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Ouray County Newsletter
November 2023
Connecting Ouray County Government with Ouray County
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2023 Coordinated Election Unofficial Results
You can view the unofficial election results at the following links:
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ATTENTION: County Drop Boxes will be CLOSED until Thursday, Nov 16 while the 2023 Coordinated Election is closed. Please mail or drop off in-person all other County correspondence. Thank you for your patience. | |
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San Miguel Power Association (SMPA) needs to replace critical equipment in the Dallas Creek substation. This work will require power in the Town of Ridgway to be turned off, overnight, from 10:00 PM, November 15th, to 2:00 AM November 16th. The replacement equipment will help improve safety and power reliability in the area.
Please make whatever arrangements are necessary to be ready for this overnight outage. If you have questions or concerns, please call 970-626-5549 or visit www.smpa.com.
When: Wednesday, November 15th, 2023
Between 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM, November 16th (appx. 4 hrs.)
Area Affected: All circuits out of the Dallas Creek feeder that serves Ridgway.
Purpose: To repair transfer bus switches and replace surge arrestors too ensure reliable service in the area.
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GMUG Seeks Input on Proposed Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests’ Ouray Ranger District is seeking public comment on the draft Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan Environmental Assessment (EA).
The primary purpose of the proposed plan is to provide comprehensive management of visitors and to reduce visitor impacts for 16,200 acres within the Mt. Sneffels Wilderness and surrounding areas, including Mt. Sneffels Peak, Yankee Boy Basin, Blaine Basin and the lower East Dallas area. The draft EA includes a limited permit system for overnight and day use for Blue Lakes trail, Lower Blue Lake and Upper Blue Lake – both high alpine lakes that have seen a surge in popularity over the last decade. Other key features of the plan include proponents addressing visitor impacts to the area for camping and human waste disposal.
“The goal of this plan is to have people be able to enjoy their public lands and maintain the experience they came here for,” said GMUG Ouray District Ranger Dana Gardunio. “The proposed permit system and management tools are critical to enabling us to effectively manage, restore and protect this cherished area.”
For additional questions, please contact the Ouray Ranger District at (970) 240-5300.
Learn more about the plan: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/gmug/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1012109
|  | Thank you to all of our community members who attended the Proposed Blue Lakes Visitor Use Management Plan Open House on Monday, Nov 6. The U.S. Forest Service-Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre & Gunnison National Forests (GMUG) provided a great presentation and we appreciate all of them being there to answer questions and clarify issues. The GMUG is requesting public input on this proposed plan through 12/3/2023 11:59:59 PM (MST). | |
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Ouray County Master Plan Update Moves Forward
The Ouray County Planning Commission has been busy in the 'data gathering' phase of their review and update of the Master Plan. In October a work session was conducted with representatives from the City of Ouray and Town of Ridgway to better understand their plan and capacity for growth. On November 7th a work session will be held (note 2:00 - 4:00pm) to discuss the data gathered from the City and the Town and to prepare for a work session with the BOCC. On November 14th the Planning Commission will meet at the 4-H Event Center (1:30pm) for their work session with the BOCC. The purpose of the work session is to update the Board on the progress of the project and to lay out work planned for early 2024. The Planning Commission's final work session on the Master Plan in 2023 will be December 5th, 1:00pm. The purpose of this work session will be to meet with representatives from Dallas Creek Water Co, and Tri-County Water to understand their ability to serve potential future development and to plan out work sessions and objectives for early 2024. Public participation at these work sessions is strongly encouraged and welcome!
Save the date for these upcoming Master Plan Update meetings.
November 14, 1:30pm, Event Center - Joint work session with BOCC.
December 5, time tbd, Land Use - Work Session
Check out the Master Plan Update website for more information.
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Watch the meeting: The Planning Commission recently held a work session to discuss an update to the County Master Plan. The purpose of this work session was to meet with representatives from the Town of Ridgway and the City of Ouray and discuss anticipated growth and capacity for growth. | |
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Special Message from
Sheriff Perry
Happy fall to everyone!
As summer has wound down and we’re now seeing white capped mountains, it is more important now than ever to be prepared for winter driving. This is a great time to ensure your vehicle is winter ready with tires and maintenance, and that you are personally prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw as you drive. It is always good practice to have an emergency kit in your vehicle, with essentials to keep you safe in case of a breakdown or other vehicular complications. You can keep up to date with alerts and road reports through COtrip.org, and you can always checkout our Facebook & Instagram where we’ll update you on critical information regarding incidents happening throughout the County. And if you have not done so yet, please sign-up for Ouray County Alerts & WENS (Wireless Emergency Notification System) messages at ouraycountyco.gov to receive important public messages via phone, email and text.
As a reminder to everyone, scanner apps only provide information that dispatch sends to our first responders. This information is incomplete, and the only way to get real updated information regarding an incident is through the agency handling the response. We’ve noticed many messages being sent out by members of the public with alerts as they’ve heard on a scanner or mobile apps. The information sent out is often very incomplete and does not contain updated and valid information. Please refer to our Facebook and Instagram for updated information on incidents, and never hesitate to call us with questions: 970-325-7272
Thank you all, and have a great rest of the fall and safe driving this winter!
Justin Perry, Ouray County Sheriff
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Fighting Fentanyl
One Pill Can Kill
"The drug overdose and fentanyl poisoning crisis is a clear and present public safety, health, and national security threat" - Drug Enforcement Administration
Did you know:
- Fentanyl is 50x more potent than heroin, and 100x more potent than morphine?
- 1 person dies every 5 minutes from a fentanyl overdose
- The amount of fentanyl seized in the US in 2022 is enough to kill every American
- Illicit fentanyl is often mixed with cocaine, meth, heroin and even marijuana
- 2mg of fentanyl is considered lethal (see below image)
- Illicit fentanyl killed nearly 1000 people in Colorado in 2022
Illicit fentanyl distribution and overdose is a real issue affecting even our part of Colorado. Investigator Chism, and deputies Wallace and Pickle attended training recently on fighting fentanyl, presented by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Learn more: https://www.dea.gov/resources/facts-about-fentanyl
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Keep up to date on Backcountry Forecasts
The CAIC daily avalanche danger forecasts have begun for the 23/24 season. You can find the latest information via colorado.gov/avalanche or by downloading the mobile app by searching CAIC in the google or iphone app stores.
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Are you prepared for Winter Driving?
Do you carry an emergency kit in your vehicle? Here's a list of common things you should have in your vehicle, especially during winter:
- Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow
- Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Gallon jug of water
- First aid kit and essential medications
- Tire chains and tow strap
- Jumper cables
- Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists
- Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts
As we move into the snowy and wintery season, it's good to freshen up on some winter driving tips:
- Take a little extra time to clear your car of snow and ice before leaving for your destination.
- There are three actions you do most when you drive: accelerate, turn, and brake. In winter weather, you should only do one of those actions at a time. Attempting more than one of these actions at once can cause slide-outs, spin-outs, and other harmful scenarios.
- When traveling downhill, if possible, switch to a lower gear, and gently tap your brakes. This helps to avoid burning your brakes, and in winter weather, it helps keep traction.
- Keep momentum when traveling uphill to avoid getting stuck.
- When driving at night, keep your headlight beams low. High beams can amplify the appearance of snow and lead to decreased visibility.
- Slow down – driving too fast for conditions causes most crashes.
- If you encounter a multi-car collision, stay in your car. You’re safer in your car than outside of it.
- Follow Colorado’s Left Lane Law. No matter the season, keep right except to pass.
- Signage is your best friend – look ahead and plan ahead for abrupt turns or stops.
- Always wear your seat belt.
- Never drive impaired
Be sure to check weather conditions before you head out! COTrip.org provides interactive maps and cameras so you can see what road conditions are like where you're traveling.
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Ouray County Alerts is used to communicate critical public safety topics including evacuations, wildfire, flooding, and other emergency notifications. All residents, visitors, and family members living in Ouray County (including the City of Ouray and Town of Ridgway) are encouraged to sign up for alerts. You can register HERE
During the registration process, you can choose the types of alerts you receive and how to receive them, including landline phone, cell phone, text/SMS message, and email.
View our FAQs
Already Registered? Log-in HERE
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2023-2024 Colorado Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) opens for Ouray County residents November 1
Visit the LEAP website or contact Ouray County Social Services for more information - 970-626-2299
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CARE PROGRAM
Income Qualified Weatherization Program
This program is sponsored by our local electric provider, San Miguel Power Association, in partnership with Energy Outreach Colorado and Black Hills Energy. The program is for low to middle income households. This is provided at no cost to participating households. EcoAction Partners provides an energy assessment and free energy efficiency upgrades that MAY include furnace/boiler replacement for older units, a new Energy Star refrigerator, attic, floor, and wall insulation, LED bulb replacement, and more. Once the home has completed the Weatherization Program, participants are eligible for a subscription to energy generated by the new CARE Program Solar Array in Norwood in the form of a free credit on your electricity bill.
Learn more HERE
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On the Road with Road & Bridge! | |
Crews recently installed delineator posts on CR-1 to help define the road boundaries for drivers and snowplows during winter storms. | |
Crews have been busy doing equipment maintenance and grading roads around the County. | |
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Asphalt patching on CR-1 is scheduled to be completed November 14 (weather dependent).
One lane will be open at all times - please be prepared for flaggers and workers.
Give us a call if you have any questions! 970-626-5391
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What's new with Public Health | |
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Watch the November Public Health Update
Follow Public Health on Facebook
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Protect yourself and others this upcoming season! Schedule your Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine TODAY! Call our office to schedule and appointment:
970-325-4670
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Flu Symptoms
Influenza (flu) can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who have flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:
- fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.
More information is available at Flu and COVID-19 symptoms.
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Do you need help dealing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, IRS, Social Security Administration, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or another federal agency? Do you have a suggestion for Congress that will help your family or community? If so, then I invite you to speak one-on-one with a member of our staff during upcoming office hours.
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Ridgway Town Hall/ Community Center
201 North Railroad Street
Ridgway, CO 81432
Coloradans who live in Ouray County are encouraged to schedule an appointment with John Whitney, our Western Slope Regional Director, by emailing john_whitney@bennet.senate.gov or calling 970-903-4467.
Please include your name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the issue you want to address, as this will help him assist you. If you are already working with someone in our office, please include that information in your email, as well.
You do not need to wait for these office hours to reach out to any of our offices for help. Please call our offices at any time to share your opinions or ask for assistance.
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National Visitor Use Monitoring Program Survey to be Conducted on the GMUG
The Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests announce the National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) program to be conducted on the GMUG. The NVUM program survey is a program specifically designed to estimate the amount of outdoor recreation that occurs on National Forests. Each forest is surveyed every five years. The survey began at the beginning of October and will run through Sept. 30, 2024.
NVUM program has two main objectives: providing accurate estimates of recreational visits to National Forests and Grasslands and producing descriptive information related to such visits, including activities, demographics, duration, satisfaction levels and trip expenses. The information gathered is useful for forest planning and management at the local, regional and national scales. The survey gathers basic visitor use information and provides National Forest managers with an estimate of how many people actually recreate on the National Forest and what activities they engage in during their visit.
Contract employees will be conducting surveys of recreation visitors on the GMUG at both developed and dispersed recreation sites and traveling along roads. These employees will be working in all types of weather and will be easily identifiable by their bright orange vests. Signs will also be posted in the area to indicate the presence of a traffic survey. It is important to note that all surveys are voluntary and the responses will be confidential. Names will not be included. The interviews last around 10 minutes and will cover topics such as where the visitor recreated on the forest, how many people were with them, how long they stayed, what other recreation sites they visited during their stay and how satisfied they were with the facilities and services provided. Approximately one third of the visitors surveyed will also be asked to complete a confidential survey on their recreational spending during their trip. This will help assess the economic impact of recreational activities on the local economy.
“Although the survey is entirely voluntary, participation is extremely important so we can assess visitor use of the Forest and strive to make it a better place to visit,” said Ken Straley, Forest Recreation Program Manager for the GMUG. “We would appreciate it if visitors would pull over and answer a few questions. It’s important for interviewers to talk with local people using the forest, as well as visitors from other areas, so all types of visitors are represented in the study.”
National Visitor Use Monitoring program information can be found here.
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Herd Management Plans for deer in CPW's Southwest Region now open to public comment through Dec. 15
The Southwest Region of Colorado Parks and Wildlife has published its proposed Herd Management Plans (HMPs) for 14 mule deer herds in southwest Colorado.
The public now has a window to provide comments on the proposed objectives set by CPW biologists. The draft plans are open to public review and comment through Dec. 15.
“Public feedback on our herd management plans is critical, as we manage these herds in the best interests of all Coloradans,” said CPW Senior Wildlife Biologist Jamin Grigg. “Our Herd Management Plans dictate how our deer herds in the region will be managed for a 10-year period, so it’s crucial for us to hear if people prefer specific alternatives or if their experience of what they see on the ground differs from that of our biologists.”
The new deer HMPs for the region were drafted after public engagement efforts were conducted throughout the summer.
Learn more on CPW's website.
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Christmas Tree Permits Available to Purchase
Christmas tree permits for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests will be available to purchase over the counter and online through Recreation.gov beginning Nov. 9, 2023. Details about designated cutting areas, cutting dates and types of trees that may be cut can be found here.
The Forest Service will continue offering online permit sales through Recreation.gov for the 2023 season. In person transactions may be available depending upon the ranger district. For more information on office hours and vendor options, visit our website.
To purchase a Christmas tree permit, visit Recreation.gov and search for Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests Christmas Tree Permits. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information before purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.
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From left: Home Trust Executive Director Andrea Sokolowski, Ouray County Commissioner Michelle Nauer, Katie O'Leary, Patrick O'Leary (he and wife Marti donated the land for the property), Ouray County Commissioner Jake Niece, NuVista Credit Union CEO, BJ Coram (lenders that made this project possible), Housing Development Specialist at Division of Housing - Olivia Cook, Ridgway Town Manager Preston Neill. | |
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Ouray County
Weed of the Month
Chinese Clematis
Chinese Clematis causes these effects in the environment:
• Chokes out and kills trees and shrubs
• The juice of crushed leaves and stems causes blisters
• Out-competes native vegetation by smothering it
• Dominates groundcover which leads to more erosion
• Leads to declines in native plants, and declines in native animals
• Decreases the amount of tree cover
Weed control is a community effort!
Please do your part to keep Ouray County
vegetation native, and protect wildlife and livestock.
See the Ouray County Vegetation Management website for an identification tool, to help you identify all weeds of concern in Ouray County.
For questions about noxious weeds, please contact Julie Kolb, Ouray County Vegetation Manager: jkolb@ourayco.gov
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How to Identify Chinese Clematis
• Single yellow flowers with 4 small petals about 1 inch long
• Seedheads are fluffy white and look like “pom- pom” clusters
• Leaves opposite
• Is a perennial (grows back year after year)
• Peak bud production July through October
• Seeds viable about 8 years
• Seeds are spread through wind, animals and contaminated hay
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Board of County Commissioner and Planning Commission
meeting agendas, packets and Zoom credentials are available on our website. Schedules often change so it is best to double check our website for current updates/changes.
Did you miss a meeting and want to know what happened? Recorded BOCC meetings and work sessions are available to watch on our website!
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