Monday, 19 July 2010 19:10

SnoCap Caucus Meeting, July 19, 2010

Board Members in Attendance:  Kathy DeWolfe, Tim McFlynn, Jan Martin, Patsy Batchelder,
Holly McLain, Emily Smith, Steve Child, Rick Heede, Michael Kinsley, John Clark

Guests: Phil Nyland and Kevin Wright

The meeting was called to order by Tim at 7:10 pm

I.    Phil Nyland, & Kevin Wright
Phil Nyland, a Wildlife Biologist with the White River National Forest, and Kevin Wright, our local State Division of Wildlife Officer, presented a plan to improve habitat in our area. Both agencies are working together on this plan to thin out habitat for wildlife by using prescribed fire and/or mechanical means to reduce decadent vegetation, reduce density and increase sprouting of young shoots. Both agencies have decided this needs to be done now.
We no longer have natural disturbance events every 200 years (wildfires).  Oak brush has little nutritional value for animals. Kevin explained the local herds (deer and elk) are not thriving, citing declining birth rates. Recreation impacts are hurting the animals. He has been in the Valley for 25 years and has been asking for this action for a long time. They have already done part of Light Hill and the animal population there has thrived. Gateway residents at the meeting thought what was done up there was an improvement.

They need public support, and will be soliciting feedback on their environmental analysis which will be provided this fall. The plan will take 8-10 years to execute, and includes 57,000 acres of Crystal, Frying Pan, RF and Glenwood. The largest area near to us is the 2,600 acres by East Sopris. Also Arbany Mesa. Little Woody Creek, Sunnyside. Someone questioned: are you creating new roads? No. They will comply with roadless rules. Another question: are you using chaining? No, they’re using machinery…taking a more careful, selective approach. Public involvement is critical…they want comments. The Forest Supervisor will ultimately decide…based on public involvement. The Forest Service has some funding…will ask government and private organizations to assist.  A public meeting will be held Aug. 26, at 6:30 pm at the Carbondale fire house.

II.    Approval of Meeting Minutes.
Motion: Steve made a motion to approve the minutes from May and June.  John seconded, all approved.

III.     Ride for Cure
The County had asked for our feedback on the Ride for the Cure, which will take place Aug. 21 on Capitol Creek and Snowmass Creek Rds. An event plan was circulated.
Motion: Emily made a motion to approve the event; Holly seconded, and all approved. A support letter was sent to the County.

IV.    Code Provisions Committee
The committee is continuing to work with the county on barn sizes/designs. There is another meeting with the County on July 20.

VI.    Monastery Weed Pull.
About a dozen volunteers showed up on July 17 to assist the Monastery in their weed pull event.

VII.    Annual SnoCap Picnic.
The picnic will be at Moon Run, Sunday, Aug. 15 from 5-7 pm. Jan will send out a blast e-mail.

VIII.    Watson/Snowmass Creek Property-Visual Impacts
Discussed briefly. It was decided there are not enough people concerned about the appearance of this parcel; there is some sentiment that people should be able to do what they want on their property; and no enforceable violations exist to warrant action.

IX.    Annual Election of Caucus Board.
Tim would like to have a slate of candidates by the next Caucus meeting, Aug. 16.
Think about friends, landowners who might want to be on the Board. Get good people you would like to be on the Board with us. Each of us should think about one person who would be good.
Tim will not be able to run as president. He will stay involved on water issues and is going to be Chair of PitCo’s Open Space committee.
Jan will send out a blast e-mail soliciting new Board members. (done)


The meeting was adjourned at 9:14 pm