Comments sought on Rico/West Dolores
The San Juan National Forest is seeking public comments about a Proposed Action for travel management of the Rico/West Dolores Landscape.
This comment period will begin the National Environmental Policy Act analysis of the project. Comments will be used to refine the Proposed Action and create alternative courses of action to be considered. The comment period will begin Friday and end Jan. 30.
The Proposed Action was developed by an interdisciplinary team of Forest Service staff incorporating field work, previous public and stakeholder input, and expert knowledge. The proposal includes designated uses for specific roads and trails, and it outlines the types of wheeled-motor access and seasons of use to be allowed on each.
A public open house will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Dolores Community Center to answer questions and accept comments.
Written comments can be mailed to Derek Padilla, district ranger, Dolores Ranger District, 29211 Colorado Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323; emailed to dkill@fs.fed.us; or submitted at the website listed below.
Copies of the Proposed Action can be picked up at the Dolores Public Lands Office or by calling Debbie Kill at 882-6822 or by emailing dkill@fs.fed.us.
The Proposed Action document, maps and an electronic comment form are available at www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php?project=44918.
By summer 2015, another public comment period will be initiated to refine the preliminary alternatives. Comments received will be part of the public record.
Applications accepted for gardener program
The Colorado State University Extension Office in La Plata County is accepting applications for the 2015 Colorado Master Gardener program until Dec. 19.
Students will receive training in tree care, vegetables, soils, native plants, water-wise gardening, pruning and more.
The program uses on-site and distance-education experts to teach the 12-week series, which will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Jan. 29 at the La Plata County Fairgrounds, 2500 Main Ave.
The cost is $170 for people who intend to volunteer or $530 for a certificate without volunteer time.
Students are responsible for obtaining a copy of the textbook, The Science of Gardening. The training is equivalent to a four-credit-hour course. Volunteers are expected to complete 50 hours of volunteer time in the first year and 24 hours in subsequent years.
To receive an application packet, visit the La Plata County Extension Office. Applications, as well as more information about the program, also are available at www.laplataextension.org. They are due no later than Dec. 19 to the Extension Office, 2500 Main Ave., Durango, CO, 81301.
Herald Staff
