Farmers, ranchers can apply for loans
Farmers and ranchers in La Plata, Montezuma, Dolores, San Miguel and Archuleta counties may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans to help cover losses caused by drought conditions.
Applications must be submitted within the time frame required by the specific county. No applications may be accepted after that date.
For more information, visit Farm Service Agency, 628 W. Fifth St., Cortez, or call 565-8879, ext. 107.
National parks to waive entrance fees
Aztec Ruins National Monument and 400 national parks across the country will waive entrance fees from Feb. 15 to 17 in recognition of Presidents Day.
In addition to Presidents Day weekend, five additional days of free admission are scheduled. The dates include the first weekend of National Park Week on April 19 and 20, the National Park Service’s 98th birthday Aug. 25, National Public Lands Day on Sept. 27 and Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
National park passes that provide free or discounted admission year-round are available for qualifying active-duty military members and their dependents, senior citizens and people with permanent disabilities.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/AztecRuinsNM, www.nps.gov or www.nps.gov/azru.
Comments sought on restoration project
The Columbine Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest is seeking public comment during the early phases of planning for the Fosset Gulch/Northern HD’s Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The project is designed to restore forest diversity on 13,646 acres of national forest through a combination of mechanical and hand thinning, commercial timber harvest and prescribed fire. Some units may be offered for commercial firewood opportunities and some for biomass to the Pagosa Area Long-term Stewardship Project.
The goal is to reduce the rate of spread and intensity of fire, maintain conditions that support desirable fire behavior, and increase forest and ecosystem diversity and resilience to disturbance.
A document at the website www.fs.usda.gov/projects/sanjuan/landmanagement/projects describes the need for the project, details proposed action and provides maps.
To receive more information, to be added to the mailing list or to submit comments by March 10 mail: Craig Sullivan, Forester/Project Leader, P.O. Box 439/367 S. Pearl St., Bayfield, CO 81122, email cksullivan@fs.fed.us or call 884-1422.
Herald Staff
