short, we object to the granting of a liquor license to The Lift, at this time. We strongly encourage San Juan county to delay voting on this issue until at least a 30-day pause has been put in place, in order to give reasonable time for all the owners of Cascade Village to know this kind of hearing is taking place. As a co-owner (Gary Leonhard) has pointed out, and is true, the Cascade Village ownership was never directly informed about the date and time of this hearing by its internal leadership until the last day or two. And unlike many liquor license application situations this board may have handled in the past, the vast majority of neighborhood citizens who would be most affected stakeholders are out of town owners. So the standard practice of posting a notice does not address - and account for the out-of- town owner reality. Cascade Village has been around for over 30 years, and as a collective of over 90 vacation rental business, constitutes the largest "hotel" tax base for San Juan County. We at Cascade Village are grateful for the long partnership we have cultivated with San Juan County. Unfortunately, it was only by accident that a few owners like myself became aware of this hearing. Meanwhile, one of largest changes to Cascade Village ever proposed is being discussed at this meeting. One would think that there would have been an internal due diligence effort to ensure all owners knew about this meeting. There was no such effort. This is not the fault of San Juan County, but it does mean that leading up to this meeting tonight, there was no intentional methodology used to ensure a representative sampling of opinions was harvested. There is no doubt that some people may be excited to know they may have an eatery in our neighborhood. But excitement for a change is not enough reason to grant a liquor license. To be clear, a representative sampling of opinions is not gathered when the vast majority of the immediate neighborhood never had the chance to see the notice of a meeting. San Juan County should postpone this hearing until the Board can rectify the communication gap between the Board and the ownership. Even if someone from Cascade Village were to argue that some owners may feel positive about the fact that they could walk over to a place to grab a beer, instead of driving down the road, lets us not make the unscientific assumption that there is no need to survey the community. After all, look at what is at stake. We all know that the granting of a liquor license is one of the most serious decisions governmental entities make. For example, that is why these licenses, in Colorado and other states, per law, cannot be granted too close to schools. Like Gary Leonhard and his wife, Maria and I only just three days ago accidentally discovered that this hearing was scheduled on Wednesday, 4/28/21. How exactly do we rest comfortably, knowing the multitude of business owners who have sunk tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars into their vacation rental investments have no idea we are here tonight discussing this weighty issue? If I was one of the vast majority of owners, I would certainly want to know about this meeting. A liquor license granted to a person means they are being trusted with daily decisions about who to serve alcohol to, who to stop serving, who might be at risk for driving under the influence, who might cause a neighborhood brawl. These are the real issues in the trenches. Many of us can recall mistakes we have made when drinking. We all know trusting someone to know who to serve is a grave issue. In saying this, have only three days ago learned that one of the two people on the application is seemingly - not much beyond the legal drinking age is one of the two liquor license applicants: Madelein Dearien. While I understand one only needs to be 21 in order to grant a liquor license, that does not mean there should not be a good faith effort to ensure CV owners have time to further assess Ms. Dearien. I have not heard Ms. Dearien's name until it was seen on the Public Notice posted at Cascade Village. After reflection, I find the above information to be justify a delay in this hearing. There are very serious liability issues at stake, and regardless of how much insurance Cascade Village requires the owners to get, the ownership in our Community should know more about BOTH liquor license applicants. On this note, have seen no resume, online information, or proof of character regarding Ms. Chrissy Doffermyre. have asked our Board for a resume and none was available. If you have heard of my collaborative work to build up southern San Juan County, you know I am pro- business. am not against growing the tax base of San Juan County. Another business would help San Juan County, but we must carefully weigh the risks and benefits through a reasonable procedure. Right now, at the current meeting, you may hear from a tiny sliver of those owners who work hard to attract guests who then spend significant money in Silverton. Moreover, while I shall not repeat Gary Leonhard's points about how there are already several liquor establishments in our immediate area, this is a reality. Let's not forget that anyone at Cascade Village can drive 2 minutes down the road to drink alcohol or liquor at one of four bars. Meanwhile, the most common guests at Cascade Village are families. The reason our community at Cascade attracts SO many tourism dollars is the brand we have that allows us to boast of having a family friendly neighborhood. To put this another way, our ability to continue to be a successful family oriented destination, thus collecting payments which turn into tens of thousands of dollars SJ County, means we must protect our brand fiercely. Time for vetting would allow more to be known about such things as why someone the Board has not mentioned is on the liquor license application. This is not a trivial issue. How would any Commissioner, or attendee of this meeting feel if they found out in home neighborhood, someone would be putting a bar/restauraunt in, and suddenly they learn a very young person might be granted very significant decision privileges. Would a majority of owners want to know more before this was approved? Yes! The best tourism is driven by offering a diversity of establishments, rather than trying to do the same thing people down the road have done. Right now, it is unclear what the affect of this establishment would have. This is a deeply financial issue. Everyone can agree on that. The decision made can drastically affect Cascade Village' 's image. My wife and I, having already significantly contributed to the betterment of San Juan County, simply ask that there be a 30-day pause while the ownership at Cascade Village actually has time to know who exactly is applying for the liquor license, and what is being proposed. Our owners are in the dark, and this situation deserves to be brought into the clear light of day. As all readers of this letters know, this is not the kind of decision to take lightly, or to move forward on without ensuring we represent the best interest of the community at large. Thank you for giving this letter serious consideration. Respectfully, Tom and Maria Brunner - COLORADO STATE FOREST SERVICE COLORADDS STATE UNIVERSITY Durango Field Office FLC 7233 1000 Rim Drive Durango, CO 81301 (970) 247-5250 csfs.colostate.edu April 9, 2021 San Juan County Board of County Commissioners Post Office Box 466 Silverton, Colorado 81433 Dear San Juan County Commissioners: Enclosed is the 2020 Report on the Health of Colorado's Forests. Each year the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) prepares an annual report to summarize the current health and condition of forests across the state. After a historic wildfire year in 2020, this report offers guidance on what we must do to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk to residents, lands, water supplies and economies. As always, the report also offers an update on insect and disease activity in Colorado's forests, as well as a look at our state's carbon storage problem. In addition to summarizing forest conditions statewide, we have broken the state into four quadrants in the report to provide trends and analysis on what is happening in forests by region, providing a quick, comprehensive snapshot of the information most pertinent to forests in your area. You can also learn about insect and disease activity specific to your county through interactive maps at btly/ForesteathRepor. In regard to local insect and disease issues, Silverton and surrounding areas faced a below average snowpack during the 2019-2020 winter followed by a warm dry summer. These weather events added stress to our trees. Within the Durango Field Office service area, spruce beetle is still active, western spruce budworm is defoliating conifers, and aspen are being impacted by multiple pathogens. The Durango Field Office continues to work with landowners, communities and our Federal partners to mitigate the impacts ofthe insects and diseases. We sincerely hope this report will be of use to you. We appreciate the opportunity to provide this report to you as a County Commissioner, as we very much appreciate your support of forestry management and wildfire mitigation treatments on a local level. The expertise you have in your local forests and wildfire management in your county is valued, welcomed and appreciated at the CSFS. As the lead state agency providing forest management and wildfire mitigation assistance to private landowners and on state lands, the CSFS is here to ensure that forest landowners, decision-makers, land managers and others have the information and tools they need to help us achieve stewardship of Colorado's diverse forest environments. Ify you have questions or would like additional information about Colorado's forests and the programs we offer to address forest health concerns, please contact me at 970-247-5250 or rbovalprosataa. After looking over the report please let me know if you have any questions or would like a presentation. Sincerely, Mark W. Loveall Supervisory Forester Durango Field Office COLORADO WILDFIRE RISK understanding the wildland-urban intertace risk index COLORADO STATE SAN JUAN COUNTY FOREST SER ICE Adapt, Prepare by WUI Risk Knowing Fire Risk This chart shows the portion of San Juan County' 's residents who live within the wildland- Each county in Colorado is urban interface classified by level of wildfire unique, with a character impact on lives and propertys shaped by individual history, land, climate, people and resources. However, 8% 2% 1%6 something every county in 13 0S6 the state shares is the 0% potential to be negatively SanJuan County: affected by wildfires, population; 694 In order to effectively prepare for the impact of 10% wildfires, residents, leaders 0% and community planners must be aware of the wildfire Risk risk associated with living n the wildland-urban interface NR no WUlnsk and recognize actions that 1 - least negative impact 14% can be taken to reduce this 2 risk. Connecting with wildfire 3 low negative impact resources like those listed 4 below - can help guide 5 moderate negative wildfire adaptation efforts 64% impact from a personal to a 6 community-wide level. 7 - high negative impact : 8 9 highest negative impact THE DATA: The Widland-Urban Interface Risk Index, created by the Colorado State Forest Service, is a rating of the potential impact of a wildfire on people and their homes. Iti is created using housing density combined with modeled fire behavior to determine where the greatest, potential impact to, people and homes is likely to occur. The index is calculated consistently for each Colorado county, available in the Colorado. Forest Atlas at ooadobrslatason. WUI Wildfire Impact What Can Be Done? The wildland-urban interface Wildfires are a natural part There are many actions (WUI)is an area where structures or of every ecosystem in Colorado, that can reduce wildfire risk. From other human developments meet or However, wildfire can also harm homeowners establishing defensible intermingle with wildland vegetation human improvements and health, space and hardening structures, to orfuels. The impact a fire can have in community-wide mitigation efforts anyWUI location is determined and fire department risk assessments, Approximately half primarily by ignitability of to county-wide building code and of Colorado'sp population lives in structures, natural vegetation (fuel) regulation adoption. Programs exist the WUI. As of 2018, 2.9 million present, and the proximity of fuels to guide efforts to adapt to living with oft the state's s 5.7 million to human improvements wildfire in Colorado. residentslivein these vuinerable Learn more areas. The Colorado State Forest Service offers more about wildfire mitigation at AsSentsNw * 1876 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS Protecting Our Future After a Historic Wildfire Year COLORADO OREST SERVICE STATE West of Grand Lake, only a house foundation and charred trees remain after the East Troublesome Fire. The second largest wildfire in state history left thousands of dead trees in critical watersheds along the Colorado River that will require mitigation. Photo: Zach Wehc CSFS Colorado Dapartment gF Natura! Resources Colorado State Forest Servica We Must Do More to Match Last Year Showed Colorado Just Our Forest Health Challenge How Much We Need Our Forests Int the midst of the most. serious public Last year was challenging for all of us, but it health crisis of the 21st century, we also also reminded us how important our forests experienced an unprecedented wildfire are. Living through a pandemic, Coloradans season. The 2020 Colorado wildfires, escaped to our wildland and urban forests including the three largest in our state's seeking tranquility, peace and a place to history, burned over 600,000 acres in recreate and exercise. some of our most pristine watersheds due Along with supporting our mentai and to severe drought and high fuel loads. My physical health, our forests provide habitat Dan Gibbs thoughts are with all those impacted. - thank Michael B. Lester for Colorado's charismatic wildlife, bolster all of the firefighters, first responders and those working on local economies through the forest products industry, sequester wildfire preparedness and recovery for their service. carbon and help filter clean air, as well as provide clean water for As the director of the Colorado Department of Naturai Colorado, 18 other states and Mexico. Resources and a certified wildland firefighter, know firsthand the Many of Colorado's forests depend on some wildfire to critical importance of forest health. Healthy forests protect public regenerate, but the types of uncharacteristic fires we saw last health and safety, water resources, wildlife habitat and recreation. year put these benefits inj jeopardy.l watched, with all of you, in lam honored to work with the Colorado State Forest Service horror and amazement as our forests burned in historic fashion, to ensure Coloradans have support for forest stewardship and leading to the state's three largest wildfires and a host of social, education, community risk assessments and fuels reduction. economic, health and resource problems. As the 2020 Report on the Health of Colorado' 's Forests Our forests are experiencing many challenges, from longer emphasizes, we must do more to match the scale of our forest fire seasons to ongoing drought to more people living in the health challenge. A century of fire suppression, our warming wildland-urban interface. In the face of these challenges, the climate and more people living in the wildland-urban interface Colorado State Forest Service and its partners are making a create the perfect conditions for wildfire tragedies like those we difference, as you'll read in this report. That way, when fires like experienced last year. Colorado's Shared Stewardship agreement we saw last year occur again, they won't be as severe or costly to and the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative bring much-needed Coloradans. strategic focus to restoring forest health at landscape scales, After 2020, we now better understand, just how much we and we need everyone at the table to enhance the resilience of need our forests - and what can happen if we don'ti invest in Colorado's forests and protect people, the environment and our maintaining their health. We all need to do more sO our forests way of life for future generations. continue to provide priceless benefits now and into the future. IRCA L G Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Michael B. Lester, State Forester and Director, Colorado Department ofNatural. Resources Colorado State, Forest Service 2 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS COLORADO'S FOREST HEALTH PAGE 5 The forest management needed to reduce wildfire risk to residents, lands, water The spruce beetle S supplies and economies is not happening fast enough. Read remains the most of the historic wildfire damaging forest pest in analysis year and what the Colorado Colorado. Read about the state' s prominent forest State Forest Service is doing to insects and diseases meet this growing challenge. and how bark beetles affect wildfire behavior. PAGE 12 a Page 20 Page 14 KEY FOREST Page 18 Page 16 2020 TAKEAWAYS Despite the pandemic, the Colorado State Forest Service continues to work alongside landowners and strategic partners to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk where PAGE 11 it is most needed. Read about CSFS projects happening in Forests benefit Colorado residents in many corner of Colorado. every ways. They are an important source of revenue through outdoor recreation and PAGE 22 3 forest products. They also provide clean air and water, wildlife habitat and physical and The Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program continues mental health benefits. Learn about how to be a critical source of funding to address forest health on a local level. forests also need to be healthy in order to Read about how a state grant helped a community in Colorado Springs store carbon and mitigate climate change. successfully mitigate its wildfire risk prior to the Bear Creek Fire in November. Forest Action Plan Maps Colorado's Forest Health Priorities Over Next 10 Years Coloradans know our forests contribute greatly to our state's economic and social well-being. They provide us with what we need to survive and thrive, including clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, world-renowned recreation opportunities to experience and more. As stewards of our forests, the Colorado State Forest Service recently unveiled the 2020 Colorado Forest Action Plan a road map that guides forest management for the next decade. Rooted in science and driven by collaboration, this 85-page report built by the CSFS, federal, state and community partners Action Plan provides an in-depth analysis and solutions to improve the health of Colorado's Colorado Forest forests and ensure they persevere. 2020 - It's up to each of us to be good stewards of our wild spaces and do our part to keep the "Colorful Colorado" nickname living strong. Here at the CSFS, we're looking forward to the next decade, continuing to steer Colorado's forests to sfs.colostate-edu/orest-action-plan health and longevity for future generations. PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 3 FOREST HEALTH AND LIVING WITH WILDFIRE The. 2020 wildfire season brought three record-breaking blazes to the Colorado landscape. Above: The Cameron Peak Fire, the state' S largest wildfire, crests a hillside above Loveland at night. Photo: Amy Bulger, CSFS Right: The plume from the state' 's second largest wildfire, the East Troublesome Fire that ignited near Granby, covered skies near Walden. Photo: Blair Rynearson, CSFS Until Colorado takes greater action, wildfires will remain a problem and continue to affect our air, our water and our safety. As the 2020 fire season clearly llustrated, the forest management needed to reduce fuels and mitigate wildfire risk to Colorado's residents, lands and water supplies is not happening fast enough. We are primed to face the Same types of uncharacteristic wildfires we saw last year unless an increase in the pace and scale of forest management is made a statewide priority, work is done more quickly and the buildup of beetle-killed and living fuels is addressed across the landscape in areas that can be accessed. Fire plays a crucial role in the long- term health and resiliency of fire-dependent forests in Colorado, but a long history of fire suppression and lack of forest management, combined with more people living in the wildland-urban interface, have led to a growing and unsustainable problem for our state. 4 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS FOREST HEALTH AND LIVING WITH WILDFIRE Wildfire Season Highlights the Growing Need to Increase Forest Management Across State n 2020, Colorado experienced a record- The reasons why 2020's large, an increased risk of post-fire erosion that breaking wildfire yeari that resulted uncharacteristic fires grew 50 massive are could impact water sources. The Grizzly in the three largest wildfires in oun complex. Of all the factors that led to a Creek Fire burned forests on steep slopes state's history. The Cameron Peak Fire in historic wildfire year, forest managers can on both sides of the Colorado River along Larimer County now stands as Colorado's directly address only one: the health of the I-70 corridor. Its burn scar now threatens largest fire at 208,913 acres. It burned our forests. When forests in poor health the water supply for not only Glenwood through forests of high-elevation spruce- combine with drought conditions, high Springs but more than 40 million people fir, lodgepole pine thick with beetle-killed winds, challenging terrain and warmer downstream who rely on the Colorado River trees and mixed conifer stands. The East temperatures linked to climate change, watershed for clean drinking water. Troublesome Fire, which started near it can turn a mild fire year into one that The East Troublesome Fire burned in Granby, became one of the quickest runs rampant long into the fall months at forest of heavy, downed, beetle-killed moving fires on record in Colorado as it and leaves us with smoke rising from jackstrawed" timber, named for the way engulfed stands of dead lodgepole pines underneath the year's first blankets of snow. the large logs haphazardly cover the forest at the epicenter of the state's mountain From an ecological perspective, fires floor like pick-up sticks and allow new pine beetle outbreak in the mid-1990s. It like East Troublesome and Cameron Peak trees to grow through these downed fuels. became the state's second largest fire, can have positive ong-term impacts on Add prolonged dry and windy conditions, traveling through the timber all the way natural environments. Fire plays an integral such as those experienced during the fire's to forests near Estes Park and eventually role in maintaining healthy forests and period of large growth in mid-October, and growing to 193,812 acres. Setting the state regenerating some forest types. From a fire in these fuels can grow rapidly. These record for third largest, the Pine Gulch Fire human perspective, however, the wildfires types of blazes create heavy smoke, scorch north of Grand Junction torched 139,007 last year were costly, causing loss of life and and degrade soils, burn rapidly through acres of grass, brush and timber fuels. All more than a thousand structures, numerous tree canopies and produce embers that three eclipsed the previous record-holding evacuations, closures of Interstate 70 and create new spot fires. Hayman Fire, which burned 138,114 acres. many recreation areas, poor air quality and Such embers allowed the East PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 5 FOREST HEALTH AND LIVING WITH WILDFIRE 80% of Colorado residents rely on forested watersheds for clean drinking water Data: Colorado's Water Plan estimate Colorado residents saw visible drops in air quality during the 2020 wildfire season. This image Photo: Williams Fork Fire, InciWeb of Lake Loveland taken at 2:30p.m. Oct. 22, 2020, shows how smoke from the Cameron Peak Fire darkened skies along the Front Range. Photo: Amy Bulger, CSFS Troublesome Fire to. jump the Continental WUI is increasing faster than landowners, Divide in Rocky Mountain National the Colorado State Forest Service and Park, starting a spot fire that forced the its partners can perform mitigation work. evacuation of parts of Estes Park. During Activities such as removing fuels, creating ecne A4 a notable 36-hour period in mid-October, fuel breaks that protect neighborhoods, East Troublesome burned through nearly making defensible space around structures 150,000 acres ofi forest, contributing to and reducing structural ignitability, as well the loss of 580 structures and sending up as adopting Community Wildfire Protection billows of smoke that resulted in poor air Plans and land-use policies, are effective quality along the Front Range. at reducing the risk of costly, high-severity As Colorado's population continues to fires, but the work needs to occur at a expand into wildfire-prone areas, additional faster pace. FIREWISE ents USA homes, lives and communities are at The Colorado State Forest Service ICEN widfey rks increased risk of being affected by fires: already works with landowners and diverse Melonalys RESOgNENa FsE Site Post-fire impacts to water supplies and partners to implement these necessary poor air quality due to smoke will continue fuels reduction treatments across FIMMO org to be significant public health issues. jurisdictional boundaries. But by working Half of the state's population currently together on a larger scale, foresters and lives in the 3.2 million acres of the state communities can focus on creating more designated as the wildland-urban interface fire-adapted communities and reducing CSFS forester Adam Moore, left, presents (WUI), where human development meets forest stand densities to lower the risk of a Firewise USAE award to. Jim Vanderpool or intermingles with wildland vegetation. uncharacteristic wildfire. This will prepare of Baca County Emergency Services for Colorado government models project more residents already at risk and Improve the fire mitigation work completed in the Baca Grande residential area north of Alamosa. than 7.7 million people will reside in the health and resiliency of our forests, sO Community-driven mitigation efforts are state by 2050. By then, the WUI area could when fires like those we saw in 2020 occur increasingly important as residential areas encompass over 9 million acres. again, they are not as severe or as costly sprawl farther into Colorado's wildland-urban The number of Coloradans living in the to our residents. interface. Photo: CSFS 6 2020 REPORT CN THE HEALTH OF COLORADO' $ FORESTS FOREST HEALTH AND LIVING WITH WILDFIRE A large air tanker drops fire retardant behind buildings at Colorado State University's Mountain Campus in Pingree Park. The October air mission and other firefighting efforts during the Cameron Peak Fire were successful at saving all campus structures, in part becouse of previous mitigation work done on the ground to iower wildfire risk: Photo: Cameron Peak Fire Incident Management Team Previous Wildfire Mitigation Efforts Helped Save CSU's Mountain Campus he Cameron Peak Fire roared. The goal was to improve thinning the regenerating forest to promote through Colorado State University's forest health. These trees were given to forest health and clear Mountain Campus area ini Pingree low-income families that might not have Park on Oct. 9-10, 2020. As flames torched beetle-killed trees, and been able to purchase a Christmas tree. the surrounding forests of lodgepoie pine "by doing that, we also When the Cameron Peak Fire threatened and mixed conifer, fire crews successfully the Mountain Campus last fall, the years of created a that was saved all structures on campus, thanks to campus forest management work paid off. ongoing mitigation work. defensible from wildfire." Fire crews took advantage of the A decade ago, CSU Housing and Dining Greg Zausen, CSFS forester previous mitigation efforts to shore up Services and the Colorado State Forest defenses and save the campus. "On Service embarked on a series of projects said Greg Zausen, forester in the CSFS Fort muitiple occasions, fire operations teams on the campus to protect structures Collins Field Office. called out and complimented us on our and thin stands of beetle-killed trees in Over the years, CSU maintenance prior work done on campus," said Seth the wake oft the mountain pine beetle crews, volunteers, contractors, and students Webb, Mountain Campus director. epidemic. Staff with the CSU Mountain and faculty with the Warner College of The work done at the CSU Mountain Campus and CSFS Fort Collins Field Natural Resources continued this mitigation Campus illustrates the importance of being Office cleared thousands of trees growing work, removing trees around buildings and proactive with fire mitigation activities and adjacent to power lines, log cabins and power lines, planting a diversity of trees ongoing maintenance to lower wildfire risk other structures in critical areas around and shrubs to improve forest health and and give firefighters a solid starting point to campus. Crews also felled and removed installing metal roofs on buildings. defend a property. Overnight, the Mountain many hazardous trees. Additionally, the CSHS has collaborated Campus became a real-lite example ot At the time, the goal was to improve with a nonprofit organization in Fort Collins how mitigation works and how it helped forest health and clear beetle-killed trees, and other partners to harvest lodgepole a unique gem and learning center in and "by doing that, we also created a pines from an area of the Mountain Campus Colorado's forest west of Fort Collins remain campus that was defensible from wildfire," that burned in the 1994 Hourglass Fire, standing to welcome future generations. PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDF. RE YEAR 7 FOREST HEALTH AND LIVING WITH WILDFIRE BEFORE AFTER The same tree in the right foreground offers a landmark in an otherwiser exceptionally different looking landscape. These before and after cleared dense timber to reduce wildfire pictures show how a Colorado: State Forest Service forest. management, project near Evergreen standing risk on this homeownersland. Tree thinning is one too! that can bolsten forest heaith and protect property. Photo: Emmai Broki, CSFS Changing Homeowner Perceptions Helps Protect Houses Near Evergreen ometimes, cutting down trees growing ciose to a house can be a daunting project for a homeowner who doesn't know: what to expect. Removing trees aroundi a home, howeven WHAT'S YOUR is critical for creating defensible space, which is one factor that MORE THAN lowers the risk a home will be burned during a wildfire. Having defensible who be called to HALF good space gives firefighters may defend a home an opportunity to strategically protect the property. of Colorado residents live in area N In the North Turkey Creek near Evergreen, about 500 the wildland- urban interface homes have been built in the foothills of the state's wildland-urban and are at some risk of interface. The community has a high wildfire hazard rating because WUI RISK? being affected by wildfire. of overly dense trees, steep terrain and limited emergency access. Thankfully, community leaders and Evergreen Fire Rescue Source: CSFS WUI Risk. Assessment 2017 recognize this risk and are doing something about it = which includes efforts to change perceptions about cutting trees. comfortable Learn more about the "The more you see fuels treatments, the more you get with them," said Emma Brokl, a Colorado State Forest Service WUI risk in your county forester in the Golden Field Office. "When wildfires come through at coloradoforestalasorg this area, the risk can be mitigated." Working with the CSFS and Evergreen Fire Rescue, community members created defensible space around two homes in the Evergreen Highlands neighborhood and made a 6-acre fuel break more homeowners the benefits of creating defensible space route in the Timbers neighborhood. around their homes. Public meetings and tours of the project sites along a major evacuation and the and several partners received These treatments not only improve safe and effective response are in the works, community to wildfire and improve forest health, they serve as showcase a federal State Fire Assistance grant lu continue mitigation work in examples of wildfire mitigation projects that meet standard the area. guidelines for defensible space and fuel breaks. The Upper South Platte Partnership also supported this project By doing these treatments, Brokl said, the CSFS and Evergreen and are partners in ongoing work in the North Turkey Creek Fire Rescue now have powerful, on-the-ground examples to show community, and the U.S. Forest Service provided project funding. 8 2020 REPCRT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO S FORESTS FOREST HEALTH AND LIVING WITH WILDFIRE Summit County Forestry Partners Work to Protect Multiple Communities here the forests meet civilization in Colorado a W place known as the wildland-urban interface homes and communities stand in paths where catastrophic wildfires could blaze trails of devastation. To reduce this risk in Summit County, the Colorado State Forest Service is joining with partner agencies and private landowners to create fuel breaks and community protection zones in and adjacent to key populated areas near the White River National Forest. These strategic projects better protect hundreds of residents and homes and promote healthy, long-term forest conditions, increasing the likelihood residents and visitors alike will be able to enjoy Summit County destinations long into the future. Together we can do more," said Ashley Garrison, a CSFS forester based in Summit County. "Building partnerships enables us to cross forest boundaries to create more effective treatments and be better stewards of our forests." The Ponsse Ergo Harvester, a steep-slope extractor, made its Colorado The following on-the-ground examples of shared stewardship wildfire mitigation debut. last year on the Peak 7 forestry project, are funded through the voter-approved Summit County 1A Strong removing lodgepole pine above Breckenridge neighborhoods. Built Future Fund, empowering Summit County government to work like a tractor with robotic arms, the harvester can traverse. steep with the U.S. Forest Service, White River National Forest, CSFS, inclines with minimal impact on the ground to cut trees, strip branches Denver Water and private landowners to prioritize and implement and stack logs for removal. "in the past, a project like this would have required a helicopter, which was expensive, or a hand crew," said Bill forest management projects in the county. Wolf, a Colorado State Forest Service forester. Photo: Denver Water A Good Neighbor Authority agreement on USFS land in the project areas allows for the CSFS to assist with projects. The GNA grow on 39 acres in Frisco. A popular trail system runs through program was expanded nationally in the 2014 Farm Bill, 50 the this area south of the Peak 1 neighborhood and St. Anthony USFS and Bureau of Land Management can enter into agreements Summit Medical Center, nighlighting the importance of forests for with state agencies like the CSFS to pool resources and ensure recreation and showing trail users firsthand how wiidfire mitigation critical forest management work happens quickly. impacts forest health. PEAK 7 NEIGHBORHOOD - This 46-acre fuel break in SWAN MOUNTAIN = North of Breckenridge, this 24-acre fuel Breckenridge lessens wildfire risk by breaking up the continuity of break next to Tiger Road protects residents living outside of town hazardous fuels, reduces impacts of future wildfires and creates and a vital power infrastructure. Regenerating lodgepole pine a safer way for firefighters to engage wildfires. This project also were removed in the area; spruce and fir were retained. Future fire protects Dillon Reservoir, part of the watershed that supplies intensity and fire spread will be reduced due to these fuel breaks. drinking water to 1.5 million people downstream along the Front Range and beyond. This is a multi-year project with over 500 acres GOLDEN HORSESHOE Fuel breaks were linked and ofs strategic fuel breaks planned. expanded across 94 acres near the Welington neighborhood to MINER'S CREEK - Dead and live lodgepole trees were cut and decrease the risk of high-intensity fires and the potential for crown piled, leaving aspen, spruce, fir and odgepole regeneration to fires in the wildland-urban interface. Colorado Forest Atlas: Distilling Forestry Data for Landowners, Working Partners The Colorado State Forest Service made risk, aid in developing forest management it easier for landowners, land managers projects and provide resources for writing and others to access ntormation about forestry plans. Colorado forests with the click of a few The atlas currently contains three buttons. apps: the public Wildfire Risk Viewer, the The Colorado Forest Atlas website, Risk Reduction Planner for partners and billed as a one-stop mapping shop for the professionals and the Forest Action Plan public and partners, launched in May. This 2020. A GeoTracks app is being developed repository for forestry and wildfire risk data in 2021, to be used by the CSFS to plan coloradoforestaltasorg can help communities learn about wildfire and track forestry projects and activities. PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 9 FOREST HEALTH AND LIVING WITH WILDFIRE CSFS Leading Efforts to Address Wildfire in Colprado ast year's wildfire season is yet another wake-up call that Colorado needs to Invest more. in thel health of our forests to reduce fuels and mitigate wildfire risk. As the examples in this report and many others across Colorado show, we can make a difference for our residents, forests and watersheds. As the state's lead forestry agency, the Colorado State Forest Service will take a number of actions to reduce the chances that future wildfires are as severe or costly as they were in 2020, including: > Participate in partnerships, such as the Rocky Mountain La LV MILCFE Restoration Initiative, that work across boundaries, leverage resources and increase the pace and scale of forest health projects > Reduce forest The Living with Wildfire section fueis and create in the 2020 Colorado Forest. Action fuei breaks that Plan details more goals, strategies protect communities and approaches for addressing and watersneds, wildfire in Colorado. alter the behavior sis.colostate.eduforestactonpiar of uncharacteristic wwildfire and enhance forest health > Promote and support the growth of fire-adapted communities through planning, outreach and education, landscape treatments, and resident and community Mike Till, a forester with the Colorado State Forest Service, plants a mitigation efforts seedling as part of a reforestation effort near La Veta. Photo: Luke Grow seedling trees through the CSFS Nursery for Cherney, CSFS reforestation and conservation plantings > Serve as a non-regulatory, non-biased, trusted Wildfire Resources and Services and science-based resource for forestry advice and information for landowners The Colorado State Forest Service offers a number of > Provide no-cost seedling trees through the Restoring services to help residents, communities and land managers Colorado's Forests Fund to help landowners reforest recover from wildfires, including: lands burned by wildfire or otherwise affected by natural > Technical assistance for evaluating tree survival disasters > Reforestation needs, including seedlings > of burnt timber > Offer funding support to homeowners associations, Salvage local governments, fire protection districts, utility Hazard tree identification on non-federal lands providers and other groups through the Forest To learn more about these services, contact your local CSFS Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program field office or visit csfs.colostate.edu. > Investigate and make data updates to the Colorado For wildfire mitigation publications, resources and services, Wildfire Risk. Assessment and associated applications in visit csfs.colostate.edulwiltire-mtigation. the Colorado Forest Atlas 10 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS FOREST HEALTH AND COLORADO'S CARBON STORAGE Colorado's Carbon Problem Despite encompassing over 24 million acres, Colorado's forests emit more carbon than they store. We're one of the five worst Lower 48 states in forest carbon emissions by some estimates. SOLUTIONS TO Colorado is contributing to a global problem, partly because CURB EMISSIONS our trees aren't as healthy as they could be. Living in a weakenec state affects a tree's ability to take in and store Improving and maintaining carbon clioxide, Healthy trees that take in carbon dioxide forest health will improve help lower carbon concentrations in the atmosphere, forest carbon storage. DISRUPTIONS TO COLORADO'S CARBON CYCLE FACT: Over 22% of the standing trees in Colorado forests are dead wood. Forest Wildfires When Most are killed by management release watersheds insects (65%), disease is not carbon. suffer Climate (23%) and fire (4%). The taking place An Burned trees disturbarices Insect and change decomposing dead wood at the pace decay, releasing, but lack andiscale expanding more carbon. disease restoration, can impact releases carbon into the necessary to wildland- and some ouibreaks Carbon-fichsoils foresthealth air instead of storing it. maintain forest urban forests never create more and forest floor and increase Increasing drought further health. interface grow back. deada anc litter are lost. the risk of stresses trees. consumes downed unchafacteristic. SOLUTIONS: forestland. wood. wildfire. > Manage forests for healthy conditions and promote forest regeneration. Healthy When we help forests, they return the favor trees not only absorb carbon dioxide and Arapid response to ncrease management and retorestation: ertorts wvile produce oxygen, they improve forest health anci bring solutions to carbon problems The CSFS also absorb ozone, sulfur s encocraged by legistarve efforts underway on States and national levels dioxide, nitrogen oxides toid consicer fundingresources devoted to forest management. Colorado's and particulates. forests require investment. Only then will they continue TO Suppont MS. > Embrace adaptive forest management practices to plan for future changes. ACTIONS IN PROGRESS Having different ages and types of trees makes ATTHE CSFS: AT THE STATE LEVEL: greenspace, rangelands forests more resilient The 2020 Colorado Colorado has an aggressive and wetlands to help Forest Action Plan strategy for greenhouse meet HB 19-1261 goals. FACT: Wood recommends solutions to gas reductions. House Bill products aid carbon storage through 19-1261 requires reducing GLOSALLKA generated by logging can reforestation, forest and greenhouse gas emissions Colorado is a member store carbon. But timber markets are lacking wildfire management, urban to at least 90% of 2005 of the U.S. Climate Alliance, and timber value has and community forestry and levels by 2050. a bipartisan coalition declined. avoiding forest conversion. The Colorado Natural of governors, state These practices can be and Working Lands Climate agencies and nonprofit SOLUTION: incorporated into the state's Task Force is developing organizations committed > Support a vibrant wood goals to reduce emissions recommendations for to reducing emissions in products industry with the following Colorado's management and practices line with the 2016 Paris capacity to meet forest Climate Action Plan. ont forests, farms, urban Agreement. management needs. PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 11 FOREST HEALTH AND INSECTS AND DISEASE Where Beetie-Kill Timber and Wildfires Overlap The two largest fires in Colorado history, Cameron Peak and East Troublesome, burned through forests heavily affected by mountain pine beetle and spruce beetle, as shown by the gray areas in the map. While not all trees in those areas had been killed or impacted, - beetle outbreaks in those forests in recent decades resulted in fuel arrangement and fuel loads that likely contributed to the fires' behaviors and growth. Burn, perimeter data: National Interagency Fire Center Insect data: Widfire Perimelers 2020 US. Forest Service Soruce Beatla 1398-2023 Aerial Detection and Mountain Pine Beetla 1396-202) A Forest Health Survey. Spruze-k Pne Forests Unaifezes) y Bark Basliea isloso ? Map: Dan CSFS - West, - Interactions Between Bark Beetles, Wildfire Exploring ark beetles have affected many fire management challenges occur after of Colorado's forests in recent Fire and Beeties the needles have fallen, larger branches are shed and whole trees fall and become decades, altering the arrangement Interactive maps and information on (intermingled fuel of wildland fire fuels in many) locations. jackstrawed" large fire and beetle interaction can be of Since the mid-1990s, mountain pine beetle arrangements varying height). found at bity/ForesteathRepon accumulations of surface fuels has affected roughly 80%, or about 3.4 Large can contribute to extreme fire behavior and million acres, of ponderosa-odgepole pine in the state, while the spruce beetle has reduced. During drought seasons, often rapid growth even if fires do not exclusively caused tree mortality in approximately 40% lasting consecutive years, bark beetle burn through tree crowns, particularly of Colorado's high-elevation Engelmann populations may build to epidemic levels. during very dry and windy conditions such spruce forests. When wildfires burn in Likewise, fire activity is most associated as those that occurred at times during the forests dense with beetle-killed trees, with years of below-average precipitation, 2020 fire season. Such surface fuel loads the resulting fuel arrangement often when fuels are very dry, as they were in the complicate fire management, produce significantly affects a fire's behavior, its summer and fall of 2020. significant amounts of smoke while burning, ecological effects and options available for Regardless of drought conditions, can readily transition fire to remaining fire standing trees infested and killed by bark green trees in the right conditions and can managers. Drought conditions are ever important beetles contain less moisture than live result in increased burn severity through when considering wildfire and equally trees and contribute to a more complex soil heating than would otherwise occur. important when considering bark beetles. fire environment since they ignite and The arrangement and condition of fuels Trees defend themselves from bark beetle burn more easily. Following tree death, affected by widespread beetle infestations attack through a series of resin ducts and needle transition and drop occurs, usually intertwine with weather conditions and chemical compourds therein. Piecipitation over a 1- to 3 year period. There is an topngraphy to affect wildfire behavior and has become more variable in recent years. increased possibility of active crown fire can pose a higher risk of uncharacteristic With inadequate rain and snow fall, trees' while needles remain on the trees through fire. More research is needed to improve ability to defend themselves from attack yellow, red and gray stages, but that risk is our understanding of the interactions typically decreases as available resin is temporary. Oftentimes, greater forest and between bark beetles and wildfires. 12 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FCRESTS FOREST HEALTH AND INSECTS AND DISEASE Spruce Beetle Remains Colorado's Most Damaging Forest Pest ince the 1950s, forest managers have taken to the skies to detect and monitor disturbances to forests from insects and disease, collecting data that provides an annual snapshot of forest health conditions in Colorado. Due to pandemic safety protocols in 2020, trained aerial observers with the US. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region and Colorado State Forest Service only flew over priority areas, where there was a likelihood of forest pests causing widespread tree mortality. In total, they monitored 16.3 million acres last year, compared to 30.2 million acres in 2019. Because of the reduced acreage flown, numbers of affected acres are not included in this report since comparison between years is not possible. Despite the restricted flights, observers Aerial surveys in. 2020 were limited to priority areas of the state, such as Wolf Creek Pass, were able to detect and track a number where spruce beetle continues to infest forests and grow populations. Photo: Dan West, CSFS off forest pests causing disturbances in previously unaffected areas. For the ninth consecutive year, spruce much of Colorado. Since 2000, this small, recent years, smailer diameter trees are beetie remained the most destructive forest native bark beetle has affected at least 1.88 now susceptible to attack and are currently pest in Colorado. While the intensity of million cumulative acres of forest. succumbing to the beetle. spruce beetle and Douglas-fir beetle activity Newly infested forests in eastern Drought conditions exacerbated beetle decreased in 2020, many areas adjacent Gunnison and western Chaffee counties activity in 2020, and the summer of 2021 to previously affected forests continue to are experiencing severe, intense is forecast to see significant bark beetle- experience tree mortality. Some forested infestations. Spruce beetle populations caused tree mortality as a result of the areas experienced localized, moderate to in 2020 increased in Hinsdale, San Juan ongoing drought. severe bark beetle infestations as well. and La Plata counties. Beetle outbreaks in Weather plays an important role in Huerfano and Custer counties continue to Western Spruce Budworm insect and disease activity, as noted in the expand as well, though not as rapidly. In (Choristoneuro freemani) bark beetles and wildfire information on Grand County, the intensity of infestations Western spruce budworm is a defoliator page 12. In 2020, winter and spring had has declined from past years as the beetle of Douglas-fir, white fir, and Engelmann average precipitation amounts. Thereafter, continuously depletes large-diameter and blue spruce. In its caterpillar stage, severe and extreme drought conditions Engelmann spruce from the forest. the insect partially consumes the needles, across most of Colorado occurred through leaving a rust/burnt color to the remaining the summer and fall. These drought Beetle Douglas-fir foliage not fully consumed by the budworm. conditions compounded forest disturbance (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) Trees repeatedly damaged by budworm and further set the stage for bark beetles Douglas-fir beetle continues to cause over numerous years are at high risk of and tree defoliating insects to build significant Douglas-fir tree mortality in the attack from Douglas-fir beetle, which populations in 2021. central and southern forests of Colorado, can build populations quickly and cause having depleted many of the largest trees in widespread mortality. Spruce Beetle this area oft the state over the past decade. Forests in south-central Colorado (Dendroctonus rufipennis) Gunnison, Saguache, Hinsdale and infested by this budworm are experiencing Spruce beetle continues to infest high- Mineral counties continue to see severely intense disturbance, with Saguache, elevation Engelmann spruce throughout affected Douglas-fir stands. While many Gunnison, Chaffee, Park and Fremont of the laryer didineler Lrees have died in countles among the mosl affecled in 2020. Interactive Maps and Data on these and other forest insects and diseases: bily/Forestheatrepon PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 13 NORTHEAST AREA Once, popular 35 windbreaks and privacy divisions, Russian olives are now on Colorado's invasive species list A project is underway at. Jackson Lake State Park: and nearby. state wildlife areas to remove the invasive species. replacing them with native and noninvasive trees, shrubs and grasses to restore natural habitat. Photo: Dustin Doskocil, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Stunting the Spread of a Jackson Lake Invader ighty miles east of Denver where wind whips the the water those Russian olives are using isn't getting used for " northeastern plains near Jackson Lake, the Colorado State agriculture, or for the state park, or surrounding vegetation. Forest Service is working to keep in check a hyperactive The 39-acre CSFS project to manage this invasive species invasive species that pushes out native vegetation. includes cutting and applying herbicide to ensure stumps don't The CSFS IS removing about half of the Russian oiives that line sprout new growth. The cut trees will oe removed or chipped. To picnic areas, campsites and hunting spots around Jackson Lake improve and restore natural habitat for wildlife, hunters and other State Park and the nearby Andrick Ponds and Jackson Lake state recreation seekers, a variety of native and noninvasive trees, wildlife areas. The 3w to will controi Introduced over 50 in as 5-year help years ago the U.S. a popular project windbreak, this stalwart tree grows quickly, feeding more than 50 the invasive Russian ollve, improve water species of wildlife with its fruit and providing shelter beneath thick quallty and quantity and re-establish habitat. branches. Yet ts invasive tendencies for adapting, spreading and overtaking native plants landed it on the Colorado Department of Agriculture's noxious weed list in 2002. When it takes over an area, shrubs and grasses will be planted where Russian olives are taken it can impact avian nesting and brooding and add nitrogen to the out. The 3- to 5-year project will help control the invasive Russian soil, which disrupts natural nutrient cycling and taxes water quality. olive, improve water quality and quantity and re-establish habitat. It's also a silent drain the Colorado plains can't afford. Though In partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and with difficult to quantify, some research estimates one Russian olive funding from its Wetlands for Wildlife grant, work has begun in near a water source may consume about 75 gallons of water a day a multi-phased approach to respect the high public demands more than the average 50 gallons per day a residential Denver on these three state recreation areas that welcome more than Water customer uses, 200,000 visitors each year. "Russian olives use a lot of water," said Matt Norville, the CSFS "For hunters, it will be beneficial in the long run because, Northeast Area forester overseeing the Morgan County project. ecologically, we're creating better habitat to attract more birds. There are some areas around Jackson Lake State Park where Positive impacts to the wildlife species may bolster hunting and ground vegetation won't even grow because of these trees. All birdwatching activities on these properties," Norville said. 14 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS FIELD OFFICES: BOULDER . FORT COLLINS . GOLDEN . FRANKTOWN Empowering Boulder County WHAT'S YOUR Residents to Fight Wildfires Before They Begin ith prophetic timing last August, NORTHEAST COLORADO Boulder County officials launched an WUI RISK? W innovative, community-driven plan for forest management, focused on dousing the risk of wildfires before they start. 1.6M 120F 293,749 By October, the CalWood and Lefthand Canyon acres in the EVERY 25 people live wildfires were burning within county boundaries, wildland-urban residents live in areas with causing evacuations and spreading already interface with some WUI risk highest wildfire risk exhausted firefighting resources even thinner. "The fires highlight the reason there needs to be Source: CSFS WUI Risk Assessment. 2017. Highest risk" is levels 7-9 on WUI this kind of cross-boundary effort," said Ben Pfohl, scale.. Access WUI risk data specific to each county at coloradolorestotosong. at forester with the Colorado State Forest Service in Boulder. Those fires burned over 10,000 acres, but there are still a lot of acres at risk in the county." Forest Health Issues Residents know about risk. Since 1989, more than 260 homes and structures in the county have Emerald Ash Borer burned in wildfires. A CSFS Mildland-urban interface risk analysis reveals at least 25,000 Boulder County [Agrilus planipennis) residents live in areas with elevated risk of wildfires Considered the most destructive tree pest ever introduced in North impacting lives and property. The county also America, the emerald ash borer further spread across the northern Front supplies water to more than 300,000 downstream Range. New detections of EAB in 2020 occurred in Louisville, Arvada residents and offers forested habitat for more than and north of Fort Collins, all outside of a former quarantine area. 90 species of wildlife and native plants. Last year, the Colorado Department of Agriculture repealed the As the CSFS, federal, state and local quarantine encompassing Boulder County. The insect was detected partner agencies dig into the Memorandum of outside of the quarantine zone in 2019. While the quarantine served its Understanding signed in August, they're finding purpose, giving communities time to prepare for EAB, the threat of this coordinated ways to reduce wildfire risk and better insect remains as it spreads to new cities and towns. About 15% of all protect Boulder County residents, watersheds, trees in Colorado's urban forests are ash. recreation areas and naturat resources. tn 2020, the CSFS mplemented the "Your Ash is on the Line" project The Saint Vrain Forest Health Partnership, led to help small and mid-sized communities along the Front Range prepare by the Lefthand Watershed Center, was formed for EAB. Resources for the project, including a recording of an ash wood to develop and guide MOU work in the Saint utilization workshop held in 2020, are available at csfs.colostateeduleab. Vrain watershed. Key to this partnership is the participation of local stakeholders in planning and Frost Damage implementation processes, along with numerous Weather played a role in damaging trees in the Northeast Area in 2020. MOU partners. An October cold snap followed warm weather in the fall of 2019. This The CSFS skilled at working across didn't give trees a chance to transition to dormancy. As spring arrived, boundaries on forest management projects extreme temperature fluctuations in mid-April 2020 compounded injuries throughout the state will help establish focus and stress sustained in the fall. areas and offer project support with forestry data This resulted in frost damage in ponderosa and other pine species, and resources. spruce and deciduous trees. CSFS foresters and residents noticed One crucial piece of the plan has already begun damage across the Front Range; however, trees in Douglas, El Paso and educating and supporting residents about wildfire Elbert County communities were particularly affected. Frost- -damaged risk and mitigation. pine and spruce had a range of symptoms, from, just the tips of needles "Five years from now, we want momentum being affected to all upper foliage changing to white or straw-colored. from the community to support these projects and Unfortunately, littie could be done for the damaged trees, said Meg drive the process,"F Pfohl said. "The goal is to have Halford, a forester in the CSFS Franktown Field Office If this occurs treatments done spanning public and private land. again, she advises residents to give the trees a chance. But,just as important, the community will heip define "Buds on frost-injured trees may survive, and they may produce new the goals and successes. They'll be able to articulate growth," Halford said. "Don't count them out just yet, and ensure these and know the risk to their forests and watersheds, stressed trees get plenty of water." and also know how to move forward." PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 15 SOUTHEAST AREA a OPHN Part of making areas. safer includes monitoring tree health. At Lake Pueblo, CSFS foresters evaluated 191 trees in 2020, marking safety issues risk off falling near areas, Photos: Vince Urbina, CSFS such as dead trees overhanging popular trails, left, and rotting limbs at picnic Outdoor Recreation Safer at Lake Pueblo Keeping ne of the last things that comes to mind when heading when strong wind events occur. to a state park to recreate is to watch out for dangerous "We make things happen on the ground so that landowners can trees. That's thanks in partto the Colorado State Forest meet their land use and stewardship objectives," said John Grieve, Service's work doing hazard tree assessments, which helps ensure the CSFS supervisory forester in the Southeast Area who worked our state's recreational destinations remain safer for visitors. Trees on1 the hazard tree assessment. are an important part of the landscape at Lake Pueblo, providing wildlife habitat, wildlife viewing, small game and waterfowl hunting State Last at Lake Pueblo Park, and shade along trails and. rest areas for park visitors. year Last year at Lake Pueblo State Park - - one of the most popular CSFS foresters assessed 191 trees over state parks in Colorado with annual visitors exceeding 2.4 million 200 acres of land, focusing on trails and CSFS foresters assessed 191 trees over 200 acres of land, focusing on trails and campground areas. Trees with the 75 highest scores campground areas. for safety concerns based on the Colorado Tree Coalition Tree Risk AssessmenvManagement Rating system inventory were tagged for mitigation. Colorado Parks and Wildlife will handle the mitigation Being able to enjoy the great outdoors was an important and potential removal of these trees. part of daily life in 2020, and hazard tree assessments help land Foresters inspected trees for broken and hanging limbs, large managers mitigate risk to people sO they may recreate more dead limbs and other hazards such as trees compromised by safely in public spaces. The Lake Pueblo assessments helped insects or disease that could cause injury or harm to people and reduce risk to park users by flagging dead trees and branches for structures if they were to fall within the park. The 75 earmarked removal; they also ensured high-use spaces like trails and public trees included willows and Siberi ian elms, but the worst offonders gathering areas, such as gazebos and picnic tables, had reduced cottonwoods, some of which were burned or rotting. risk for problematic trees to impede use in these areas. Tree risk were larger These large, hollow cottonwoods pose a risk because they do not assessments are a continuation of a CSFS forest stewardship have enough sound wood to support the tree in an upright position project at Lake Pueblo State Park that began in 2013: 16 2020 REPCRT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS FIELD OFFICES: WOODLAND PARK . CANON CITY . LA VETA . LA JUNTA SOUTHEAST WHAT'S YOUR COLORADO 3.7M 860K 15 OF 218,212 forested acres acres int the EVERY 25 people live in southeast wildland-urban residents live in areas with Colorado interface with some WUI risk highest wildfire risk WUI RISK? Source: CSFS WUI Risk. Assessment 2017. "Highest risk"is levels 7-9 on WUI scale. Access WUI risk data specific to each county at colorodoforestatloson. Forest Health Issues in Southeast Colprado Photo: Dan West, CSFS Photo: Stephen Rudolph, CSFS Photo: CSFS Spruce Beetle Western Spruce Budworm Drought Stress (Dendroctonus rufipennis) (Choristoneurd freemani) Drought remains a persistent issue Spruce beetie continues to infest new This forest pest is widespread throughout that affects all forest types across the acres of high-elevation Engelmann the Southeast Area in Douglas-fir and Southeast Area. It can kill trees or spruce-fir forest in the Southeast Area, white fir forests. Infestations of western weaken and predispose them to a host of health issues. While trees to acclimate while aiso increasing its impact on spruce budworm are especially prevalent try already infested forest. This native bark in western Fremont County and the to the dry conditions, it is difficult for beetle is most widespread in Custer, Wet Mountains in Custer and Huerfano them to adjust and take advantage of Fremont and southern Park counties, but counties. A lack of disturbance in these precipitation when it falls. smaller populations of the insect exist forests has resulted in dense stands of The ongoing drought in the Southeast throughout the area. trees with multiple canopy layers, which Area is placing a long-term stress on The CSFS has held salvage timber are ideal conditions for the insect. trees that's compounding year after year. sales on hundreds of acres of spruce The budworm feeds on buds and new In 2020, due to a dry spring and beetle-infested forests in recent years, shoots, causing the tops and branches drought that was prevalent through the but more trees are being killed than of host trees to turn reddish-brown. If the end of the year, trees faced a tough can be brought to market. Remoteness, infestation is severe and persists over growing season. terrain and seasonal limitations can a long time, trees will eventually die, or TO address the issue, CSFS foresters make access to treating spruce stands become susceptible to bark beetles. harvest unhealthy trees from dense difficult. Even in accessible stands, t's To mitigate the budworm's impact, stands SO remaining trees have more a challenge to harvest and fully utilize CSFS foresters harvest trees through resources, promoting individual tree vigor the beetle-killed wood before some of it targeted treatments, creating areas with and overall forest health. deteriorates. well-spaced trees growing at uniform Remnant beetle-killed trees increase height. This creates favorable conditions the risk of high-severity fire, which for species not susceptible to western consequently elevates the risk to spruce budworm, such as aspen and important headwaters and air quality. pine, to regenerate, while lowering the risk of high-severity fire. PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 17 SOUTHWEST AREA Foresters and contractors clear trees affected by mountain pine beetle near Gunnison. Photo: Kellon Spencer, ebmpenephouyoplycon Beetle Outbreak a Race Against Time Controlling for with subdivisions with 63 different parcels and covers both hile time seemed to slow: down many last year growing stay-at-home orders due toi COVID-19, foresters in private and National Forest lands. Treatments were completed on Gunnison County were In a rush to contain an outbreak seven private parcels, as well as adjacent USFS lands. of another kind the mountain pine beetle. Last year our state got a glimpse of how fast wildfires can become devastating as spread through forests thick Working quickly to prevent the beetie outbreak from becoming quickly they an epidemic around the Taylor Canyon area as it has in other parts of the state, the strength of partnership made all the difference. In the beetle ar record-breaking 4-month-long effort, the Colorado State Forest Working quickly to prevent Service, National Forest Foundation and U.S. Forest Service outbreak from becoming an epidemic as completed the planning, public engagement and implementation seen in other parts of the state, the strength for phase one of the project. all the difference. "Although mountain pine beetles, in small populations, are of partnership made an important native beetle to our Western forests, we are hoping to keep them in check sO we continue reaching our goals of for diverse, healthy and resilient forests in the future," with beetle-killed trees. The mountain pine beetle affected nearly managing forester with the Colorado State 3.4 million acres of forests in Colorado from 1996 to 2014. said Sam Pankratz, supervisory Forest Service in the Southwest Area. "I am extremely impressed at the rapid collaborative effort Had the beetle continued to increase populations at a rapid that has taken place over the past few months aimed at reducing within pine tree stands in this area, the risk potential impacts from mountain pine beetle in the Taylor River and pace lodgepole of a catastrophic wildfire in the forest would greatly increase. Taylor Park areas," Pankratz said. Swift treatments helped reduce the spread of the bark beetle to A total of 260 acres were treated and approximately 47,419 healthy stands, mitigate wildfire risks and protect critical beetle-infected trees were removed to improve forest health and adjacent before the mountain beetle reduce fuel sources. By proactively treating as many infected infrastructure in Taylor Canyon pine and vulnorable stands as possible, foresters hope to slow the flight period in July. 2020. forest management is outbreak within three years and return the forest to its once thriving This urgent, cross-boundary project December centered about 13 miles northeast of Gunnison, in the Wilder condition. Funding for phases one and two, completed in the Taylor and Gunnison Highlands communities near Taylor 2020, was provided by the USFS, NFF and private landowners. on Canyon. This portion of the Taylor River watershed houses two Additional funding is needed to begin further treatment phases. 18 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS FIELD OFFICES: ALAMOSA . DURANGO . GUNNISON . MONTROSE . SALIDA SOUTHWEST COLORADO WHAT'S YOUR 9.6M 772K 21OF 66,198 forested acres acres in the EVERY 25 people live in southwest wildland-urban residents live in areas with Colorado interface with some WUI risk highest wildfire risk WUI RISK? Source: CSFS WUI Risk. Assessment 2017, Highest risk" is levels 7-9 on WUI scale. Access WUI risk data specific to each county at coborodoforestatosorg. Forest Health Issues in Southwest Colorado Photo: David Casey, Dolores Ranger District, Photo: CSFS Photo; CSFS San Juan National, Forest Roundheaded Pine Beetle Western Spruce Budworm Spruce Beetle (Dendroctonus adjunctus! (Charistonguro fraemani) (Dendroctonus rufipennis) Roundheaded pine beetle is a native Western spruce budworm continues Colorado's most damaging forest pest bark beetle that attacks ponderosa to be Colorado's most damaging continues to be active in the Southwest pine. Iti is often found with several other and widespread forest defoliator. in Area. Spruce beetle is moving into species of bark beetles typically the Southwest Area, the budworm is previously uninfested forests in the western pine beetle, pine engraver spreading throughout the San Juan Needle Mountains in Archuleta and San beetles and mountain pine beetle. and La Plata mountains and north into Juan counties, as well as the north- Working in conjunction, these insects the San Miguel Mountains in Dolores central San Juan Mountains within produce a "bark beetle complex" that and San Miguel counties. It is also Hinsdale and Gunnison counties. results in tree injury and death. active in forests in and around the San Since 2016, the CSFS has worked In the Southwest Area, roundheaded Luis Valley. closely with partners to help spruce-fir pine beetle remains active, primarily For several years in a row, moisture forests recover and build resiliency to the in Dolores and La Plata counties. It is andi temperature levels have fluctuated spruce beetle. particularly active in The Glade area of wildly in the Southwest Area and Treatments include thinning trees in the San Juan National Forest northwest a drought has gripped the region. greener forests to increase the variety of Dolores and the Cherry Creek Combined, these weather patterns of tree ages and species and remove drainage in western La Plata County. stress trees. Western spruce budworm dead and dying spruce from stands Smaller populations can also be found in defoliation further stresses trees, experiencing excessive mortality. Local adjacent forests. leaving those infested by the budworm saw mills process logs into usable To address the issue, CSFS foresters more susceptible to bark beetle attack. lumber, locking up carbon in forest are working with the Ute Mountain The combination of weather factors products, supporting local economies Ute Tribe to treat an outbreak on land and budworm activity is weakening and reducing the potential for high- owned by the tribe in western La Plata trees in the Southwest Area, setting intensity wildfires. County. Foresters have also partnered the stage for potentlal bark beetle with federal and local agencies on forest outbreaks in the future. health projects in Montezuma County and other nearby counties to reduce the risk of the beetle's impact. PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 19 NORTHWEST AREA a V 1 The CSFS oversees the Owh Mountain Good Neighbor. Authority project near Walden. Granby's Colorado Timber Resources has ourchased wood from the project, which helps regenerate the forest, as well as the. state's declining timber industry. Photo: Carolina Manriquez, CSFS Benefit at Owl Mountain In Balance: Forest, Industry n the southeast corner of Jackson County, the forest landscape "Every dollar spent to remove trees from fire-prone forests at Owi Mountain is improving while at the same time bolstering would save approximately $7 in avoided firefighting costs," said Carolina a Northwest Area CSFS forester. revenue for the timber industry. Manriquez, Despite a declining wood products industry in the state, the It also helps protect a critical watershed - the headwaters Colorado State Forest Service is helping sustain this local economy in northwest Colorado through the Owi Mountain Good Neighbor Despite a declining wood products Authority project. This 376-acre project spanning private, state and the Colorado Statel In the State, Interior/Bureau Department of of Land Management properties Incustry will reduce fire risk on the landscape while also creating jobs for Forest Service is helping sustain this local area loggers and timber milis and generating revenue for state and economy in northwest Colorado, federal agencies through a timber sale. Approximately $180,000 worth of wood has been sold to Colorado Timber Resources, a Grand County lumber mill that will turn the trees into 2x4 studs for of the North Platte River, which runs from North Park through to Nebraska and provides water to neighboring states. use in construction. Wyoming These future studs come from harvesting dead beetle-killed Funding through the GNA agreement comes from the project the Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado State lodgepole pine and spruce, as well as some live trees greater than participants: 9 inches in diameter that are likely to blow over if left standing. The Land Board and an adjacent private ranch owner. logging operation gives this area of forest a chance to regenerate. Throughout the project, CSFS foresters are working diligently The newer, younger trees that grow back will help create a more to assist the landowner in accomplishing project-related work, resilient landscape, increase age and structure diversity and thereby strengthening community partnerships and promoting improve forest heallh dit d habitat for wildlife in an arca long known forest stewardship into the future. destination, where many species of animals "That's the beauty of the work we get to do. We can implement as a great hunting treatments at the landscape level by leveraging our relationships roam under the forest canopy. Good also offers with landowners to worki in places where that wouldn't The Owl Mountain Neighbor Authority project private potential economic protection for the future. have happened otherwise, Manriquez said. 20 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS FIELD OFFICES: STEAMBOAT SPRINGS . GRANBY . STATE FOREST . GRAND JUNCTION NORTHWEST COLORADO WHAT'S YOUR 8.6M 611K 18 OF 92,468 forestedacres: acres IS, the EVERY 25 people live inn northwest wildland-urban N residents live in areas with Colorado interface with some WUI risk. highest wildfire risk WUI RISK? Source: CSFS WUI Risk Assessment 2017. "Highest risk" is levels 7-9 on WUI scale.. Access WUlrisk data specific to each county at colordoforestatosong. Forest Health Issues in Northwest Colorado Photo: John Twitchell, CSFS Photo: Ron Cousineau. CSFS Photo: Dan West, CSFS Subaipine Fir Decline Lodgepole Pine Beetie KIll Pifion Ips Across higher elevations in the While the mountain pine beetle epidemic dps confusus) Northwest Area, a decline in subalpine fir has subsided in the Northwest Area (and In the Northwest Area, the pinon Ips is becoming more prevalent, with groups across most of the state), the impacts beetle continues to attack new stands of trees turning red before dying. Both oft this native bark beetle on forests of pirion pines. Despite being a native younger and mature trees are affected, continue. Across forests in Grand, insect, this bark beetie is a tree killer, particularly around Rabbit Ears Pass Jackson, Summit and Routt counties, affecting pihon-juniper forests in the and Buffalo Pass in the Routt National many new, young trees are growing Glade Park and Gateway Canyon areas Forest, in north Routt County and even through dead and downed lodgepole of Mesa County, the Cedaredge area of around Steamboat Springs and Emerald pines. This creates high fuel connectivity, Delta County and around Rifle in Garfield Mountain. with continuous vegetation from the County. Extreme drought in these areas A combination of Armillaria root forest floor to the tree canopy. These (and statewide) has stressed pinon trees, rot and western balsam bark beetle fuel conditions are concerning and leaving them susceptible to attack and (Dryocoetes confusus) is likely causing exemplified by the wildfires in 2020. allowing the pirion Ips beetle to build the decline in subalpine fir, exacerbated To address the problem, the CSFS has populations. by ongoing drought that has weakened removed fuels from tens of thousands Beetle-killed trees left on the land tree defenses. of acres of state and private forestland increase the risk of high-severity wildfire, Aside from harvesting infested trees that has grown thick with beetle-killed sO CSFS foresters work with residents before adult beetles fly the following trees, with some areas containing up to to offer science-based guidance on year, foresters can do little to curtail 90% dead timber. Foresters at the CSFS managing their forests to prevent the problem, since Armillaria fungi are continue to work on these lands and problematic pirion Ips beetle infestations: present in the soil and western balsam develop new federal partnerships to In 2020, the CSFS published a new guide bark beetle populations are considered work across land ownership poundaries for managing for this beetle, available endemic. In certain areas impacted by to remove more forest fuels. This reduces at csfs. colostate.edu or by contacting a this decline, however, dead trees have the chance of more uncharacteristic fires local CSFS field office. been removed to address public safety in the Northwest Area and helps ensure issues and reduce wildfire risk. the regenerating forest is healthy now and into the future. PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 21 GRANT PROGRAM Defend Bear Creek Houses Grant-Funded Mitigation Helped hen the Bear Creek Fire ignited ring W on Nov. 19 near a Colorado Springs neighborhood, it burned right up to fences and backyards and quickly spread to 23 acres. A video captured by a homeowner's backyard camera, played later in news clips, shows firefighters keeping flames at' bay near a deck. It was an unsettling image, but one MiIR Bear Creek Carion Park residents had spent - - 4 years preparing for. Prior wildfire mitigation projects that 0 began in 2016 helped this community turn a - the emergency into a story of success. As the wildfire took hold, residents evacuated from about 235 homes. But a few' hours later, all were allowed back to a welcomed Crystal Martin' 's Ring camera shows firefighters in her backyard defending her home from the sight every home remained undamaged. 2020 Bear Creek Fire in Colorado Springs: The, neighborhood was praised for completing "We have sO many residents in Colorado wildfire mitigation work that helped firefighters quickly suppress the blaze. Photo: Crystal Martin Springs who take mitigation seriously. I can't said Colorado Demand for funding has consistently thank them enough," Springs Fire Department Fire Chief Ted Collas at a More About Grants exceeded the amount of funding available, press conference the day of the fire. "The In 2020, the CSFS received 65 applications mitigation efforts they have taken, and some Information about the CSFS Forest with funding requests for over $5.07 of the mitigation efforts we've done with Restoration and Wildfire Risk million. our own fire department in the open space Mitigation Grant Program is online at The Colorado Legislature allocated an areas, kept the fire low to the ground." csiscolostateedufundingasstance additional $11 million for FRWRM funds in The success came in part because 2020, allowing the CSFS to award over $1.4 property owners and city foresters all million to applicants. Awards for successful motivated to curb wildfire risk had the Service in 2017. Combined with the CSFS grant applications will be made in April state's financial support to get work done Forest Restoration grant, it was renamed 2021. Legislative changes in the 2020-2021 with a Colorado Department of Natural the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk grant cycle also allow for grant funds of Resources Wildfire Risk Reduction grant. Mitigation Grant Program. It uses state an individual project to cover up to 75% of The grant allowed for projects to take place severance tax funds to support forest the total project cost for projects located in that connected other mitigation work also restoration, wildfire mitigation and capacity with fewer economic resources. In all building on non-federal land, areas completed on the landscape. projects other project locations, funds will continue Management of the DNR grant program assisting homeowners associations, fire the total and more. to cover up to 50% of project. transferred to the Colorado State Forest districts, counties, cities Cover Photography Report Acknowledgments The following individuais and groups provided content, guidance and Top: A CSFS fuels reduction project in the Miner's Creek ared near. Frisco was one of several 2020 wildfire technical review for this report: mitigation projects in Summit County Read about other Webb, Colorado State Summit projects on page 9 Photo: Bill Wolf. CSES U.S. Forest Service, Region 2, Seth County State and Private Forestry and University Mountain Campus Bottom left: CSFS Forester Mike Till plants seedlings in a Tribal Relations, and the Forest Director burn area. Photo: Luke Cherney, CSFS. Center: The Grizzly Interstate 70 near Glenwood Health Management group Dan West, Forest Entomologist, Creek Fire burns along Springs, seen by a group tublng dowi lhe udjucent Dan Gibbs and Angela Boag, CSFS Colorado River. Photo: InciWeb. Right: CSFS Forester Colorado Department of Natural CSFS program division staff and Carolina Manriquez. snaps a selfie while leading a media Resources associate directors tour at the Owl Mountain Good Neighbor Authority project Colorado Parks and Wildlife CSFS field office, personnel site near Walden. Read about the project on page 20. 22 2020 REPORT ON THE HEALTH OF COLORADO'S FORESTS CSFS SERVICES AND FINANCIALS CSFS: Serving Colorado Communities for Over 65 Years ince 1955, the Colorado State Forest Service has served the residents and communities of Colorado by helping manage trees and forests on private and public lands across the state, With 171 field offices and over 100 staff, the CSFS works alongside landowners and diverse partners to improve forest health, offering: > Leadership, resources and guidance in forest management > Wildfire risk reduction and community planning > Adaptive forest management to address climate change > Wood utilization and marketing support Outreach and education to youth and adults > Insect and disease detection, surveys and response > Forest monitoring. nventory and data Carolina Manriquez, a Colorado State Forest Service forester, shows a seedling to a young analysis volunteer at the annual ReTree tree planting event. Photo: Yampa Valley Sustainability Council > Seedling trees and other plants for With headquarters in Fort Collins, the at Colorado University and conservation projects State provides CSFS is a service and outreach agency of staffing for the Division of Forestry within the > Urban and community forestry assistance the Warner College of Natural Resources Colorado Department of Natural Resources. 2020 TOTAL BUDGET: $15.7 MILLION CSFS Budget Analysis: FUNDING Fiscal Year 2020 33% Federal grants [$5 2 million) The Colorado State Forest Service provides State general fund, state grants forestry services throughout the state as 24% and service-based revenues [$3.8 million] an agency of Warner College of Natural Self-funded operations and other revenues Resources at Colorado State University. [$3.5 million] In 2020, CSFS employed 125 staff and 57 student and non-student hourly employees 20% Severance tax [$3.2 million] at the Fort Collins state office and 17 field offices around Colorado. EXPENDITURES Annual CSFS budgets originate from a variety of sources, including federal grants, 51% Personnel services [$81 million] state general fund and other state funds, self-funded operations and other revenues, 30% Operating expenses [$4.7 million) severance tax and wildfire risk reduction fundiny. Over lhe spdri of flve fiscal years Grants to others [$2.8 millionj (FY2016 - FY2020), the CSFS has continued to grow in capacity while responding to new 1% Payments to other agencies [$0.05 million] opportunities to support our mission. "capital mprovemensequpment accounted for surplus in 2020 PROTECTING OUR FUTURE AFTER A HISTORIC WILDFIRE YEAR 23 WE NEED OUR FORESTS, MORE THAN EVER. Since the global pandemic arrived in early 2020. Colorado's wild and urban forests have been havens where residents can find solace and joy, exercise, rest and feel the healing benefits of connecting with nature. Our forests will continue to offer respite as we face ongoing challenges - stalwart reminders that Colorado is truly something special and worth our efforts to protect. Photo: StockSnop, Pixabay A COLORADO COLORADO STATE WARNER COLLEGE - Department of FOREST SERVICE OF NATURAL RESOURCES ONR Natural Resources CRLANERAT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY Division of Forestry Colorado State University Colorado State University 1313 Sherman St., Room 718 5060 Campus Delivery 1401 Campus Delivery Denver, CO 80203 Fort Collins, CO 80523-5060 Fort Collins, CO 80523-1401 (303) 856-3311 (970)491-5303 (970) 491-6675 dnr.colorado.gov csfs.colostate.edu wammerenxcolestate.edu 00 OUR MISSION To achieve stewardship of Colorado's diverse forest environments for the benefit of present and future generations Bonita Peak - Mining District Update April 2021 25 COLORADO United States X Environmaental Protection UAS Departmento of Public SEPA Agency Health 8 Environment a http://www. epa. hupefindpontageak Site Updates In preparation for the 2021 field season at the Bonita Peak Mining District Superfund site, EPA is drafting a list of upcoming projects and tasks, which will continue to focus on the established site goals of improving water quality, stabilizing source areas, and minimizing unplanned releases. These projects include implementing cleanup at certain mine locations identified in the 2019 IROD, continuing the Mayflower tailings investigation, moving forward with remedial investigations, and designing a repository. One of the planned projects includes an investigation of the rock quality around the Gold King Mine adit. To conduct this investigation, EPA plans to drill a borehole parallel to the existing adit to gather information on the geology and rock quality. Data gathered from this borehole would be part of a multiyear effort to evaluate what long-term improvements are needed or are available for the Gold King Mine. The 2021 task list and five-year plan will be posted on the website when they are finalized. EPA and its contractors are working on a oreliminary design for the long-term waste repository. As part of the design process, EPA is continuing to gather information and will share updates as they are available. The 2018 seeps and springs report and the 2019 addendum are available on EPA's website. Mountain Studies Institute collected high- and low-flow data at numerous seeps, springs, and mines throughout the district, which provides information about the site's hydrology and metals load. Mayflower Impoundments pre-peak runoff water sampling began in March and is set to continue in April as part of the remedial investigation. High-flow data will be collected in May/early June. This information will aid our understanding of physical and source characteristics, nature and extent of contamination, and transport mechanisms. Surface water and groundwater sampling is ongoing in addition to the pre-peak runoff sampling. This work is being done by Sunnyside Gold corporation pursuant to an administrative order with EPA. EPA and the State will be onsite in early May to collect information to aid in planning summer field work. Mayflower lailings dramage New on the web BPMD Update, March 2021 (PDF) (2 pp, 1 MB) ntps//semspub.epagowisre/document/08/100010323 2016-2018 Seeps, Springs, and Draining Mines Characterization Report (PDF) 481 pp, 15 MB) ntps/semspub.epagowisre/document/08/100007694 2019 Addendum to 2018 Seeps, Springs, and Draining Mines Report (PDF) (36 pp, 1 5 MB) https//semspub.epagowsr/document/08/100009811 Bonita Peak CAG Dr. Joy Jenkins Superfund Project Manager, EPA Region 8 1595 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202-1129 RE: Comments on the 2021 Task List and Draft Five-Year Plan, Bonita Peak Mining District April 16, 2021 Dear Dr. Jenkins: After our Bonita Peak Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting on March 25th, we wanted to follow up with some written comments on this upcoming field season activities (the Task List) and on the draft Five-Year Plan developed under the Bonita Peak Mining District Site Management Plan. The Bonita Peak Mining District (BPMD) was put on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 2016, sO the end of the five-year plan will represent nine years as a Superfund site. We are dismayed that after nine years and tens of millions of dollars, it appears that no projects will be completed by EPA and partnering agencies that will substantially improve water quality other than the continued treatment of the Gold King Mine drainage. While some maintenance work at mine sites under the 2019 Interim Record of Decision (IROD) might be helpful, we do not see that work as a high priority and don't believe those projects will substantially improve water quality. The CAG recognizes that while completing the site-wide repository at the Mayflower Tailings Pond #4 will be an important step, construction by itself doesn't afford any on-the-ground water quality improvements. Essential Questions From our perspective, there are some high priority questions that EPA should ask itself and answer regarding the Task List and Draft Five-Year Plan. 1. If a large metal load is reduced high in the watershed, will that reduction translate to a large metal reduction downstream and a corresponding improvement in water quality and aquatic habitat? 2. Where can EPA make large environmental improvements in a relatively short period of time? 3. In the Operating Unit 3 (OU3), the fundamental question is, if and by how much does the Sunnyside Mine Pool affect the biggest metal contributors in the BPMD (the mines around Gladstone)? 1 4. What important information does EPA hope to obtain by drilling behind the inner bulkhead at the Gold Prince tunnel? 5. In reference to Goal #3 for the BPMD, minimizing unplanned releases, is EPA meeting the objectives of this goal by opening up mines with collapses at the entrance or doing the opposite and increasing the risk of unplanned releases? Discussion Question 1 & 2. The Red & Bonita mine drainage plays a central role in the first two questions. For short periods of time, the drainage from both the Red & Bonita and the American Tunnel have been run through the treatment plant at Gladstone, in addition to the treatment of the Gold King Mine drainage. The infrastructure is in place for conveyance of these drainages to the plant. According to the Final Remedial Investigation Plan, February 2021, Exhibit 3-7, the Red & Bonita drainage averages 55 pounds per day (Ibs/d) of zinc, and the American Tunnel averages 21 Ibs/d of zinc. That is more than half of EPA's initial estimated zinc-load-reduction needed to meet water quality standards at A72 (Exhibit 3-4). The Red & Bonita is easily the largest, untreated point-source of metals in the BPMD, and the American Tunnel is essentially tied for the second largest, untreated point-source. Running one or both of these currently untreated drainages through the treatment plant would be an excellent test for answering the first question and is also undoubtedly the best answer for the second question. Of course, the other method of removing the metal load from the Red & Bonita drainage is to shut the valve on the pipe through the existing bulkhead. A short-term test of this method was already conducted from mid-July to mid-October in 2020. Results of that test have yet to be reported and inexplicably, reporting those results does not appear on this year's task list. We ask that the issuance of that report be included in the Task List. We understand the challenges EPA currently faces with sludge handling at the Gladstone treatment plant, but those difficulties should be mitigated once the Mayflower repository is completed. We also believe that given the current drainage of about 350 gallons per minute (gpm) at the Gold King and 300 gpm at the Red & Bonita, the Gladstone treatment plant has enough redundant capacity to handle this flow twice over. At the end of the five-year plan, there is reference to a Phase 1 IROD for OU3. That might refer to shutting the Red & Bonita bulkhead valve, driving a new tunnel to intercept the Gold King workings, or something else entirely. Regardiess, it appears that EPA is not planning on permanently closing the valve on the Red & Bonita bulkhead for at least ten years after the bulkhead was installed (2015). We think it is unacceptable for this drainage to continue to flow unplugged or untreated for another five years. Question 3. EPA is planning on drilling in several locations around the BPMD this year. We are perplexed as to why drilling into the Sunnyside Mine Pool from the Lake Emma area isn't includcd. In fact, we'rc surpriscd it hasn't alrcady bccn donc, since it was part of thc unilatcral order EPA issued Sunnyside Gold Corp. several years ago. Clearly, if EPA could have monitored 2 the pool level when the Gold King was running at a much higher flow rate than it is today, it would have been helpful to determine if there is a nexus between the Sunnyside Mine Pool and the Gold King Mine drainage. It's unclear how EPA can develop a groundwater hydrologic or geochemical model of OU3 without data collected from the mine pool. Why isn't drilling into the Sunnyside Mine Pool a top priority? Question 4. As has been expressed in previous meetings, we don't see a strong rationale for drilling behind the Gold Prince bulkhead and believe EPA should provide one before spending the resources to drill at 12,500 feet elevation. Mine maps as well as personal observations show a connection behind the bulkhead to the Sunnyside workings above Lake Emma (meaning above the mine pool) that is approximately fifteen feet higher than the bulkhead itself. The bulkhead is perhaps 60 vertical feet below the land surface making it impossible for a lot of head to be backed up behind it. Please explain what important data EPA will acquire by drilling this well? Question 5. In the Task List under the 2019 IROD, EPA discusses opening up several collapsed portals. Over the last thirty years, we do not know of any unplanned releases from portals collapsed at the entrance that were not related to heavy equipment working around the entrance. We do know of multiple unplanned releases from inside mine workings when there was no human activity around the mine site and no collapses at the entrance. We suspect that these internal releases were caused by water backing up behind a sludge or ice dam, or roof collapse until enough pressure built up for a release. If material in front of a collapsed entrance has been removed, there is nothing to mitigate or modulate an internal, unplanned release. EPA should conduct a risk analysis to determine if opening up collapsed entrances to mines is more or less likely to cause unplanned releases. In addition to asking and answering the questions above, we would like to have EPA include a review and update of the 2019 Community Involvement Plan (CIP) within the five-year plan. Stakeholder interests may change over time, and it is important that the CIP is adapted to those changes. We also want to note that EPA is focusing the next few years on the fluvial tailings between Eureka and Howardsville. This is a challenging, complex area to characterize. We have concerns that if EPA goes into this reach and removes pockets of historic tailings that disturbing the fluvial material may do more harm than good. However, if EPA is contemplating a much fuller river restoration of the area by better defining the channel, revegetating the banks, creating riffles and runs, etc., we believe the community would be very supportive of that effort. We are not sure what is possible given the geomorphology, but we believe it deserves more investigation. Finally, while this comment letter is directed at EPA, we note that in the Five-Year Plan we see very little activity that will make any real water quality improvements in the BPMD by EPA's 3 federal partners the US Forest Service and the US Bureau of Land Management. Their five- year plans consist of more study and planning plus some maintenance at a few of their mine sites. Neither agency has shared any of their data publicly that they have collected over the past several years, and neither agency expresses any plans to share data or engage with the community under their respective tasks listed in the draft five-year plan. Enabling people to evaluate all the data being collected with public monies is important for transparency and good decision-making. We look forward to additional discussion regarding long-term plans for the BPMD and would like further discussion on the questions above at one of the next couple of CAG meetings. Some of the CAG members have over twenty-five years of experience in the Animas River Basin characterizing water quality and conducting mine remediation projects. We want to be a valuable resource to EPA for its work in the basin Regards, Rt Betk, Peter Butler, Ph.D. Chair, Bonita Peak CAG Butepete2exmal.com 970-317-0584 www.BontaPeakCAGOR CC: Senator Michael Bennet CDPHE-John Putnam Senator John Hickenlooper SWCD = Jenny Russell Rep. Lauren Boebert EPA-Brigid Lowery La Plata County Commissioner Marsha Porter-Norton EPA- Doug Ammon San Juan County Commissioner Scott Fetchenhier EPA-Shahid Mahmud Silverton Mayor Shane Fuhrman EPA-Schatzi Fitz-James Durango Mayor Kim Baxter EPA- Helen Duteau USFS - Kara Chadwick EPA-Deb Thomas BLM- Kris Doebbler DNR-1 Tim Mauck 4 4/27/2021 CDOT/San Juan County Meeting May 5th omn@ssancooiadous San Juan County Mail = M Gmail a cdot Compose CDOT/San Juan County Meeting May 5th oX Inbox Starred Morschauser CDOT, Linda - Sent Drafts Hi Willy I'm just sending a reminder to submit any particular topics for discussion for our 1 hour meeting next Wednesday May 5th at 4om, Meet The CDOT: planning team would like time to prepare resoonses and be able to discuss; Please ask the BOCC and submit any tooics to r you can. New meeting Aiso, Iwill be adding Zoom call credentiais to the invite this week and N will also email the nfo to you to snare with the commissioners Tr My meetings Here's 15 the agenda for our one-hour meeting Introduction and overview Hangouts 2. Review: the 4; year plan 3 TPRO construction update e Willy 4. County topics and questions No recent chats Linda Morschauser Administrative. Assistant II htpsl/malgoogle.con m/ r mailu/Ol#search/ /CC a dotFMfcgxwL.tKQIKQIDFZFIVRdTjnFpcORNn 1/1 4/27/2021 San Juan County Mail For your awareness--- Fwd: US 50 full road closures slart April 29 Gmail Willy Tookey samnéhanpaneendour For your awareness-- - Fwd: US 50 full road closures start April 29 1 message Thatcher - CDOT, Elise alsenather@sale.cous Mon, Apr 26, 2021 at 5:02 PM Hi SW Colorado agency partners, This is a courtesy heads up that the US 50 Little Blue project has an update on closures which went out today. Please sign up for email updates and text updates if you are following this project (text us50 to 21000). - would also recommend that you connect with Public Information Manager Kathleen and her team if you have any questions or anticipate questions down the road: Kathleen Wanatowicz, Public Information Manager US 50 Little Blue Creek Canyon Improvement Project Project Information: 970-340-4333 Project Email: ussalmeélu-@gmal.com Project Webpage: WWW. US50info.com Text Alerts: Text us50 to 21000 Project Resource Studio I prstudioco As you probably know, this is not a CDOT project, SO - want to make sure you're signed up through the project team to get the latest info. thank you, Elise Elise Thatcher NW Colorado Regional Communications Manager COLORADO Department of Transportation CDOT Office of Communications PS 970.683.6213 I C3 303.927.8299 I se.haicherestate.co.ux www.codot.gov I Real time updates and conditions: www.cotrip.org 222 South 6th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501 Forwarded message From: US 50 Little Blue Canyon Creek Improvement UssolmeBur@ymailcome Date: Mon, Apr 26, 2021 at 2:50 PM Subject: US 50 full road closures start April 29 To: <elise.t natcher@state.co.us> View this email in your browser U.S.[ Department of Transportation US 50 LITTLE BLUE Federal Highway Administration CREEK CANYON IMPROVEMENTS ntps.mai.google.com m/ /u/0: I K-ta5eaeb2leaview-plisearch-alapemmihd-lnead.PA3A16981459143158323b8smpemsg-3A169814591431.. 1/5 4/27/2021 San Juan County Mail For your awareness-- Fwd: US 50 full road closures start April 29 PROJECT UPDATE US 50 road full roadway closures will begin April 29 The Little Blue Creek Canyon project team announces full roadway closures between MP 123 - MP 127 through Little Blue Creek Canyon will now take place on Thursday, April 29, the first closure will begin at 8:30 a.m. Regularly scheduled roadway closures will go into effect as posted on www.uS50info.com at this time. Gunnison Montrose Blue Mesa Reservoir Cimarron Sapinero PROJECT AREA TRAFFIC & RECREATION IMPACTS Motorists should prepare for long delays during the opening roadway windows and plan to take detour routes. Estimated delay times during roadway opening windows are between 30 minutes to one hour. US 50 will be open to two-way traffic with no delays from Friday at 5:30 p.m. - Monday at 8:30 a.m. Full roadway closures will be Monday = Friday 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Full roadway closures will occur through the night Monday = Thursday 7:30 p.m. = 6:30 a.m. Plan your travel around the opening windows and be prepared to queue at designated areas. Estimated Construction Timeline and Traffic Impacts: April 2021- November 2022 ttps/mail.google.com/mai/uo7k-a5eaeb2le6vew-plasearch-all@permthic 4-43A169814591431583925samp-mapn69814591431. 2/5 4/27/2021 San Juan County Mail - For your awareness-- Fwd: US 50 full road closures start April 29 Travel Times Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 6:30-8:30AM n so Open for single-lane, alternating V - operations 8:30AM-12:30PM Full roadway closures 12:30-1:30PM Open for single-lane, alternating operations Open to swoay traffic 1:30-5:30PM Full roadway closures without delays 5:30-7:30PM Open for single-lane, alternating operations Open to two-way 7:30PM-6:30AM Futt roadway closures tratic All closures and operations are weather dependent. Traffic schedule and timeline is tentative and subject to change Month-to-Month 2021 2022 Aprit May June Mly - AESt I Sept. - Oct. liox Dec. Jan Feb. March - April May June My - Augnt L Sept. - Oct. I Hox Raai C Daytime: Alternating Traffic Mighttime Closures Detour options during nighttime closures: When US 50 is closed, local passenger vehicles and small trucks can use Colorado Highway 92 as a local alternate route. All other trucks and recreation vehicles over 70 feet in length will need to use I-70 to the north, US 160 to the south, or wait for one of the planned openings. Please allow additional time due to the restricted open times and single-lane operations. Vehicles carrying nazardous materials will need to use -70 to the north, US 160 to the south, or wait for one of the planned openings. Please allow additional time due to the restricted open times and single-lane operations. LOCAL DETOUR MAP CO 92 detour for local traffic only and trucks less than 70' in length. No hazardous materials will be permitted on the detour. ntpsmaigpge.comm: a Vu07k-laseaeb2e6vew-piésearcn-a alépermhd-hvead-Pa3A16981459143158315832A6smpl-mags3A169814591431. 3/5 4/27/2021 San Juan County Mail For your awareness--- Fwd: US 50 full road closures start April 29 Hotchkkss 92) Delta Crawford 01 92) Gunnison Blue Mesa Reservoir Montrose MP127 Clmarron Sapinero M2123 WORK AREA OFFICIAL DETOUR MAP DENVER Rifle Eagle Genwood Springs Castle Rock and) un o Aspen Leadville Fairplay Limon Delta Colorado Springs Montrose Salida Canioncity COLORADO WORK AREA Ouray Pueblo Las Animas Silverton La Junta Cortez Del vor Walsenburg Alamosa Durango 160 Pagosa Springs PROJECT & TRAVEL INFO For additional information about this project, including assistance for agricultural producers and residents of the Arrowhead community, contact the project team. Project hotline: 970-340-4333 Project email: sOumeBlue@gmalcon Project webpage: www.us50info.com Project text updates: Text us50 to 21000 At text message notifications system is available for this project. Register for alerts by texting us50 to 21000; charges may apply. nttps:/mal.google.com, mailu/07k-fa5eaeb2teéview-ptésearch-allpermthid- read-1 963A1698145914315683329asmp-msg-a3A169814597431.. 4/5 High Alpine Roadmap to Recovery Overview Background: DOLA is now accepting formal applications from eligible rural communities to form Regional Community Teams with shared economies to receive technical assistance to develop a "Rural Colorado COVID-19 Economic Recovery and Resiliency Plan" ("Recovery Roadmap" for short). They will award technical assistance to up to 16 teams to create their Recovery Roadmap and accelerate their communities toward thriving and resilient economic futures. Region 10, in partnership with Region 9 is helping to facilitate and administer a High Alpine Roadmap to Recovery Project. The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), along with community Builders, are partnering to provide this opportunity to regional communities. This opportunity is funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration High Alpine Roads Roadmap to Recovery Proposal Core Team Members: Ouray, San Miguel, Hinsdale and San Juan Counties along with the towns of Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Mountain Village, Norwood, Lake City, Silverton and Rico (Dolores County) Key Partners: BLM, USFS, Lake City DIRT, Scenic Byways, San Juan Economic Recovery Group The High Alpine Roads Roadmap to Recovery brings together communities, that, although they are part of different planning regions (Region 9 and 10), that due to their shared economies have a unique opportunity to come together to form a sub-region planning partnership. Our communities share a history of deep connection to public lands. Where in the past it was mining or forestry, we have moved into recreation-based economies. Our communities have sO much in common with our history and visitation-based economies. We were all going in an increased visitation direction pre-COVID, but with COVID visitation grew exponentially = stressing our communities, public lands and back-country. Resource preservation is increasingly an issue as people use public lands and back-country that is no compatible with wild-fire concerns and resource preservation. Our trend line is that people who live in our communities are not going to be able to stay there. We need to create communities that our businesses and residents can stay and grow. It is important for us to know how to meet the needs right now and plan for the next 30 years. This DOLA planning project is an opportunity (especially now that we know we can meet virtually) to work together on what is uniquely our own "sub-planning" region addressing issues that are not always addressed in the larger economic region. This provides and opportunity to work together for consistency, inter-connectivity of policies, guidelines, and usage. The proposed priority focus areas under this project : 1. Comprehensive management of policies related to our connected public plans and high alpine roads. 2. Addressing lack of affordable housing for our workers and residents. 3. Resilience to natural disasters and climate change. About the project and process SCOPE OF WORK During this project, relevant regional team staff and other key stakeholders will participate in the following major phases of the project: 1. Introductory Groundwork Sessions led by the DOLW/OEDI/Communly Builders 2. Development of economic recovery and resiliency plans specific to the team 3. Reimagining the Rural Economy - Data Analysis & Guidance" 4. Roadmap implementation and reporting DELIVERABLES Successful completion of the project will result in the adoption by the High Alpine Team of a Regional Roadmap to expedite and shape the recovery from COVID-19 within the region and build long-term resiliency. REGIONAL COMMUNITY TEAM ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The team is responsible for the following: 1. Region 10, in partnership with Region 9, will be lead on the project. 2. Team members will actively participate in all phases of the economic recovery and resiliency plans MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN SAN JUAN BASIN HEALTH, A PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY AND SAN JUAN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH This Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") is made and entered into effective January 1, 2021, by and between SAN JUAN BASIN PUBLIC HEALTH, 281 Sawyer Drive, Suite 300, Durango, CO 81303 ("SJBPH"), and SAN JUAN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH, 1315 Snowden Street, Silverton, CO 81433 ("SJCPH") (the parties are sometimes hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Parties"). PREMISES A. SJBPH is a public district health agency, as that term is defined by C.R.S. $ 25-1-502; SJBPH's district includes all ofLa Plata and Archuleta counties, Colorado (the "District"); SJBPH provides public health services as set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506. B. SJCPH is a county public health agency, as that term is defined by C.R.S. $ 25-1-502 which serves San Juan County. C. SJCPH desires for SJBPH to provide the public health services to residents ofs San Juan County as more fully described on Exhibit "C" attached hereto. D. SJBPH and SJCPH desire to enter into this MOU to provide a full statement of their rights and responsibilities in connection with the Services as defined in this MOU. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual promises and covenants set forth herein, the Parties agree as set forth below. AGREEMENT 1) RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SJBPH. Throughout the term of this MOU, SJBPH shall have the rights and responsibilities as outlined on Exhibit "C" attached hereto. 2) RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF SJCPH. Throughout the term of this MOU, SJCPH shall have the rights and responsibilities as outlined on Exhibit "C" attached hereto. 3) SJCPH PAYMENT TO SJBPH FOR THE SERVICES. See Exhibit "C" for fees and payment information. 4) TERM OF AGREEMENT: TERMINATION. Page 1 of 14 a) Term. This MOU is effective commencing January 1, 2021 "Commencement Date") and automatically renews on January 1 of each subsequent year, unless terminated earlier as provided herein. b) Termination. i) For Cause Termination. Either Party shall have the right to terminate this Agreement, for cause, upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other Party. Any such notice shall specify the cause upon which it is based. The violating Party shall have thirty (30) days to rectify the cause specified in the notice of termination, and if such cause is not rectified, in the sole discretion of the non- breaching Party, within such thirty (30) day period, this Agreement shall thereupon automatically terminate; provided, however, that if such cause cannot reasonably be rectified within such thirty (30) day period, this Agreement shall not automatically terminate SO long as the violating Party has commenced to rectify the cause within such thirty (30) day period and thereafter diligently and continuously proceeds to rectify such cause. Itis understood and agreed by the Parties that "cause" for termination subject to notice and cure under this Section includes material breach by either Party of any of its obligations under this Agreement, including, failure by a Party to perform its service, payment or other obligations in accordance with the requirements and standards specified in this Agreement. Notwithstanding the notice provisions hereof, no notice and opportunity to cure shall be required ifa Party has previously received notice for the same or a substantially similar breach within the twelve (12) month period immediately preceding the breach. ii) Automatic Termination. As set forth in Exhibit "A", this Agreement shall be automatically terminated for violations of federal payor requirements. iii) No Cause Termination: This MOU may be terminated by either Party without cause by providing thirty (30) days advance written notice oftermination. iv) Effect of Termination. Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement, the Parties shall cooperate with the orderly transfer of responsibilities. 5) General Provisions. a) Compliance. Each Party and the employees of each Party will at all times conduct themselves in compliance with all local, state, federal and applicable laws and shall conduct themselves with highest standards of business ethics and integrity. b) General Provisions. The Parties agree that this MOU is subject to the standard provisions set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein. c) HIPAA. As set forth in Section 1.1 of Exhibit "A", each Party shall comply with all laws, including HIPAA. SJBPH is a "covered entity"as defined by HIPAA, and therefore, SJBPH is subject to the confidentiality obligations of HIPAA. To the extent there is any question about whether SJCPH is a "covered entity" under HIPAA, the Parties agree they shall execute SJBPH's form Business Associates Agreement as required by HIPAA. d) Entire MOU: Integration. This MOU, including the referenced Exhibits, supersedes all previous understandings, contracts or agreements between the Parties with respect to the same subject matter and constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties. There are no agreements, representations, or warranties Page 2 of 14 between or among the Parties other than those set forth in this MOU or the documents and agreements referred to in this MOU. e) Notice. Whenever under the terms of this MOU written notice is required or permitted to be given by a Party to the other Party, such notice shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been sufficiently given if personally delivered, delivered by a national overnight courier service (such as Federal Express), transmitted by electronic facsimile or deposited in the United States Mail, in a properly stamped envelope, certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the Party to whom it is to be given, at the address set forth with in the first paragraph ofthis MOU. - Execution. By signing below the Parties represent that: (a) she is authorized to execute and enter contracts on behalf of such Party; (b) she has read and understands the Agreement. A duplicate, a copy, and/or an electronic execution of this MOU will have the same force and effect of an original signature. AGREED TO AND APPROVED BY: FOR SJBPH: By: Liane Jollon, Executive Director Date: FOR SJCPH: By: Becky Joyce, Director Date: Page 3 of 14 EXHIBIT A - STANDARD PROVISIONS (SJCPH Version 4-20-21) For purposes of this Exhibit A, San Juan County Public Health shall be referred to as "Contracting Party". 1.1. Compliance with all laws: Compliance with HIPAA. Each party agrees that in connection with this MOU each shall, at all times, comply with all applicable laws including, but not limited to, the following: (a) applicable federal and Colorado law and regulations, including those ofthe Colorado Department of Health and Environment and the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended; and (b) to the extent applicable to this MOU, with the Medicare Conditions of Participation and any other requirements for participation in Medicare and Medicaid; and (c) the reasonable requirements of any other applicable regulatory or accrediting agency or third party payor; and (d) the professional and ethical guidelines of applicable professional associations. To the extent this MOU would provide the Contracting Party with "protected health information" as that term is defined by 45 CFR 160.103, each party shall not use, disclose, create, receive, maintain, or transmit protected health information other than as allowed by the HIPAA regulations at 45 CFR 160.101, et seq. Further, both parties agree to promptly (within 3 business days) report to the other any breaches ofthe foregoing limitation regarding use or disclosure of protected health information. 1.2. Insurance. Each of the Parties shall, at his/her/its sole cost and expense, procure, keep and maintain throughout the term of this MOU, insurance coverage in the minimum amounts of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000) annual aggregate, negligence, errors and omissions, and comprehensive general liability. In addition to the coverages specifically listed herein, each oft the Parties shall maintain any other usual and customary policies of insurance applicable to the services or other work being performed pursuant to this MOU. Said insurance policy shall cover all Services or other work provided under or in connection with this MOU and shall provide for at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the other party for cancellation or diminution in coverage to take effect. Upon request, each party shall provide the other party with a certificate evidencing such insurance. 1.3. Responsibility for Own Acts. Each party shall be responsible for its own acts and omissions and shall be liable for payment of that portion of any and all claims, liabilities, injuries, suits, and demands and expenses of all kinds that may result or arise out of any alleged malfeasance or neglect caused or alleged to have been caused by said party, its employees, agents, or subcontractors, in the performance or omission of any act or responsibility of said party under this MOU. In the event that a claim is made against both Parties, it is the intent ofboth Parties to cooperate in the defense of said claim and to cause their insurers to do likewise. Both Parties shall, however, retain the right to take any and all actions they believe necessary to protect their own interests. 1.4. Governing Law. This MOU shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Page 4 of 14 the laws of the State of Colorado applicable to agreements made and to be performed wholly within that state, irrespective of such state's s choice-of-law principles. 1.5. Partial Invalidity. If any provision of this MOU is found to be invalid or unenforceable by any court or other lawful forum, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent that it is in contravention of applicable laws without invalidating the remaining provisions of this MOU, unless such invalidity or unenforceability would defeat an essential business purpose of this MOU. 1.6. Cumulation of Remedies. The various rights, options, elections, powers, and remedies ofthe Parties contained in, granted, or reserved by this MOU, are in addition to any others that the Parties may be entitled to by law, shall be construed as cumulative, and no one of them is exclusive ofa any ofthe others, or of any right or priority allowed by law. 1.7. Waiver. Any waiver of any term or condition of this MOU must be in writing and signed by the Parties. No delay or failure by either party to exercise any right or remedy it may have shall operate as a continuing waiver of such right or remedy, or prejudice such party's right to insist upon full compliance by the other party of the terms of this MOU. Only SJBPH's Executive Director, duly authorized, has the authority to waive provisions ofthis MOU on behalf of SJBPH. 1.8. Further Assurances. Each party agrees, at its own cost, to do such further acts and things and to execute and deliver such additional agreements and instruments as the other may reasonably require to consummate, evidence or confirm the agreements contained herein in the manner contemplated hereby. 1.9. Assignment. Neither party shall not have the right or the power to assign this MOU nor any ofthe rights or obligations inuring to or imposed upon it herein, and any attempted or purported assignment shall be null and void and of no effect. 1.10. Amendments. This MOU may be amended at any time by mutual agreement ofthe Parties without additional consideration, provided that, before any amendment shall become effective, it shall be reduced to writing and signed by each of the Parties. 1.11. Survival. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this MOU, all covenants, agreements, representations and warranties, expressed and implied, shall survive the termination of this MOU, and shall remain in effect and binding upon the Parties until they have fulfilled all of their obligations hereunder and the statute of limitations shall not commence to run until the time such obligations have been fulfilled. 1.12. No Third Party Beneficiaries. There are no third party beneficiaries to this MOU. Nothing in this MOU shall be construed as creating or giving rise to any rights in any third parties or any persons other than the Parties. 1.13. Headings. The headings of the sections of this MOU are included for the purposes ofconvenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of any provision hereof. Page 5 of 14 1.14. Force Majeure. Neither party hereto shall be liable for any delay or failure in the performance of any obligation under this MOU or for any loss or damage (including indirect or consequential damage) to the extent that such nonperformance, delay, loss or damage results from any contingency which is beyond the control of such party, provided such contingency is not caused by the fault or negligence ofsuch party. A contingency for the purposes of this MOU shall be Acts of God, fires, floods, earthquakes, explosions, storms, wars, hostilities, terrorist attacks, blockades, public disorders, quarantine restrictions, embargoes, strikes or other labor disturbances, and compliance with any law, order or control of, or insistence by any governmental or military authority. The party claiming to be affected by such contingency shall give immediate notice to the other party, giving full particulars thereof, and all such contingencies shall, as far as is reasonably possible, be remedied with all reasonable efforts and dispatch. The existence of such contingencies shall justify the suspension of performance hereunder by either party and shall extend the time for such performance for a period equal to the period of delay; provided, however, that if such period of delay shall exceed sixty (60) days from the date of such notice, either party shall have the right to cancel this MOU. 1.15. Confidentiality. Each ofthe Parties shall treat all non-public information obtained as part ofthis engagement as confidential and shall not, without written authorization from the other party, release or share such information with any third party, except as may be required by law. Each ofthe Parties agrees that, prior to reporting any actual or perceived violation of law to any governmental entity, even if required by law to do sO, said party will first discuss any potential legal or compliance matter with the other party's most senior leader (e.g., as to SJBPH, its Executive Director) and, unless otherwise required by law, provide the other party with an opportunity to investigate and appropriately report any compliance matter brought to its attention by said party. 1.16. Relationship of the Parties: Independent Contractor. In the performance of this MOU, the Parties mutually understand and agree that each is at all times acting as and shall be treated as independent contractors vis-a-vis the other. Each ofthe Parties shall exercise independent judgment at all times and shall not be subject to the direction, control, or supervision of the other in the performance of this MOU, except that each of the Parties shall be subject to the standards, including but not limited to the performance standards set forth in this MOU. Additionally, each of the Parties shall be solely responsible for the salary, compensation, benefits, payroll taxes, required insurance, workers' compensation insurance, compliance with employment laws and similar items of said party. The Contracting Party shall purchase and provide SJBPH with proof of its workers' compensation coverage for such employees. 1.17 CGIA. SJBPH and SJCPH are provided certain immunities and limitation of damages under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act, and at no time has SJBPH or SJCPH waived such immunity or limitations. TO THE EATENT: APPLICABLE TO EACH PARTY, THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS SHALL APPLY: Page 6 of 14 2.1. Compliance with Federal Payor Requirements. 2.1.1 Excluded Provider & Indemnification. Each of the Parties hereby represents and warrants that it is not now and at no time has it been excluded from participation in any federally funded health care program, including Medicare and Medicaid. Each of the Parties hereby agrees to immediately notify the other of any threatened, proposed, or actual exclusion of the notifying party from any federally funded health care program, including Medicare and Medicaid. In the event that a party is excluded from participation in any federally funded health care program during the term of this MOU, or if at any time after the Effective Date ofthis MOU it is determined that such party is in breach of this Section, this MOU shall, as of the effective date of such exclusion or breach, automatically terminate. Each ofthe Parties shall indemnify and hold harmless the other against all actions, claims, demands and liabilities, and against all loss, damage, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising directly or indirectly, out ofa any violation ofthis Section by such party, or due to the exclusion ofs such party from a federally funded health care program, including Medicare or Medicaid. This Section shall survive the termination ofthis MOU. 2.1.2 Application of Requirements. SJBPH and Contracting Party specifically recognize that each party may provide services to patients covered by the Mediçare program (Title XVIII ofthe Social Security Act) and that each has an obligation to comply with the requirements of the Medicare program for payment for services provided by SJBPH-based physicians, to the extent that such services are provided pursuant to this MOU. Each party hereby agrees to cooperate with the other in order to assure that these requirements are met. 2.1.3 No Billing in Violation of Medicare Regulations. Group shall not submit on behalf of itself or Contracting Party any claim to any federally funded health care program, state funded health care program, a patient, insurer or any other third person for Services provided by Contracting Party under this MOU. SJBPH may immediately terminate this MOU upon Contracting Party's violation of this Section, and Contracting Party shall indemnify SJBPH for all losses suffered by SJBPH as a result of any such violation, whether intentional or negligent. This Section shall survive the termination of this MOU. 2.1.4 Recordkeeping. Ifand to the extent required by Section 1395x(v)(1)() of Title 42 of the United States Code ("U.S.C."), until the expiration of four (4) years after the termination or expiration ofthis MOU, each of the Parties shall make available, upon written request by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (the "Secretary"), or upon request by the Comptroller General of the United States General Accounting Office, or any of their duly authorized representatives, a copy of this MOU and such books, documents and records as are necessary to certify the nature and extent of the costs of the Services provided by said party under this MOU. Each ofthe Parties further agrees that, in the event it carries out any ofits duties under this MOU through a subcontract with a related organization with a value or cost ofTen Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) or Page 7 of 14 more over a twelve (12) month period, such subcontract shall contain a provision requiring the related organization to make available until the expiration of four (4) years after the furnishing of such goods or services pursuant to such subcontract upon written request to the Secretary, or upon request to the Comptroller General of the United States General Accounting Office, or any of their duly authorized representatives, a copy of such subcontract and such books, documents and records of such organization as are necessary to verify the nature and extent of such costs. 2.1.5 Compliance with Medicare Anti-Kickback, Self-Referral and Anti-Rebate Laws. Neither party shall engage in any activity prohibited by 42 U.S.C. Section 1395nn (42 Code ofFederal Regulations, Part 411 (411.1 to 411.361)), 42 U.S.C. Section 1320a- 7a and 42 U.S.C. Section 1320a-7b (42 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1001 (1001.952(a) to 1001.1001)) or any other federal, state or local law or regulation relating to the referral of patients, including, without limitation, anti-rebating and self-referral prohibitions and limitations, as those regulations now exist or as subsequently amended, renumbered or revised, nor shall either party associate or engage in similar activities with respect to any third party payors, including, but not limited to, soliciting or receiving, directly or indirectly, any compensation, in cash or in kind, or offering to pay any compensation to a third person in exchange for referring an individual to a person for the furnishing of any item or service for which payment may be made in whole or in part by Medicare or Medicaid or any other state or federally funded healthcare payment program. 2.1.6 No Referral Obligation. Nothing in this MOU shall be construed to require Contracting Party to refer patients to SJBPH or to require SJBPH to refer patients to Contracting Party. 2.2. Jeopardy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, in the event the performance by either party of any term, covenant, condition or provision of this MOU jeopardizes the licensure of SJBPH, its participation in, or the payment or reimbursement from, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross or other reimbursement or payment programs, or its accreditation or licensing through CDPHE or any other state or nationally recognized accreditation organization, or the tax-exempt status of SJBPH or any affiliated entity, any oftheir property or financing (or the interest income thereon, as applicable), or will prevent or prohibit any health care professionals or their patients from utilizing SJBPH or any of its services, or iffor any other reason said performance should be in violation ofany statute, ordinance, or be otherwise deemed illegal, or be deemed unethical by any recognized body, agency, or association in the medical fields, SJBPH may initiate negotiations to resolve the matter through amendments to this MOU and, ift the Parties are unable to resolve the matter within thirty (30) days thereafter, SJBPH may, at its option, terminate this MOU immediately. The Parties acknowledge and agree that this provision imposes a duty on each ofthe Parties to act in good faith, and where agreement is required, such agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld. After an initial notice is given as provided for in this Section, the Parties agree to cooperate and to act in such a manner as to eliminate or minimize to the extent possible any of the potential conditions described herein. This Section shall apply regardless of the reason that one or more of the described potential Page 8 of 14 conditions exists, including, but not limited to, because oft the occurrence of substantially changed circumstances. 2.3 Nondiscrimination. To further the goals of public health, the Parties agree to accept all Medicare and Medicaid patients and to treat all medically indigent patients without regard to ability to pay and without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, disability, religion or other factors unrelated to the patient's S need for services. Page 9 of 14 EXHIBIT B - HIPAA BUSINESS ASSOCIATES AGREEMENT The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ("HIPAA") requires the San Juan Basin Health a public health agency and a "Covered Entity," to comply with HIPAA. HIPAA mandates that if San Juan Basin Health contracts with any third-party "Business Associate" (i.e., generally an entity/person that (a) is not a Covered Entity, and (b) might view/access/receive a patient' sj protected health information), then that Business Associate must agree to comply with the provisions ofHIPAA as set forth in this Business Associates Agreement. 1) DEFINITIONS. a) General definitions: The following terms used in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as those terms in the HIPAA Rules: Breach; Data Aggregation; Designated Record Set; Disclosure; Health Care Operations; Individual, Minimum Necessary; Notice of Privacy Practices; Protected Health Information; Required By Law; Secretary; Security Incident; Subcontractor; Unsecured Protected Health Information; and Use. b) Specific definitions: 1) Business Associate. "Business Associate" shall generally have the same meaning as the term "business associate": at 45 CFR 160.103. ii) Covered Entity. "Covered Entity" shall generally have the same meaning as the term "covered entity" at 45 CFR 160.103. For purposes of this Business Associates Agreement, San Juan Basin Health is the "Covered Entity". iii) HIPAA Rules. "HIPAA Rules" shall mean the Privacy, Security, Breach Notification, and Enforcement Rules at 45 CFR Part 160 and Part 164. 2) OBLIGATION AND ACTIVITIES OF BUSINESS ASSOCIATE. Business Associate agrees to: a) Not use or disclose protected health information other than as permitted or required by the Agreement or as required by law; b) Use appropriate safeguards, and comply with Subpart C of 45 CFR Part 164 with respect to electronic protected health information, to prevent use or disclosure of protected health information other than as provided for by the Agreement; c) Report to covered entity (not delaying more than three days of Business Associates discovery) any use or disclosure of protected health information not provided for by the Agreement of which it becomes aware, including breaches of unsecured protected health information as required at 45 CFR 164.410, and any security incident of which it becomes aware; d) In accordance with 45 CFR 164.502(e)(I)@n) and 164.308(b)(2), if applicable, ensure that any subcontractors that create, receive, maintain, or transmit protected health information on behalf of the business associate agree to the same restrictions, conditions, and requirements that apply to the business associate with respect to such information; e) Make available protected health information in a designated record set to the Covered Entity as necessary to satisfy covered entity's obligations under 45 CFR 164.524; f) Make any amendment(s) to protected health information in a designated record set as directed or agreed to by the covered entity pursuant to 45 CFR 164.526, or take other measures as necessary to satisfy covered entity's obligations under 45 CFR 164.526; g) Maintain and make available the information required to provide an accounting of disclosures to the Covered Entity as necessary to satisfy covered entity's obligations under 45 CFR 164.528; h) To the extent the business associate is to carry out one or more of covered entity's obligation(s) under Subpart E of45 CFR Part 164, comply with the requirements ofSubpart E that apply to the covered entity in the performance of such obligation(s); and Page 10 of 14 1) Make its internal practices, books, and records available to the Secretary for purposcs of determining compliance with the HIPAA Rules. 3) PERMITTED USES AND DISCLOSURES BY BUSINESS ASSOCIATE. a) Business associate may use or disclose protected health information as necessary to perform the services as set forth in a written agreement between the parties. b) Business associate may use or disclose protected health information as required by law. c) Business associate agrees to make uses and disclosures and requests for protected health information consistent with covered entity's minimum necessary policies and procedures. d) Business associate may not use or disclose protected health information in a manner that would violate Subpart E of 45 CFR Part 164 if done by covered entity except for the specific uses and disclosures set forth below: 1) Business associate may use protected health information for the proper management and administration oft the business associate or to carry out the legal responsibilities of the business associate; and/or ii) Business associate may provide data aggregation services relating to the health care operations of the covered entity. 4) PROVISIONS FOR COVERED ENTITY TO INFORM BUSINESS ASSOCIATE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES AND RESTRICTIONS. a) Covered entity shall notify business associate of any limitation(s) in the notice of privacy practices of covered entity under 45 CFR 164.520, to the extent that such limitation may affect business associate's use or disclosure of protected health information. b) Covered entity shall notify business associate of any changes in, or revocation of, the permission by an individual to use or disclose his or her protected health information, to the extent that such changes may affect business associate's use or disclosure of protected health information. c) Covered entity shall notify business associate of any restriction on the use or disclosure of protected health information that covered entity has agreed to or is required to abide by under 45 CFR 164.522, to the extent that such restriction may affect business associate's use or disclosure of protected health information. 5) PERMISSIBLE REQUESTS BY COVERED ENTITY. a) Covered entity shall not request business associate to use or disclose protected health information in any manner that would not be permissible under Subpart E of45 CFR Part 164 if done by covered entity. This specifically excludes any use or disclosure by business associate protected health information for business associate's management, administration and legal responsibilities and data aggregation. 6) TERM AND TERMINATION. a) Term. The Term of this Agreement shall be effective when executed by both parties and shall continue throughout the term of any written agreement between the parties unless earlier terminated as set forth below. b) Termination for Cause. Business associate authorizes termination of this Agreement by covered entity, if covered entity determines business associate has violated a material term oft the Agreement and business associate has not cured the breach or ended the violation within the time specified by covered entity. c) Obligations of Business Associate Upon Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason, business associate, with respect to protected health information received from covered entity, or created, maintained, nr received by business associate on behalf of covered entity, shall: Page 11 of 14 i) Retain only that protected health information which is necessary for business associate to continue its proper management and administration or to carry out its legal responsibilities; ii) Return to covered entity or, if agreed to by covered entity, destroy the remaining protected health information that the business associate still maintains in any form; and ini) Continue to use appropriate safeguards and comply with Subpart C of45 CFR Part 164 with respect to electronic protected health information to prevent use or disclosure of the protected health information, other than as provided fori in this Section, for as long as business associate retains the protected health information; d) Survival. The obligations of business associate under this Section shall survive the termination oft this Agreement. 7) ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS. a) Amendment. The Parties agree to take such action as is necessary to amend this Agreement from time to time as is necessary for compliance with the requirements ofthe HIPAA Rules and any other applicable law. b) Interpretation, Any ambiguity in this Agreement shall be interpreted to permit compliance with the HIPAA Rules. c) Regulatory References. A reference in this Agreement to a section in the HIPAA Rules means the section as in effect or as amended. Covered Entity: Business Associate: San Juan Basin Public Health San Juan County Public Health By: By: Liane Jollon, Executive Director Becky Joyce, Director Date: Date: Page 12 of 14 EXHIBIT "C" TO MOU BETWEEN SJBPH AND SJCPH I. SERVICES. a) The Service Area: San Juan County, Colorado. b) Services: i. Thes services ("Services ") include: 1) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(V), as to administration and enforcement of laws pertaining to public health, air pollution, solid and hazardous waste, and water quality; 2) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(IV), as to investigation and abatement of environmental-related nuisances; 3) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(IX), to make available chemical, bacteriological, and biological labs, except as such labs are in La Plata and/or Archuleta counties; 4) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(XI), as to carrying out health programs offered by SJBPH. SJCPH shall be notified in advance of said programs, including enrollment therein or grant applications therefore; 5) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. S 25-1-506(b)(XIID), to make necessary sanitation and health investigations and inspections for matters affecting public health, including all OWTS permitting, inspection and enforcement, pursuant to San Juan Basin Public Health On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Regulations 2018, as amended; 6) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506/b)(XIV), as to collaboration with the state department on all matters pertaining to water quality, air quality, air pollution, and solid and hazardous waste; 7) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)0XV), as to San Juan County's establishment of local or regional child fatality prevention review team; and 8) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(XI), to collect, compile and tabulate reports of births and deaths for San Juan County: a. San Juan County agrees to transfer all birth and death records currently held to SJBPH within 30 days oft the execution of this MOU; b. All birth and death records for San Juan County will be held by SJBPH in its Durango office. ii) The Services do not include: 1) SJBPH clinics in San Juan County (any persons in the Service Area desiring SJBPH clinic services will need to travel to La Plata and/or Archuleta County for SJBPH clinic services); 2) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. 8 25-1-506(b)(), completion of a community assessment; 3) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(), advising San Juan County on public policy issues; 4) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)), as it is San Juan County's obligation to arrange for its core public health services; 5) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506/b)dV,(B) and (C), as to vital statistics for San Juan County and as to the orders, rules and standards of the state board; Page 13 of 14 6) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)VIID), as to investigation of non- environmental nuisances; 7) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(x), to purchase and distribute biological or therapeutic products to physicians and veterinarians in San Juan County; 8) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(XI), as to carrying out health programs not offered by SJBPH; 9) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)tXIV), as to collaboration with the state department as to public health matters of San Juan County. ii) In addition, the Services do not include the following: 1) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. S 25-1-506(b)(V), investigate and control epidemic or communicable diseases in San Juan County; 2) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. $ 25-1-506(b)(VI), establish, maintain, and enforce quarantines in San Juan County; and 3) the agency duties set forth in C.R.S. S 25-1-506(b)(VID, close schools and public places in San Juan County. II. SJBPH'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Throughout the term of this MOU, SJBPH shall have the following rights and responsibilities: SJBPH shall provide the Services to the Service Area in accordance with the obligations and standards set forth in C.R.S. S 25-1-501, et. seq. III. SJCPH'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Throughout the term of this MOU, SJCPH shall have the following rights and responsibilities: a) SJCPH shall be responsible for forming its public health agency and all obligations mandated by C.R.S. S 25-1-501, et seq., for San Juan County other than those Services provided by SJBPH. b) SJCPH agrees that it shall not, at any time, submit billing to Medicaid, Medicare or otherwise for the Services provided by SJBPH in the Service Area. IV. JOINT OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The Parties will periodically meet (upon the formal request of either) during San Juan County Board of Health meetings to discuss public health issues relevant to this MOU. V. FEES: BILLING. a) Fees: SJCPH shall pay SJBPH the sum of fourteen dollars ($14.00) for each person in the Service Area as determined by the last available population estimate by the Colorado State Demography Office. b) SJBPH will retain any fees charged for services provided through this MOU. Page 14 of 14 4/16/2021 Deadly Coiorado avalanche season prompts reflection on messaging THE Durango HERALD Deadly Colorado avalanche season prompts reflection on messaging 12 people died in slides statewide, 5 in San Juans as ofthis week By. Jonathan Romeo V/durangoherald.comlmsloading.mtmirotfwetu-aHROCHMIMOEVIZRlemFuz29ozX.nocQu29t2Fyds/pGVALzM3MDgwoSlicmyzdGV M a 1 aHRIWVZGluimem. County & environment reporter Friday, April 16, 2021 AM TT Toggle font size Select Language V After one of the deadlier avalanche seasons in recorded history in Colorado, snow researchers and emergency management officials are reflecting and thinking of new ways to approach next winter to avoid loss oflife. "This year was especially dangerous for people," said Ethan Greene, executive director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. "And it's not a problem we can solve in isolation." As ofThursday, a total of 121 people died recreating in the backcountry, tying the other high fatality winter of 1993-94, according to records that go back to 1950, when outdoor recreation is considered tol have started in the state in full force. Five of those deaths this year happened in the San Juan Mountains, outside Silverton. (Backcountry ski season, and therefore avalanche danger, is not over typically until May.) To find the last time morei than 10 people died in avalanches, other than this year and winter 1993-94, one would have to go back to records in the late 1800s during the heyday of mining across the state, Greene said. https:/durangonerald.com/articl/372552-deadeadly-colorado-avalanche-season-prompls-rellerellection-on-messaging?utm._campaign-dalyneadlinesêutm 1/6 4/16/2021 Deadly Colorado avalanche season prompis reflection on messaging The LOOC cause ofincreased avalanche activity this year can be traced to conditions that set up the winter snowpack this fall. "Thel bad avalanche season always begins in fall," Greene said. "And this year was no exception." Colorado received decent snow in October, but then experienced a dry period from mid-November into December. And when snow is on the ground, and then an extended dry period hits, snowpack weakens and becomes unstable. Put more snow on top of that weak base and conditions become ripe for slides. As a result, the avalanche danger throughout the entire winter was considered one of the highest years of risk for triggering slides in recent memory, with many researchers calling conditions a I-in-10-year event. Ron Corkish, president of "Tt'sl like a house of cards where it can take a lot of La Plata County Search and Rescue, said weight on top, but it doesn't take much effort at all, just experienced backcountry a little push, and then it collapses," said Jim Donovan, skiers can sometimes become comfortable with director of San Juan County's Office of Emergency their knowledge and skill Management. set, but it's imperative to remember the basics of The CAIC is tasked with forecasting avalanche danger, backcountry travel before venturing out. and then getting that message out to the public. This Courtesy of San Juan County year, the center ramped up its effort, starting a social Search and Rescue/Siiverton Medical Rescue media campaign, buying billboards and even putting out TV ads. But still, tragic events occurred in the backcountry. The first fatality occurred Dec. 18 near Ohio Pass in Gunnison County after a backcountry skier was caught and killed in an avalanche. And then, just a dayl later, two backcountry skiers were killed in a slide outside Silverton. News ofthe deceased - Durango residents Dr. Jeff Paffendorf, 53, and. Albert Perry, 55, known as "Bert" sent shock waves through the community, especially because the pair were regarded as experienced, seasoned outdoor recreationists. In a subsequent investigation report /durangoherald.com/ma/pmdinghtmirotfwctw-RUe.MIMOEvI2Rlmh22o.AOnkqur29125ydC1x6VAL2M3MDgw0Slyem the CAIC said Paffendorf: and Perry were familiar with the terrain, but the avalanche danger present had not been seen in years, and the pair had likely not experienced such conditions before. Iti is also believed Paffendorf and Perry were traveling uphill in an avalanche path when they triggered the slide, which started above them, the CAIC wrote in its investigation report. Then, on Feb. 1, tragedy struck again in Southwest Colorado after an avalanche caught four backcountry skiers, also west of Silverton, ultimately killing three of the skiers who were: from Eagle County. The group, too, was considered veteran backcountry skiers, but erred after going into a gully where they triggered the slide /Aurangohemaldcom/m/eadinghmierotfwetu-HRoeHMIMOBvI2Rlemhu/2A.AInAQuY2912byAGIMGVLL2M3MDgw0Sljem htps/ldurangoheraldcomlanes072862.deadlyclorado.a V valanche-sessonpromptsafiedoonmesongim.campayran-dalyreadinesaum. 2/6 4/16/2021 Deadly Colorado avalanche season prompts reflection on messaging according to a CAIC report. The deceased were Seth Bossung, 52, Andy Jessen, 40. and Adam Palmer, 49. A common theme throughout Colorado's 12 avalanche deaths, Greene said, was chat most ofthe people who died were experienced and <nowledgeable about backcountry travel in the mountains. "They were not new to backcountry travel," he said. Ron Corkish, president of] La Plata County Search and Rescue, said even ifa backcountry skieri is experienced and has taken avalanche courses, it's always important to remember the basics before going out. "When youl'r 're going into a backcountry situation, focus on the basics and don't overthink it," he said. Throughout the entire winter, avalanche forecasters and emergency management officials worked to improve messaging about avalanche danger in the mountains. Despite these efforts, 12 people have died in avalanches in Colorado this year, as of Thursday. Courtesy of San Juan County Search and Rescue/Silverton Medical Rescue Avalanche recovery missions, which more often than not deal with fatalities, took a heavy toll on search and: rescue teams this year, Donovan said. San Juan County has about 30 people available tol help with missions. And this is especially difficult in the tight-knit community of Southwest Colorado, Donovan said, where it's not uncommon for rescuers to have a personal connection with the person they are trying to dig out. "The mental impact is real," he said, adding the team has a therapist on hand if needed. "There's just a lot of stress on the rescuers when they're out there." The two recovery missions were especially challenging, as avalanche danger posed a risk to search and rescue crews. Recovering the Eagle County residents took several days. Donovan said the three men were buried 9, 11 and 20 feet. deep, respectively, requiring the use of chainsaws and other equipment made specifically for deep burials. Corkish estimated they moved 22 tons of snow. htps/ldurangoherald.comlarides372552deady>coloradoavalanche-seasonprompis-relectionnmessaging?um_campalgn-dalyneadlinesutm. 3/6 4/16/2021 Deadly Colorado avalanche seas o on prompts reflection on messaging "You't re there just getuing the job done and you don'ttry to internalize it too much because itll tear you up during the rescue, Donovan said. "Honestly, you put it out of your mind." Donovan said he believes after the Feb. 1 avalanche, people started to use more caution in the backcountry. As of Thursday, no other accidents involving avalanches had been reported to the CAIC in Southwest Colorado. "People got pretty spooked by that accident," he said. "It was a shocker to a lot of people." In the San Juan Mountains outside Silverton, search and rescue crews had to respond to two tragic incidents over the winter that resultedi in the deaths of five people.. Jim Donovan, director of San. Juan County's Office of Emergency Management, said the recovery missions took a toll on the crew. Courtesy of San. Juan County Search and Rescue/Siverton Medical Rescue Backcountry skiing has been growing in popularity for years, but the growth oft the sport was accelerated in the last year with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been sparking people's interest in outdoor sports. "The world we were living in bled into the backcountry and made things harder for everyone," Greene said. Backcountry recreation is an escape from all that, but we always take some oft that stuff with us." But given the fact most people who died in slides this year were experienced, emergency management officials realize the message needs to: reach skiers who may have grown comfortable with their skill set. "It's hard to get people to realize how much risk they're taking," Donovan said. Greene said it's imperative to get everyone in the backcountry skiing community user; groups, guide companies, ski shops involved to help reach and educate as many people as possible about avalanche risks. For next year, CAIC wants to boost communication, increase staff around the state and install signs at trailheads about avalanche danger. But educators can only do sO much, and backcountry skiing, inhcrently, is a riaky sport. "Tmj proud ofthe work the center did this year," Greene said. "But, of course, it's hard tol be proud of the work you've done with 12 people dead, and we don't take that lightly at all, and it definitely feels like there's more work to do." htupsldurangoheraldomlanices372552deadlycoleradoavalancheseasonprompisreleciononmessaging?u.campagn-dalyheadlinesâutm. 4/6 Townof Silverton SANJUAN COUNTY PO: Box 250 PO Box 466 Silverton, CO 81433 Silverton, CO 81433 970-387-5522 970-387-5766 Date: April 25, 2021. For: April 28 Board of County Commissioners Meeting. From: Town/County Planning Director. Regarding: Some of the Planning Department Work During the Past T'wo Weeks. Recent Town/County Meetings The Town Master Plan Committee met on April 6. The Town Personnel and Ordinance Committee met on April 9. The Planning Commission met on April 20. The Town Board will meet on April 26. Floodplain Work Sessions will occur on April 26 and April 28. The Town Master Plan Committee will meet on April 27. The Town Staff meets weekly every Thursday morning. Recent Town/County Projects Since the snow is melting, there have been a lot of calls about mining claims, camping, and septic systems. Interim Town Administrator Edwards is preparing a grant application on behalf oft the Town Planning Department, for a request for DOLA funding, to hire a Planning Consultant firm in Durango (RPI), to update certain sections of the Town zoning regulations, which would be beneficial to the Town citizens. Ihave prepared a packet for Town and County Floodplain Work Sessions, to be held on August 26 and 28, in conjunction with CWCB, FEMA, and AECOM. I am currently processing many incomplete Town Applications, including notifying adjacent land owners. I am reviewing draft proposed infrastructure plans, usually in the Town's Slope Hazard Overlay District, including coordination with the applicants, their neighbors who will be sharing costs, the Town Public Works Director, and the applicants' engineers and architects. I am working on processing a Town Vacation Rental application. Ihave been working with Town Administrator/Building Inspector regarding affordable housing concepts. Il have been working on some Town 2005 Avalanche Hazard Overlay District regulation and map issues. I am updating County forms for Mining Reclamation and Special Events/Film Permits. There are a few County Special Events/Film Permit Applications for summer. There are a few County applications (received and incoming) for proposed structures. There is a high volume of emails and calls about real estate, Town/County regulations, variances, permit applications, condos, extending infrastructure, wetlands issues, historic building façade improvements, resubdivision of Town lots, RVs and camping, septic systems, and mining claim questions. I am working on some redlining ofboth Town and County codes for upcoming proposed revisions. T ran an ad in the newspaper for a Town Planning Department part time clerical trainee. Iworked on 3 Town Ordinances: Vacation Rentals, Architectural Review Overlay District, and Development Reimbursements. Please contact me with any questions at (970) 946-9408 or adair@slverton.co.us Page 1 of1, Staff Report for BOCC, L. Adair, April 25, 2021.