Meeker

BLM holds open house briefing on travel plan

The Forest Service Middle Mountain OHV Trail #2200, in the Miller Creek area east of Meeker, was regraded and stabilized. The Yampa Valley Trail Runners OHV Club from Craig provided the dozer and crew with funding through the Colorado OHV Registration Grant Program. Several members of the Wagon Wheel OHV Club in Meeker assisted with the project. Eight days were spent completing the trail work in July and August. The Wagon Wheel OHV Club is currently developing several grant proposals to fund future trail work and acquire additional equipment.
The Forest Service Middle Mountain OHV Trail #2200, in the Miller Creek area east of Meeker, was regraded and stabilized. The Yampa Valley Trail Runners OHV Club from Craig provided the dozer and crew with funding through the Colorado OHV Registration Grant Program. Several members of the Wagon Wheel OHV Club in Meeker assisted with the project. Eight days were spent completing the trail work in July and August. The Wagon Wheel OHV Club is currently developing several grant proposals to fund future trail work and acquire additional equipment.
RBC I The White River Field Office (WRFO), Bureau of Land Management, hosted a Meeker meeting last Tuesday at the public library to discuss BLM’s travel management plan. Six members of the public were there to meet with four BLM representatives. BLM staff admitted they missed the deadline to get notice in the Herald Times about the meeting. A similar briefing was held in Rangely Wednesday, Aug. 31.

The purpose of the meeting was to update interested parties on the BLM planning process regarding long-term travel management and to gather public comment. Participants presented concerns and discussed issues. Field manager Kent Walter asserted to the group that the BLM had already met with cooperating agencies—Rio Blanco and Moffat Counties, the Blanco District of the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Douglas Creek and White River Conservation Districts—with their comprehensive land use plan.
Walter also explained that BLM has been working with the travel management sub-group they formed through the Northwestern Colorado Regional BLM Advisory Council (NW RAC). The primary NW RAC is composed of 15 individuals across the Northwest Colorado BLM area appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Interior upon local recommendation. The 15 current members of the RAC and the interests they represent are: (from Grand Junction) John Potter, off highway vehicles; Jim Mattern and David Ludlam, energy and mining; and Carl Conner, archeology and history; Joe Neuhof, public-at-large; and Dean Riggs, state natural resources agency; (from Fruita) John Justman, elected official and Lori Buck, commercial recreation; (from Craig) Wes McStay, federal grazing permittee and Luke Schafer, environment; (from Aspen) Mike Pritchard, dispersed recreation; (from Basalt) George Newman, elected official; (from Carbondale) Connor Coleman, environmental organizations; (from Cowdrey) Barbara Vasquez, dispersed recreation; (from Walden) Lanny Weddle, public-at-large. The NW RAC advises state BLM leadership.
The special White River Travel Management NW RAC sub-group was first formed a year ago. The 13 members of the sub-group are: (from Meeker) Jerry Oldland, livestock permittee; Alvin Jones, motorized OHV-Wagon Wheel OHV Club; Roy Wedding, non-motorized hiker/biker; and Diane Mobley, equestrian use; (from Rangely) Brad Casto, motorized OHV; Don Peach, non-motorized hiker/biker; and Monty Elder, outfitter permittee; (from Craig) David Bray, OHV-Yampa Valley Trail Riders and Soren Jespersen, the Wilderness Society; (from Denver) Nick Payne, hunters and anglers—Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and Aaron Kindle, sportsmen/anglers—Trout Unlimited; (from Parachute) Annette Garrigues, oil and gas. The sub-group, which is charged with making recommendations to the NW RAC, has a wildlife conservation representative vacancy.
This group last met in Meeker on Aug. 23. They meet next on Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to noon, at the White River Field Office, 220 E. Market St. They have scheduled a public comment opportunity at 11 a.m. Agenda items include reviewing the primary travel alternatives, area designations, alternatives considered but not carried forward, and developing recommendations for the full RAC. The preliminary alternatives can be viewed online at bit.ly/2aLnDKx.
The BLM has suggested the following questions for the public to consider and respond to: Is there a reasonable range of alternatives? Do the alternatives adequately address issues raised? Are any of the alternatives inconsistent with local land use plans? Do you have any concerns with the feasibility of implementing any alternatives?
The alternatives being considered will determine which areas would be open to all cross-country motorized or mechanized use, which would require use be limited to designated routes, and which routes or areas would be closed (perhaps seasonally) to motorized or mechanized vehicles. The total area under WRFO management is nearly 1.5 million acres (1.15 million acres in Rio Blanco County, 232,700 acres in Moffat County, and 74,300 acres in Garfield County).
BLM scheduled public tours of their four proposed “open areas” yesterday from Meeker. Tours will take place in the Rangely area today.
BLM requests comments on this preliminary stage of their planning be submitted to the WRFO by Sept. 30, by email at [email protected] or hard copy delivered to their offices, c/o Heather Sauls, WRFO, 220 E. Market St., Meeker 81641. Following comments, BLM staff will be working on proposed route designations and limitations through most of the next year. Contact BLM at 970-878-3800.
Meeker landowners who attended the Aug. 30 briefing were Chad and Eleanor Carter, Brian Collins, Don Hilkey, Victor Parker and this reporter. The BLM staffers were Walter, assistant field manager Lauren Brown, project coordinator Heather Sauls and recreation specialist Aaron Grimes.

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
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  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
10 hours ago
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Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
11 hours ago
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Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
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More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
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1 day ago
View on Instagram |
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🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
2 days ago
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The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
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The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
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