August,
2004. Welcome to the first 2004 edition of the Rico Alpine Society
Newsletter. Our summer has flown by, but not before continuing
our mission of support for the Rico outdoors community. With less
time than we think before the snow starts falling, we have a full
schedule of events.
Town
Cleanup: The Rico Alpine Society sponsored a town cleanup on July 31, 2004 with
special focus on the river corridor and pulling of noxious weeds.
20 volunteers showed up at 9am, gloves on, at the town maintenance
shed. Three short hours later, the 40 yard dumpster was full
and a picnic paid for by the membership was enjoyed by the participants.
Burnett
Creek: In early July, Mike Curran led a dozen interested citizens up to the
Burnett Cabin, located on U.S. Forest Service land on a south
facing slope above Burnett Creek. RAS is working with the Forest
Service to research issues related to public access for backcountry
use of the cabin.
Insect Implantation:
Mecinus Janthinus beetles have been released in the field
south of West Rico and in the open commercial lot where the yard
sale was held (southeast corner of Mantz & Highway 145).
These good beetles enjoy feasting on yellow toadflax (aka butter
& eggs) and are here to help us, so please, do not pull up
toadflax in those areas mentioned and if you spot them on your
toadflax, consider yourself lucky and do not pull those
particular noxious weeds.
Yellow Toadflax, Canadian
Thistle and Oxeye Daisy are spreading throughout Rico!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Weed
Pull Day: The yellow toadflax (butter & eggs), Canadian
thistle, and oxeye daisy are again prominent in the landscape
and ready to spread their seeds. A community weed-pull will take
place on Saturday August 28th. Meet at Town Park at
9:00 am and bring gloves. Mike Curran will lead a brief discussion
on noxious weeds and a USFS map will be presented to identify
areas of concern. A picnic hosted by RAS will follow at noon.
Second
Annual Meeting: The 2004 Annual Meeting will take place on Thursday, September 9th
at 6:00 pm at the Enterprise Bar and Grill. All RAS members,
friends and interested parties are welcome to attend this mixer-style
affair. RAS will provide food, drink and information on current
and planned Alpine Society projects. Community comments and suggestions
are appreciated.
125th Birthday Bash:
The Alpine Society has volunteered to operate the beer booth at
Rico's 125th birthday celebration taking place on Saturday,
September 25th. Please let either Eric know if you
are able to volunteer your time for this event.
USFS
Trail Maintenance: In an effort to better manage hiking and biking trails
in the area, the RAS has volunteered to provide trail maintenance
for the USFS. A trail maintenance training day will be scheduled
with the USFS, possibly on October 2nd or 3rd.
Trails identified for training activities are the Circle Trail,
which has motorized access issues, and the trail up from the high
road sidecut on Telescope to Telescope Mountain which could use
general maintenance and definition. Maps will be provided with
basic trails identified (from Rico Regional Master Plan), and
this effort should gain the RAS some credibility with the USFS
for future trail planning action.
Ice
Rink: The RAS has signed a letter of support in a grant application for funding
of an ice-rink pavilion that could also be used in the summertime.
The proposed location is near the present maintenance shed at
the bottom of the hillside near the school and existing Town Park.
A smaller, more primitive rink may be constructed near the river
this winter while the grant proposal is pending.
Softball
Field: RAS is continuing to pursue an agreement with the
USFS, Town of Rico, and adjacent landowners for use of the historic
softball field south of Town. It is hoped that an agreement will
be reached during the winter so that the area will be re-opened
to the public next summer.
Boardmember
Positions: Any member interested in becoming a board member
please contact Eric Heil (970) 967-5550.
It's
that time again: Several members have asked when dues
are due, and the answer is now! Please complete and return the
membership form on the other side of this newsletter and send
your dues to: Rico Alpine Society, PO Box 189, Rico, CO 81332.
You can also drop the renewal off Eric Heil's office at 18 River
Street (log house on River Street between Mantz & Soda Streets).
Thank you for your continued support and participation!
Questions, Comments, Interest?: Feel free to contact any of the Board of Directors.
Eric Heil, President-
967-5550 eric@ericjamesheil.org
Eric Reeser,
Vice President- ereeser@fone.net
Deanna Belch,
Secretary - dbelch@tellurideskiresort.com
JoLynn Heil,
Treasurer- skiflyhikebike@yahoo.com
Mike Curran-
lesski@webtv.net
Bruce Kinsey-
ricotimes@hubwest.com
Ramon Escure-
landlaw@telluridetelluride.com
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