Editor’s note: A mix of Rio Blanco County leaders were asked to look ahead to 2009 to identify what they see as the major issues and challenges in their particular field, whether it be education or local government or business. Here are their responses …
County
Salazar will have to find common ground with environmentalists
It’s not surprising that Kieran Suckling of the Center for Biological Diversity and Jon Marvel of the Western Watersheds Project are disappointed in Barack Obama’s choice for interior secretary, Colorado Sen. Ken Salazar (D).
Now’s time to make land management make some sense
The federal deficit is already gigantic, and it keeps getting bigger in order to stimulate the plummeting economy. But times of crisis are also times of opportunity. This is the perfect chance for the Obama administration to improve the way the federal lands are managed.
Police Blotter: December 25
Activity for Dec. 12-18
DOW is using solar power for wildlife management
HINSDALE COUNTY — Small-scale electric solar power is providing the Colorado Division of Wildlife a unique tool for a variety of wildlife management tasks.
Michigan man fined $15,000 for poaching
SALIDA — A Michigan man was fined $15,000 after being convicted of three charges related to killing a Colorado mountain goat without a license. Burt Vincent, 60, of Jackson, Mich., also faces a potential lifetime suspension of his hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado, Michigan and 28 other states.
RBC Days Gone By: December 25
Utah man killed in Dec. 17 accident
RBC — A passenger was killed in a one-vehicle accident Dec. 17 on Highway 64, between Rangely and Dinosaur.
Week 5 Shop at Home winners announced
RBC — The Shop at Home series has come to an end this week.
Conservation tree program under way
RBC — The White River and Douglas Creek Conservation District’s 2009 tree program is underway. The Conservation Tree Program enables local landowners to obtain affordable seedlings for windbreaks, wildlife habitat, erosion control, noise or visual barriers or other conservation uses.
Nelson nearing end of tenure
RBC — Forrest Nelson’s days as an elected official are numbered. But it has been a good run, and he’s ready to focus more on operating the family ranch and spending time with his grandchildren.
Road closed in Dinosaur National Monument Jan. 1
DINOSAUR — Superintendent Mary Risser announced that Dinosaur National Monument’s Harpers Corner Road, which begins two miles east of Dinosaur on US 40 and runs 31 miles north into the monument, will close to the public on Jan. 1.
