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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