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WCRC Minutes July 2, 2003
Intro of members: JB Alexander, Creede; Leigh Ann Vradenburg, Watershed Coordinator; Zeke Ward, Chairman WCRC; Jim Matush, Creede; Mark Walker, CDPHE; Erik Sandvik, Creede; Jeff Graves, CDMG; Kelley Thompson, Agro Engineering; Les Dobson, USFS; Laura Coppock, USFWS; Marvin Reynolds, CSU Coop. Ext.
Approval of minutes: Leigh Ann read a clarification provided by Bob Kirkham regarding the discussion of his deep well report. Motion to approve the revised June minutes was made by JB Alexander; second made by Erik Sandvik. Motion carried.
Additions/corrections to the agenda: A discussion of the revised website was included under Old Business D. Les Dobson requested that a discussion of the USFS Cost Share Agreement be added under New Business C. A discussion of the Midwest site was added under New Business D.
In-Kind: Forms were provided in hard copy for volunteers to track time and other expenses. Leigh Ann encouraged monthly submission of these forms so that records could be kept current.
Coordinator’s Report: Leigh Ann informed the committee that she had attended Philanthropy Days. She said that there were not many foundations in attendance that funded environmental projects, but she was able to speak to Great Outdoors Colorado and State Historic Fund about ideas.
Eric Twitty has completed the final draft of the Alpha Corsair report. He is currently working on a grant proposal to inventory the settlement sites. He will also provide the committee with electronic copies of all of his reports.
Leigh Ann spoke with Sandy at the La Garita Ranch and will potentially give a presentation to their guests this summer.
The San Luis Valley Wetland Focus Area Committee will be holding their monthly meeting in Creede on July 22nd. Leigh Ann will give them a tour of the Willow Creek project at the start of their meeting.
Leigh Ann will be on vacation July 23-29.
As approved by the committee in May, a banner was made for Philanthropy Days and subsequent booths. The banner, made by Southern Colorado Sign Company of Alamosa, turned out great.
Leigh Ann had been trying to find equipment to measure the depths of the private deep wells, but so far had not been able to locate anything. Looking for equipment from oil field companies was suggested.
Leigh Ann was coordinating with the Mineral County Fairgrounds Association to produce a flyer. This flyer will be distributed at the WCRC booth at Days of ’92.
Old Business:
Clean-up Day: Leigh Ann told the committee that clean-up day is scheduled for July 15th. Everyone will meet at the parking lot in front of the mining museum at 9:00am. The WCRC will provide refreshments.
Days of ’92 Booth: Leigh Ann informed the committee that she secured a spot in the vendors section at Creede’s Days of ’92 celebration over the 4th of July. She was making pamphlets to distribute. She also planned to make a poster to advertise Clean-up Day. Zeke, JB, and Jim offered to help with the booth.
Bid Schedule: Jeff Graves said that the mandatory site visit for the reclamation work was scheduled for July 8. The bid opening is scheduled for July 22nd at the office of San Luis Valley Resource Conservation and Development. Jeff said that a decision is usually made within two to three weeks of the bid opening. Zeke said that we would be able to discuss the decision at the August meeting. Work will hopefully begin at the end of August.
New business:
Wason: Leigh Ann read a letter from Wason Ranch indicating their intent to attend the August WCRC meeting in the morning. Mark Walker suggested that the WCRC take the opportunity to extend an invitation to work cooperatively with Wason. Zeke said that the WCRC is dedicated to voluntary and cooperative clean-up, and that we could work with Wason as long as their approach did not involve litigation. Zeke said that the best bet for getting the Rio Grande off the 303(d) list is to complete a TMDL, which the WCRC is currently working on. He emphasized that the WCRC is committed to clean-up, not to changing the rules. As for funding, the WCRC will support the clean-up of private land if there is clear and evident benefit to the public. Zeke used the examples of the Hecla property below town (which is slated for donation to the city) and Airport Corner (a portion of which is being donated to the Fairgrounds Association).
Rock show: Leigh Ann said the committee would be passing out pamphlets at the Creede Rock Show in August. Jim Matush said that it could be an opportunity to contact Jack Morris, the owner of the Last Chance mine.
USFS Cost Share: Les said that he had the cost share agreement between the Forest Service, RC&D, and WCRC ready for signatures. Leigh Ann looked over the figures and said that she would verify them.
Midwest: JB said that the city was working with the Forest Service to take over control of the buildings and structures at the Midwest Mine site. As part of taking over the site, the City had to demonstrate that they would make the site safe. Zeke suggested that they have Ken Wyley and Jerry Wintz look at the railroad trestle to see what needed to be done to stabilize the timbers.
The next meeting will be August 6, 2003.
Meeting Adjourned 3:32 PM
Respectfully Submitted, Leigh Ann Vradenburg |