Headwaters Trails Alliance receives $5,000 grant

The Denver Post Community Foundation and Ride The Rockies awarded a $5,000 grant to Headwaters Trails Alliance on Wednesday, June 13 in Grand Lake. The mission of Headwaters Trails Alliance is to preserve, enhance, and promote sustainable, high quality, multi-use trail opportunities in Grand County. HTA was selected by the RTR Host Community Grant Committee after reviewing several applications from nonprofits doing great work in Grand Lake and County. Congratulations HTA and thank you for all you do for our county!

Grand Lake Wildfire Preparedness Meeting at Grand Lake Town Hall

On Friday evening, June 22nd, members of Grand Lake Fire Protection District, Grand County Sheriff’s Department, the Grand County Wildfire Counsel and other agencies will discuss emergency preparedness, evacuation planning and wildfire mitigation.

Topics include: Overall Preparedness; Wildfire Seasonal Outlook; Evacuations; Emergency Notification and Public Information; and, How to reduce the risk of wildfire. The event starts at 6:30 pm.

HTA Trail Improvement Project this Sunday

Headwaters Trails Alliance seeks volunteers to help with work along the first mile of the Devils Thumb Trail (N7.1) replacing two foot bridges that are rotted and unsafe for travel. This trail is also in need of drainage improvements and minor maintenance care such as brushing, lopping, and restoration on areas where the trail is braided. This is wonderful chance for you to get outside in a nice wooded section of trail that parallels a beautiful meadow.
Volunteers can meet at the HTA office at 8:30 am or at the Devils Thumb Trailhead at 9 am on Sunday morning, June 24th. Contact HTA at (970) 726-1013 for more information.

Granby Library hosts “Meet your Forest” with Ryan McNertney

From Timber to Lumber: See how the relationship between Wood Producers and Forest Managers can save your forest! A 10 year veteran of the Colorado State Forest Service, Ryan McNertney has been responsible for private land management, insect and disease identification and control, fire mitigation, outreach and education. In this lecture series, Ryan will discuss how forest managers work with different groups to maintain a healthy forest. The event is on Wednesday, June 27th at 7 pm.

Fraser Valley Rec launches new Facebook page

On Wednesday, the Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District launched a new Facebook Page. The GPCRC (Grand Park Community Recreation Center) page has information on Rec Center programs, events, hours, health tips, workouts and more activities related specifically to the Rec Center.

The district will also still manage the Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation District Facebook page, and information for the entire district can be found there. For more information, visit fraservalleyrec.org.

Fire Danger: MODERATE

At the time of press, East Grand Fire Protection District #4 reports Fire Danger in most of Grand County to be MODERATE. No fire restrictions are warranted this week. However, BLM lands near the Colorado River are currently in Stage 1 restrictions. Call (970) 725-3852 for recorded information from the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. For information on CO wildfire status and fire restrictions across the state visit bewildfireready.org/ and coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html.

The Drop Update

Construction of The Drop is underway! The town of Fraser is anticipating a July opening for the new Pay-As-You-Throw (PAYT) Trash and Recycling Drop Off Facility. Hours of operation and more details to follow soon!  The new facility is on county road 61 behind Murdoch’s Plaza. Road to Fraser Tubing hills

East Grand School District’s Board approves salary increases

The school board approved salary increases for district employees that are deemed classified staff. On June 5 the school board approved the increase in increments throughout the district’s salary schedule.  According to East Grand Superintendent Frank Reeves the new pay structure is long overdue and the new structure will allow for consistency as the district moves forward. The new classified employee salary schedule is expected to increase the district’s payroll expenses by approximately $220,000 annually.

The district employees around 200 people and about half of the staff are in the classified schedule including bus drivers, food and beverage staff, administrators, paraprofessionals, technological support staff and office personnel.

Did You Know…

At the Eisenhower crossing in Fraser, Union Pacific data shows there are approximately six freight trains each night, five freight trains in the day and two Amtrak passenger trains daily, for an approximate total of 13 trains a day. That may seem like a lot, but the normal running total used to be closer to 26 trains a day.