Every year, the fifth grade Meeker Elementary School class takes a field trip to Trappers Lake. Staff members of the U.S. Forest Service Blanco Ranger District (BRD) coordinate with teachers to interact with students and share their knowledge of the “Cradle of Wilderness,” its many wonders, and how to best[Read More…]
Tag: U.S. Forest Service
Letter: Yellowjacket Project EA
Dear Editor: This letter is to inform interested parties that the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Yellowjacket Project, located in Rio Blanco County and on the Blanco Ranger District, is complete and I have drafted my decision. The EA and draft Decision Notice (DN)/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for[Read More…]
Compensation available to landowners who protect forests
RBC | Colorado landowners who want to protect environmentally valuable private forest areas that could someday be threatened by development or conversion to other non-forest uses—and who desire to receive monetary compensation in the process—now have the opportunity to submit proposals to protect their forestlands. The Colorado State Forest Service[Read More…]
Caves closed to protect bats
RBC I National forests and grasslands in Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming have renewed forest orders restricting cave access as part of the Rocky Mountain Region’s white-nose syndrome management strategy. The purpose of the orders is to reduce the likelihood of the inadvertent spread of the fungus that causes the[Read More…]
Lost Solar Fire on Flat Tops expands to 2,024 acres
RBC I The Lost Solar Fire, burning on the Blanco Ranger District in the Flat Tops Wilderness, has grown in acreage over the past two days due to weather and conditions. The Lost Solar Fire is currently estimated at 2,024 acres.
Curtis Keetch appointed as new USFS ranger for Blanco District
MEEKER I Curtis Keetch grew up in a small ranching community in the southeast corner of Idaho on a family-owned cattle ranch. He learned to love and respect the outdoors at an early age.
Farewell…
The Rio Blanco County commissioners honored Ken Coffin, the U.S. Forest Service District Ranger for the White River National Forest—Blanco Ranger District, on Oct. 26 with an Award of Special Recognition for his years of service locally to build community relationships and encourage multi-use of public lands. Coffin has accepted[Read More…]
Area rangers launch ‘Every Kid in a Park’
RBC I The Blanco Ranger District is proud to help launch the Every Kid in a Park program as part of President Obama’s commitment to protect our nation’s unique outdoor spaces and ensure that every American has the opportunity to visit and enjoy them.
BLM and Forest Service affirm non-listing of grouse in state
RBC I On May 28, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) released final environmental reviews for land use plans in Colorado that will help to conserve greater sage-grouse habitat and support sustainable economic development.
It is avalanche season in Rockies; skiers, snowmobilers are cautioned
RBC I The avalanche season is underway across much of the U.S. with a series of sizable storms bringing heavy snowfall and strong winds to the western mountains, U.S. Forest Service officials said Monday. The snow has been falling on a weak, existing snowpack, creating dangerous conditions. High avalanche danger[Read More…]
Sawing logs…
One of the events held at the Saturday celebration of 50 Years of Wilderness in downtown Meeker was log sawing. Above, the two-person teams of U.S. Forest Service workers squared off against each other, and the women’s team, in front, defeated the men.
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.