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Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative
Monthly Update | July 2021
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Cross-boundary efforts among RMRI Partners are taking shape in the RMRI-Southwest landscape. The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, for example, is currently working with the Colorado State Forest Service on the Adams Ranch and Cherry Creek Units. This work is complimented by ongoing projects on the San Juan National Forest in the adjacent area. Cross-boundary efforts are also ramping up around Durango among the Southwest Wildfire Impact Fund (SWIF), the City of Durango, La Plata County, the San Juan National Forest and the Southwest Conservation Corp. The Biomass Utilization Subcommittee is exploring mass timber opportunities in Colorado while the Governance Subcommittee drills down on a process to better support RMRI Partners. |
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NWTF hiring RMRI coordinator RMRI
The National Wild Turkey Federation will soon hire an RMRI Coordinator to act on behalf of the NWTF to coordinate landscape and watershed level initiatives. The goal is to have the position filled by September 2021.
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NWTF unveils new brand RMRI
Several years ago, the National Wild Turkey Federation embarked on an effort to improve its brand to be attractive to a younger, more diverse membership, and increase its ability to better tout the great work of the NWTF. As a result, they gathered input from members, volunteers and partners, collected research and developed a brand evolution strategy. The links below will help explain the “why” behind the NWTF brand evolution and give you a glimpse at the NWTF new look, tone and feel.
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The Nature Conservancy releases wildfire resilience funding report RMRI
A new report by the Nature Conservancy highlights a needed paradigm shift to address immediate wildfire resilience across the United States. More…
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Director's Report: Outdoor Recreation Industry Office (OREC) RMRI
Fiscal Year 2020-2021 milestones include OREC being tasked to serve as the outdoor recreation lead for RMRI. The OREC Office specifically supports RMRI’s marquee project in Southwest Colorado working to establish a feasible process for creating ecologically resilient landscapes, supporting local livelihoods and allowing communities to live and recreate safely with wildfire. More…
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Adams Ranch Fuels Reduction and Bark Beetle Sanitation/Salvage RMRI-SW
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is currently working with the Colorado State Forest Service on the Adams Ranch and Cherry Creek Units. This project has been identified by stakeholders as a high-priority area for RMRI-SW. It includes active fuels reduction work on both sides of the boundary. It is designed to reduce fire hazard by reducing fuel loads on forested ranch lands; improve stand vigor of residual ponderosa pines; and salvage wood products. While beetle activity on the Adams Ranch has consisted of small pockets of infestation, substantial outbreaks to the south and west pointed to the need for treatment activities. Three units totaling 123 acres were marked, and operations began in November 2020. It is anticipated the project will be completed in the fall of 2021. Funding is from the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs. The scope of work meets fuels treatment requirements per the Reserved Treaty Rights Lands (RTRL) Plan. This work is complimented by ongoing projects on the San Juan National Forest in the adjacent area.
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RMRI Partners ramp up efforts around Durango RMRI-SW
Southwest Wildfire Impact Fund, the City of Durango and La Plata County are focusing a pilot on the upper Florida and two watersheds west of Durango. Complimenting this work, the San Juan National Forest has been working with partners from the Southwest Conservation Corp as well as private forestry contractors to implement fuels management and timber projects in the priority RMRI priority area around Durango. In addition, the SJNF and Colorado State Forest Service are working in tandem to award a 120-acre Good Neighbor Authority project in the Upper Florida watershed that will work to improve forest health and minimize fire impacts to the watershed and nearby communities and recreation infrastructure.
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BLM Durango mitigation work RMRI-SW
The city of Durango received additional funding from the Bureau of Land Management to mitigate more land this year. The city is working with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control on the additional treatments in the wildland/urban interface (WUI).
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Mike Preston earns Diane Hoppe Leadership Award RMRI-SW
Mike Preston will be recognized with the Diane Hoppe Leadership Award at Water Education Colorado's Annual President's Reception. Michael Preston is an RMRI Partner and RMRI SW CO Steering Committee member. He is also the retired general manager of the Dolores Water Conservancy District.
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SWCD hires new general manager SOUTHWEST
The Southwestern Water Conservation District recently announced the hiring of its newest General Manager, Steven W. Wolff. Wolff is currently Administrator of the Interstate Streams Division within Wyoming’s State Engineer’s Office in Cheyenne. SWCD was created by the Colorado legislature 80 years ago to protect, conserve, and develop the water resources of the San Juan and Dolores River basins.
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Recreation up among Americans
The 2021 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, commissioned by the Outdoor Foundation, reveals that in 2020, 53% of Americans ages 6 and over participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record. Remarkably, 7.1 million more Americans participated in outdoor recreation in 2020 than in 2019.
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Forest ambassador program shows positive impact on San Juan Mountains
With support from the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative and Great Outdoors Colorado, San Juan Mountains Association’s forest ambassadors have increased the number of “boots on the ground” during the busiest months of the year to help protect some of Southwest Colorado’s most treasured public lands. More…
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The future outdoor recreation economy
The Outdoor Recreation Industry Office’s (OREC) 2018 Colorado Outdoor Rx report states that Colorado has “one of the largest and fastest-growing outdoor economies in the country,” and possess “an unprecedented opportunity to improve people’s health through nature-based recreation.” Additionally, a new report produced by Headwaters Economics highlights the many ways that communities across the country benefit from increased investment in outdoor recreation.
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USDA Invests $307 million in rural water and wastewater infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue up to $307 million in grants and low-interest loans in an effort to modernize rural water infrastructure. Improvements will target 34 states, including Colorado. More…
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Governor declares state drought emergency for Western Colorado
Governor Jared Polis has formally declared a drought emergency for western Colorado as counties continue to face evolving impacts and water shortages from a multi-year, severe drought episode affecting industries and citizens. The drought emergency is declared for the following counties experiencing severe (D2) to exceptional (D4) drought conditions: Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Rio Blanco, Grand, Garfield, Eagle, Summit, Mesa, Delta, Pitkin, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, San Juan, Hinsdale, Dolores, Montezuma, La Plata, and Archuleta. More…
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New York Times focuses on aftermath of fires in Colorado
When wildfires blaze across the West, as they have with increasing ferocity as the region has warmed, the focus is often on the immediate devastation — forests destroyed, infrastructure damaged, homes burned, lives lost. About two-thirds of drinking water in the United States originates in forests. And when wildfires affect watersheds, cities can face a different kind of impact, long after the flames are out. More…
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Governance
The subcommittee continues work on building a process for Partners to request RMRI support for a policy or measure. Support would include an official RMRI endorsement and support letter. Some RMRI Partners, however, may have to withhold support to avoid federal Hatch Act violations. The next step will be in addressing the issue with the RMRI Stakeholder Group. If you are interested in joining the conversation, or if you would like to join the subcommittee, email Tara Umphries at [email protected].
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Biomass Utilization
The subcommittee is exploring mass timber opportunities in Colorado. As more construction occurs in Denver, there is an opportunity to promote mass timber by communicating how mass timber improves forest management and reduces carbon outputs. Integrating building and fire codes that accept mass timber is no longer the barrier that it once was. Code officials across the world have helped develop codes that are accepting of mass timber construction. Denver modified their building codes for the use of mass timber in building construction. See June 17 meeting notes.
According to the subcommittee, there were 92 applications submitted for the most recent round of the Forest Restoration Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) grants, and 85 of those projects were eligible for funding. The number of applications demonstrates the continued need for forest management. In related news, Colorado recently passed SB21-258, the Wildfire Risk Mitigation bill, which increased the annual appropriation to the Forest Restoration Wildfire Risk Mitigation (FRWRM) grants to $8.0 million. This will help expand the size of projects and opportunities for biomass utilization. In addition, federal lands adjacent to private and state lands are now eligible for FRWRM funding. Applicants should talk with Molly Pitts, Colorado Timber Industry Association (CTIA), and Tim Reader about opportunities for biomass utilization plans for eligible projects. See June 17 meeting notes.
The subcommittee will finalize its biomass fact sheet at the next subcommittee meeting,
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Social License
The subcommittee finalized its key messaging—a culmination of ongoing collaboration. The document—staged on the Social License webpage—is a living document and will change as circumstances dictate.
The subcommittee is now developing infographics that can be edited and localized at the landscape level.
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Communications
Marketing and design team, The Truth, have completed work on the RMRI branding strategy. The Truth has finalizing a branding guide to include graphics and logos. They will host a presentation on how to use the brand and logo. Presentation date to be determined. The presentation will be recorded and posted to the RMRI website. RMRI Partners are encouraged to take an active posture in using the RMRI brand when designing and developing all brand collateral, outreach, and marketing communication materials. The RMRI Communications Subcommittee will ensure all RMRI Partners have access to these materials, RMRI Partners can then use these materials, for example, on letterhead, presentations and their respective websites.
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RMRI Social License Subcommittee: RMRI invites you to the next RMRI Social License Meeting via Zoom Aug. 2, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Request to join the meeting at [email protected]. Past meeting summaries here.
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RMRI Biomass Utilization Subcommittee: RMRI invites you to the next RMRI Biomass Utilization Meeting via Zoom Aug. 10, from 9-11 a.m. Request to join the meeting at [email protected]. Past meeting summaries here.
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Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference: The Colorado Water Congress Summer Conference and Membership Meeting takes place annually, in August, for two and a half days at a Colorado resort location. The 2021 conference will be in Steamboat at the Steamboat Grand, Aug. 24-Aug. 26. More…
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RMRI LT & Partnership Meeting (In-Person/Virtual): The next RMRI Leadership Team & Partnership meeting is scheduled for Aug. 31-Sept. 1 in Durango.
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Colorado Wildland Fire Conference: In-person event Sept. 21-23 in Grand Junction. For more, and to register, visit www.wildfire-colorado.com.
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Colorado Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit: The annual Colorado Outdoor Industry Leadership Summit (COILS) is a two-day event of networking, idea sharing, and expert discussions to build and sustain the outdoor industry in Colorado. summit will be held on October 7 and 8, 2021 in Crested Butte. More…
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Innovations in Forest Operations & Biomass Utilization in the Southwest Workshop: Sponsored by the USDA Wood Innovations program and the Southwest Ecological Restoration Institutes, this is a sequel to the virtual wood innovations seminar back in March. New in November will be optional lumber drying course and a session on USDA Wood Innovations grants and economic assistance programs immediately preceding our workshop. Workshop held Nov. 16-18, 2021, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. More…
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The Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund Projects bill includes funding for a variety of CWCB programs and projects including satellite monitoring systems, the floodplain map modernization program, weather modification permitting, and funding for Water Education Colorado, among other programs.
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The law will provide $20 million in state stimulus funding towards the Colorado Water Plan, the state’s collaborative framework for addressing water challenges. Of the funding from the bill, $15 million is directed from the state’s General Fund to the Water Plan Grant Program for statewide goals, and $5 million is directed to local water projects recommended by each of the state’s nine stakeholder-driven basin roundtables.
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RMRI Partner, the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office’s (OREC), is excited this program has been established. The program will offer grants to entities providing conservation, environmental, outdoor experiences and education opportunities to underserved youth and families. The Colorado Lottery will fund this initiative, phasing-in at $750,000 for this fiscal year, and reaching $3,000,000 in the following four years. More…
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The bill requires the state treasurer to repay those cash funds by transferring the following amounts from the general fund: $5 million to the small communities water and wastewater grant fund and $5 million to the off-highway vehicle recreation fund. The Colorado OHV Grant fund will have $5 million in surplus money returned to the program. Additionally, the program will receive an increase in funding of almost $2 million annually.
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The bill invests $25 million towards improving Colorado’s state parks. Specifically, it provides funding for new state park infrastructure and development, staffing and maintenance, implementation of a statewide wildlife action plan for conservation of native species, backcountry avalanche safety program support, search and rescue efforts support, and funding for the outdoor equity grant program.
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The bill directs Colorado Parks and Wildlife to create an optional, lower-cost “Keep Colorado Wild Annual Pass” to increase Coloradans’ access to our state parks and public lands. The new pass will be added when Coloradans register their passenger vehicles, light trucks, motorcycles and recreational vehicles starting in 2023.
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Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert and 16 of her colleagues introduced legislation to improve the health of our nation’s forests, remove bark beetle-killed trees, protect property, stop frivolous litigation, and prevent catastrophic wildfires. The bill would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to harvest 6 billion board feet of timber from newly designated "forest reserve revenue areas," or nearly double the volume sold across all 193 million acres of national forests last year. Total timber volumes reached a high point of a bit more than 12 billion board feet in the late 1980s.
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The proposed bipartisan and bicameral legislation, introduced by Sens. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah), would establish a commission to study wildfire-prone forests and grasslands, and recommend mitigation and management strategies.
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First introduced as stand-alone legislation, the "Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act" got tacked onto the sprawling H.R. 3684, the "INVEST in America Act," approved by the House by a 221-201 vote. The legislation, authored by Reps. Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), authorizes federal agencies to develop a national wildlife corridor system on public land, establishes a $50 million a year wildlife movement grant program and creates a corridor database, among other steps.
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SUBMISSIONS, QUESTIONS & FEEDBACK |
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If you would like your work highlighted in this monthly email update, submit to RMRI communication manager, Nathan Van Schaik, at [email protected]. Or, to discuss any communications issues or concerns, contact Nathan via email or at (720) 584-6571.
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Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative
#RestoreTheRockies
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