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Colorado Big Country (CBC) RC&D
P.O. Box 2168
401 23rd Street, #105
Glenwood Springs, CO 81602
Phone: 970.945.5494 x 4
Fax: 970.945.0837
www.coloradobigcountry.org
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Vision
An engaging
team-oriented organization working together to preserve our heritage and quality
of life.
Mission
An
impassioned non-profit organization providing innovative solutions to preserve
and enhance our community and natural resources by implementing “Spokes of
Service” which include:
- Leadership
- Education
- Assistance
- Project Coordination
- Building Partnerships
The governing RC&D
Council, made up of local volunteers, serves ten counties in NW Colorado by
pulling together people, local governments, and grassroots groups to unite in
shared purpose and pool resources to get work done. Two years ago we asked
our constituents what issues they wanted us to focus on. The following
priorities were identified:
- Habitat enhancement
- Growth concerns with an emphasis on sustainable
agriculture
- Conserve local streams and rivers through
protection, restoration, and stewardship
- Support and encourage rural development
activities
Colorado Big Country (CBC) RC&D Projects
Colorado Weed Calendar
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A new edition of this full-color, professionally photographed and
designed calendar has been produced each year since 1999. Approximately
15,000 copies are distributed annually. The purpose of this publication is to increase awareness and
knowledge of various noxious weed species, management techniques, and resources
available. It also provides land managers with weed control responsibilities a
tool to open dialogue with policy makers and those they work with on-the-ground. |
The Weed Calendar, a
project of CBC RC&D Habitat Work Group, has many, many partners including
individuals, private businesses, city and county governments, conservation
districts, cooperative extension offices, state associations, non-profits, and
state and federal agencies. Steve Anthony, Garfield County ‘s Weed Manager, is
the RC&D Council member responsible for it’s production.
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High School Art Contest
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RC&D offers an opportunity for high schools to participate in a
weed art contest. The CBC RC&D gives $50 to each
participating school’s
art department. A winning entry (right) ,Musk Thistle
Weed, was
submitted by Danny Seeley, of the Meeker, Colorado High School. |
Musk Thistle Weed
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An additional $50 is given to the schools or teachers of the students who submit the
entries chosen for the calendar. The schools or teachers decide how to
distribute this award.
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4-H Weed Project
“Give a weed an inch, it’ll take a yard”
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To increase weed awareness
in youth, this project partners with a nationally recognized program – 4-H.
CBC RC&D is reviving interest in the 4-H Weed Project by awarding
savings bonds to winners in both the beginner and advanced categories at
each of the county fairs in the RC&D Area. This is another of the Habitat
Group’s projects under the leadership of Council member, Stephen Elzinga,
Eagle County’s Weed and Pest Manager.
Tamarisk (salt cedar tree) Inventory Pilot
Tamarisk tress in Colorado
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As another project of the
Habitat Group, Jude Sirota, Mesa County Weed and Pest Inspector, initiated the
Tamarisk Inventory Pilot. This project was designed to assess the potential of
remote sensing data for detecting tamarisk. The tamarisk sites selected
for evaluation vary by: (1) tamarisk density, abundance, and age class; (2)
hydrologic and elevation settings; and (3) associated vegetation, i.e. willow,
cottonwood, alder, etc. Data of varying spatial and spectral resolutions
is being acquired, compared, and evaluated to determine the best tools for
identifying, mapping, and monitoring tamarisk and its spread.
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In addition, the Colorado Big Country(CBC) RC&D provided assistance to
interested individuals and groups to form the Tamarisk Coalition, a 501(c)3 organization based
in Grand Junction. For additional information see
www.tamariskcoalition.org.
Alternative Energy
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Megan Phillips, Debeque/Plateau Valley
Conservation District, and leader of the RC&D Sustainable
Communities Group, is exploring methods of improving the bottom line for
agricultural producers.
In addition, CBC RC&D co-sponsored two alternative energy forums to inform
rural landowners of the opportunities to improve farm income through
utilization of wind energy, solar energy, and biofuels.
CBC RC&D has also sponsored
Holistic Resource Management and carbon sequestration workshops.
Agriculture/Conservation/Environment
Educational Project
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Due to the rapid growth and development of our rural
areas, some of our local people who have never owned land are faced with
important land use questions and decisions. The following are typical
comments. 'How many horses can I graze on my five acres?' 'Someone
told me I have Russian knapweed – What does it look like, and will it kill the
steer I just bought?' ' Now that I live in the semi-arid West, how do I know
what my water rights mean with the property I just bought?' |
Dee Blue, RC&D Council member representing Sunnyside
Gravel, spearheaded the A.C.E.
'Educational Project. A collection of over 200 books, videos, and CD’s have been
purchased and catalogued. They are available nationwide through Marmot, an
inter-library loan program. To view this project and to access Marmot, go
to:
www.garfieldlibraries.org/ace.htm
Learning is a life long
endeavor. A sustainable environment provides life.
The Colorado Big Country RC&D Council maintains a web site at
www.coloradobigcountry.org
< Back to the Colorado RC&Ds Page
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