County

Forests now open; be safe and be aware

RBC I With Memorial Day this coming weekend, thousands of travelers are getting ready to kick off the summer outdoor recreation season.
As people are getting tents and gear ready, the U.S. Forest Service encourages the public to be safe when enjoying their national forests.
“The White River National Forest offers more than 2,500 miles of trails, 50 campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps and other developed recreation sites, and more than 12 million people visit this forest every year,” said Scott Fitzwilliams, forest supervisor for the White River National Forest.
Most forest visitors enjoy the forests without incident, but there are always potential dangers involved with outdoor recreation. Part of enjoying the outdoors is understanding those hazards and knowing what to do to stay safe.
The U.S. Forest Service is encouraging visitors to “know before you go” as the first line of defense. Many areas on forests throughout the White River National Forest are still inaccessible due to late-season snow and rain. Know the weather forecast, road conditions, fire restrictions and what to expect before arriving at a destination.
Below are some potential hazards for which to be aware this season:
The mountain pine beetle and spruce beetle continue to kill pine and spruce trees, leaving behind dead, dying and potentially dangerous tree stands. The U.S. Forest Service is continuing to remove these trees from developed recreation sites, but there are many non-developed or minimally developed areas where they are still standing. Dead trees can fall at any time, so don’t camp or park near them, and keep away during strong winds.
Wildfires can start at any time. A careless cigarette or unattended campfire can start a wildfire. As conditions change, some national forests may be under fire restrictions. Check with local U.S. Forest Service offices before embarking on a trip to the forest.
Heavy snowpack along the Continental Divide in Colorado has extended winter recreation, but increased avalanche danger. Check snow and avalanche conditions before venturing into the back country.
Due to high run off, late-season snow and wet conditions, some recreation areas or roads may remain closed later than usual. Saturated soils also have the potential to cause landslides and road slumping. Be prepared to turn around when slides have crossed roads or roads have eroded away.
Flash floods can occur at any time, even if you don’t see any rain. Check the forecast before you head out and be extra cautious when camping near stream bottoms or low-lying areas.
Ten helpful safety tips to remember:
1. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid dense patches of dead beetle-killed trees; they can fall anywhere, anytime and without warning.
2. Stay out of the forests when there are high winds. Strong winds blow down trees. If you’re already in the forest, find a clearing that’s out of reach of any trees that could fall. Check the forecast before you head out.
3. Place your tent and park your vehicle in areas that can’t be hit by a falling tree.
4. Make camp before dark, and never hike or camp alone without telling someone your itinerary.
5. Bring an ax or chainsaw with you in case you become trapped along a road by a fallen tree. Know alternative routes out in case of landslide or road failure.
6. Don’t completely rely on your cellphone for safety. There is limited or no cellphone coverage in many areas of your national forests.
7. Avoid low-lying areas or drainages during thunderstorms. A flash flood can occur even if the storm is miles away.
8. Build fires in fire rings or in developed camp sites, and never leave a camp fire unattended…ever!
9. Store food in bear-resistant containers, locked vehicles or tied 10 feet up in a tree away from camp, and never feed wildlife.
10. Always tell someone where you are going and when you intend to return.
Within the Forest Service, safety is our No. 1 priority for visitors and employees.
Be safe this season and enjoy your national forests and grasslands.

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  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
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Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
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3 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
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Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
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Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
Cowboy Carson Klinzmann on the mound for Meeker at Suplizio Field in Grand Junction last Saturday. Meeker took on the 4A Rifle Bears, losing 11-1, and the Basalt Longhorns, losing 7-3. Read the recap online at ht1885.com.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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