fomp.org

Today the Gazette published an article regarding oil and gas drilling in the Monument area. FOMP has been aware of this effort for nearly 5 years and has been opposed to Oil and Gas drilling on Mt. herman since we first heard about it. Frankly, I was surprised to find that there were only 17 comments (for or against) filed during the initial comment period 4 years ago; however, I expect that to change now that we are actually about to have live drilling rigs in Monument full time. People from Manitou to Cheyenne (yes, Boulder too) are going to realize that oil and gas companies are serious about drilling all up an down the Front Range. If Dyad discovers natural gas in Monument, the battle of the Roan plateau will look like an friendly intellectual dinner table discussion.

Stay tuned.

Gazette Article - Pike forest could be ground zero for new drilling

As a partner organization with the USFS FOMP will be reviewing the EA when it becomes available in the near future and submitting comments as an organization. We encourage you to get involved and review the EA as well and make comments as individuals.

Note: I have already received several questions regarding why FOMP is opposed to this effort and I will articulate those reasons here shortly. — Thanks — Chris / FOMP Board

Canceled:

1. June 23 Mt. Herman Rd. Cleanup day is canceled. We will discuss
rescheduling this for the fall if we can generate enough interest.
There are just too many conflicts and too few people around during
the summer.

Ongoing:

1. Wed June 20, 7:00PM — Monthly Board Meeting is held in the
classroom at the work center. Everyone is invited to join us..
2. Trail Crew. Trail season is in full swing. Due to the difficult
conditions on the trail we are holding weekly work sessions in
addition to the monthly work session. These are Tuesday nights at
6pm, meet at the trail head on the corner of Mt. Herman and
Schilling. FOMP ad FS provide all the tools. Bring water, gloves,
and dress appropriately for the weather. We work in rain unless
there is lightning. If you have any questions, please send them to
info@fomp.org.

FOMP MEETING MINUTES-APRIL 18, 2007

MEMBERSHIP DRIVE- 3 NEW MEMBERS AND FIVE RENEWAL
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
TRAIL WORK NIGHT- MAY 8TH 6:00PM TO DARK-MEET AT TRAIL HEAD PARKING LOT ON SHILLING/NURSERY RD
TREE PLANTING- MAY 10TH 4:30-6:30
90 TREES- 60 PONDEROSA AND 40 DOUGLAS FIR
MAY 5TH-MEMORIAL GROVE CEREMONY AND POTLUCK
HOT SHOTS DINNER- TBA
TRAIL CLEAN UP DAY- MAY 19
SIX NEW BIRD HOUSES CONSTRUCTED AND PLACED THROUGH OUT THE PRESERVE AND OLD BIRD HOUSES CLEANED
KEEP THE FOREST CLEAN BY NOTING INFECTED TREES WITH BEETLE SO THEY CAN BE TAGGED AND REMOVED
CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS BEING RECOGNIZED IN LOCAL PAPERS
ELECTIONS:
CHRIS TIRPAK WAS ELECTED TO SERVE ANOTHER TERM AS PRESIDENT OF FOMP
JON NORDBY ELECTED TO SERVE ANOTHER TERM AS VP OF FOMP

The summer 2007 FOMP calendar is almost set. Trail days, as always, will be the second Tuesday of each month, 6pm, meet at the trail head on Mt. Herman Rd. We will also be hosting several other events: Dinner with the Hotshot and Helitac crews (May), Mt. Herman Rd clean up day (May), Tree Planting, and the annual Memorial Grove ceremony(May). Please check the calendar for details as we finalize dates. And please contact us at info@fomp.org if you wish to participate in any of the events and need more info.

The PSI is initiating a forest management plan revision process and is considering a variety of topics, including recreation. New policies created in the forest plan revision process will be in place for 15-20 years, making your input extremely important. Additional public collaboration opportunities will arise in the next year or two, but your comments now will lay the groundwork for the rest of this important process.

All forest users are invited to give their input. You need to speak up now an make your voice heard.

Comment cards are available online and take only a few minutes to complete.

Please mail, fax or hand deliver your comment card to any ranger district office on the PSI before March 30, 2007. For a list of locations and contact information, click here.