Dryland farming workshop to be offered
Colorado State University will offer a workshop called “Enhancing Dryland Farming with the Integration of Forages & Grazing” from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Commissioners Board Room, 409 North Main, Dove Creek.
People who register by today will pay $10, which includes lunch and handouts. After today, the cost will be $15.
For more information, call 562-4255.
Public comments sought on HD Mountain project
The San Juan National Forest Columbine Ranger District is accepting public comments on a Draft Environmental Assessment for the Fosset Gulch/Northern HDs Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The analysis area encompasses about 13,600 acres in the HD Mountain and Fosset Gulch areas on the Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest. The proposed action is to use a combination of mechanical treatment, hand treatment and prescribed fire to move the area toward desired conditions.
This would include using about nine miles of road and potentially using up to four miles of overland motorized access routes. The entirety of the project is expected to be implemented in phases over several years.
To object to a proposed decision, a person must have previously submitted written comments during identified public comment periods. The comment period announced now is the last chance to establish eligibility to object to this project. Comments received, including names and addresses of commenters, will be part of the public record.
The assessment, including maps, is available at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/sanjuan/projects. Written comments should be submitted no later than July 18 to the Columbine District Ranger, P.O. Box 439, 367 Pearl St., Bayfield, CO 81122, or emailed to comments-rocky-mountain-san-juan-columbine@fs.fed.us
For more information or for a hard copy of the assessment, call Craig Sullivan at 884-1422 or visit the above website.
Native Plant Society to lead hike Saturday
The San Juan/Four Corners Native Plant Society will lead a hike Saturday on the Prater Ridge Trail in Mesa Verde National Park.
Participants will see dozens of species of flowers and birds as well as tracks of deer, turkey and mountain lion.
Depending on the group’s preferences, the walk will be anywhere from three to six miles. Participants should dress for hot weather and bring lunch and two liters of water. The trip will be moderately paced.
For more information and reservations, email coloradowildflowers@yahoo.com or call 882-4647.
Old growth forest conference to be held
Registration will open after July 7 for the Southwest Old Growth Forest Conference to be held on Aug. 4 and 5 at Fort Lewis College.
This conference offers attendees a chance to hear leading scientists explain the value of the oldest forests. Threats to these forests include danger from insect damage, fire and loss to extended drought. Attendees also will hear
Robert Van Pelt, a leading redwood and tall tree forest canopy researcher, will discuss how big trees around the world are being studied and modeled to understand how they achieve and support their sizes.
The cost is $95 for both days and $50 for students. Dinner Aug. 5 is $25. Individual evening events, open to non-registered attendees, will be $15 or $10 for students.
For tickets, visit the ticket office inside the Durango Welcome Center, 802 Main Ave., call 247-7657 or visit www.durangoconcerts.com.
For registration information and event listings, visit http://swcenter.fortlewis.edu/swogf.
Herald Staff
