Slash collection site

Git Yer SLASH On

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The 2023 SLASH Schedule – it’s that time of year, time to collect up all that woody debris that’s been hanging out in the yard and getting rid of it.  SLASH collections have started and will continue through the summer and into the fall.
When and where? and what time are the SLASH sites open?
All the SLASH sites will open at 9AM. The last load will be admitted at 3:30PM.

Read more

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PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy – JOIN THE CROWD!

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20Register Now image

PLAN Jeffco Academy Presents:  Stewardship of Open Lands

Do you want to learn more about public lands and how to preserve them for future generations?

Join staff from PLAN Jeffco, Jefferson County Open Space, Jeffco County Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper, and Colorado Senator Lisa Cutter for a riveting and fast-paced day of learning and discussion at the second annual PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy, a one-day seminar open to the public, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. Lunch included.

The Academy offers presentations by local experts in conservation, biodiversity, land management and stewardship, and how to advocate for open space lands. Engage with PLAN Jeffco Board members, Jeffco Open Space staff, Jeffco Commissioner Dahlkemper, Senator Lisa Cutter, and Carmela Montenegro of “Not Mad Just Misunderstood”, learn from their experiences, and enjoy meeting others who share your love of the land.

Topics include the history of Jeffco Open Space, physical and biological components of ecosystems, impacts of human population, visitor experience and trail courtesy, strategies for encouraging inclusivity, land conservation and grassroots advocacy.

There will be an optional Stewardship Day on Sunday, April 30th, at one of the Jeffco Open Space parks under the guidance of an Open Space Field Specialist.

In 1972, PLAN Jeffco launched the citizen’s initiative which created the Jeffco Open Space program, protecting from development more than 60,000 acres, comprising Open Space 27 parks.

Enrollment starts March 1 at https://tinyurl.com/ypv67yh9

 

Saturday, April 29, 2023, 9 AM to 4 PM

American Mountaineering Center, 710 10th St., Golden CO

$17 fee, includes a one-year digital membership with PLAN Jeffco — limited  scholarships available.

For more information contact:  Co*******@********co.org

Enroll now. Download planned curriculum HERE.

REGISTER

Connect to EventBrite to make your reservation,

or download this form, fill it out, and mail with your check for $17 to

PLAN Jeffco

11010 West 29th Avenue

Lakewood, CO 80215

Unsure about whether or not you want to participate in this Stewardship Academy? Not able to make it this time because of conflicts? No problem – sign up and we’ll keep you informed about future Academies as we roll them out.

 

*limited scholarship available upon request. Contact ac*****@********co.org for more information.

Mount Tom is Conserved!

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On Tuesday, April 11th, 2023, a joint effort between Jeffco Open Space, The Conservation Fund, Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and Great Outdoors Colorado came to fruition with the conservation of some 2,000 acres within the Mount Tom Conservation Corridor area. This swath of land is located adjacent to the Ralston Creek State Wildlife Area, northwest of Denver and Golden.

The Mount Tom Conservation Corridor is comprised of fee-owned and conservation easements. It connects to other previously conserved areas, extending in a landscape-wide manner the natural resources for wildlife and Colorado communities while protecting floral and faunal species of special concern, as well as endangered species that live in this area, plus a critical watershed, the headwaters of Van Bibber Creek, a tributary of the South Platte River. The area is not yet open to the public, but following intensive monitoring, investigation and inventory of the future preserve, access for outdoor recreation for the publicly-owned sections are planned.

To read the entire press release, go to the JCOS News Flash here.

Another success for land acquisition!  Let’s hear it for this quorum of conservation organizations — many thanks to all the fine folk who worked so long and so hard to make this happen.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

John Litz named to the Jefferson County Hall of Fame 2022

PLAN Jeffco treasurer John Litz named to the Jefferson County Hall of Fame 2022

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“Few people have benefited Jefferson County and the surrounding area more than John Litz.”

—Jefferson County Historical Commission, Historically Jeffco magazine 2022

In recognition of the multitude of responsibilities John Litz has generously assumed on behalf of the community over many years, the Jefferson County Historical Commission has named John Litz to the Jefferson County Hall of Fame 2022. Read more

Conservation Smart Brief 11/17/2022

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PLAN Jeffco started with an idea that open spaces are vitally important to the health and welfare of all, and since 1972 has been building on that idea. Time brings change, and so PLAN Jeffco has had to consistently adjust as change occurs. 

PLAN Jeffco tries to keep its thumb on the pulse of the conservation community. Every month, as part of our regular Board meetings, there’s a “President’s Report”, which records the activities of various conservation groups that PLAN Jeffco feels are community leaders. We’ve decided to share as much of this information with you, dear reader, as we can, so that you can understand where we’re going, and why.

 

Conservation Smart Brief, November 17, 2022:

Recently posted to our website blog:

Open Space Update – October 2022

SLASH Collections 2022 – Just a Few More Weeks! – October 2022

September 2022 Newsletter – October 2022

2020-2025 Conservation Greenprint – September 2022

Open Space Update – August 2022

Jeffco Open Space News & Events

https://www.jeffco.us/1523/News-Events

Know before you go! Check these sites for additional information on Park and Trail closures, openings, and other operations that may impact your Jeffco Open Space Park experience…

JCOS Alerts & Closures

JCOS News Releases

JCOS Event Calendar

JCOS Newsletters

Jeffco Fairgrounds – calendar

https://www.jeffco.us/calendar.aspx?CID=27

Denver Area Mineral Dealers Gem & Mineral Show, Exhibit Halls, November 18th & 19th, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, November 20th, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Summit School of Chess Youth Chess Tournament, Exhibit Halls, December 3, 2022, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Westernaires Holiday Party, Exhibit Halls, December 11, 2022, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

4-H Ring Rides, Event Center, December 13, 2022, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Convenience Pet Hospitals’ Golden Holiday Pet Bazaar, Exhibit Halls 1 & 2, December 17 & 18, 2022, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

…and much more. Please check the Fairgrounds website calendar for detailed information for these events.

Colorado Open Lands

https://coloradoopenlands.org/                               https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoOpenLands

Arkansas River Community Preserve in southern Lake County adds 100 acres, thanks to a decade-plus collaboration between Central Colorado Conservancy, Lake County, Colorado Open Lands, funders and other partners.  The ARC Preserve protects important wetlands and wildlife habitat for bighorn sheep, elk, beaver, and many bird species. The public will be able to access the area in about a year to hike, fish, and more.

Big Country Ranch, 698 acres in Grand County, connects a portion of Arapahoe National Forest to large swaths of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and other private conservation easements. The property is a known winter range for elk, and habitat for Columbian Sharp-tailed grouse, bighorn sheep, black bear, pronghorn, mule deer, and numerous songbirds, raptors, small mammals, amphibians and lizards.  Wetlands and several small ponds and a reservoir provide additional habitat value. The water rights are tied to the land with the easement as well. The Grand County Open Space, Rivers, and Trails program was a project partner.

Big Bend Pasture, located in the upper Tomichi Creek Valley, east of the City of Gunnison, is part of the Irby Ranch cattle and hay operation. The property, which provides summer and fall grazing ground for the family’s cattle, consists of irrigated meadows, sagebrush shrublands, subalpine forest, and ¾-mile of frontage along Big Bend Creek and 1.75 miles of frontage along Marshall Creek. The property is habitat for bald eagle, ferruginous hawk, greater sandhill crane, northern leopard frog, bighorn sheep, black bear, elk, moose, mountain lion and mule deer. It was the largest previously unprotected private property in the Marshall Creek drainage. This project was completed in partnership with Trust for Public Land.

Mountain Area Land Trust

https://www.savetheland.org/           https://www.facebook.com/MountainAreaLandTrustCO/

November 2, 2022: MALT has closed on a conservation easement in Boulder County. This 12-acre property is located west of Boulder, along Sunshine Canyon Drive. This CE is a connector between Boulder County Open Space and BLM lands. It ensures that scenic views of the Bighorn Mountain Natural Landmark are permanently protected, and is recognized by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as habitat for many large mammals, including mule deer, elk, black bear and mountain lion.

November 4, 2022: MALT, Keep It Colorado and Park County Land and Water Trust Fund have joined forces to enable the Sacramento Preserve Conservation Easement, 56.5-acres in Park County near the town of Fairplay. This area features a rich riparian and wetlands habitat, beaver ponds, wildlife and a small cabin. The owners, Tri-Walk LLC, Lynn Grams and Christine Smith, wish to preserve their families’ legacy with this Conservation Easement.

Keep It Colorado                                        

https://www.keepitco.org/

Our mission is to unite, elevate and empower Colorado’s conservation community to protect the lands and waters that define our state.

Great Podcasts to Check Out     https://www.keepitco.org/podcasts

Stewards of Golden Open Space

https://stewardsofgolden.org/

2022 Accomplishments…

 SOLVE(Save Open Lands, Vistas and the Environment)

http://www.solveccc.org

Follow the postings from other Conservation Groups, listed at the bottom of our web pages:

Colorado Open Space Alliance (COSA)

Colorado Native Plant Society

Douglas Land Conservancy

Land Trust Alliance

https://landtrustalliance.org/land-trusts (to search for a specific land trust organization)

Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust

Jefferson County – Sustainability Commission

Do you have questions about the County Climate Action Plan? Meetings, members and resources? Sustainability awards and the Sustainability Foundation? Find out more at https://www.jeffco.us/3406/Sustainability-Commission

 Jefferson County – COVID-19 Updates

Confused about COVID? Find out the latest alerts, recommendations and requirements at https://www.jeffco.us/3999/Coronavirus-Disease-2019-COVID-19

Watch This Space…

Update on Denver Golf Course

Park Hill golf course’s redevelopment just got a step closer to reality. But the deal is far from done If Westside redevelops the Park Hill golf course, a long-desired grocery store in Northeast Park Hill is not guaranteed. https://denverite.com/2022/10/20/park-hill-golf-course-redevelopment/

Hogback mine expansion in North Golden gets State approval.

To get more information on the Protect The Hogback group, go to https://www.protectthehogback.com/

 Bear Creek Reservoir Expansion Proposal

https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Projects/Bear-Creek-Reservoir-expansion-proposal

Gross Reservoir Updates

https://www.denverwater.org/grossreservoir

10/01/2022 – Boating season at Gross Reservoir has ended for 2022. There is no on-water recreation between Oct. 1 and May 26. Other recreation activities, including hiking, fishing and picnicking, are permitted year-round, sunrise to sunset. Click here for additional information about recreation at Gross Reservoir.

Climate Change Articles of Interest

How to buy a San Luis Valley reservoir. A local water district, a federal land agency, a state wildlife group and a national environmental nonprofit partnered on a creative water deal with multiple benefits for the valley. https://coloradosun.com/2022/11/02/shaw-reservoir-new-owners/?mc_cid=21b1b3f453&mc_eid=7396f15ef3

Fire Season Updates

Foothills Fire Protection District Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) was updated in December 2020. The plan in its entirety is posted at this link: https://foothillsfire.colorado.gov/cwpp

And there you have it. This is part of what we do, who we follow, what we’re interested in, because Conservation just doesn’t happen by itself…it takes a community to make it work. And as always, stay well, stay safe, be conservation-minded at all times.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

 

Volunteer celebrating after a successful National Public Lands Day 2022

Open Space Update – October 2022

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Autumn – the leaves are turning gold and red and brown and falling to the ground. In some of the higher altitude parks the snows are accumulating, while the critters are getting ready for their long winter’s nap.

Let’s take a look and see what’s been going on at Jeffco Open Space these last two months…

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY 2022 – A WHOPPING SUCCESS

Volunteer celebrating after a successful National Public Lands Day 2022

The Clear Creek Trail Open Space Park got a thorough scrubbing on Saturday, September 24th, National Public Lands Day, when nearly 700 volunteers from Jeffco Open Space, the City of Golden and the City of Wheat Ridge cleaned up a 22-mile stretch of the Peaks to Plains Trail. Read more

PJ Academy Fall 2022 banner image

PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy – It’s Here!

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PJ Academy Fall 2022 banner imagePLAN Jeffco Academy Presents:  Stewardship of Open Lands

ALERT: Due to unforeseen circumstances, the PLAN Jeffco Stewardship Academy has been postponed until Spring ’23.

Join us for our full-day Stewardship Academy. Learn how open space conservation started in Jefferson County, why such lands are important, and increase your understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of open lands.

PLAN Jeffco was the driving force behind development of the outstanding Jefferson County Open Space Program that serves so many.  We want to help others to experience greater enjoyment and appreciation of open lands.

What will we talk about?

  • The role of PLAN Jeffco’s volunteers in the origination and development of the Jefferson County Open Space Park System has resulted in preservation of more than 56,000 acres of public land to date.
  • The history of land stewardship in Jefferson County.
  • The geological and ecological significance of our open lands.
  • Issues facing our ecosystems, especially along the Front Range, and how we can help address those issues.
  • Ensuring that open space parks are welcoming for all visitors.
  • How individual actions impact the land, other visitors, and maintenance needs and costs.
  • How you can help ensure that our open lands remain healthy into the future.

This full-day program is scheduled for Saturday, October 29th 9 am-4 pm
at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden, Colorado

There will be an optional Friday afternoon field project on October 28th for those who are interested in a hands-on field experience

$35 Enrollment fee* includes:

  • A full day of presentations by local experts in conservation, biodiversity, land management, and more.
  • An optional group stewardship project in one of the Jeffco Open Space Parks.
  • One-year full membership in PLAN Jeffco.
  • An intimate connection to the original founders of PLAN Jeffco and the Open Space program, as well as the opportunity to meet and greet the current PLAN Jeffco Board Members and possibly, become a Board Member yourself!

Enroll now. Download planned curriculum HERE.

STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY POSTPONED

Connect to PayPal to make your reservation,

or download this form, fill it out, and mail with your check for $35 to

PLAN Jeffco

11010 West 29th Avenue

Lakewood, CO 80215

Unsure about whether or not you want to participate in this Stewardship Academy? Not able to make it this time because of conflicts? No problem – sign up and we’ll keep you informed about future Academies as we roll them out.

 

*limited scholarship available upon request. Contact ac*****@********co.org for more information.

September 2022 Newsletter

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Inside this issue: Stewardship Academy 2022; Conservation Awards; South Table Solar; Mt. Tom Conservation Area; Forest Management; Courtesy Signs; OSAC Notes

Download your copy of the September 2022 newsletter here

SLASH collection site

SLASH Collections 2022 – Just A Few More Weeks!

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SLASH collection site

Don’t waste this opportunity!

SLASH collections are winding down. Oct 6th through Oct 9th, SLASH will be at the Rainbow Hills Foothills Fire Station, 28812 Rainbow Hill Road, Golden.

SLASH will wind up the season at Blue Mountain Open Space, 1.5 miles west of the intersection of Coal Creek Canyon Rd (Hwy-72) and Hwy-93. SLASH will be at Blue Mountain every  Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday until November 6th, 2022.

Don’t waste this opportunity, get rid of that stuff that’s been hanging around the house!

What is SLASH?

Slash is debris from nature, such as tree limbs, prunings and pine needles. If not removed, slash can add to potential fire hazards on your property. The importance of mitigating and preparing your property for wildfire cannot be overstated – and again this year, Jefferson County is your partner in this effort. Following is the proposed schedule for SLASH collection during the Summer and Fall of 2022.

Not sure what qualifies as SLASH? Check below for what is acceptable and what’s not.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. This posting will not be automatically updated if/when the schedule changes, so click the More Details link for the location/day you plan to contribute to the SLASH pile in your area to ensure they’ll be waiting for you.

SLASH Collection Calendar for Summer & Fall 2022

Slash Collection at Beaver Ranch Park

@ Beaver Ranch Park, 11369 South Foxton Road, Conifer, CO 80433

June 2, 2022, 9:00 AM - June 5, 2022, 4:00 PM

June 9, 2022, 9:00 AM - June 12, 2022, 4:00 PM

June 16, 2022, 9:00 AM - June 19, 2022, 4:00 PM

June 23, 2022, 9:00 AM - June 26, 2022, 4:00 PM

More Details

 

Slash Collection at Shaffer’s Crossing Aggregate Pile Site

@ Shaffer’s Crossing Road & Bridge Aggregate Pile Site – located at the intersection of Hwy 285 and Elk Creek Road, 12996 S Elk Creek Rd, Pine, CO 80433

July 1, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 3, 2022, 4:00 PM

July 8, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 10, 2022, 4:00 PM

July 15, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 17, 2022, 4:00 PM

July 22, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 24, 2022, 4:00 PM

More Details

 

Slash Collection at Settlers Drive Property

@ Settlers Drive Property, 8335 Settlers Drive, Morrison, CO 80465

July 28, 2022, 9:00 AM - July 31, 2022, 4:00 AM

August 4, 2022, 9:00 AM - August 7, 2022, 4:00 AM

August 11, 2022, 9:00 AM - August 14, 2022, 4:00 AM

More Details

 

Slash Collection at Marshdale Property

@ Marshdale Property is located near the intersection of Cty Rd 73 and N Turkey Creek Road, across the street from Marshdale Elementary School. 26624 N Turkey Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439

August 18, 2022, 9:00 AM - August 21, 2022, 4:00 PM

August 25, 2022, 9:00 AM - August 28, 2022, 4:00 PM

September 1, 2022, 9:00 AM - September 4, 2022, 4:00 PM

More Details

 

Slash Collection at Tin Cup Ridge Park (Rooney Rd)

@ Slash collection at Tin Cup Ridge Park is located just south of the Rooney Road Sports Complex. 151 S Rooney Rd, Golden, CO 80401

September 8, 2022, 9:00 AM - September 11, 2022, 4:00 PM

September 15, 2022, 9:00 AM - September 18, 2022, 4:00 PM

September 22, 2022, 9:00 AM - September 25, 2022, 4:00 PM

September 29, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 2, 2022, 4:00 PM

More Details

 

Slash Collection at Foothills Fire Dept, Rainbow Hills

@ Foothills Fire Dept, Rainbow Hills Station, 28812 Rainbow Hill Rd, Golden, CO 80439

October 6, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 9, 2022, 4:00 PM

More Details

 

Slash Collection at Blue Mountain Open Space

@ Blue Mountain Open Space – This site is located approximately 1.5 miles west from the intersection of Coal Creek Canyon Road (Highway 72) and Highway 93. 23401 Coal Creek Canyon Road, Arvada, CO 80007

October 13, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 16, 2022, 4:00 PM

October 20, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 23, 2022, 4:00 PM

October 27, 2022, 9:00 AM - October 30, 2022, 4:00 PM

November 3, 2022, 9:00 AM - November 6, 2022, 4:00 PM

More Details

 

What is accepted?

Slash – limbs, branches and tree debris

Maximum length – 8 feet

Maximum diameter – 6 inches

Pine needles, tree bark and pine cones (unbagged)

 

What is NOT accepted?

Household trash

Tree stumps

Construction material and lumber

Metal material of any kind

Rocks

Yard waste/grass clippings

Bags of any kind

 

Fees for Slash Drop-off

Any size truck or trailer is welcome at Jefferson County Slash Collection sites. Dump fees are based on six cubic yards (162 cubic feet) of material: 6 yards = 1 load. The cost to drop off a single load is $20. Credit cards only.

This is equivalent to:

Truck bed full to truck cab height

Trailer up to 8′ l x 5′ w x 4′ h

Loads outside these parameters will be charged accordingly.

 

Miss Mountain Manners wants you to know that this is a public service announcement, and urges you to safeguard your home; fire season is year-round now. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to clear out the flammable slash before it’s too late.

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco

2020-2025 Conservation Greenprint

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Nearly a year ago this article on the The Conservation Greenprint, the guideline by which JeffCo Open Space directs its parks and trails management and administration, was posted. It’s time to take a look at it again, and see what’s been accomplished, and what still needs to be done.

If you’re a frequent Open Space Park Visitor, maybe you’ve noticed there have been quite a few changes lately.  If you’ve ever wondered why, and what’s happening to the Parks, here’s your chance to find out. There’s a document called The Jefferson County Open Space 2020-2025 Conservation Greenprint that lays out what the goals are for the next half-decade.

The Conservation Greenprint is part of a set of documents called the Jeffco Open Space 2020 – 2025 Conservation Greenprint References, which you can peruse by clicking here.

We have a summary copy of the Conservation Greenprint in our Library, which you can read and download by clicking here.

While you’re in reading mode, we also have downloadable copies of the Jeffco Open Space 2020 Preservation Progress Annual Report and the Dinosaur Ridge Master Plan 2019 in our Library — so stop and by and have a read!

Subscribe, share, follow us at @PLANJeffco, @MannersMountain, Facebook.com/PLANJeffco — we appreciate your support!

Miss Mountain Manners-PLAN Jeffco