Kelsi Cooke
Jake Davis isn’t worried about wild life attacking hikers, so neither should you. His take home message from the video below is that wild life aren’t going to hurt us, they’re afraid of us and shouldn’t be harmed.
While this is a great message…after a recent winter hike, I didn’t see a single sign of a wild animal on the entire hike. There wasn’t even a squirrel. However, just because we don’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
Also according to Davis, things we leave on the trails can really harm the wild life so we need to be careful to respect the environment and the creatures that live in it, visible or not.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Boulder hiking - facts and safety tips
Sara Morrey
Boulder is known for being an active city - rain or shine, summer or winter.
No matter the weather or the time of year, there are always safety precautions to be taken when it comes to hiking. Many of these precautions are listed on the open space and mountain parks website.
According to the site, hazards to look out for on trails such as those at Chautauqua Park are poison ivy, insects, animals and lightning.
Ticks and black widows are among the insects to keep an eye out for. The best defenses against ticks are wearing pants tucked into socks as well as bug repellent. Being bitten can have serious consequences, such as trouble walking and breathing and potential limb numbness.
The site also cautions hikers against conditions such as hypothermia and heat exhaustion.
According to the information, hypothermia can occur year-round, even in the summer months, due to rain. The best means of warming up in dangerously cold conditions are layering on dry clothes, staying active, drinking warm liquids and eating warm foods. Eating proteins and carbohydrates in order to maintain energy is also helpful.
Although many of these hazards are present year-round, Jake Davis, a staff member at Chautauqua Park who works in education and outreach, outlined one that is particularly pertinent at this time of year- ice.
Davis said in the presence of icy conditions, hikers will want to be cautious about the areas of the open space and mountain parks they choose to explore.
“There’s certain trails in the winter, it’s like - picture an ice-skating rink at a 45 degree angle with a cliff at the end; you probably don’t want to do (hike) that one,” Davis said.
He said hiking is a safe activity no matter the time of year, however, as long as particpants are alert and informed.
“...most of the trails, most of the trails, you can do any time you want. But you do need to be aware.”
No matter the weather or the time of year, there are always safety precautions to be taken when it comes to hiking. Many of these precautions are listed on the open space and mountain parks website.
According to the site, hazards to look out for on trails such as those at Chautauqua Park are poison ivy, insects, animals and lightning.
Ticks and black widows are among the insects to keep an eye out for. The best defenses against ticks are wearing pants tucked into socks as well as bug repellent. Being bitten can have serious consequences, such as trouble walking and breathing and potential limb numbness.
The site also cautions hikers against conditions such as hypothermia and heat exhaustion.
According to the information, hypothermia can occur year-round, even in the summer months, due to rain. The best means of warming up in dangerously cold conditions are layering on dry clothes, staying active, drinking warm liquids and eating warm foods. Eating proteins and carbohydrates in order to maintain energy is also helpful.
Although many of these hazards are present year-round, Jake Davis, a staff member at Chautauqua Park who works in education and outreach, outlined one that is particularly pertinent at this time of year- ice.
Davis said in the presence of icy conditions, hikers will want to be cautious about the areas of the open space and mountain parks they choose to explore.
“There’s certain trails in the winter, it’s like - picture an ice-skating rink at a 45 degree angle with a cliff at the end; you probably don’t want to do (hike) that one,” Davis said.
He said hiking is a safe activity no matter the time of year, however, as long as particpants are alert and informed.
“...most of the trails, most of the trails, you can do any time you want. But you do need to be aware.”
Sled Riding in Boulder
Sled riding in Boulder: Fun for All Ages
By: Joe Kovack
With winter on the horizon, buying a sled and heading to the closest hill can bring out the child in us all.
In Boulder, the majestic Flatirons grace the skyline, imprinting a sense of awe in first-time visitors and even long-time natives. Yet as winter arrives and the thirst for the sled riding of yore begins to boil, one may look to the Flatirons and ask themselves where they can possibly sled ride without having to scale a mountain and risk permanent injury on the ride down. Scanning the city the Boulder it may seem that dense neighborhoods crowd the foothills and leave no room for even a small sled hill. But this first glance is deceiving, as hills with the right attributes for sled-riding do exist within the City of Boulder; one just needs to know where to look.
Many times, winter in Colorado may conjure images of skiing down lustrous slopes in Aspen and Vail. But for those who do not have the time or money to ski or snowboard, sled-riding is an activity that all can enjoy during the cold days and nights. Parents can take children and share in the joy of simply sledding down a hill of snow and even teach simple lessons on skiing or snowboarding on a smaller hill without having to go to an expensive resort several hours away.
Local resident Jacques Armand talked about how he has taken his daughter to the hills for years. “We go to Scott Carpenter Park all the time in the winter. I’ve been teaching my daughter to snowboard on that hill since she was about 5, since it’s small. Now i can take her up to Eldora ski resort and she can handle the smaller runs.” Armand said.
Sled riding isn’t only for parents and their children though. Teens, college students and young adults are more and more heading to the hills to recapture that innocence of youth that can only be attained by hurling down a hill. A sense of freedom and the temporary release from daily responsibilities can truly enliven a dark, gloomy and cold winter day.
Yet with any outdoor activity, there are precautions that need to be taken into account to ensure the safety and maximize the excitement for all. The following list is a compilation of sled riding hills in Boulder with location, tips and pictures. So pick up a sled, toboggan or snowboard and head for the hills!
Note: please sled ride at your own risk, and always take proper precautions with children.
South Boulder Tantra Park Hill
A great sledding hill that is as long as a football field and around 60 feet wide. There is a sidewalk at the bottom of the hill and also hay bales and trees. Small children and people snowboarding should wear a helmet, because of the length of the hill, you can pick up a lot of speed.
View Larger Map
Central Boulder Scott Carpenter Park
This is a nice smaller hill that is located in the center of Boulder on 30Th st by Arapaho. It’s a great hill for children and beginners because the slope is not as steep. There is plenty of parking. The main hill is safe, but the side of the hill goes over the bike path and can lead into the creek. Beware of frozen waters!
View Larger Map
North Boulder Casey Middle School
A small hill in north Boulder. Roughly 25 feet high. Be careful. Hill is located by football field and goal posts are at the bottom.
View Larger Map
North Boulder Foothills Community Park
Located by 6th and Locust Ave by North Boulder Community Park, this hill is great for the family. A gentle but effective slope and about 300 feet long, this hill is great for kids, but the occasional ramp does get made.
View Larger Map
South Boulder Harlow Platts Park
This hill in South Boulder is around 300 feet long with a gentle slope. Sled ride with caution, Boulder Parks and Recreation is remodeling some aspects of the park. Do not sled ride near construction.
View Larger Map
 |
| Sled Riding in Boulder |
Video: Winter Cycling Tips with Tyler Wood
Buff Bike Fleet Manager Tyler Wood offers tips on how cyclists can adapt to snowy conditions.
You can find the article detailing the interview here
You can find the article detailing the interview here
Winter Cycling Tips with Tyler Wood
By Andrew Salazar
See the video interview with Tyler here
Many Boulder residents embrace the cyclist lifestyle by using road biking as a major form of transportation, even during the snowy months. To get some advice on adapting to the winter weather conditions, I sat down with senior economics major Tyler Wood, a long-time road cyclist. Wood is the Buff Bike Fleet Manager for the University of Colorado and has been professionally working with bikes for over 3 years.
Wood’s first piece of advice for winterizing your bike is to lower your tire pressure and use slightly wider tires with knobs on them. “This helps your tires stick to the snow a little better,” Wood said. “But mechanically, not much else not needs to be done. Everything else on a bike is pretty much weather-proof.”
Wood said he suggests taking the same precautions used while driving in the snow for riding in the snow. “If you feel yourself starting to slip, don’t over-correct," he said. "When taking turns, take them slow and wide so that your bike doesn’t shoot out from under you.”
He also notes there are some there are additional challenges to biking in the snow as opposed to driving in the snow. “In the bike lanes, a lot of debris will get pushed off from the roads by snow plows and cars. That can get messy," he said. “Keep an eye out for this and traffic behind you in case you have to swerve quickly. If anything gets real bad, call the city and tell them to clean it up.”
As for proper attire, Wood said he recommends dressing in layers, but with the bottom layer a material that doesn’t retain moisture. “You’ll get sweaty from riding, and then you’ll freeze anyways," he said. "So make the bottom layer something that can wick away moisture.” The outer layers should be colorful. “In snow and fog it can be hard for cars to see you, and they’ll also have a hard time stopping. So wear fluorescent colors, nothing white or black.” Wood said he also recommends carrying an extra layer, in case the trip is longer than originally anticipated.
As a final tip Wood said he often preheats water when taking it riding in the cold, to help prevent it from freezing along the way.
Contact Andrew Salazar at Andrew.Salazar3@Gmail.com
To the moon and back
OPINION
By Stephanie Davis
“Three… Two… One…. Liftoff!”
The red and silver rocket took off, zooming into space, landing on the nearby moon. Alien voices echoed through the air and space buggies zoomed across the terrain. Colorful extra terrestrial creatures fluttered up in the atmosphere.
At least, that’s how I remember Scott Carpenter Park.
As a child, I could not wait until I was old enough to ride down the bike path on my own to play on the steel space ship, squeezing through the holes and climbing up the ladder that led to the pilot’s quarters. I was on top of the world. I could spend hours playing at that park.
According to the City of Boulder, Scott Carpenter Park was built in 1955 and originally named Valverdan Park. In 1962, it was renamed after Boulder astronaut Scott Carpenter.
In addition to a towering space ship, the park features a near-by swimming pool and a well-maintained skate and bike park. To the north, there’s a graffiti wall that allows local artists to redecorate any time they want. During the summer months, baseball is in full swing in nearby fields, and the creek path connecting to the park is always buzzing.
In one of the brief moments I didn’t want to be a photographer when I grew up, I wanted to be an astronaut. I dreamt of far off planets and flying in the midst of stars.
In college, I spent afternoons flying kites and running up the sloping hill, mountains gracing the backdrop. On top of the spaceship one summer evening, I fell in love, talking about dark secrets and kissing under the stars.
I will never be too old to realize how special Scott Carpenter Park is. To me, the spaceship represents Boulder as much as the Flatirons do, and it will always be worth preserving for future astronauts.
By Stephanie Davis
“Three… Two… One…. Liftoff!”
The red and silver rocket took off, zooming into space, landing on the nearby moon. Alien voices echoed through the air and space buggies zoomed across the terrain. Colorful extra terrestrial creatures fluttered up in the atmosphere.
At least, that’s how I remember Scott Carpenter Park.
As a child, I could not wait until I was old enough to ride down the bike path on my own to play on the steel space ship, squeezing through the holes and climbing up the ladder that led to the pilot’s quarters. I was on top of the world. I could spend hours playing at that park.
According to the City of Boulder, Scott Carpenter Park was built in 1955 and originally named Valverdan Park. In 1962, it was renamed after Boulder astronaut Scott Carpenter.
In addition to a towering space ship, the park features a near-by swimming pool and a well-maintained skate and bike park. To the north, there’s a graffiti wall that allows local artists to redecorate any time they want. During the summer months, baseball is in full swing in nearby fields, and the creek path connecting to the park is always buzzing.
In one of the brief moments I didn’t want to be a photographer when I grew up, I wanted to be an astronaut. I dreamt of far off planets and flying in the midst of stars.
In college, I spent afternoons flying kites and running up the sloping hill, mountains gracing the backdrop. On top of the spaceship one summer evening, I fell in love, talking about dark secrets and kissing under the stars.
I will never be too old to realize how special Scott Carpenter Park is. To me, the spaceship represents Boulder as much as the Flatirons do, and it will always be worth preserving for future astronauts.
Eyebolts, Rollerskates and Foolhardy Climbers: A History of Climbing in the Flatirons
by Gwen Cameron
“The Colorado climbing scene has long been one of the richest of all the states… the accomplishments, the characters, and the mountains themselves,” said Royal Robbins, one of the pioneers of American rock climbing and an early advocate of free climbing. Robbins’ words hold especially true for Boulder and its Flatirons. From bar-raising first ascents to less serious undertakings done wearing roller skates, the Flatirons have been the an important part of Colorado’s development as one of the best—and quirkiest--climbing destination in the U.S.
Organized climbing began in Boulder just 20 years after Colorado became a state. In1896, the Rocky Mountain Climbers Club (RMCC) was formed. It was a collection of hikers and “scramblers” that organized outings to the Flatirons and Indian Peaks on the Continental Divide. Members of the club became among the most prominent pioneers of technical climbing in the state.
1906 saw the first ascent of the Third Flatiron by RMCC members Floyd and Earl Millard. Their ropeless scramble up the 1300-foot Standard East Face was the earliest recorded rock climb in Colorado, followed by the first ascent of the First Flatiron and new routes on the south side of the Third.
Rudolph Johnson, another RMCC member, wrote about climbing on the First and Third Flatirons in a 1923 issue of Trail and Timberline:
“In climbing either Flatiron with a party I have always used a rope, and it has been a life saver several times, but the first man up or the last man down gets no advantage of the rope. As to footwear, I prefer wearing hob nailed boots, but have found rubber soled shoes, or even stockinged feet to be satisfactory, except in wet weather, when rubber is exceedingly dangerous, while hob nails will stick anywhere on any sort of rock in any sort of weather.”
“I am not recommending the Flatiron climb for any except the most foolhardy rock climbers, but to mountaineers who want real thrills no better climb can be found,” Johnson said.
Though common practice today, most climbers up until 1920 “scorned the use of a rope in rock scaling,” said former RMCC president Ralph Squires. Except in parties with beginning climbers, it was thought that using a rope on the Third Flatiron was cheating.
When groups of climbers did resort to roped climbing, they used techniques that would be considered reckless by today’s standards. The first climber up would find a suitable ledge where he or she would sit with the rope tied around the waist. Climbers below could use the dangling rope as a handhold as they climbed up.
Eventually, Flatiron climbers also learned how to use their ropes to get back down from the cliff. Prominent Boulder climber Baker Armstrong came across a photo in a book of a climber descending a cliff by wrapping a climbing rope around his body and using the resulting friction to make a controlled descent to the ground. In the caption, the technique was called “rappelling.” Armstrong borrowed a hemp rope from a friend and decided to test the theory out for himself. From the summit of the Third Flatiron, he wrapped the rope around a horn of rock and eventually rappelled off the overhanging west side after much trial and error.
The Third Flatiron began to see heavier traffic in the 1930s when mountain guides Hull Cook and Ev Long decided to take clients up the Third during the Long’s Peak off-season. That installed the six large eyebolts along the Standard East Face that are still used as belay anchors today.
My the mid-1940s, Flatirons were spider-webbed with routes and climbers had made vast progress in the development of Boulder-area climbing. In October 1944, Roy Peak and Mark Taggart made a wild ascent of the Maiden, an exposed pinnacle deep in the Flatirons. The route started on the west edge of the rock and wrapped around to the precipitous north face through a notch called the Crow’s Nest. They followed the east ridge to what has been called “one of the most satisfying summits in the Boulder region,” providing a spectacular view of the Front Range and Great Plains.
Climbers began exploring much more technical and difficult climbing on the Flatirons in the late 1940s and 1950s. In 1949, a trio of University of Colorado students established the Northwest Passage on the north side of the Third Flatiron. On this two-pitch climb, Tom Hornbein, Bob Riley and Dick Sherman made the first recorded attempt to drill bolts in Colorado. However, their equipment failed and they used a lassoing maneuver to bypass a blank section of rock instead.
In 1953, Dale Johnson and Phil Robertson made the first ascent of the Third Flatiron in roller skates. The duo climbed the featured east face without locking the wheels and were forced to crawl on their hands and knees up the smooth final pitch of friction slab.
By the 1970s and 1980s bolting routes to create “sport climbs” was a popular practice in the Flatirons. In 1987, sport climber Dan Michael established two of the most difficult and recognizable climbs in the area. Slave to the Rhythm ascended a pebble-strewn overhang on the Ironing Board near the Third Flatiron. The Friend was a short climb up an overhanging dihedral on Dinosaur Mountain.
Around the same time, climber and guidebook author Richard Rossiter established climbs that represented a new first ascent mentality. He created climbs that were enjoyable and safe for future climbers. In the past, first ascents were all about the adventure of exploring new terrain.
By the end of the 1980s there were more than one thousand climbers in Boulder and unclimbed rock was becoming rare. Soon after, bolt-drilling was banned in the Flatirons and other climbing destinations in the Boulder area. It was the end of an era in Boulder climbing, but it gave birth to a new style of climbing.
Because climbers were not allowed to drill bolts, they began establishing difficult trad climbs and freeing old aid routes. In 2009, Matt Wilder freed Cheating Reality (5.14a R, 80') on the Devil’s Thumb. The route follows a delicate seam through an overhang on the north face.
“[Climbing Cheating Reality] shows that there is more potential in the Flatirons. As far as the sport is concerned, it shows that hard beautiful new climbs can still be done on all gear,” Wilder told Alpinist.com.
Many Flatirons climbers come to make speedy free-solos the Flatirons. The base-to-summit speed record on the 1,200-foot East Face of the Third Flatiron was set by Stefan Griebel wirh a time of 5 minutes and 59 seconds. Dave Mackey holds the car-to-car record for the formation with a time of 33 minutes and 17 seconds. He record required 2.5 miles of hiking and a rappel off the west face of the Flatiron in addition to climbing for 1,200 feet.
Today approximately 10,000 people come to climb in the Flatirons each year, according to the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks visitation survey conducted in 2004 and 2005. Known for its high-quality rock and moderately difficult routes, the Flatirons are among the most frequented climbing destinations in Colorado.
Organized climbing began in Boulder just 20 years after Colorado became a state. In1896, the Rocky Mountain Climbers Club (RMCC) was formed. It was a collection of hikers and “scramblers” that organized outings to the Flatirons and Indian Peaks on the Continental Divide. Members of the club became among the most prominent pioneers of technical climbing in the state.
1906 saw the first ascent of the Third Flatiron by RMCC members Floyd and Earl Millard. Their ropeless scramble up the 1300-foot Standard East Face was the earliest recorded rock climb in Colorado, followed by the first ascent of the First Flatiron and new routes on the south side of the Third.
Rudolph Johnson, another RMCC member, wrote about climbing on the First and Third Flatirons in a 1923 issue of Trail and Timberline:
“In climbing either Flatiron with a party I have always used a rope, and it has been a life saver several times, but the first man up or the last man down gets no advantage of the rope. As to footwear, I prefer wearing hob nailed boots, but have found rubber soled shoes, or even stockinged feet to be satisfactory, except in wet weather, when rubber is exceedingly dangerous, while hob nails will stick anywhere on any sort of rock in any sort of weather.”
“I am not recommending the Flatiron climb for any except the most foolhardy rock climbers, but to mountaineers who want real thrills no better climb can be found,” Johnson said.
Though common practice today, most climbers up until 1920 “scorned the use of a rope in rock scaling,” said former RMCC president Ralph Squires. Except in parties with beginning climbers, it was thought that using a rope on the Third Flatiron was cheating.
When groups of climbers did resort to roped climbing, they used techniques that would be considered reckless by today’s standards. The first climber up would find a suitable ledge where he or she would sit with the rope tied around the waist. Climbers below could use the dangling rope as a handhold as they climbed up.
Eventually, Flatiron climbers also learned how to use their ropes to get back down from the cliff. Prominent Boulder climber Baker Armstrong came across a photo in a book of a climber descending a cliff by wrapping a climbing rope around his body and using the resulting friction to make a controlled descent to the ground. In the caption, the technique was called “rappelling.” Armstrong borrowed a hemp rope from a friend and decided to test the theory out for himself. From the summit of the Third Flatiron, he wrapped the rope around a horn of rock and eventually rappelled off the overhanging west side after much trial and error.
The Third Flatiron began to see heavier traffic in the 1930s when mountain guides Hull Cook and Ev Long decided to take clients up the Third during the Long’s Peak off-season. That installed the six large eyebolts along the Standard East Face that are still used as belay anchors today.
My the mid-1940s, Flatirons were spider-webbed with routes and climbers had made vast progress in the development of Boulder-area climbing. In October 1944, Roy Peak and Mark Taggart made a wild ascent of the Maiden, an exposed pinnacle deep in the Flatirons. The route started on the west edge of the rock and wrapped around to the precipitous north face through a notch called the Crow’s Nest. They followed the east ridge to what has been called “one of the most satisfying summits in the Boulder region,” providing a spectacular view of the Front Range and Great Plains.
Climbers began exploring much more technical and difficult climbing on the Flatirons in the late 1940s and 1950s. In 1949, a trio of University of Colorado students established the Northwest Passage on the north side of the Third Flatiron. On this two-pitch climb, Tom Hornbein, Bob Riley and Dick Sherman made the first recorded attempt to drill bolts in Colorado. However, their equipment failed and they used a lassoing maneuver to bypass a blank section of rock instead.
In 1953, Dale Johnson and Phil Robertson made the first ascent of the Third Flatiron in roller skates. The duo climbed the featured east face without locking the wheels and were forced to crawl on their hands and knees up the smooth final pitch of friction slab.
By the 1970s and 1980s bolting routes to create “sport climbs” was a popular practice in the Flatirons. In 1987, sport climber Dan Michael established two of the most difficult and recognizable climbs in the area. Slave to the Rhythm ascended a pebble-strewn overhang on the Ironing Board near the Third Flatiron. The Friend was a short climb up an overhanging dihedral on Dinosaur Mountain.
Around the same time, climber and guidebook author Richard Rossiter established climbs that represented a new first ascent mentality. He created climbs that were enjoyable and safe for future climbers. In the past, first ascents were all about the adventure of exploring new terrain.
By the end of the 1980s there were more than one thousand climbers in Boulder and unclimbed rock was becoming rare. Soon after, bolt-drilling was banned in the Flatirons and other climbing destinations in the Boulder area. It was the end of an era in Boulder climbing, but it gave birth to a new style of climbing.
Because climbers were not allowed to drill bolts, they began establishing difficult trad climbs and freeing old aid routes. In 2009, Matt Wilder freed Cheating Reality (5.14a R, 80') on the Devil’s Thumb. The route follows a delicate seam through an overhang on the north face.
“[Climbing Cheating Reality] shows that there is more potential in the Flatirons. As far as the sport is concerned, it shows that hard beautiful new climbs can still be done on all gear,” Wilder told Alpinist.com.
Many Flatirons climbers come to make speedy free-solos the Flatirons. The base-to-summit speed record on the 1,200-foot East Face of the Third Flatiron was set by Stefan Griebel wirh a time of 5 minutes and 59 seconds. Dave Mackey holds the car-to-car record for the formation with a time of 33 minutes and 17 seconds. He record required 2.5 miles of hiking and a rappel off the west face of the Flatiron in addition to climbing for 1,200 feet.
Today approximately 10,000 people come to climb in the Flatirons each year, according to the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks visitation survey conducted in 2004 and 2005. Known for its high-quality rock and moderately difficult routes, the Flatirons are among the most frequented climbing destinations in Colorado.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Open Space Politics
By Grant Henderson
The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department manages over 43,000 acres, protecting wildlife habitats and preserving natural areas for recreational enjoyment, according their website. They have accomplished this using grants, bonds and tax money. What many may not realize is the OSMP charter also allows them to purchase land for “shaping the development of the city and disciplining growth.”
History of Boulder OSMP
Land purchases by city government organizations started in 1898 and continues up to today. From the late 1910s through the 1930s, various organizations had a hand in improving the parks including the Lions Club, the Depression-era Conservation Corps and the Jaycees.
The underlying tension between conservationist Boulderites and developers came to a head in the mid-’60s when a developer wanted to build a hotel on Enchanted Mesa. The protesters got the city to condemn the land and force the developer to sell it. The conservationists raised the money to purchase it and Enchanted Mesa is now a part of the mountain parks system.
History of Boulder OSMP
Land purchases by city government organizations started in 1898 and continues up to today. From the late 1910s through the 1930s, various organizations had a hand in improving the parks including the Lions Club, the Depression-era Conservation Corps and the Jaycees.
The underlying tension between conservationist Boulderites and developers came to a head in the mid-’60s when a developer wanted to build a hotel on Enchanted Mesa. The protesters got the city to condemn the land and force the developer to sell it. The conservationists raised the money to purchase it and Enchanted Mesa is now a part of the mountain parks system.
CU Boulder from Enchanted Mesa. Courtesy
In 1967, the city passed a sales tax increase to help pay for the Open Space, “the first time citizens in any U.S. city had voted to tax themselves specifically for open space,” according to their website. The measure passed with a 57% majority. When the rate was raised in 1989, it passed with a 73% majority, proving the importance of the project had grown for the people of Boulder.
A Change in the Winds?
Lately, however, support seems to be flagging. Citizens of the City of Boulder reliably support tax extensions and raises to support the OSMP, only once voting down in 1996. The surrounding county, on the other hand, has had a much closer split.
Proponents of the Open space program point out how important the program is to preserve the Boulder Valley area. According to a Boulder Weekly article from 2009, The program is used as a way to stop urban sprawl and preserve local wildlife. They argue the sales tax is negligible and provides a great benefit to current and future residents of Boulder.
Opponents argue the Open space initiative has made real estate in Boulder County prohibitively expensive and the program is bloated. Many felt a distrust in how the money was being spent.
In a Daily Camera article covering the elections last November, Buzz Burrell, a member of the Boulder Outdoor Coalition, said, “We love open space – that is not the question. The question is, ‘What are they going to do with our money?'” The Coalition generally supports OSMP initiatives, but had withheld support this election season, according to the article.
This attitude might be the future of the Open Spaces program. An open space ballot measure was shot down last year and Issue 1B on this year’s ballot, which would increase sales taxes, passed by less than a percentage point. It makes sense for people’s priorities change during a recession, but there is a undercurrent of distrust running through the people. The recession will, no doubt, end but that distrust will be harder to shake.
In 1967, the city passed a sales tax increase to help pay for the Open Space, “the first time citizens in any U.S. city had voted to tax themselves specifically for open space,” according to their website. The measure passed with a 57% majority. When the rate was raised in 1989, it passed with a 73% majority, proving the importance of the project had grown for the people of Boulder.
A Change in the Winds?
Lately, however, support seems to be flagging. Citizens of the City of Boulder reliably support tax extensions and raises to support the OSMP, only once voting down in 1996. The surrounding county, on the other hand, has had a much closer split.
Proponents of the Open space program point out how important the program is to preserve the Boulder Valley area. According to a Boulder Weekly article from 2009, The program is used as a way to stop urban sprawl and preserve local wildlife. They argue the sales tax is negligible and provides a great benefit to current and future residents of Boulder.
Opponents argue the Open space initiative has made real estate in Boulder County prohibitively expensive and the program is bloated. Many felt a distrust in how the money was being spent.
In a Daily Camera article covering the elections last November, Buzz Burrell, a member of the Boulder Outdoor Coalition, said, “We love open space – that is not the question. The question is, ‘What are they going to do with our money?'” The Coalition generally supports OSMP initiatives, but had withheld support this election season, according to the article.
This attitude might be the future of the Open Spaces program. An open space ballot measure was shot down last year and Issue 1B on this year’s ballot, which would increase sales taxes, passed by less than a percentage point. It makes sense for people’s priorities change during a recession, but there is a undercurrent of distrust running through the people. The recession will, no doubt, end but that distrust will be harder to shake.
Winter Fishing in Boulder
By: Ryan Severance
Fishing is not a recreational activity reserved for the warm weather summer and fall provide. Even in the winter you can spot many fisherman heading to the rivers and lakes around Boulder County hoping to land that one big fish they can boast to all of their friends about.
John Gale is one such person. To describe him as an avid fisherman would be almost offending him. Gale said he fishes as much as he possibly can and goes out about 30-45 times a year, including trips in the winter.
“Fishing for me is a fundamentally engrained part of my heritage,” Gale said. “It is a unique value I’ve been handed down while growing up in the west.”
Fishing in the winter as opposed to summer and fall adds some unique challenges and different ways of doing it.
One of the obvious advantages, Gale said, is that when you fish in the winter you are not having to share the water with nearly as many people because most people don’t brave the elements and fish when it’s so cold out.
That’s about the only real benefit, though. Gale added. Fishing conditions get worse in the winter. Among the issues include:
There are, however, some solutions to these problems that can make fishing in the winter more enjoyable. Gale suggests you avoid going in the early morning or late evening because fish tend to feed in the warmest part of the day. If you are going to go fishing in the winter Gale strongly suggests you hire a guide from Front Range Anglers in Boulder because they know what has ice and what doesn’t and they also know where the best waters to fish are and what location is holding fish at any given time.
There are an abundance of quality places to do some winter fishing around the Boulder area that include: The Big Thompson, Clear Creek, South Boulder Creek, Morane Park Waters, St. Vrain Creek and North St. Vrain Creek.
Once you arrive at your ideal winter fishing destination it is crucial you have the right bait.
Gale said he primarily uses mid flies on the surface and one small dry fly on top with one nymph or emerger sub surface. Gale said he has a lot of success just fishing nymph only rigs as well.
When fishing at anytime it is also important that you know the laws surrounding it.
The number one law most people need to know is that every single person that intends to fish must purchase a fishing license and a habitat stamp. Gale said this is important because fishing licenses provide 90 percent of the funding Colorado has to manage fish and wildlife.
It is also important to note that the Colorado Division of Wildlife has seasonal closures for fishing in some areas and a lot of waters in Colorado come with special regulations attached such as no catch and release, no bait/artificial bait only, etc. It is important to check that out before deciding on your fishing destination.
Once you decide to brave the weather and go on a winter fishing expedition, Gale said you will never regret it. At the end of the day, fishing is all about the personal pleasure and time spent with loved ones than it is the sport. A quote by Thoreau that Gale referenced to me says it all:
Fishing is not a recreational activity reserved for the warm weather summer and fall provide. Even in the winter you can spot many fisherman heading to the rivers and lakes around Boulder County hoping to land that one big fish they can boast to all of their friends about.
John Gale is one such person. To describe him as an avid fisherman would be almost offending him. Gale said he fishes as much as he possibly can and goes out about 30-45 times a year, including trips in the winter.
“Fishing for me is a fundamentally engrained part of my heritage,” Gale said. “It is a unique value I’ve been handed down while growing up in the west.”
Fishing in the winter as opposed to summer and fall adds some unique challenges and different ways of doing it.
One of the obvious advantages, Gale said, is that when you fish in the winter you are not having to share the water with nearly as many people because most people don’t brave the elements and fish when it’s so cold out.
That’s about the only real benefit, though. Gale added. Fishing conditions get worse in the winter. Among the issues include:
- The fish are much less active during the winter and don’t feed as much.
- In the winter, the insects and macroinvertebrates that make up fish’s diets are not as abundant and not as diverse.
- The weather, and therefore the water patterns can change almost in an instant. As Gale explained it, “One night of extremely cold weather can ice over a section of water you fished just the day before.
- Lastly, your fly line and rod can ice over quickly making it difficult to cast and make a good presentation of the fly.
There are, however, some solutions to these problems that can make fishing in the winter more enjoyable. Gale suggests you avoid going in the early morning or late evening because fish tend to feed in the warmest part of the day. If you are going to go fishing in the winter Gale strongly suggests you hire a guide from Front Range Anglers in Boulder because they know what has ice and what doesn’t and they also know where the best waters to fish are and what location is holding fish at any given time.
There are an abundance of quality places to do some winter fishing around the Boulder area that include: The Big Thompson, Clear Creek, South Boulder Creek, Morane Park Waters, St. Vrain Creek and North St. Vrain Creek.
Once you arrive at your ideal winter fishing destination it is crucial you have the right bait.
Gale said he primarily uses mid flies on the surface and one small dry fly on top with one nymph or emerger sub surface. Gale said he has a lot of success just fishing nymph only rigs as well.
When fishing at anytime it is also important that you know the laws surrounding it.
The number one law most people need to know is that every single person that intends to fish must purchase a fishing license and a habitat stamp. Gale said this is important because fishing licenses provide 90 percent of the funding Colorado has to manage fish and wildlife.
It is also important to note that the Colorado Division of Wildlife has seasonal closures for fishing in some areas and a lot of waters in Colorado come with special regulations attached such as no catch and release, no bait/artificial bait only, etc. It is important to check that out before deciding on your fishing destination.
Once you decide to brave the weather and go on a winter fishing expedition, Gale said you will never regret it. At the end of the day, fishing is all about the personal pleasure and time spent with loved ones than it is the sport. A quote by Thoreau that Gale referenced to me says it all:
“Many go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.”
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)