Links to the original documents are referenced below:

Please be aware that the USFS will be conducting thinning operations at the Monument Preserve as a form of fire mitigation. These operations are a part of the larger Upper Monument Creek Landscape Restoration Project to restore forests in the Rampart Range area. The fuel treatment project will reduce the risk of wildfire and create a more complex vegetation structure in the area. Starting in mid-May (contractors to be in the area this Wednesday, May 11), for approximately six weeks, the USFS will begin Phase 1 of their thinning operations. Other phases are planned for Winter 2023 and Winter 2024. 

For the safety of the public during operations, the USFS has informed us that the area of Phase 1 will be closed to use, during the work period.  A variety of large equipment and hand tools will be used to thin the vegetation, and hazardous conditions may exist in the treatment area. The closure is needed to ensure the safety of the public and the operators. 

The USFS has informed FOMP that while there may be damage to some trails due to equipment used in the mitigation process and accumulation of slash, there is no intent to destroy or close trails associated with this project. For additional information about the treatments or area closure, please see attached information from the USFS, or contact Acting District Ranger Jennifer DeWoody at jennifer.dewoody@usda.gov or (719) 477-4202.

Click here to refer to an official USFS document that was sent to FOMP.

FOMP needs you for this trail work session!

Tuesday, May 10th at 6:00 PM

FOMP is pleased to be holding one of our monthly volunteer trail work maintenance sessions for 2022.  

Please meet at the main parking lot at Mt Herman and Nursery https://goo.gl/maps/rdJuhbbQWEx

Check the website too! http://www.fomp.org

The rest of the info you need: FOMP and USFS provide all the necessary tools. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for performing outdoor landscaping type of work. Volunteers should wear long pants and sturdy shoes and bring leather gloves, a hat, a personal water supply, eye protection, sunscreen, and bug repellent. We meet rain or shine unless there is lightning active in the area.

We make every effort to accommodate volunteer preferences and abilities at each event. Generally, we perform water bar building or renovation, trail renovation, maintenance, trimming, etc. So, everything from trimming back scrub oak or digging lots of dirt to moving boulders. We assign duties based on interests 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.

Be aware that all participants will need to sign a waiver before beginning any trail work.

Thanks, and we hope to see you out there!

FOMP

FOMP needs you for this trail work session!

Tuesday, April 12th at 6:00 PM

FOMP is pleased to be holding one of our monthly volunteer trail work maintenance sessions for 2022.  

Please meet at the main parking lot at Mt Herman and Nursery https://goo.gl/maps/rdJuhbbQWEx

Check the website too! http://www.fomp.org

The rest of the info you need: FOMP and USFS provide all the necessary tools. Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing for performing outdoor landscaping type of work. Volunteers should wear long pants and sturdy shoes and bring leather gloves, a hat, a personal water supply, eye protection, sunscreen, and bug repellent. We meet rain or shine unless there is lightning active in the area.

We make every effort to accommodate volunteer preferences and abilities at each event. Generally, we perform water bar building or renovation, trail renovation, maintenance, trimming, etc. So, everything from trimming back scrub oak or digging lots of dirt to moving boulders. We assign duties based on interests 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.

Be aware that all participants will need to sign a waiver before beginning any trail work.

Thanks, and we hope to see you out there!

FOMP

FOMP is pleased to announce our March 2022 Board Meeting

Meeting Time:
Tuesday, March 8th at 7:00 PM

Due to board members being out of town, we are doing a Zoom meeting. If you wish to attend please RSVP to info@fomp.org and further login details will be provided.

 Board Member Updates

• President and Vice President update.
• Secretary and Treasurer update.

Topics

• USFS Updates.
• Continued vehicle break-ins at the Fire Center.
• After many years Bill Normile is leaving his executive position with the BOD – I big thanks for all the time and support he has given FOMP.
• Elections.
• Trailer insurance coverage. 
• Tools update.

Open Discussion

Thanks

FOMP BOD

The Colorado Springs INDY covered one person’s issues after a being a victim of a break-in at the Fire Center: Hiking Bob: Trailhead burglary turns hiker into sleuth

A big shout out to Bob Falcone (aka Hiking Bob) for the coverage on the topic.

Update: Be on the lookout for a dark mid-sized SUV, maybe an Explorer, or similar vehicle in and around the trailheads. Two men escaped after a neighbor witnessed them smashing and grabbing a car across the street near the Red Rocks Drive trailhead.

We have heard of continued reports of multiple vehicle break-ins around various locations at the Monument Fire Center. Property, credit cards, IDs, etc., have been stolen, with some of the cards being fraudulently used at local stores.

Please note that this area is not under the jurisdiction of the Town of Monument Police (outside the city limits) and is instead taken care of by the El Paso County Sheriff. If you have been a Smash and Grab victim please call the Sheriff’s office.

If you are a victim of any sort of a break-in, report it!

Please be careful, and take all valuables with you when you bike, hike or run. In addition, keep anything like packs, purses, etc., hidden and out of sight. Watch your surroundings and note anything odd in the parking lot, including suspicious vehicles or people. 

Thanks,
FOMP

We have heard of reports of multiple vehicle break-ins, and stolen property around various locations at the Monument Fire Center. 

Those locations include:

• The Main Lot (Mt Herman and Nursery)
• The Lot at the intersection of Lindbergh and Schilling 
• Schilling lot by the meadow.

Please be careful, and take all valuables with you when you bike, hike or run. In addition, keep anything like packs, purses, etc. hidden and out of sight. Watch your surroundings and note anything odd in the parking lot, including suspicious vehicles, or people. 

Thanks,
FOMP

Meeting Time:
Tuesday, February 8th at 7:00 PM

NOTE:

Due to COVID issues we are doing a Zoom meeting. If you wish to attend please RSVP to info@fomp.org and further login details will be provided.

Board Member Updates

• President and Vice President update.
• Secretary and Treasurer update.

Topics

• Tools orders.
• Long-term FOMP tool trailer storage. 
• USFS.

Open Discussion

Thanks,
FOMP

FOMP is pleased to announce our January 2022 Board Meeting

Meeting Time:
Tuesday, January 11th at 7:00 PM

NOTE:

Due to COVID issues we are doing a Zoom meeting. If you wish to attend please RSVP to info@fomp.org and further login details will be provided.

Board Member Updates

• President and Vice President update.
• Secretary and Treasurer update.

Topics

• Tools orders/fixes.
• Long-term FOMP tool trailer storage. 
• Fire center camping issues.
• USFS.

Open Discussion

Thanks,
FOMP