Residents reminded to be bear aware
Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds residents to be bear aware.
Black bears typically accumulate their winter-fat stores in the fall. The biggest issue in conflict situations is the availability of human sources of food. Standard metal or plastic trash cans will not keep a bear away. Once a bear discovers a food source, it will continue to return, and it could defend the source if it feels threatened.
Tips to manage bears:
Follow the community’s trash ordinances.
Keep ground-floor windows and doors closed and locked.
Keep garage doors closed.
Never feed bears.
Pick fruit as it ripens.
Don’t let fruit rot on the ground.
Always lock vehicles.
If a bear is spotted near a residence, make it feel uncomfortable. Attempt to chase it away by yelling, whistling, clapping or making other loud noises.
For more information, visit www.cpw.state.co.us/bears.
Volunteers sought for Phil’s World clean-up
National Public Lands Day will be held Sept. 28 and is a project of the National Environmental Education Foundation.
Bureau of Land Management’s Tres Rios Field Office and San Juan Mountains Association will host a project at Phil’s World in Cortez.
Volunteers will be working on the northern portion of already-developed trails. Motorized and nonmotorized volunteers are encouraged to sign up.
Trash bags, buckets and tools will be provided. People with ATVs are encouraged to participate. Volunteers must wear long pants, sturdy shoes, eye protection and gloves.
Lunch and T-shirts will be provided to registered participants.
To register by Sept. 25, email Kathe Hayes at kathe@sjma.org or call 385-1310.
Farm Bureau honors two local families
At the annual meeting of the La Plata County Farm Bureau, two families were honored for their service to Farm Bureau and the community.
Veronica and Jesse Lasater were honored as the Farm Bureau Family of the Year for 2013.
Veronica has worked to bring educational programs, health-care information and programs from the La Plata County Extension to the county residents. She also has helped organize the month-to-month activities of the Farm Bureau as secretary.
Jesse has produced a video called “A Day in the Life of a Sheep Herder.” The video depicts the work and day-to-day experiences of caring for a flock of sheep.
The bureau also recognized Dr. Harry Baxstrom for his service to La Plata County and his leadership in demonstrating proper care for animals. He also has been instrumental in educating the public about the proper care of animals. He often donates to charitable organizations and youth groups and has been known to provide turkeys for Thanksgiving to people who would not otherwise be able to afford one.
Chimney Rock announces programs
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association will offer these programs at Chimney Rock National Monument, 17 miles west of Pagosa Springs on U.S. Highway 160 and three miles south on Colorado Highway 151:
A night sky archaeoastronomy program will be held Friday. This program includes an astronomy talk and provides an opportunity to learn about visible celestial objects. The opening program will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., with viewing from 8 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 16 and younger. Participants should bring binoculars, water, flashlights, blankets and coats.
A full-moon program will be held Sept. 19. A speaker will tell the story of ancestral Puebloans and their relationship with the moon, sun and stars. Tickets are $15. The program will begin at 6:15 p.m. Bring flashlights, water, cushions and blankets or coats.
An autumnal equinox program will be held Sept. 22. Guests must be through the Colorado Highway 151 gate by 6:05 a.m. Tickets are $15.
For reservations, visit www.chimneyrockco.org or call (877) 444-6777.
Herald Staff
