RBC | The White River Conservation District held its monthly public meeting last week with board members Chris Collins, Bill Lake, and Marc Etchart in attendance. Members Neil Brennan and Kathy Nelson were absent but were excused due to cattle ranch obligations.
The meeting began with the approval of the September minutes, followed by the approval of the October payables. The September financial report highlighted a $12,500 grant for the Big Ditch project, which the board expects to receive within 30 to 45 days. Board President Chris Collins inquired about a river cash receivable from the river district.
Blake McGahan, a district manager, responded, “The $2,001 [specifically for the Integrated Water Management Plan for the Colorado River District]—I need to double-check with Fayanna. Long story short, we’re waiting for the next mark that they need,” he said.
McGahan added, “The second line — the $6,919 — should be collected soon. We’ve already received the first 25%, and we’re waiting for the next 25%, which should come within 30 to 45 days.”
The board approved the September financials and then unanimously appointed Vanessa Trout as the interim executive director of the White River Conservation District. Trout expressed her enthusiasm about joining the team.
Trout also provided an update on her activities, including attending a rally in Grand Junction concerning Proposition 127 on behalf of Western Slope districts.
Collins asked, “Do you think there was anything positive from the rally?”
Trout said the rally went well and shared insights from the event. “[They] mentioned that if every hunter in Colorado who registered to hunt voted, we’d be fine. But, he noted that about 33% of hunters didn’t vote on the wolf issue,” Trout said.
Board members then shared their updates, with no major issues reported. The meeting adjourned, and the next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 14, 2024.
By JARED HENDERSON
UPDATE: This article has been corrected to adjust the amount due to be collected from $69,190 to the correct amount of $6,919. A zero was inadvertently added in the original. Also added to the original is clarification on $2,001 specific to the Integrated Water Management Plan. The HT regrets the error.
