Monthly Voice
February 2019
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In This Issue
Executive Director's Corner
Club 20 Member Satisfaction Survey
Club 20 How To?
How to get an item on a policy meeting agenda
2019 Legislative Session: How To Stay Connected
Club 20: In the News
News from Around
Western Colorado
Upcoming
Club 20 Events
2019 Sponsorship Opportunities
Revisiting Voices of Rural Colorado 2019
Club 20
Blast from the Past
Corporate Spotlight
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CLUB 20
Staff & Leadership Directory
Executive Director
Membership & Communications
Director
Operations & Events
Coordinator
Board Chair
Board Chair-Elect
Immediate Past Chair
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Welcome New
Members
Corporate Gold Member
Colorado State University System
Small Business Members
Eight Mile Cattle, LLC
CLEER
Individual Members
Melanie Leaverton
Kathy Fackler
Mark Fackler
Sherry B. Johnson
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Executive Director's Corner
As of today, more than 325 bills have been introduced as the 72
nd
State Legislative Session continues. One that is of grave concern to Club 20 is SB19-042-a bill that would change how Colorado elects our President by eliminating the electoral college process and tying Colorado’s votes to the national popular vote. If you haven’t contacted your legislators to ask for a no vote on SB19-042, please do so as soon as possible. For talking points and more information, please contact Club 20 staff.
There are numerous other issues that we are evaluating and engaging on, and if you have a bill that we should take a look at please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve you, our Club 20 members, and we highly value your feedback.
Thank you again for allowing Club 20 to serve you, the Voice of Western Colorado.
Christian Reece
Executive Director
Club 20
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We need to hear from YOU!
Please Take the Club 20
Annual Survey Today
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Those that complete the survey by February 14th will be entered into a drawing, & the winner will receive one
FREE EVENT REGISTRATION
to be used in 2019 (this includes the Washington, DC trip-a value of up to $375)
Why? We actively strategize about how we can improve Club 20 membership. Input from those we serve helps us to look at improvement from all angles. Thank you in advance for sharing your voice in helping us to serve you as a Club 20 member!
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From survey respondents:
"Deciding to become a member of Club 20 was not hard. It is important to be a part of a group representing Western Colorado and to have a positive influence on policy. I need to become more involved in making that happen as well."
"It is incumbent on every member to help bring in new members. Our members are the life blood of Club 20."
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Club 20 How To?
Get An Item on a Policy Committee Agenda
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Club 20 has 9 different policy committees with two co-chairs for each committee. The co-chairs are intended to be subject matter experts and are tasked with keeping their ear to the ground to keep Club 20 staff, leadership, and members informed on the issues impacting Western Colorado. They are also responsible for forming the agenda, inviting speakers, etc. for their Winter and Summer committee meetings. Typically, co-chairs will ask for topic suggestions for the next meeting during the conclusion of their current meeting.
Example: At the Winter Transportation Committee meeting in Grand Junction this past February, co-chair Terri Binder asked the group for topic suggestions for the Summer Transportation Committee meeting to be held on July 14, 2017.
If, for some reason, a co-chair does not ask for topic suggestions, any Club 20 member can visit with that co-chair after the meeting to suggest a topic. Club 20 members can reach out to committee co-chairs and/or Club 20 staff at any time to recommend/suggest a topic for inclusion and we will do our best to include that topic on the upcoming agenda. It is important to note that committee co-chairs begin working on their agenda a month or more in advance of the meeting and often have their agendas finalized at least two weeks before the meeting.
Members can also contact staff at (970) 242-3264.
We hope this article has been informative and helps members to better understand the process of developing committee agendas. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
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2019 Legislative Session Update
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Club 20 provides updates on bill positions as the session progresses. For a full listing of the bills we have taken positions on and a list of the bills we are watching, please visit
www.club20.org.
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Photograph by Greg O'Beirne
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Representative Perry Will can be reached by email at
[email protected]
. For a full listing of Colorado legislators, you can visit our website
here.
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**
Inclusion of news stories in the Club 20 Monthly Voice newsletter is not an indication that content necessarily reflects the positions of Club 20. They are offered with the intention of informing & stimulating
discourse among our membership on timely issues.
**
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News from Around the Western Slope
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Colorado Forest & Water Alliance (COFWA): Healthy Forests Equal Water
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(L to R) Molly Pitts, Aaron Citron, Travis Smith, Mark Shea, Cindy Dozier, Chris Treese, Carole Ekarius
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We can all agree that Colorado, and the West Slope in particular, is facing challenging times with forest and watershed health. Colorado Water Congress (CWC) made forest health one of their top five priorities for 2019 as forest health is critical to watershed health.
Club 20 was asked in 2018 to be a charter member of a new alliance, Colorado Forest and Water Alliance (COFWA), modeled after a similar group in California. There are five current members: Colorado Water Congress, Colorado Timber Association, The Nature Conservancy and Watershed Health Investment Partners, and Club 20. This statewide alliance will be devoted to advocacy on behalf of the forest/watershed health nexus.
Club 20 representatives, Chris Treese (Water Committee co-chair) and Cindy Dozier (Club 20 Board chair), joined a panel at the CWC 2019 Annual Convention in Westminster on January 30
th
. The panel presented the unique niche that COFWA fills as well as reviewing the history, statement of purpose, project criteria and priorities for 2019.
Accomplishments to date include the establishment of the alliance, creation of a statement of purpose, core beliefs, and ground rules. The alliance is now identifying tasks as part of our call to action. The group is purposefully informal and small for easier decision-making and to remain nimble and responsive. Every decision requires unanimous consent. This helps us to be effective in advancing an advocacy agenda for all of Colorado with Club 20 representing rural interests.
To learn more, please plan to attend winter policy meetings and Club 20 Spring Conference.
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Under the Dome
January 2019
By Senator Bob Rankin
It looks like I’ll be moving from the Colorado House of Representatives to the Senate on January 22
nd
. All because Senator Baumgardner the current Senator representing Senate District 8 is resigning effective the 21
st
and a vacancy committee, meeting on January 2
nd
, chose me as his replacement. I’ve enjoyed six years in the house, with its 65 members, lots of turnovers every two years, members from every imaginable background and many late nights. Even in the minority for all six years, I believe that I’ve been able to make a difference for my constituents.
I’ll stay on the Joint Budget committee as its longest-serving member and only rural member. Those roles come with some special responsibilities, and I intend to be very vocal in support of education opportunities for rural kids, rural economic development, transportation, and lower health care costs.
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Across the Street, literally.
By Joyce Rankin
During our monthly meeting, as the first week of the 72
nd
legislative session began, the State Board of Education walked
across the street
to attend the
State of the State address
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Jared Polis, our new Governor, reiterated his primary education related promise. "Our top priority this session is empowering every single Colorado community to offer free, full-day kindergarten while expanding free preschool to 8,000 more Colorado children." The state already pays for kindergarten students to attend for half day classes. Many school districts offer full-day kindergarten, using district funds and parent paid tuition to pay for the additional half day. If the state agrees to pay for free full-day kindergarten for all kindergarten students in Colorado, the estimated cost will be an additional $250 million per year.
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Bark Beetle Outbreaks Expanding in Colorado
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The results of the 2018 aerial forest health survey, a collaborative effort of the Colorado State Forest Service, US Forest Service, and Rocky Mountain Region are now available.
Notable indications from the survey include:
- Approximately 178,000 acres of high-elevation Engelmann spruce were affected by spruce beetles in 2018. Primary areas impacted include forest lands in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, and portions of the San Juan Mountains, West Elk Mountains and Sawatch Range.
- Since the year 2000, spruce beetle outbreaks have caused tree mortality on more than 1.8 million acres in Colorado, and approximately 40 percent of the spruce-fir forests in the state have now been affected.
- Roundheaded pine beetle, along with associated native bark beetles, has continued to increasingly affect ponderosa pine forests in southwest Colorado. Over the past several years, populations of this insect have risen exponentially, with 27,000 acres impacted in 2018, compared to 11,000 acres in 2017. Record-warm temperatures and record-low precipitation have provided an environmental window that may continue to favor increasing beetle populations.
To obtain additional information regarding the 2018 Aerial Detection Survey, please contact Dan West, CSFS entomologist, at 970-491-7282.
Photo courtesy of Dan West, Colorado State Forest Service.
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Colorado Farm Fresh Directory Open
for Publication Submissions
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The Colorado Department of Agriculture is updating their annual publication, Colorado Farm Fresh Directory. The publication promotes CO farmer's markets, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers, agritourism activities, wineries, farms, and ranches that sell directly to the public. Deadline for submission is Feb. 15th.
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Growing Stronger Economies in our Nation's Coal Communities
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Save the date for May 1-3 in Denver, CO for a hands-on, interactive forum bringing together local/regional teams from Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana to learn more about economic diversification planning and strategies, building a diversification road-map, network with peers from across the four-state region, and engage with staff from a variety of federal agencies focused on diversification and economic resilience. Click
here
for more information.
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Looking for a New Career Role?
U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for:
Partnership Specialist (Spanish)
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Bilingual position requiring self-certification in Spanish proficiency as condition of employment. Work at home position. To be considered, applicants must reside in Delta or Mesa County.
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Upcoming Club 20 Events:
Save the Date!
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Winter Policy
Committee Meetings
Week 1: Feb. 28th & March 1st
Week 2: March 14th & 15th
Ute Water Conservancy
2190 H 1/4 Rd
Grand Junction, CO 81505
SAVE THE DATE
Policy Committee Chairs & Club 20 Members will have the opportunity to meet to hear pro-con discussions about current legislation and issues impacting the region and to evaluate new and existing policy resolutions. Club 20 Policy Committee Meetings also include presentations from subject matter experts & industry leaders.
Policy Committee Schedule:
Week 1
Feb. 28th:
Telecom
8:15am - 10:45am
Health Care
10:45am - 12:00pm &
12:30pm - 1:45pm
Business Affairs & Workforce Development
1:45pm - 5:00pm
Join us for a Cocktail Reception!
Feb. 28th, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Holiday Inn
2751 Crossroads Blvd, GJ, CO 81506
March 1st:
Transportation
9:00am - 11:30am
Tourism
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Week 2
March 14th:
Agriculture
9:00am - 11:30am
Water
12:30pm - 3:00pm
March 15th:
Public Lands & Natural Resources
9:00am - 11:30am
Energy
12:30pm - 3:00pm
Room Block:
Holiday Inn
***Corporate Silver Member***
2751 Crossroads Blvd
Grand Junction, CO 81506
(970) 424-5888
Mention Club 20 at Booking
Hotel Reservation Deadline: 2/21/19
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RSVP & Order Lunch ($5 per day)
2/14/19
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Spring Conference
April 12th & 13th
DoubleTree Hotel
743 Horizon Dr
Grand Junction, CO 81506
SAVE THE DATE
Club 20 facilitates two days of event-filled agenda items which include:
- Executive Committee meetings where Club 20 leadership delivers annual reports
- Presentations regarding legislative session work
- Presentations from area industry leaders on matters which impact the Club 20 region
- Reports from Policy Committee Chairs
- Club 20 Annual Awards Banquet
A discounted room rate has been set up at the Double Tree Hotel for $99.
Room Block: Double Tree
743 Horizon Dr.
Grand Junction, CO 81506
TC: 970-241-8888
Hotel Reservation Deadline: 3/22/19
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Additional lodging accommodations are available at:
Holiday Inn Grand Junction
***Corporate Silver Member***
2751 Crossroads Blvd
Grand Junction, CO 81506
(970) 424-5888
Fairfield Inn & Suites
225 Main Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 242-2525
Online Group Booking Code:
One Queen - CLUCLUA
Two Queens - CLUCLUB
Hampton Inn
205 Main Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 243-3222
Online Group Booking Code:
One King or Two Queens - CLU
Springhill Suites
236 Main Street
Grand Junction, CO 81501
(970) 424-5777
Online Group Booking Code:
King - CLUCLUA
Two Queens - CLUCLUB
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Stay tuned for more details to come!
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Interested in attending Winter Policy Meetings, but can't make the trip?
Attending Winter Policy Meeting remotely may be the option for you.
Video webinar can be accessed via Zoom here:
(Meeting ID#: 839-115-5904).
To gain audio access to Winter Policy Meetings, please call this number from your phone:
Dial In #:
866-206-5935
/
303-815-1933
Conference #: 456789#
Password Pin: 3720#
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Club 20 members in 2017 pause for a group picture before embarking
for the dinner cruise on the Potomac River.
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Washington DC Fly-In,
May 21-23, 2019
SAVE THE DATE
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Every other year Club 20 members have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC together in force on a strategic venture to represent the interests of Western Colorado.
In addition to meeting with national leaders to advocate together for Western Colorado interests, participants have the opportunity to enjoy a Club 20 tradition: the dinner and cruise on the Potomac!
To get a better idea of what the Washington DC trip entails, you can visit the agenda from the 2017 trip by clicking
here
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***If you are considering attending the 2019 trip, please contact Club 20 staff ASAP to share your information for a potential White House tour. We must submit all participant's contact info no later than 3 months in advance. ***
Stay tuned for more details to come!
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Lodging: Hyatt Place
33 New York Avenue, NE
Washington DC, 20002
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***Dates Subject to Change***
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2019 Sponsorship Opportunities
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The success of Club 20 Events are largely due to the generous sponsorship from those members who believe in the organization's mission of bringing together interested citizens, community leaders, and subject matter experts to discuss relevant matters which impact Western Colorado.
Please take a look at all available sponsorship opportunities for 2019 and consider helping us to make your Club 20 events AMAZING in 2019!
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Revisiting Voices of Rural Colorado
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Even though the location of Voices of Rural Colorado changed this year due to construction taking place in the Supreme Court Chambers at the Capitol, a major highlight of the event is that our newly elected officials made it a point to visit attendees in person and share their thoughts at the beginning of their terms.
The robust turnout of approximately 100 rural advocates from around the state during winter storms was met with 2 packed days of learning on health care, water, broadband, & mental health.
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Club 20 Blast from the Past
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An article in the Club 20 Explorer in August 1979 spotlights the organization's dedication to voicing rural advocacy of water rights and providing a format where stakeholders in water can voice matters related to this precious resource.
John Vanderhoof, Club 20's chair at the time, stated that "the convention represents an opportunity for the citizens of this state to establish a water policy and demonstrate support of it to the elected officials."
See the entire article in pdf format by clicking the button below.
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2019 Platinum Corporate Member Spotlight:
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Chevron’s Rangely operation is one of
Colorado’s longest producing oil fields
by Cary Baird
Chevron has a long, robust history which began when a group of explorers and merchants established the Pacific Coast Oil Company on September 10, 1879. The company’s holdings in Colorado have played an important role in Chevron’s growth to become one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world. And Chevron’s Rangely Field is one of the oldest and longest producing in the Rocky Mountain region.
Geology
The Rangely field sits atop the Raven Park Anticline which is located on the far northeastern flank of the Uinta Basin, an ancient inland seaway. The anticline has about 950 feet of structural closure. The Weber (Wee-bur) sandstone thickness averages 700 feet and net productive reservoir thickness varies from 50 to 400 feet thick across the structure. It is the principal reservoir, accounting for the bulk of the field’s production. Sitting at 5,500 to 6,500 feet below the surface—itself at a current-day elevation of 5,300 feet, the Weber is 245-315 million years old and consists of layered fine-grained sandstones deposited in inter-fingered wind-blown and fluvial environments. The unit area covers nearly 20,000 acres in a 4-½ by 10 mile area.
The formation is overlain by other sedimentary units, including the Mancos shale, followed by the Dakota, Morrison, Curtis, Entrada, Carmel, Navajo, Chinle, Shinarump, Moenkopi and Park City formations.
Oil Discoveries
Oil seeps were reported at Raven Park in 1878, and oil was discovered in 1901 in the Mancos shale. The Dakota sandstone was explored in 1924-1928. The Raven A-1 well, drilled in 1933, is credited as the discovery well for the oil reservoir within the Weber sandstone. The well was capped due to poor oil markets during the Depression, but as energy demands of World War II increased the nation’s need for oil, production from the well started in 1943.
A second deep well was drilled in April 1944, and numerous rigs soon began working in the area. In 1948 Chevron built a refinery in Salt Lake City to be the primary recipient of their Rangely crude and supplied it via a 126-mile pipeline. By 1949, the Rangely field contained 478 wells. Production peaked in May 1956 at 82,000 barrels of oil per day.
As production continued, the reservoir pressure began its inevitable drop. In recognition of this, in 1950 operators began re-injecting their produced hydrocarbon gas (for which no market then existed), attempting to slow that pressure decline. The field was unitized in 1957 so that water could be injected to offset the pressure decline and increase oil recovery. By 1959 Chevron, the designated unit operator, had installed a water flood program which quickly expanded fieldwide, and which continued through the late 1980s. In addition, infill drilling to expand water injection and to reduce well spacing to 20-acre patterns began in 1963. Production climbed steadily again, to peak at 58,000 barrels of oil per day in December 1973.
In 1986, Chevron initiated a tertiary recovery program using carbon dioxide (CO2) injection to recover additional oil left behind after waterflood. The CO2 acts like a solvent to wash the oil off the rock in the reservoir and improve the recovery of oil. Water and carbon dioxide flooding are also known as enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
The program expanded in phases through 1990. The result of this program has been to flatten normal production declines dramatically and further extend the economic and operating life of the field in ways that no one could have anticipated in 1933. EOR development has been further expanded into peripheral areas originally considered marginal for EOR investment and via targeted infill drilling. Since 2015, increasing use has been made of automation, new control systems and data analytics to further improve the performance of the CO2 flood, and of the field overall.
Over the years, Chevron has become an integral part of the town of Rangely. The company’s social investment program has benefitted numerous community organizations. In 2018, the company contributed $75,000 to Rangely Schools for the purchase of Chromebooks for all students. Colorado Northwestern Community College, which plays an important role in the region’s educational picture, has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships thanks to Chevron donations. The CNCC chemistry laboratory is named for Chevron because of the company’s focus on the sciences. Other recipients of Chevron funds include The Tank, Meals on Wheels, the Rangely Outdoor Museum, the food bank, the Rangely Human Resource Council, the fire and law enforcement services in Rangely and Rio Blanco County, Rangely Victim Services, and Western Rio Blanco Recreation and Parks.
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Thank you Winter Policy Meeting Sponsors!
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Policy Committee Sponsors
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