fomp.org

We are currently doing some re-work of the web site so please exuse the mess in the meantime.
Thanks
Chris

Friends of Monument Preserve is scheduled to hold out first Trail Day for 2008 tomorrow Tuesday may 13 at 6pm at the main trailhead at the corner of Mt. Herman Rd and Nursery Rd. Weather permitting (and it seems unlike at this very moment) we will have 3 activities:

1. Trail Work
2. Tree Planting - we need 6 or so volunteers to help Dianne trim back some scrub oak from some evergreens that are struggling to grow.
3. Board Meeting at 8:45 in the classroom facility after thse - it will be short and sweet. I promise - I’ll put jon in charge so we get it over with ASAP.

Both groups will meet at the parking lot at 6pm and depart from there. FOMP will supply all tools and supplies all you need to do is 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.

Here is PLAN B if the weather is bad:

1. I will make the call at 5:15 PM and post work session cancellations on the web site right on the front page at http://www.fomp.org
2. If it is raining or if I can see snow accumulated at all on my grass here in Shiloh Pines across the street from the parking lot we will cancel.
3. If we cancel the board meeting will still be held but at 7pm
4. If we cancel we will reschedule for next Tuesday at 6pm - if Diane can not do her planned tree work at that time we will send out a separate notice

Thanks and sorry for all of the confusion!

If you need directions or have questions, give me a call
Chris Tirpak
719.439.8865 - mobile

Hello everyone!

Spring is here and Friends of Monument Preserve is about to get into full swing for the upcoming season. There are quite a few things planned and we will discuss those at the board meeting tomorrow night. The calendar is linked on the right and has all the details.

Here are few important notes:

Board Meeting - tomorrow 4/8 at 7:00PM

1. Among other agenda items will be the USFS law enforcement officer Tom Healy will drop in to talk about recent vandalism in the Preserve
2. FRERC - gas drilling discussion. If Chris Amenson is able to make the meeting we’ll ask him to update FOMP on the progress and activities to date. Chris and FRERC are doing a great job coordinating various parties interested in the upcoming oil and gas

Upcoming Events - Lots of volunteer opportunities! Dates and contact info is in the calendar section at the end.

1. Tree Planting Project - this coming weekend!! Volunteers needed, see the calendar for more information.
2. Trail Work begins April 19 - see the calendar for more information.
3. Hot Shot dinner. Volunteers needed, see the calendar for more information.
4. Memorial Grove Ceremony. Volunteers needed, see the calendar for more information.

Hope to see you there!
Thanks
Chris Tirpak

There is a new group forming to deal with issues pertaining to the proposed oil and gas drilling in the Pike National Forest. It is called Front Range Environmental Resource Coalition and its web site is www.frerc.org - they are having a first meeting on Tuesday April 1. Details can be found on their web site.

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