Oil and Gas Leasing in the Rampart Range

Take Action by Today, Sunday June 30, 2013!

FOMP would like to make you aware that the USFS is conducting an environmental impact study to develop new policies on oil and gas leases in the Pike NF, including in the Rampart Range.  At the moment, the area immediately behind Palmer Lake and Woodmoor Mountain is shown as the highest likelihood for future leasing, though this seems to be based on the land being leased right now (Map – Figure 7 of this USFS/BLM document on page 100 shows the existing leases in PSICC study area, of which the leases here in Palmer Lake are among the largest).

Almost all the current leases in the area, except the one on Sundance Mountain, expire next year unless productive drilling occurs before that.  Any new leases would be subject to new policies, which are still under development. Dyad Petroleum, holder of many of the leases, has continued to express interest in developing the area for natural gas extraction should natural gas prices rise.

The current proposed alternative by the USFS contains language in it that is an improvement over current policy — it would have no surface occupancy for leases in “upper tier” roadless areas, which includes the area from Storm Peak north to Perry Park, and would restrict new “road” building in the rest of the roadless area.  “No surface occupancy” means that the resources would need to be extracted using directional drilling from pads located in less sensitive areas. FOMP’s Board of directors believes it would be better to have no surface occupancy or oil and gas drilling here in the Rampart Range as well as the upper tier areas. This area is already a large urban forest interface zone and needs to be protected. 

The full forest service proposal can be viewed at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/psicc/landmanagement/projects/?cid=stelprdb5418254.

Regardless of whether you agree with the FOMP Board, you should comment back to the USFS by June 30, 2013. Please comment back to the USFS via email at psicc_oandg@fs.fed.us or via their web site form.  Using your own words in comments is more effective than copying the talking points, but anything is more effective than doing nothing! Please keep in mind, the outcome of this EIS will effect the Rampart Range and your local recreation for generations going forward, so now is the time to act.

If you would like to see a sample of comments and thoughts opposing further oil and gas drilling in the area you may visit Wild Connections web site. (FOMP is not affiliated with Wild Connections). We have not found an example set of comments in support of expanding oil and gas development in the area.

Thanks,
FOMP

Waldo Canyon Burn Area Re-opening

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Just in time for Memorial Day weekend!

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The U. S. Forest Service (USFS) announced Tuesday that it expects to open over 40 percent of the Waldo Canyon Burn Area to visitors Friday, May 24, 2013.

The opening will include the Rampart Reservoir Recreation Area trail, campgrounds, picnic sites and National Forest System Roads 307, 311 and 313 (also known as the Schubarth Road).

According to District Ranger Alan Hahn, “Since the Waldo Canyon fire, we have accomplished a considerable about of work at the recreation sites and the trail around the Reservoir. Our goal is to provide a safe environment for forest visitors.”

Next Spring, forest managers will re-evaluate and determine if additional acres can be open to the public.

The remainder of the Waldo Canyon Burn Area will be closed until further notice.

The Waldo Canyon Trail #640 is not open because the steep valleys pose public danger during a major rain event which could trap visitors in low lying areas, according to the USFS.

Small water craft with electric motors can be launched from the shore at Rampart Reservoir. Visitors are cautioned that the water level at the Reservoir is expected to be low and the boat launch and ramp will be closed. No boats or motor vehicles will be allowed to cross the dam. Nichols Reservoir, south of the dam, is empty and is included in the new Closure Order. Stanley Canyon Reservoir is also empty.

Public safety is a challenge because of the Burn Area’s proximity to Colorado Springs and heavy visitor use in the past.

Violators are subject to a maximum fine of $5,000.

The revised Waldo Canyon Fire Closure Special Order and map will be located on the web at:http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/psicc/alerts-notices/?aid=14836.

 

Monthly Work Session

FOMP needs you for this work session!

Tuesday May 14 at 6:00 PM
FOMP is pleased to be holding a volunteer trail work and tree trimming/seedling release work session!

We will be working on the newly cut fireline area to release small pine seedlings. This involves cutting back scrub oak growth and removing any remaining root balls that are sticking up that could injure people, horses, or bikes.

We will also hold our monthly BOD meeting in the parking lot prior to the start of activities. We will cover new oil and gas drilling information, shooting on Mt. herman Rd., and budget.

FOMP and USFS provide all necessary tools. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for performing outdoor landscaping type of work. Volunteers should bring leather gloves, a personal water supply, eye protection, sunscreen, and bug repellent. We meet rain or shine unless there is lightning active in the area. In the event that you are joining us late we try to leave a note at the trail head parking lot or you can call Jon Nordby (719.640.1347) or Chris Tirpak (719.439.8865) to find out where in the Preserve we are working that evening.

We make every effort to accommodate volunteer preferences and abilities at each event. Generally we perform activities such as water bar building or renovation, trail renovation, maintenance, and trimming, etc. So, pretty much everything from trimming back scrub oak or digging lots of dirt to moving boulders. We assign duties based on interest and capabilities. Kids are welcome to join their parents; however, we do ask that you evaluate whether this is an appropriate activity for your child or not.
Meet at the main trailhead parking lot at 6:00PM! (map: http://bit.ly/FOMPMeetingSpot)

2013 Hotshot and Helitac Crew Appreciation Dinner

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Every year FOMP holds a potluck dinner for the Hotshot and Helitac crews that are based right here with us! This year it will be on April 25, at 5:30PM. [Please check back here for more details as the date grows closer or get in touch with us at info@fomp.org to get involved!]

Both the the Monument Hotshot Crew and the Monument Helitack crew will be there, so we expect 30 very hungry young men and women + anyone else that attends.  Everyone knows how hard they worked last year and we want to give them a big welcome back and remind them of our support.  So far w have the following commitments:

Drinks: (2) people

Main Dishes:  (6)

Side Dishes/Salads:  (2)

Desserts:  (2)

As you can see, we could use a few more salads or desserts, or really anything people are willing to provide.  If anyone else can, please contact Marianne LaRivee at 719-481-5936 or dmlarivee@comcast.net.  You can drop off your food at her house Thursday afternoon, or at the Fire Center Classroom between 4:30 and 5:30.

Ice Cave Creek Project

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On June 8th Friends of Monument Preserve will be partnering with the Colorado Mountain Club to construct a trail up the Ice Cave Creek Drainage (near the Palmer Lake Reservoirs). The Colorado Mountain Club is the lead in this project and in order to participate in this project you will need to sign up on their website. On-line registration for the Ice Cave Creek trail project on June 8 is now available at https://www.cmc.org/Calendar/EventDetails.aspx?ID=3075. While Colorado Mountain Club is organizing and coordinating the work, you do not need to be a member to sign up. No experience necessary — just bring work clothes (esp. gloves!) and the usual water & food for a day in the mountains. It’s less than a mile hike in to the work site.

CMC’s Ice Cave Creek flyer for June 8 (pdf)

We will post more information here as we get it.

Postponed: April BOD

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Meeting Time:
Tuesday April 16, 2013 at 7:00PM  

 
BOD Meetings are held in the Fire Center Classroom. For those of you unfamiliar with the classroom building make your first left into the Fire Center after Mt. Herman Rd. turns to dirt, follow the road all the way into the administrative area and the classroom building is the first building on your right.
 
Agenda:
 

Thanks and we hope to see you there!

FOMP

Proposed Jones Park Closure

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The U.S. Forest Service is holding an open house on their proposal for trails and access in the Bear Creek watershed. The open house is Thursday, April 4, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at the Leon Young Service Center for CS Utilities, Pikes Peak Room, 1521 Hancock Expressway.

The proposal would affect all user groups, hikers, bikers, equestrians, and motorized users. The Forest Service is seeking comments from all users.

The proposed changes are in response to the issues surrounding the greenback cutthroat trout in Bear Creek. Under the proposal, the Forest Service would close a total of 6.4 miles of trails and re-route some of these by constructing 2.9 miles of new trails. Trails affected by closures include trails 666, 667, 668, 701, 720A and 622A. Theses closures would be to all users. The proposal also converts 0.6 miles of non-motorized trail on Seven Bridges, 622, to motorized use.

The current ban prohibiting camping and campfires in the watershed would become long-term, and access would be restricted to on-route only.

As you can see, these changes would affect all trail users. The Forest Service wants your comments. Please try to attend the open house, 4 to 9 pm, Thurs, April 4.
It’s an open house, so you can stop by, learn more, and provide your thoughts anytime in the 5 hours, and stay as short or as long as you want.

You can find the assessment, maps of current trails and the proposed system, and other information on the USFS web site at:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/psicc/home/?cid=STELPRDB5397304

Links for the documents and maps are at the bottom of that page.

You can also go to the USFS web page for the Pike and San Isabel Forests, scroll to the bottom, and find the link for the Bear Creek Watershed Assessment

Here is the current map: https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5412302.pdf
Here is their proposed map: https://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5412304.pdf

Very scary stuff, since it appears that Jones Park will be closed to all users!