Just a brief reminder that FOMP will not hold its monthly meeting tomorrow. Enjoy the holidays and we’ll see you in January!

Thanks
FOMP Board

Please be advised that it is legal for hunters to hunt in the Monument Preserve and surrounding National Forest. While we do not encounter hunters in the Monument Preserve proper very frequently it is legal and apparently there was a hunter in the Preserve this morning hunting deer or elk. You might want to wear hunter orange or something similar until the end of hunting season – which appears to be 11/16 for Deer and Elk rifle hunting in the Game Management Unit for the area .

If you are a hunter or know one that operates in the area please remember that the Preserve is laced with trails and trail users at all times of day – most of whom are under the impression that no hunting occurs there.

Thanks and please be careful out there!

Just a quick reminder that Tuesday November 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM will be the final monthly FOMP Board Meeting for 2008. The meeting will be held in the classroom building at the Monument Fire Center within the Preserve. (turn left into the fire center from Mt. Herman Rd and proceed to the first building on your right)

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado has put in a request for help from FOMP members:

(150 volunteers needed — minimum age: 12)

The East-West Trail in Stratton Open Space, just west of Colorado Springs , is a diverse region of five ecosystems. The Parks ponderosa pine forests, scrub oak brush lands, high meadow grasslands, cattail marsh and riparian area are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Thousands of visitors utilize the park each year for its panoramic views and popular hiking and mountain biking trails. Stratton’s popularity has led to a growing network of social trails that threaten its beauty and habitats. Join your Front Range neighbors to construct and rehabilitate 4,500 feet of trail, close social trails and rehabilitate scarred areas by planting native grasses.

Right now we are really short of volunteers and we need you! Please help spread the word.

Work Day is 7:30-3:30

Click HERE to sign up individuals or groups.

This year there has been a marked increase in coyote activity in the Preserve and surrounding areas. Many of these coyote’s are attacking dogs and frequently doing so in the presence of humans. These desensitized animals are becoming a nuisance and potential safety issue to Preserve users. We have been in contact with the USFS and The Colorado Division of Wildlife and are working on a solution to these de-sensitized coyote’s. Please pay attention to yourself and your animals when you are in the Preserve. We will let you know what we work out with the various agencies as soon as possible.