New Mexico man charged after his dog kills fawn

A New Mexico man who allowed his dog to kill a fawn in southern Colorado has been charged with several wildlife crimes.

Michael Garcia, 36, of Las Cruces, N.M., has been charged with illegal possession of wildlife, allowing his dog to harass wildlife and unlawful manner of take of wildlife. He was issued a citation by a Colorado Parks & Wildlife wildlife officer on July 23. The fines for the offenses are $1,372.50 and an assessment of 20 license-suspension points.

Garcia may elect to pay the fines or appear in court, explained Rick Basagoitia, area wildlife manager for CPW in the San Luis Valley. If he does not pay the fine, he will be required to appear in court on Sept. 16.

“This is a disturbing case; we’ve heard from many members of the public wanting CPW to investigate,” Basagoitia said. “Information that they’ve provided has been greatly helpful to CPW efforts.”

According to the officer’s report, the man was in an area near the Conejos River when his dog chased the fawn and killed it. Garcia posted photos of the dog and the dead fawn on social media. Someone saw the post, reported it to Operation Game Thief and CPW began to investigate.

Garcia was working as a fishing guide on the Conejos River. District Wildlife Officer Rod Ruybalid located him, conducted an interview and issued the citation.

In addition to the fines, Garcia will also be issued 20 license-suspension points, which means he must appear before a CPW suspension-hearing officer. This is a separate process that could result in the suspension of license privileges from one to five years. Only the Parks and Wildlife Commission has the authority to impose suspensions.

Wildlife crimes can be reported anonymously to Operation Game Thief at 877-265-6648. Those who report are eligible for a cash reward if the tip results in the issuance of a ticket or a conviction.

Chasing and killing wildlife is one of the reasons cited on most national park websites as to why they don't allow dogs on backcountry trails.



Jeff
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15-year-old Rescued in The Loft Area of Rocky Mountain National Park

Early Friday morning, July 27th, park rangers were notified that a 15-year-old male from Boulder, Colorado had taken a 300 to 400 foot sliding fall in The Loft area between Mount Meeker and Longs Peak. This is steep terrain covered with a mix of snow, water and rock. He received numerous injuries. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members reached him at approximately 9 a.m. They provided advanced medical care.

Due to his location and injuries, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members requested assistance from a Colorado National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate him via a hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. This occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group of Boulder County assisted with the helicopter hoist operations. He was flown to Upper Beaver Meadows and was transferred to a Flight For Life air ambulance who then flew him to Children’s Hospital.



Jeff
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Campsites seeing an increase in bear activity on Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the United States Forest Service has observed increasing human-bear issues on Roosevelt National Forest Service campgrounds and areas where people are dispersed camping in Boulder, Clear Creek and Larimer Counties.

Specifically, the increased reports of bears getting into improperly stored food in trees in Boulder County is coming from Lost Lake, Ceran St. Vrain and the Middle St. Vrain Creek drainage upstream from Camp Dick, Olive Ridge and Meeker Overflow campgrounds; Beaver Reservoir road dispersed camping area, Rock Creek road dispersed camping area and Crater Lakes in James Peak Wilderness. Additional issues have come from the Pawnee Campground at Brainard Lake with a bear that entered unoccupied tents containing scented items such as sunscreen, bug spray and marijuana. Other reports of bear activity include West Chicago Creek, Columbine and Pickle Gulch in Clear Creek County and multiple reports in Dowdy, West Lake and Chambers Lake in Larimer County.

"I'm not sure why but we have seen a significant increase in bears seeking food in tents, backpacks and camps in general in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests,” said Kristin Cannon, area wildlife manager for CPW. “People planning on camping in this area should be extra cautious and take care to store food, trash and toiletries in provided bear lockers or canisters. These items should never be stored in a tent, especially not this summer."

“It is important to know how to act in bear country. Remember you are responsible for your own safety and knowing what to do when recreating alongside bears and other wildlife,” said Forest Supervisor Monte Williams. “We appreciate every user taking extra precautions.”

CPW is also receiving a high number of second- and third hand-reports of bears entering tents and encourages anyone who has experienced this or other behaviors of bears getting into trash cans or breaking into cars to report it immediately. That can be done by calling our Denver office at 303-291-7227, Colorado State Patrol at 303-239-4501, or for emergencies 911.

In established campgrounds, people should use the secure bear lockers that are provided. In dispersed camping areas, especially in the backcountry, they need to take a bear canister with them. Bear canisters are available for purchase and rental at several outdoor goods locations.

When camping in bear country, the easiest way to avoid bears is to ensure you have no attractants at your campsite. Whether car camping or hiking into the backcountry, there are actions you can take to minimize your chances of an encounter.

· Safely store food: If it smells good enough to eat, a bear will try to eat it. Store food, beverages and toiletries in airtight containers and place in provided campsite lockers, or use bear-proof containers stored at least 150 yards away from your tent. A last resort option would be to lock it in your trunk.

· Scented items: If it has a scent, it would interest a bear. Know that items as simple as sunscreen, hand sanitizer or chap stick could lure a bear in. Never bring food or anything with a scent into your tent.

· Stash your trash: If a campground provides bear-proof trash receptacles, use them often to keep your campsite clean. If no trash receptacles are available, double bag your trash and lock it in your vehicle, or use a bear-proof container when backpacking.

· Keep it clean: Scrape grill grates after use, clean all dishes and utensils, and ensure you have cleaned up any waste near your site.

· Lock it up: Be sure your car or RV windows are closed and your vehicles are locked whenever you leave your site or before going to sleep at night.

· Follow signs (and instincts): Whether printed signs or natural signs such as tracks or scat, if you have evidence that a bear has been in the area recently, leave and choose another campsite. If a bear is seen in your camp, try your best to haze it away with loud noises such as yelling, banging pots and pans together or using your car horn or an air horn. Be sure to notify the campground host when in a developed campground, Colorado Parks and Wildlife when dispersed camping and other nearby campers.



Jeff
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks input as they look to open future state parks

There are 41 state parks across Colorado offering access to some of the state’s most magnificent and diverse outdoor natural features, from mountain lakes to world class rock climbing, hiking and camping. Colorado’s state parks are drawing more visitors every year. On sunny weekends, state parks can have long lines waiting at the entrance gates. Growing demand for these outstanding outdoor places is one reason why Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is exploring opportunities to open new state parks.

State parks offer important places for outdoor recreation while benefiting local economies, public health, and quality of life. In 2018, the Colorado General Assembly passed the Future Generations Act, calling on CPW to plan for development of new state parks.

“As CPW considers possible new properties, we want to hear from the public about what characteristics and qualities they would like to experience at future state parks,” said Dan Prenzlow, director of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “Our vision is that Colorado’s state parks connect people to natural wonders. Every state park should offer a unique place to experience Colorado and live life outside.”

The draft criteria, listed below, offer broad characteristics to evaluate properties in order to ensure they achieve this vision.

• Outstanding nature-based recreation
• Natural resource value and conservation
• Meets Colorado’s needs
• Relevance and community value
• Financial sustainability

For a more detailed description of each of these proposed criteria and an opportunity to provide comments, go to CPW’s website at: cpw.state.co.us/futurestateparks. The public comment period is open until Thursday, August 15, 2019. Governor Polis’ support for increasing access for all people is helping to drive conversations around the state of what and where future parks could be.

Please do not miss this chance to help identify future places that will be conserved and available for public enjoyment. Following public review, CPW will consider comments, revise criteria and present a final version to the Parks and Wildlife Commission and public in September 2019.



Jeff
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Pavement Preservation Project Continues With Work On Bear Lake Road And Trail Ridge Road - Major Impacts On Bear Lake Road August 7 and August 8

From July 29 through August 9, weather and conditions permitting, micro resurfacing on Bear Lake Road will occur. Single lane closures of 2 miles will exist with pilot car operations and wait times of up to 20 minutes in most areas. Adjacent parking lots will be closed for the day prior to work passing that area, to allow parking lots and pullouts to be resurfaced and to avoid vehicles being trapped behind fresh micro seal. Fog oil will be applied to the area during the same time frame.

Major delays and backups will occur on August 7 and August 8, when the first two miles of Bear Lake Road are micro sealed. Visitors are strongly encouraged to visit the Bear Lake Road area prior to 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Due to the volume of vehicles, location of work, and potential queueing distance, it is likely visitors will not be able to access the Bear Lake Road from Trail Ridge Road in their vehicles from 9 am to 6 p.m. on those two days. Visitors who are coming from the east side are encouraged to access Rocky Mountain National Park via the Fall River Entrance on August 7 and August 8.

Staging for the pavement preservation project is occurring in the Park & Ride lot along the Bear Lake Road corridor. The staging area has filled approximately 100 parking spaces, making these unavailable to the public, until mid-August. Visitors should plan for earlier vehicle restrictions in the Bear Lake Road area because of this.

Due to limited parking, park visitors are encouraged to board the Hiker Shuttle. This shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road. Expect wait times to board the shuttles. Park shuttles will also be subject to road delays once entering the park.

From July 30 through August 2, crack sealing will begin on Trail Ridge Road from the Colorado River Trailhead to the Grand Lake Entrance. Traffic control will be maintained by pilot car operations or flagger to flagger with delays of up to 20 minutes.

From August 12 through August 16, micro resurfacing will occur on Trail Ridge Road from Rock Cut to west of Lava Cliffs overlook, expect delays.

Beginning the week of September 9, micro resurfacing will begin from the Colorado River Trailhead to the Grand Lake Entrance and last approximately two to three weeks, weather and conditions permitting. Single lane closures of 2 miles will exist with pilot car operations and wait times of up to 20 minutes. Adjacent parking lots will be closed for the day prior to work passing that area, to allow parking lots and pullouts to be resurfaced and to avoid vehicles being trapped behind fresh micro seal.

This important project is critical for the long term protection of park roads and parking areas. Due to the elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park and temperatures, resurfacing pavement projects can only take place in the summer. Work will not take place during the weekends or holidays.

For further information about Rocky Mountain National Park, please visit www.nps.gov/romo or call the park’s Information Office at (970) 586-1206.



Jeff
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World Ranger Day Celebrated At Rocky Mountain National Park Wednesday, July 31

The staff of Rocky Mountain National Park invite you to celebrate World Ranger Day as they recognize world conservation areas, and the professional staff – the rangers – that form the Thin Green Line around these most valuable resources. The free program will be held on Wednesday, July 31, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center auditorium. Join us for the viewing of the new international documentary, “Ranger to Ranger.” This inspiring film follows the epic journey of acclaimed Indigenous musician Dan Sultan and a group of Indigenous Australian Rangers as they travel to Kenya, Africa, to share knowledge, culture and music with a tribe of Maasai Community Rangers.

The International Ranger Federation (IRF) was founded to support the work of rangers as the key protectors of the world’s protected areas. At the 2006 World Ranger Congress in Scotland, IRF delegates decided that July 31 of each year, beginning in 2007, would be a day dedicated to world rangers. The first World Ranger Day fell on the 15th anniversary of the founding of IRF on July 31, 1992.

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park in the United States became the world’s first federally designated national park. Since then, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, over 100,000 protected areas, representing more than 10% of the earth’s landmass, have been established around the world.

The English word “ranger” reflects the guardians of the Royal Forests in 14th century England, protecting the King’s lands from poachers. Today, rangers in protected areas throughout the world continue this role for the public. Rangers are the key force protecting these resources from impairment. They do this through law enforcement, environmental education, community relations, fighting fires, conducting search and rescues, and in many other ways.

Come show your support for the rangers of the world at this free program Wednesday, July 31, 7 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.



Jeff
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Dozens take grueling hike to deliver 4,600 Boreal toad tadpoles to alpine wetland

As temperatures climbed under a blistering sun, about 35 Colorado Parks and Wildlife aquatic biologists, staff and volunteers headed up a steep mountain trail last week, each loaded with large bags of water filled with 200 or so squirming, black Boreal toad tadpoles.

In all, the hikers hauled 4,600 tadpoles up to an alpine wetland on Brown’s Creek at 9,780 feet, beneath the snow-tipped reaches of Mount White.

The grueling six-mile roundtrip by the team was part of an effort by CPW, led by Paul Foutz, CPW native aquatic species biologist and Boreal toad specialist, to restore the state-endangered toad, whose numbers have been crashing due to a deadly skin fungus.

At the picturesque wetland, the hikers were greeted by University of Colorado PhD candidate Tim Korpita, who had set up a laboratory on the edge of the water. Korpita and several graduate students took possession of the bags of tadpoles and separated the black, squirming amphibians based on how far developed each was toward metamorphosis into full-grown toadlets.

After placing the tadpoles in tubs in the water, the team of scientists began preparing an experimental probiotic bath they’ve dubbed “Purple Rain” due to its purplish hue. They use bacteria native to the local biological community and naturally found on toads to increase the abundance of protective bacteria during a vulnerable life stage of the toads. Scientists hope the fungus-fighting bacteria will be absorbed into the amphibian skin and protect the toads.

After hours of swabbing and mixing, the Purple Rain solution was suctioned from dozens of Petri dishes, collected in a large bottle and then carefully poured into the tubs full of tadpoles.

Then the scientists waited. The tadpoles needed to be bathed in the solution for 24 hours before they could be released into the wetlands, an historic Boreal toad breeding site that is now absent of toads.

“This is a potential game-changer for Boreal toads and amphibians worldwide,” Foutz said as he prepared to release a tub of tadpoles, which had sleek, black heads, long, translucent tails and tiny little legs. “It’s critical we find a cure to this deadly skin fungus that is killing our amphibians.”

The release of tadpoles went on for several days and marks the first large-scale field application of Korpita’s CPW-funded research in the McKenzie Lab at the University of Colorado-Boulder.

Korpita and Dr. Valerie McKenzie and their research team have spent three years investigating the use of bacterial treatments to armor Boreal toads against the skin fungus. In their lab, Korpita and McKenzie increased toad survival by 40 percent after bathing the toads in the probiotic treatment.

The CPW staff and CU researchers will continue to monitor the tadpole’s development and metamorphosis this season. Next July they hope to find yearling toads returning to the wetland, where they will resurvey toads and check for the continued presence of the Purple Rain solution.



Jeff
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Hiker Rescued in Andrews Glacier Area of Rocky Mountain National Park

Yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, July 16, park rangers were notified that a 19-year-old female from Webster Groves, Missouri had taken an 80 foot sliding fall on steep snow covered terrain in the upper Andrews Creek area, landing in rocks. She received numerous injuries and was suffering from hypothermia when Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members reached her at approximately 3:30 p.m. They provided advanced medical care.

Due to her location and injuries, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members requested assistance from a Colorado National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate her via a hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. This occurred at approximately 8 p.m. Rocky Mountain Rescue Group of Boulder County assisted with the helicopter hoist operations. The woman was flown to Upper Beaver Meadows and was transferred by ambulance to the emergency room at Estes Park Health.



Jeff
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Wild Basin Road Will Be Closed To All Uses Wednesday, July 24

From 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, the Wild Basin Road in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses, including vehicles and pedestrians. This closure will occur at the Wild Basin Entrance station and will include the entire two-mile section of the road to the Wild Basin Trailhead. Rocky Mountain National Park’s road crew will be spreading gravel and grading the road to eliminate ruts and potholes as well as improving drainage. Due to the road being closed to all uses, visitors should avoid this area of Rocky Mountain National Park on Wednesday, July 24.

The closure will impact several hikes originating from the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead, Finch Lake Trailhead and the Wild Basin Trailhead.

The Wild Basin Road is a narrow, historic dirt road. Park staff restrict vehicle access in the Wild Basin area when parking areas fill and heavy congestion warrants. This occurs most weekends in the summer.



Jeff
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US Forest Service Proposes Bold Moves to Improve Forest, Grassland Management

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service (USFS) released proposed changes to modernize how the agency complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The proposed updates would not only give the Forest Service the tools and flexibility to manage the land and tackle critical challenges like wildfire, insects, and disease but also improve service to the American people. Revising the rules will improve forest conditions and make it simpler for people to use and enjoy their national forests and grasslands at lower cost to the taxpayer. The revised rules will also make it easier to maintain and repair the infrastructure people need to use and enjoy their public lands—the roads, trails, campgrounds, and other facilities.

While these proposed changes will save time and resources, they are ultimately intended to better protect people, communities and forests from catastrophic wildfire and ensure a high level of engagement with people and communities when doing related work and associated environmental analyses.

“We are committed to doing the work to protect people and infrastructure from catastrophic wildfire. With millions of acres in need of treatment, years of costly analysis and delays are not an acceptable solution – especially when data and experience show us we can get this work done with strong environmental protection standards as well as protect communities, livelihoods and resources,” said Secretary Perdue.

In 2008, the Forest Service codified its procedures for complying with NEPA in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 36 CFR 220. However, these regulations, in large part, still reflect the policies and practices established by the agency’s 1992 NEPA Manual and Handbook. When these regulations were adopted in 2008, they were intended to modernize and improve management processes. The proposed rule would further modernize the agency’s NEPA policy by incorporating experience from past 10 years. This experience includes input from comments on the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from January of 2018, as well as feedback from roundtables, workshops, and input from agency experts.

“We have pored over 10 years of environmental data and have found that in many cases, we do redundant analyses, slowing down important work to protect communities, livelihoods and resources,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “We now have an opportunity to use that information to our advantage, and we want to hear from the people we serve to improve these proposed updates.”

The updates would create a new suite of “categorical exclusions,” a classification under the NEPA excluding certain routine activities from more extensive, time-consuming analysis under an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. The proposed categorical exclusions would be for restoration projects, roads and trails management, and recreation and facility management, as well as special use authorizations that issue permits for outfitters and guides, community organizations, civic groups and others who seek to recreate on our national forests and grasslands. The new categorical exclusions are based on intensive analysis of hundreds of environmental assessments and related data and when fully implemented will reduce process delays for routine activities by months or years.

The proposed update is open for public comment for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. Public comments are reviewed and considered when developing the final rule. Instructions on how to provide comments are included in the online notice.

More information on the proposed rule change and how to comment is available on the Forest Service website.



Jeff
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Two Recent Rescue Incidents In Rocky Mountain National Park

Yesterday morning, July 12th, a park visitor notified park rangers via 911 that a 30-year-old Denver man had taken a 75 foot tumbling fall in The Trough area of Longs Peak. The man received numerous injuries. Park rangers patrolling in the area reached the man at 9:30 a.m. to provide initial advanced medical care.

Due to his location and injuries, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members requested assistance from a Colorado National Guard helicopter from Buckley Air Force Base to extricate him via a hoist operation, using a winch operated cable. This occurred at approximately 1:45 p.m. The man was flown to Upper Beaver Meadows and was transferred by ambulance to Estes Park Health. Rocky Mountain Rescue assisted with the helicopter hoist operations and ground operations. Rocky Mountain Fire also assisted with ground operations. Team members encountered severe thunderstorms and lightning when hiking back to the trailhead.

At 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night, July 10, park rangers were notified by cell phone that a 53-year-old Alabama man was severely ill at a park wilderness campsite roughly 5 miles from the North Inlet Trailhead on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue Team members in addition to two members of the Grand Lake Fire Protection District hiked to the area and provided advanced medical care. The man was assisted in walking to the trailhead. The team reached the trailhead at 4 a.m. Thursday, July 11. He was transferred by ambulance to Middle Park Medical Center.



Jeff
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Old Fall River Road Opens For The Season In Rocky Mountain National Park

Old Fall River Road opened to vehicles today, Friday, July 12. The road normally opens by fourth of July weekend but winter conditions at higher elevations in the park this year, as recently as June 23, delayed the snow clearing and maintenance of Old Fall River Road.

Old Fall River Road was built between 1913 and 1920. It is an unpaved road which travels from Endovalley Picnic Area to above treeline at Fall River Pass, following the steep slope of Mount Chapin’s south face. Due to the winding, narrow nature of the road, the scenic 9.4-mile route leading to Trail Ridge Road is one-way only. Vehicles over 25 feet and vehicles pulling trailers are prohibited on the road.

The historic road provides access to Chasm Falls, as well as the hike to the summits of Mt. Chapin, Mt. Chiquita and Ypsilon Mountain.

Old Fall River Road is scheduled to close to vehicles for the season on October 7, 2019.



Jeff
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Confirmed Wolf Sightings in Colorado

The wolf recently sighted and photographed in Jackson County, Colorado was confirmed by Wyoming Game and Fish to be a dispersing male gray wolf from Wyoming. The collared wolf is from the Snake River pack and was last recorded by transmission signals on February 12 during routine telemetry flights around South Pass.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife will monitor the area but is no longer actively pursuing the wolf’s location. CPW will remain in close communication with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USDA Wildlife Services, Wyoming Game and Fish and local municipalities. Under the Endangered Species Act, harming, harassing, or killing a gray wolf other than in cases of self-defense is unlawful.

Ski Hi News is also reporting that a wolf, presumably the same one, was recently spotted in Grand County, located on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park.



Jeff
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Translocation of Mountain Goats From the Olympics to the Cascades

On July 8, a coalition of state and federal agencies, with support from local tribes, began the second two-week round of translocating mountain goats from Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest to the northern Cascade Mountains to meet wildlife management goals in all three areas.

This effort is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS), the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW), and the USDA Forest Service (USFS) to re-establish and assist in connecting depleted populations of mountain goats in the Washington Cascades while also removing non-native goats from the Olympic Mountains. Mountain goats were introduced to the Olympics in the 1920s.



In May 2018, the NPS released the final Mountain Goat Management Plan which outlined the effort to remove mountain goats on the Olympic Peninsula. The population of mountain goats at that time was estimated at 725. Both the plan and the associated environmental impact statement were finalized after an extensive public review process which began in 2014.

The first two-week capture period in September 2018 removed 115 mountain goats from the population in the park. An additional two-week period is planned for this year beginning August 19 through 30.

“Mountain goat relocation will allow these animals to reoccupy historical range areas in the Cascades and increase population viability,” said Jesse Plumage, USFS Wildlife Biologist.

While some mountain goat populations in the north Cascades have recovered since the 1990s, the species is still absent from many areas of its historic range.

Aerial capture operations will be conducted through a contract with Leading Edge Aviation, a private company that specializes in the capture and transport of wild animals. The helicopter crew will use immobilizing darts and net guns to capture mountain goats and transport them in specially made slings to the staging areas.

While capture operations will be conducted throughout the park and national forest for both two-week periods, a few locations that are known to have a high number of mountain goats will be areas of focus for the capture crew. On the first two days of the capture period, the emphasis will be on the Klahhane Ridge and Appleton Pass areas. The Seven Lakes Basin area and the Lake of the Angels area in the southeast have a high number of mountain goats that the capture crew will be working to remove. In August, Mount Ellinor in Olympic National Forest will be an area of focus.

This year there will be two staging areas for each two-week period. For July and August, one staging area will be located on Hurricane Hill Road beyond the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center in Olympic National Park. The other staging area will be located in Olympic National Forest in the Hamma Hamma area in July and switch to the Mt. Ellinor area in August. The staging areas will be closed to public access.

The animals will be cared for by veterinarians before WDFW wildlife managers transport them to staging areas in the north Cascades for release. To maximize success, goats will be airlifted in their crates by helicopter directly to alpine habitats that have been selected for appropriate characteristics.

WDFW plans to release the mountain goats at six sites in the Cascades in July. Three of the release sites will be staged from the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBS). These release sites include the Chikamin area on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Preacher Mountain on the MBS, and Hardscrabble Ridge on an inholding owned by Forterra. Two release areas are near mountain peaks south of the town of Darrington on the Darrington District of the MBS. The other is near Mt. Index on the Skykomish Ranger District of the MBS.

Mountain goats follow and approach hikers because they are attracted to the salt from their sweat, urine, and food. That behavior is less likely in the north Cascades where visitors are more widely distributed than those at Olympic National Park, said Dr. Rich Harris, a WDFW wildlife manager who specializes in mountain goats.

“In addition, the north Cascades has natural salt licks, while the Olympic Peninsula has virtually none,” Harris said. “We’d expect salt hunger to be lower in goats that have natural sources available to them.”

For more information and updates on the project, visit nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/mountain-goat-capture-and-translocation.htm.



Jeff
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Recovery Operations For Micah Tice - Missing in Rocky Mountain National Park Since November

Today, July 5, remains believed to be those of Micah Tice were found by Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members. On Thursday, July 4, private searchers affiliated with the Tice family, reported to park staff that they found items believed to belong to Tice below treeline in the Boulder Brook drainage. The Boulder Brook drainage was one of the areas where initial search efforts were heavily focused. However, through the winter and spring, this area was covered in deep snow.

Due to these items being found yesterday, Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members focused search efforts in this area this morning, July 5, when they discovered his remains.

Rangers have completed an on scene investigation and recovery operations are taking place. His remains will be transferred to the Larimer County Coroner’s Office. Larimer County Coroner’s office will not release positive identification until completion of an autopsy.

Background:

•On the afternoon of Monday, November 26, 2018, Rocky Mountain National Park staff were notified that US Air Force Prep School Academy Cadet Micah Tice was missing, and possibly within the park in the Longs Peak area. His vehicle was subsequently located at the Longs Peak trailhead.

•The investigation determined that Micah Tice was likely attempting to climb Longs Peak on Saturday, November 24. On November 29, witnesses reported that they saw and talked with Micah on Saturday, November 24, between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m., just above treeline in blizzard conditions. The two visitors indicated the weather was terrible at the Longs Peak Trailhead and that visibility and weather conditions continued to worsen. Tice was reported to be wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, a black hat, black lightweight gloves, tennis shoes and a light blue backpack. The visitors discouraged Tice from continuing to the summit due to his clothing, footwear and weather conditions. Micah had apparently not communicated his plans to anyone.

•At sunrise, Tuesday, November 27, three days after he was last seen, active search efforts began in the Longs Peak area of Rocky Mountain National Park for Tice. A Colorado Air National Guard Blackhawk helicopter attempted to assist with aviation operations on Tuesday, but were curtailed due to 90+ mph winds.

•Longs Peak is the park’s highest peak at 14,259 feet in elevation. In late fall through early summer, Longs Peak is an extreme ascent requiring advanced winter mountaineering skills. Conditions on November 24 in the area were severe, including significant snow accumulation, extremely high winds, blizzard conditions, and bitter cold temperatures.

•Over an intensive search period, ground and aerial searchers covered an approximate 10 square mile search area. These efforts were focused on sections of the Longs Peak Trail, the East Longs Peak Trail, the Battle Mountain area, Granite Pass, Jim’s Grove, the Boulder Field, Mount Lady Washington, Chasm Lake, Peacock Pool, the Boulder Brook drainage, the Storm Pass Trail, and the Wind River drainage. On Sunday, December 2, the first day conditions were conducive to flying this area, search managers assigned aerial searchers from the Colorado Air National Guard to perform reconnaissance of the entire Keyhole Route to the summit of Longs Peak.

•Additional military coordination included cell phone forensic analysis. The cell phone data was requested early in the investigation, and received on Thursday, November 29. Cell phone data provided broad areas of potential transactions but was vague information given the limitations of the signal in that area. These transactions were not “pings” nor texts nor phone calls. This information indicated Tice’s cell phone was picking up a signal early Sunday morning, November 25. The large, broad area referenced in the analysis was part of where search efforts were conducted.

•Beginning Friday morning, December 7, through Sunday, December 9 search activities for Micah Tice were focused from the Granite Pass area to the northern lower slopes of Longs Peak, including the Wind River and Boulder Brook drainages. On Monday, December 10, due to conducive weather conditions at high elevations on Longs Peak, teams focused their efforts on the Keyhole Route to the summit of Longs Peak as well as the Chasm Lake area, Clark’s Arrow and the Loft. On Tuesday, December 11, searchers again focused efforts in the Wind River drainage.

•Searchers experienced chest deep snow, thick snow covered forests, and vast areas of dead and down trees, especially in drainages away from snow packed trails. At higher elevations, winds scoured the landscape leaving it bare or depositing deep drifted snow. Those conditions existed from the first day of search operations and can cover or erase clues. Depending on the search area and day, team members encountered harsh winter conditions including extreme winds, low visibility, bitter wind chills, below freezing temperatures, deep snow and high avalanche danger.

•The park has worked closely with the US Air Force Academy since the beginning of this incident, coordinating investigative and operational assistance, and incorporating a team from the Air Force Academy Mountaineering Club in initial search efforts. The Air Force Academy Colorado Parents’ Club coordinated efforts from numerous organizations and individuals to donate daily meals for searchers.

•Also assisting Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue team members has been Larimer County Search and Rescue, Rocky Mountain Rescue based in Boulder County, Colorado Air National Guard, Alpine Rescue Team, Diamond Peaks Ski Patrol, Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Grand County Search and Rescue, Douglas County Search and Rescue, Colorado Search and Rescue Association, Summit County Rescue Group Dog Team, Front Range Rescue Dogs, and FLIR Systems Inc. who volunteered their services to conduct thermal imaging of the search area.



Jeff
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Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Parking Lot and Lawn Lake Trailhead Closed Tuesday, July 9 Rainbow Curve Overlook Closed July 10 For Pavement Preservation Work

Beginning at 9 p.m. Monday, July 8, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center Parking Area, Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and the Lawn Lake Trailhead in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to all uses for a pavement preservation project. These closures will be in place through Tuesday, July 9, until 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 10. Visitors entering the park from the east side on Tuesday, July 9, are encouraged to visit the Fall River Visitor Center that day.

The Rainbow Curve Overlook, along Trail Ridge Road, will be closed on Wednesday, July 10. This closure will begin at 9 p.m. July 9, and end at 7 a.m. on Thursday, July 11.

For the week of July 8, crack sealing will take place on Bear Lake Road. Traffic will be reduced to one lane, up to 20 minute rolling delays should be expected.

Beginning Monday, July 22, the Park & Ride lot along the Bear Lake Road corridor will have approximately 100 fewer parking spaces available, due to material staging for the pavement preservation project.

Due to limited parking, park visitors are encouraged to board the Hiker Shuttle. This shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road. Expect wait times to board the shuttles.

This important project is critical for the long term protection of park roads and parking areas. Due to the elevation of Rocky Mountain National Park and temperatures, resurfacing pavement projects can only take place in the summer. Work will not take place during the weekends or holidays.

Other areas of the park that will be impacted throughout the summer by this ongoing pavement preservation project include the Sheep Lakes Parking Lot, Forest Canyon Overlook Parking Area, Rock Cut Parking Area, Lava Cliffs Parking Area, and numerous smaller parking areas and overlooks. Work will also take place on Bear Lake Road and sections of Trail Ridge Road. When specific work dates are scheduled for major areas, this information will be disseminated.



Jeff
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Successful Search Efforts Today For Man In Mount Chapin Area Rocky Mountain National Park

This morning, Wednesday, July 3, Rocky Mountain National Park rangers began search efforts for a 51 year old man from Baton Rouge, LA. At 8 p.m. last night, Tuesday, July 2, park rangers were notified by a family member that the man had not been heard from since Monday morning, July 1. He was reported to be planning a hike in the Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita, Ypsilon Mountain area. His rental car was located at 9:30 p.m. at the Alpine Visitor Center parking lot.

Members of Rocky Mountain National Park’s Search and Rescue team searched the Mount Chapin, Mount Chiquita, Ypsilon Mountain areas, the Chapin Creek drainage, and the Poudre River Trail both from Milner Pass and from the Corral Creek Trailhead. Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack assisted with aerial reconnaissance.

A Rocky Mountain National Park Search and Rescue ground team found the man at 11,400 feet in elevation on the northwest side of Mount Chapin at approximately 1:30 p.m. He appeared to be uninjured but exhausted from two unplanned nights in the backcountry. He was flown from the area by Northern Colorado Interagency Helitack at 3:00 p.m. and taken by ambulance to Estes Park Health. All ground search teams are hiking back to trailheads at this time.



Jeff
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Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Approve 10% Increase in Campgrounds and Day-use Area Fees for 2019 Season

A ten percent fee increase was approved for American Land & Leisure operated campgrounds and day-use areas on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland for the 2019 season.

American Land & Leisure requested the fee change to offset the rising cost of labor, contract work, services and supplies. Special use permits allow concessionaires to request such fee adjustments.

Fees will increase on average by 10 percent and will remain the same through 2021. Fees were last changed in 2017.

“Concessionaires are a crucial part of helping us operate, maintain and improve our recreation sites,” said Forest Supervisor Monte Williams. “Adjusting fees allows the concessionaire to cover costs and stay competitive, it helps our concessionaires deliver a quality recreation experience to our customers.”

Reservations that were made before the pricing change was listed in the reservation system at www.recreation.gov will be honored. Senior and Access passes will continue to be honored providing a 50 percent discount to holders at campgrounds.

American Land & Leisure operates 51 campgrounds and seven day-use areas for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. The Forests and Grassland has been operating most campgrounds and some day-use areas through concessionaires since the mid-1990s. Concessionaires perform the onsite operations and maintenance, and return a portion of their proceeds to the Forests and Grassland that are reinvested in improvements.

The 2019 campground fee and amenity list can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/campinglist.



Jeff
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Rocky Mountain National Park - Third Most Visited National Park - Plan Ahead For A More Enjoyable Visit

In 2018, Rocky Mountain National Park was the third most visited national park with over 4.5 million visitors. This visitation represents a nearly 42 percent increase since 2012. Over the last 100 years, the reasons people visit are the same; to experience nature, to seek solitude, to enjoy scenic grandeur, to watch wildlife, and to partake in outstanding recreational activities.

Popularity and high visitation during the summer and fall, particularly during 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. can mean full parking lots, congested roads, busy trails, and long lines and wait times at entrance stations. Park managers continue to address what effect this level of visitation is having on visitor and staff safety, resource protection, visitor experiences and operational capacity. Park staff restrict vehicle access in three specific areas, the Bear Lake Road corridor, the Wild Basin area, and Alpine Visitor Center when parking areas fill and heavy congestion warrants. These restrictions occur most days in July and August, in addition to weekends in June and September. Bear Lake Road restrictions and Wild Basin Road restrictions often begin by 9:30 a.m.

Plan ahead for a more enjoyable visit to Rocky!

• Hike early or hike late.
• Check the weather forecast before you arrive at the national park to better plan your day and destinations. If you plan to hike later in the day, it is critical that you know the weather forecast for the elevation of your destination, particularly to avoid lightning and thunderstorms.
• Carpool
• Take advantage of the park shuttle: www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/shuttle_bus_route.htm
• Trailhead parking lots fill early in the day:
    > Glacier Gorge Trailhead by 6:00 a.m.
    > Bear Lake Trailhead by 8:00 a.m.
    > Park and Ride by 9:15 a.m.
    > Wild Basin Corridor by 9:30 a.m.

• If you want to hike in the Bear Lake Road corridor and plan to arrive after 9:30 a.m., your best option, and on many days your only option, will be to take the Hiker Shuttle from the Estes Park Visitor Center. This shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the Estes Park Visitor Center to the Park & Ride on Bear Lake Road. Expect wait times to board the shuttles. An entrance pass is required to use The Hiker Shuttle. Please see below for how to purchase a pass online.

• The Alpine Visitor Center parking lot is often full between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• More than eighty percent of park visitors arrive through the east entrances of the park

• Camping is popular in the park. Reserve a campsite up to six months before your visit. The two first-come, first-served campgrounds fill up quickly. Timber Creek Campground, located on the west side of the park, fills up last.

• In September, visitation is 50 percent higher on weekends than weekdays

• Purchase a daily or weekly entrance pass online at go.nps.gov/rockyfees your email confirmation will serve as your pass and should save transaction time once you reach the park entrance station kiosk.



Jeff
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Ramble On: A History of Hiking