County, Features

Haskett appointed to CPW commission

RBC | The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission held their September meeting in Steamboat Springs last week. Longtime Northwest Regional Manager Ron Velarde was honored for his 47 years with the agency (see sidebar), Meeker area outfitter Jeanne Horne was recognized for her years of service on the commission, and the governor’s four new commission appointments began their first terms.

At the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission last Thursday in Steamboat Springs, Meeker area outfitter, Jeanne Horne, received many accolades from the commission upon ending her two terms of service, including that she’s a “class act.” Here, Horne accepts a bronze of the bighorn sheep ram, “Old Warrior”, from CPW Director Bob Broscheid. The bronze is to be a reminder that Horne will forever be considered a member of Colorado’s parks and wildlife fraternity. 
CPW courtesy photo

On Aug. 30, Governor John Hickenlooper appointed three new members from the northwest region of the state to the commission. Of particular local interest, 2016 Outfitter of the Year, Marie Haskett, owner and operator of JML Outfitters upriver, was appointed as a representative of sportspersons and outfitters. In effect, Haskett replaces Jeanne Horne on the commission. Horne is the owner and operator of J-Bar-H Outfitters, now out of Hamilton. Horne was originally appointed to a partial term on the commission in 2012 and reappointed to a full term in 2013. Commissioners are now limited to two terms under state law. She was the COA Outfitter of the Year for 2011.
Horne is held in high regard by her fellow commissioners who, among other accolades, gave her credit for often being tougher than the rest of them. She told the commission, “I leave this body with the utmost respect for the agency, its staff and its leadership.” Horne told the Herald Times that she will continue to run her business and that outfitting is her passion.
Haskett’s outfitting business is located on Papoose Creek, 30 miles east of Meeker. It was started by her grandfather, Glynn “Doc” Frasier, in 1961, and continued by her mother Maggie Haskett. Her own outfitting experience now exceeds 30 years. In addition to the drop camps she operates on eight different sites during the hunting seasons, she also offers trail rides, fishing and camping trips during the summer. She trains horses during the winter and raises most of her own stock. She says she starts working with foals “the day they hit the ground.” Haskett’s first term will expire in July 2021.
Haskett reported to the Herald Times in April that she has clients who date back to her grandfather, their kids and grandkids. She says, “I am fortunate that so much of my business is repeat business.” She is especially fond of what she calls her Horse Crazy Camp (not Crazy Horse Camp). Starting at age 10, kids come for six days to learn to ride and be responsible for all aspects of horsemanship, including feeding, grooming, saddling and exercising.
Also appointed last week by the Governor were Carrie Besnette-Hauser of Glenwood Springs and Jim Spehar of Grand Junction, both to vacancies created by resignations. Their first terms will expire in July 2019. Hauser is president of Colorado Mountain College (CMC), is an avid outdoorswoman, and is a member of the board of American Rivers, a national conservation nonprofit. CMC is well-known for its sustainability and outdoor education programs. Spehar is a former Grand Junction mayor and Mesa County commissioner. Both Hauser and Spehar were appointed as representatives of public outdoor recreation participants and parks resource users.
In addition last week, the governor appointed Marvin E. McDaniel, Jr., of Sedalia, as an at-large commission member who will have a four year term. McDaniel is an executive vice-president, chief administrative officer and group president of utilities with Xcel Energy.
The CPW Commission is a citizen board, appointed entirely by the governor, which sets regulations and other policies for Colorado wildlife and parks programs. The commission is comprised of 11 voting members that include three who are representatives of sportspersons, at least one of whom must be an outfitter. Other members are three agricultural producers, three recreationalists, one of whom must be associated with a non-profit, non-consumptive wildlife organization, and two at-large representatives.
Regardless of the particular interests each member is appointed to represent, under state law, all 11 are expected to consider the diversity of park, wildlife and outdoor recreation issues throughout Colorado and be committed to the long-term financial stability and sustainability of the agency. A minimum of four of the 11 must reside west of the Continental Divide.
Current agricultural producer representatives on the commission are Robert Bray of Redvale, James Vigil of Trinidad and Dean Wingfield of Vernon. Wingfield is also a Yuma County commissioner. Other current members are, for sportspersons, John Howard of Boulder and Alex Zipp of Pueblo; for recreation and parks users, Michelle Zimmerman of Breckenridge; and as an at-large member, Dale Pizel of Creede.
In addition, the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources, now Bob Randall, and the commissioner of agriculture, now Don Brown, serve on the commission as ex-officio members. Randall was represented by Assistant DNR Director for Parks, Wildlife and Lands Madeleine West, and Brown was represented by in Steamboat by Deputy Agriculture Commissioner Chris Wiseman.
The commission approved final regulations governing fee waivers, discounts, and sponsorships related to park products and state wildlife area access permits; regulations regarding the use of parks and outdoor recreation lands; and regulations governing the use off-highway vehicles including allowing passengers on vehicles designed to carry passengers, as long as they do not interfere with the safe operation of the OHV.
Draft regulations forwarded to final reading at the November 16-17 commission meeting in Yuma included adjusting nonresident big game license fees according to the Consumer Price Index and adjusting commission rates applicable to the sale of licenses by agents; exemption trapping of nuisance furbearers and small game wildlife while incorporating new industry best management practices in the interest of animal welfare; and the field trials and training of hunting dog chapter.
Furthermore, the commission reviewed issues that have arisen in general and fishing regulation chapters to be considered in November including the possible implementation of an antler and horn collection closure on public lands west of I-25 from January 1 through April 30 annually. The commission requested that the option of requiring a license for antler collection be prepared for consideration. Also forwarded was a citizen petition for allowing the use if sling bows in harvesting fish species that can currently be taken using archery equipment.
Advocates for this use of sling bows argue that they would give fisherman another means to enjoy the sport of bow fishing, that it’s a legitimate way to remove invasive species, and that its portability would facilitate use while traveling.
Also sent forward for November was authorizing special hunt seasons and licenses to control “conflict or nuisance turkeys” to be set by the director.
After considerable discussion, the commission approved the draft mitigation plan advanced by the Northern Water Conservancy District’s Northern Integrated Supply Plan involving the transfer of water from the Upper Colorado River basin to the Poudre River basin; heard the annual report on CPW’s strategic plan; and heard an update and special project report from Great Outdoors Colorado.
Commission meeting information and agendas can be found at cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/pages/commission.aspx.

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
2 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
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 |
2/9
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
View on Instagram |
3/9
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.
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.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
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.
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 |
5/9
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 |
6/9
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 |
7/9
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.
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
View on Instagram |
8/9
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 |
9/9

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