fomp.org

FRERC.ORG has just setn the following news release to all of its memebers, FOMP would also like you to be aware. More info at www.frerc.org

“U.S. FOREST SERVICE COLLECTING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dyad Petroleum Decision Delayed

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 25, 2008.Pike National Forest, Pikes Peak Ranger Brent Botts said more information has been requested from Dyad Petroleum before a thorough Environmental Assessment (EA) can be completed for the El Paso County project. No decision on the exploratory drilling proposal is expected prior to the Spring of 2009.According to Botts, “We asked Dyad Petroleum representatives for additional information about the site, roads, air and water quality and they responded favorably. It will likely take at least another six months to evaluate the information and prepare the environmental analyses.”The Forest Service will prepare a formal scoping statement and solicit public comment following receipt and evaluation of the additional information requested of Dyad.”

Hello everyone!

There are several things we’d like you to know about including some changes to how FOMP manages our email list and a website re-design:

1. Tomorrow (or perhaps today by the time I finish this and it gets out the door) 5/20/2008 Friends of Monument Preserve is scheduled to re-attempt to hold our first Trail Day for 2008. We will meet at 6:00pm in the main trail head parking lot located on the corner of Mt. Herman Rd. and Nursery Rd. weather permitting - which is pretty much rain or shine from now on unless there is lightning activity in the area. We will have 2 activities lined up:
— Trail Work
— Tree Trimming - we need several volunteers to help Dianne Strohm trim back some scrub oak from some evergreens that are struggling to grow. If we have a small crowd this will be our first priority tomorrow.

Meet at the parking lot at 6:00pm and depart from there. FOMP / USFS will supply all tools and supplies that you need. Please dress appropriately, bring gloves, water, and eye protection (sunglasses or similar). If you are going to trim scrub oak we recommend long sleeves regardless of the weather. If you are running late you can cal Jon Nordby on his cell phone 719.640.1347 and he will tell you where the groups(s) are located.

2. Our web site received a minor face lift this week. The location is the same and most of the materials are still there. If there is something you feel we should add please let us know by sending an email to info@fomp.org

3. Email list management. We’ve installed some software to help us manage our email list more efficiently. It’s nothing super fancy but it will allow you to update your preferences or unsubscribe from our email list which is something Chris has cobbled together manually over the years. You should be able to set which information you’d like to receive from us. We seem to have a few major things we update you on: Trails, Board Meetings, Limbaugh Canyon, Special Events/Announcements, Vandalism. And then there is the siple category “ALL” - which is pretty much what it sounds like. Needless to say we really don’t send out that many emails every month but you can refine what you receive. While you are there please take a second and make sure we have your name too! www.fomp.org/newsletter Thanks.

4. Vandalism? Yes! The Preserve has been the recent target of more than one spray paint “tagging”. The old caretakers structure on the South side was spray painted as were several other structures. Also, on Saturday night several signs including the map of the district were all destroyed. If you know anything about ither of these events please pass that on the board at info@fomp.org or call CHris at 719.488.9850. You can also call officer Tom Healy of the USFS at 719.477.4204 to report any vandalism. The FOMP board also met with officer Healy recently and one of the things we’re going to do is make sure that he has an avenue to reach out to the community in a timely manner. Hence the FOMP email list re: vandalism. We’ll use that to pass on requests from officer Healy regarding any vandalism to our local USFS resources. Hopefully we won’t need to use it very often.

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

In attendance:

Chris Tirpak, Jon Nordby, Kim Nordby, Janna Preheim, Amy Smith, Bill Benson, Herman Spielkamp

• Discussed cleaning up the pond. Amy will investigatge various treatment options.
• Limbaugh Canyon update - the Canyon 40 purchase/swap is still moving through the USFS system. The Nevins family is still interested in making it happen and all parties are waiting for assessments to be completed. Forecast is late 2007 with a trail re-opening in early 2008.
• Amy Smith has completed the newsletter. We reviewed and approved the newsletter to go out, our first in 2+ years. Thanks Amy!
• All board members are going to try and get 2 corporate sponsors signed up and participating in a member benefits program.
• Trails - Jon reports (and everyone agrees) the Preserve trails have taken a pounding from the heavy rains this summer. Suggested and agreed to hold two additional trail work days this fall. Remaining trail schedule is as follows:
• September 12 - Tuesday - 6pm - this will probably be the last weekenight for the year
• September 30 - Saturday - 9am - 12pm
• October 1 - Sunday - 1pm - 4pm
• Meeting Adjourned

At several board meetings I have referenced the USFS document that is key to tracking what is going on in the Pike Nationalk Forest. This document is called the Schedule of Proposed Actions or SOPA for short. You can find it on the Pike NF Home page under Projects and Plans. Here’s a shortcut (Pike NF SOPA) and there is a permanent link on the right. You’ll need Adobe Acrobat to read it.

Chris