Wildcat Canyon, Near Cheesman Reservoir On May 15, the conservation group Wild Connections was planning to hike eight miles to a remote section of the South Platte River, but rain, snow and dangerous trail conditions forced the group to push back its event. The area is upstream of Cheesman Reservoir, and is endangered by illegal motorized vehicles tearing the landscape apart. The eight-mile hike includes 1,200 feet of elevation gain, and the event will be limited to ten people. If you re interested in details and participating, contact Jim Lockhart at 719-385-0045 or jlock@datawest.net.
How are you celebrating Colorado Public Lands Day? Let us know at editorial@westword.com.
Posted by Hannah Harn | May 3, 2021
The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) and the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) have announced they will be celebrating Colorado Public Lands Day on Saturday, May 15, with the Annual Arkansas River Cleanup-Greenup.
Starting at 8:30 A.M. May 15, more than 200 volunteers will clean trash and debris from the banks of the Arkansas River from Leadville to Cañon City and beyond, preparing for a busy summer. The cleanup also coincides with the start of the spring snowmelt and run-off.
The AHRA started the annual cleanup in 1992 in partnership with American Rivers and the National River Cleanup, The first-ever cleanup-greenup, held May 9, 1992, earned an Honorary Proclamation by then-Governor Roy Romer as “Arkansas River Cleanup Day.”
Salida has been working to improve a variety of environmental matters, focusing on energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and more.Â
Sustainability goals set by the city are producing tangible results, including the development of an electric vehicle fleet program.
Salida Administrator Drew Nelson said city council created goals and strategies for the EV fleet program and other resources and services at a higher level, all through the local sustainability committee.
This fleet program came to life in 2018, courtesy of $27,000 in grant dollars from the Colorado Energy Office.
Alongside inspiration from the energy officeâs EV charging infrastructure program, a collective motivation came from city officials and Mayor P.T. Wood, as well as from the sustainability goals set forth by council, said David Lady, Salida Public Works director.