Colorado Country Life Yampa June 2014

June 2014

速

Raising

RIVER RATS

Bring this magazine to life

Scan this magazine’s pages and find Scan this page for more directions on how to use this app!

videos, links to websites, phone numbers and more.

Look for this icon designating extra content.

You’ll also find links to the additional videos at Powered By

coloradocountrylife. coop.

Want to augment your ad in Colorado Country Life? Colorado advertisers call Kris at 303-902-7276; national advertisers, call NCM at 800-626-1181.

[cover]

[contents]

June 2014

Photographer Monica Reichmuth gets the money shot when these river rafters take a break at Split Mountain on the Green River in northwestern Colorado.

4 4 Viewpoint

20 Recipes Get creative with cookie dough for

Representatives of your co-op talk electric issues in D.C.

5 Letters 6 Calendar 7 Co-op News 12 NewsClips 14 Washington, D.C. Youth Tour

Life-changing summer trip made possibile by electric co-ops

16 delicious, sought-after treats

22 Gardening

The buzz about bees and what’s hurting their population

24 Outdoors

Longing for the real deal; Colorado greenbacks have proven elusive

29 Funny Stories 30 Discoveries

Explore online

coloradocountrylife.coop

This month’s spotlights — • More outrageously delicious cookie dough recipes and a chance to win The Cookie Dough Lover’s Cookbook • Energy Tips evaluates

16 Raising River Rats

20

the benefits of geothermal heat pumps

River running proves learning can be fun for kids of all ages

$15 million

bee pollination adds to crop value each year, according to the USDA

®

The official publication of the Colorado Rural Electric Association || Volume 45, Number 06

1869

Andrew Hall, one of John Wesley Powell’s crew members, named the Lodore region

50

years Youth Tour has been going to Washington, D.C.

COMMUNICATIONS STAFF: Mona Neeley, CCC, Publisher/Editor@303-455-4111; mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org Donna Wallin, Associate Editor; dwallin@coloradocountrylife.org • Amy Higgins, Editorial Assistant/Writer; ahiggins@coloradocountrylife.org ADVERTISING: Kris Wendtland@303-902-7276, advertising@coloradocountrylife.org; NCM@800-626-1181 OFFICERS: Bill Midcap [Fort Morgan] President; Don Kaufman [Sangre de Cristo] Vice President; Jack Schneider [Poudre Valley] Secretary; Jim Luek [Highline] Treasurer; Kent Singer [CREA] Executive Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Bill Patterson [Delta-Montrose]; John Porter [Empire]; Don McClaskey, Tom Walch [Grand Valley]; John Vader [Gunnison]; Jim Lueck [Highline]; Megan Gilman [Holy Cross]; Dan Mills, Tim Power [K.C.]; Jeff Berman [La Plata]; Jeff Hauck [Mountain Parks]; Donna Andersen-Van Ness [Mountain View]; Debbie Rose [San Isabel]; Eleanor Valdez [San Luis Valley]; Dave Alexander, Kevin Ritter [San Miguel]; Randy Phillips [Southeast]; Ginny Buczek [United Power];

EDITORIAL: Denver Corporate Office, 5400 Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216; Phone: 303-455-4111 • Email: mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org • Website: coloradocountrylife.coop • Facebook: facebook.com/COCountryLifw • Twitter: @COCountryLife Colorado Country Life (USPS 469-400/ISSN 1090-2503) is published monthly for $9/$15 per year by Colorado Rural Electric Association, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216. Periodical postage paid at Denver, Colorado.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington Street, Denver, CO 80216 Publication of an advertisement in Colorado Country Life does not imply endorsement by any Colorado rural electric cooperative or the Colorado Rural Electric Association. Editorial opinions published in Colorado Country Life magazine shall pertain to issues affecting rural electric cooperatives, rural communities and citizens. The opinion of CREA is not necessarily that of any particular cooperative or individual.

[viewpoint]

Talking Electric Issues with Congress

Representatives of your electric co-op take concerns to Washington, D.C., on your behalf

BY KENT SINGER || CREA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR || KSINGER@COLORADOREA.ORG

A

All of Colorado’s electric co-ops, including the Colorado is warranted. The co-ops have been working hard to let the Rural Electric Association, are members of our national trade EPA know that a large portion of our power supply relies on association, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Associafossil fuels, and the rules for existing plants have to be worktion. Each spring, NRECA hosts a national legislative conferable from both a technological and cost standpoint. ence in Washington, D.C., to bring representatives from As for suggested reforms to the Endangered Species Act, we co-ops across the country in to meet with their members of asked our delegation to support a set of four bills that limit Congress to talk about issues affecting co-ops. attorney fees and provide more transparency in how this act Unfortunately, in 2012 and 2013 Congress was in recess is implemented. We are not asking for significant changes to during NRECA’s legislative conference and our Colorado the ESA, but rather a more open decision-making process. group was not able to meet with our delegation. This year, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be considering the however, Congress was in session and we had a chance to chat listing of many additional species as threatened or endanwith nearly every member about issues of importance to the gered in the near future, and we believe the public should co-op program. have access to the data USFWS relies on to make those deciNRECA asked us to focus on five issues during the legislasions. tive conference: greenhouse gas regulations, reforms to the We also asked our delegation to support a bill in Congress Endangered Species Act, oversight of the Federal Emergency called the Electrify Africa Act. The electric co-op program Management Agency, a pending energy efficiency bill and the has long been a supporter of making people’s lives better Electrify Africa Act. Since some of not only in the United States, but also these issues are more relevant to in many countries around the globe.

CREA focused on five issues Colorado co-ops than others, we Nearly 600 million people in Africa do during the legislative conference: focused on the issues that would not have access to electricity, and the most likely impact the costs of Electrify Africa Act creates a public-prigreenhouse gas regulations, reforms to the electricity for our co-op membervate partnership that is designed to bring Endangered Species Act, oversight of the owners. light to some of the poorest parts of the Federal Emergency Management On the greenhouse gas issue, we world. The program works much like the Administration, a pending energy are anticipating a new set of regulacurrent lending program for co-ops in efficiency bill and the Electrify Africa Act. tions to be promulgated by the U.S. that the U.S. government would provide Environmental Protection Agency financial guarantees to banks in African this month limiting the emissions countries, enabling them to make loans of carbon dioxide at existing power to startup utilities that would repay the plants. (Proposed rules for new loans with interest. We believe strongly power plants were issued last year.) in the electric co-op mission and busiSince these rules will be some of the ness model and hope to see it flourish in most complicated rules ever issued, Africa. we asked our delegation to sign on The meetings with our delegation to a letter to the EPA administrator clearly demonstrate the political diverasking for an extended period of sity of Colorado, a diversity that is also time to submit our comments on reflected in the attitudes and opinions the proposed rules. While the typical comment period is 60 of co-op member-owners. We have many challenges ahead, days, we are asking the EPA to give us 120 days to review the but working together with our elected representatives we can proposed rules and comment on them. help create a bright future for electric co-ops and our rural We received positive feedback from all of our members of communities.

Congress in response to this request for an extended comment period. While the members of our delegation have different views on the necessity and likely efficacy of the proKent Singer, Executive Director posed rules, they all agreed that an extended comment period Scan this page or go to http://bcove.me/tnxc6iuu for video highlights from last year’s Legislative Conference.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 4 June 2014

[letters] Books for Local Libraries What a wonderful surprise to have someone from Colorado Country Life and La Plata Electric Association arrive at the library with an armful of books. I have often wondered how libraries were fortunate enough to receive books from you.

Now I know. If you wait patiently, some nice people will show up at your library with smiles and a stack of books for your patrons.

On behalf of the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, thank you for the wonderful selection of books.

Julie Welch, director, Pagosa Springs

Support for Mother Jones Thank you for the moving and powerful article by Cynthia Becker about the Ludlow Massacre (April ’14) with its stark description of the terrible events and the heartrending pictures of the children, armed thugs and tent city. But I take exception to your calling Mother Jones a “rabble rouser” in the cutline under the picture of her leading a demonstration by the mine workers.

Mother Jones was a courageous labor and union organizer and doesn’t deserve that negative description. She spent most of her life helping workers rise against the cruel and unfair treatment that was so aptly described in Becker’s article.

Judith Powers, Fort Collins

While the story of Ludlow is a story that is important to our history, I was disturbed by the term “rabble-rouser” used to describe Mother Jones. The term is a derogatory term used to describe someone as a troublemaker. Mother Jones was a staunch supporter of, and fighter for, all workers’ rights.

Rachel Killinen, Durango

Local Book Adds to Story Thank you so much for spotlighting Lois Ruby’s book, STRIKE! Mother Jones and the Colorado Coal Field War on Facebook and as a contest prize in the April issue.

The Ludlow article by Cynthia Becker was excellent.

Doris Baker, Filter Press, Palmer Lake Editor’s Note: Listen to an excerpt from this book at youtube.com/watch?v=_7DpYsfjBpY. Got a comment? Send your letter to the editor by mail to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email mneeley@coloradocountrylife.org.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 5

[calendar]

[June] June 6-8 Colorado Springs Gem and Mineral Show Western Museum of Mining & Industry 719-488-0880 • wmmi.org June 7 Longmont “Home on the Grange” Fundraiser The Altona Grange 10 am-7 pm • 303-709-0334 June 7 Weston Fishing Tournament Monument Lake Resort 7 am-3 pm • 719-868-2249 June 8 Monument Car Show Downtown Monument 10 am-3 pm • 719-488-2852 June 13 Beulah Full Moon Music Hike Mountain Park Environmental Center 7 pm • 719-485-4444 June 13-15 Snowmass Mammoth Fest Snowmass Village snowmassmammothfest.com June 14 Akron Car/Motorcycle Poker Run 551 W 2nd St 970-554-0117 • johnnree@ netcommander.com June 14 Beulah Taste of Beulah Songbird Cellars 12-3 pm • 719-485-7664 June 14 Durango Durango Motor Expo Main Avenue 9 am-3 pm • 970-247-8761 June 14 Holyoke Dandelion Daze Courthouse Lawn 970-854-3517 • holyoke chamber.org ColoradoCountryLife.coop 6 June 2014

June 14 Kremmling Redneck Mud Shuffle Middle Park Fairgrounds 5:30 pm • kremmling chamber.com June 15 Durango “Honoring Our Fathers” Benefit Durango Arts Center 3 pm • durangoarts.org June 20-21 Cañon City Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival Centennial Park royalgorgewhitewater festival.com June 20-22 Glenwood Springs Strawberry Days Sayre Park 970-945-6589 June 20-22 Palmer Lake Fine Art Show & Sale Mountain Community Church 719-495-1857 • palmerlake artgroup.com June 21 Bayfield Bayberry Jam Eagle Park 12-6 pm • baam.music. boosters@gmail.com June 21 Berthoud Open House McCarty-Fickel Home Museum 12-3 pm • 970-532-1144 June 21 Durango Garden Tour Durango Historic Avenues 10 am-3 pm • 970-749-5642 June 21 Golden Wild West Day Colorado Railroad Museum 10 am-4 pm • 303-279-4591 June 21 Monument Warriors Top Water Tourney Monument Lake 8 am-1 pm • wounded warriorusa.com

June 21 Punkin Center Garden Tractor Pulling NW Corner of Highways 94 and 71 1 pm • challengermotor sportsofpc.com June 23 Colorado Springs Golf Tournament Calhan Community OutReach Center 719-347-7638 • coccenter.org June 27-29 Salida Artwalk Salida Historical District salidaartwalk.com June 28-29 Colorado Springs Parade of Ponds Various Colorado Springs Locations 719-896-0026 • purelyponds. com June 28-29 Cripple Creek Donkey Derby Days Downtown Cripple Creek 877-858-4653 • visitcripple creek.com June 28-29 Estes Park Scandinavian Midsummer Festival Bond Park 9:30 am • estesmidsummer. com June 28 Fruita Farmers Market Civic Center Park 8:30 am-12:30 pm • 970-8583894

June 28 La Veta Hispano Heritage Celebration Francisco Fort Museum 719-742-5501 • franciscofort. org June 28 Mesa Mud Dash 4.0 Race Powderhorn Mountain Resort 10 am • powderhorn.com June 28-29 Monument GospelGrass on the Divide The Church at Woodmoor 10 am-5 pm • 719-488-3200

[ July] July 3-7 Buena Vista Quilt and Textile Show Buena Vista Community Center 10 am-4 pm • 719-395-8780 July 5-6 La Veta Art in the Park Town Park 9 am-5 pm • spanishpeaksarts. org July 5 Leadville Ye Olde Flea Healy House Museum 9:30 am-4 pm • 719-486-0487 July 6 Salida Square Dance Salida Community Center 3-5 pm and 7-9:30 pm • monarch.mavericks@yahoo. com

Capture our extra layer of content on this page. See page 2 for instructions on how to connect to websites and videos or visit our website calendar.

SEND CALENDAR ITEMS

TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE TO:

}

Calendar, Colorado Country Life, 5400 N. Washington St., Denver, CO 80216; fax to 303-455-2807; or email calendar@coloradocountrylife. org. Items will be printed on a space available basis. For more information on these and other events, visit coloradocountrylife.coop.

YAMPA VALLEY ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION INC.

[YVEA News] [what’s inside]

Co-op Membership: What’s in it for Me?

n Safety for the Summer Months

BY DIANE JOHNSON | | GENERAL MANAGER || DJOHNSON@YVEA.COM

n What Is Community Solar? n DIY Safety Tips n Electricity Remains Good Value

YVEA will be closed Friday, July 4, for Independence Day. STEAMBOAT SPRINGS OFFICE P.O. Box 771218 Steamboat Springs, CO 80477-1218 CRAIG OFFICE P.O. Box 217 Craig, CO 81626 STEAMBOAT SPRINGS ADDRESS 32 10th St. Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 CRAIG ADDRESS 3715 E. US Highway 40 Craig, CO 81625 970-879-1160 [Steamboat Springs] 970-824-6593 [Craig] www.yvea.com [web] BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dean Brosious [chairman] Patrick McClelland [vice chairman] Mike Brinks Larry Ellgen Tom Fox Russell Garrity Scott McGill Frank Roitsch Glynda Sheehan STAFF Diane Johnson [general manager] Robert L. Miller [manager of finance] Steve Johnson [manager of operations] Melissa Watson [manager of member services] Lisa Myers [manager of human resources] facebook.com/YampaValleyElectricAssociation twitter.com/YampaValleyElec

Y

We’re not-for-profit. YVEA You set up your electric service doesn’t offer profits to invesaccount with Yampa Valley tors — YVEA returns money Electric Association (YVEA) and over and above operating costs you think to yourself, “That’s to you, the members, based on done. Now I just have to pay electricity consumption. Annumy monthly bill.” But the truth ally, electric co-ops nationwide is we’re more than just a utilreturn millions of dollars to ity provider that you pay each members through this capital month for electricity. We have Diane Johnson credits process. Last year, YVEA more to offer — and we want members received $2,941,813 in you, our members, to know about the form of capital credits. these benefits.

We’re here for you. At YVEA, our misThere are more than 900 electric coopsion is to provide you with safe, reliable and eratives in the United States that serve 42 affordable electricity. We care about our million members. YVEA, your local electric members’ quality of life, which is why our cooperative, serves over 26,000 meters with employees are continuously finding innovalines stretching across 2,480 of miles. So tive ways to improve our service. what makes being a member of an electric These are just a few facts about electric cooperative unique? cooperatives that make us unique. For more We’re all in this together. You are a information about your co-op and the serYVEA member — not a customer. And that vices we offer, visit www.yvea.com. means you have a voice when it comes to the way we do business. Each June, you have CO-OP PRINCIPAL #2 the option to vote for your board of direcDEMOCRATIC MEMBER CONTROL tors. These directors play a key role in making important decisions for our co-op, which is why members’ voices must be heard. This The Annual Meeting of Members of Yampa year the Annual Meeting of Members is on Valley Electric Association, Inc., will be held at June 26, 6-8 p.m. at Hayden High School. the Hayden High School Auditorium in Hayden, We’re local. It’s likely that you know an Colorado, on Thursday, June 26, 2014, at 5:30 employee of YVEA. Our employees — your p.m. to take action on the following matters: friends and neighbors — share the same • To hear the reports of the officers and concerns for our community that you do. directors.

Each year, our co-op participates in county • To transact all business which may properly fairs, performs electric safety demonstracome before the meeting. tions for our local schools and sponsors • To elect three directors. Director districts community events like the Steamboat expiring in 2014 are: Balloon Rodeo and community Christmas District 2 – Larry Ellgen, Craig, CO lighting contests. To learn more about our District 3 – Mike Brinks, Craig, CO mission to strengthen our community, visit District 6 – Tom Fox, Steamboat Springs, CO www.yvea.com.

Notice of Annual Meeting

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 7

[YVEA News] June Is a Time for Fun and Safety

W

While the month of June is known for its hot weather, vacations and the first day of summer, many may not know that June is both Home Safety Month and National Safety Month. So take a break from fun in the sun to make sure your family is safe from electrical dangers.

Safe Electricity provides a checklist of basic safety essentials to help you keep your home safe from electrical fire and shock hazards: q Check outlets for loose-fitting plugs. Replace missing or broken wall plates so wiring and components are not exposed. If you have young children at home, install tamper resistant outlets or cover unused outlets with plastic safety caps. q Never force plugs into outlets. Do not remove a third prong to fit a two-prong outlet. Avoid overloading outlets with adapters and too many appliance plugs. q Make sure cords are not frayed or cracked, placed under carpets or rugs or located in high-traffic areas. Do not nail or staple them to walls, floors or other objects. q Use extension cords only on a temporary basis, not as permanent household wiring. Make sure they have safety closures to protect children from shock and mouth burns. q Check wattage to ensure lightbulbs match the fixture requirements. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage ratings than recommended. Screw them in securely so they do not overheat. q Make sure outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, basement, garage, outdoors or any area with water are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters. Test them monthly to ensure they are working properly. q Make sure fuses are properly sized for the circuit they are protecting. If you do not know the correct rating, have an electrician identify and label the correct size to be used. Always replace a fuse with the same size you are removing. q If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker or has given you an electrical shock, immediately unplug it and have it repaired or replaced. Look for cracks or damage in wiring and connectors. Use surge protectors to protect electronics. q Check periodically for loose wall receptacles, wires or lighting fixtures. Listen for popping or sizzling sounds behind walls. Immediately shut off, then professionally replace light switches that are hot to the touch as well as lights that spark or flicker. q As you continue to upgrade your home with more lighting, appliances and electronics, your home’s service capacity may become overburdened. If fuses blow or trip frequently, have a professional determine the appropriate service requirements for your home.

For more information on electrical safety around the home, visit SafeElectricity.org.

Protect Yourself During a Thunderstorm Getting caught outside in a thunderstorm could be deadly. Remember: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. If possible, get inside a hardtop vehicle, not a convertible. If one is not available, find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles. If you are inside when a storm hits, stay away from windows and go to the lowest level of your home. Unplug unnecessary appliances and do not use corded phones.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 8 June 2014

Keeping YOU Informed YVEA works hard to provide reliable service to all of its members.

There are times when the cooperative must create a temporary planned outage. In order to contact members about such occasions, it is important for all cooperative members to maintain an active phone number. If you have built a new home in the last year or so, YVEA needs your service address to replace the temporary service address that it has on file.

A correct phone number in the YVEA system also allows for quick reference for after-hours outage reporting. If you do not have an active or correct phone number or service address on file with the cooperative, please contact the office toll-free at 888-873-9832 to update your account.

[YVEA News]

What is Community Solar?

A

A community solar array, sometimes referred to as a solar farm or solar garden, is a fast-growing solar option designed to make renewable energy easy, accessible and affordable for everyone — and right for the environment. A community solar array is a centralized photovoltaic (PV) power facility located in an electric utility territory that delivers reliable, commercial-scale renewable energy directly to the grid. Ratepayers in that service area, including residences, businesses and tax-exempt entities, can own or lease solar panels in the array without the challenges of installing panels on their own rooftop or property. In return for the power produced customers receive credits directly on their monthly electric bills (just like they would with a roof-mounted system). Community solar customers reduce their expenses, their exposure to rising electricity costs and their carbon footprint.

Community solar arrays are situated for optimal sun exposure and professionally maintained for maximum power production over an extended lifetime — up to 50 years. Customers can own as many panels as they choose (often as few as one and up to 100 percent of their power need). If a customer moves within the service area, bill credits transfer at no cost, or customers may sell their panels at any time.

Community-owned solar, versus a solar lease, refers to a solar model in which participants own their panels as an asset, providing an extended savings solution long after the system has been paid for.

Fortunately, Yampa Valley Electric Association members will be

able to participate in community-owned solar as Craig will soon host the areas first shared array — the 577 kilowatt array, built and managed by Clean Energy Collective, will serve the communities of Baggs and Savery, Wyoming; and Craig, Hayden, Steamboat Springs and Yampa, Colorado. Project activation is expected by summer of 2014.

Find out about how you can participate in community solar by visiting www.yveasolar.com or by calling 800-646-0323.

Please come to YVEA’s Annual Meeting Hayden High School Auditorium • Hayden Thursday, June 26, 2014. at 5:30 p.m.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 9

[YVEA News]

Safety Tips for Weekend DIY Warriors

I

If you are a homeowner, the weekend is often your opportunity to tackle projects on your to-do list. Whether it is trimming the hedges, washing windows, building a patio or fixing the garage door, Safe Electricity reminds you to prepare to handle all projects safely.

Begin by making sure you have the right tools for the job. Also check cords for any cracks or frayed insulation and proper connections. Then take note of potential hazards in the work area overhead power lines, especially those connected to the home.

Take steps to prevent accidents such as ensuring there are no power lines in your work area. Look up and around you. Always be aware of the location of power lines, particularly when using long metal tools like ladders and pruning poles, when installing rooftop antennas and satellite dishes or when doing roof repair work.

Other safety tips to keep in mind when tackling DIY projects include: q Taking caution when working near power lines attached to your house.

Keep equipment and yourself at least 10 feet from lines. q Using only extension cords that

are rated for outdoor use when working outside. Keep your work area tidy and do not allow your power cords to tangle. q Using heavy-duty, three-prong extension cords for tools with three-prong plugs. Never remove or bend back the third prong on extension cords. q Remembering that electricity and water are a dangerous mix. If it is raining or the ground is wet, do not use electric power or yard tools. Never use electrical appliances or touch circuit breakers or fuses when you are wet or standing in water.

Keep electric equipment at least 10 feet from wet areas. q Making sure outdoor outlets are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters. If your outdoor outlets do not have them, use a portable GFCI. q Calling 8-1-1 beforehand to have utility lines marked if your projects include digging. This service is free, prevents the inconvenience of having utilities interrupted and can help you avoid serious injury. q Hiring a licensed professional for projects that involve electrical wiring or work close to electrical equipment.

For more information on home safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.

Home Improvement Planning a home improvement project? Always remember that working near electrical wires or equipment can be dangerous. Keep an eye out for overhead lines when moving ladders or working on your roof. If you need to work near an electric line, ask Yampa Valley Electric to disconnect service wires so you can work nearby safely. For more information, visit SafeElectricity.org.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 10 June 2014

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 11

[newsclips]

Metal Theft Now a Felony

C

Colorado has significantly raised the ante for thieves who would steal metals from us and other Colorado utilities by declaring this theft to be a felony.

As prices for copper and other metals have risen, so has the number of thefts of these metals. When metal parts are stolen from electrical facilities, rail lines, water lines and fuel pipelines, the results can include major disruptions in service, as well as injuries and even death for the thieves. Senate Bill 14-049, Endangering Utility Transmission, sponsored by Sen. Rollie Heath (D-Boulder) and Rep. Kevin Priola (R-Adams/Arapahoe), passed the Colorado Senate and House and was awaiting Gov. John Hickenlooper’s signature at press time.

The bill was developed by the Commodity Metals Theft Task Force chartered in 2011 by the Colorado legislature in response to rising concerns about the increased incidence of metals thefts.

Co-ops Connect With Congress A discussion between Sen. Michael Bennet (D) and representatives of Colorado’s electric co-ops (above) was one of several meetings on Capitol Hill the week of May 5 during the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s 2014 Legislative Conference. Nearly 100 electric co-op directors, managers and employees visited Washington, D.C., May 5-7 to share co-op concerns with Colorado’s senators and representatives.

Specific issues included a need for consistency from the Federal Emergency Management Agency; a request for a 120-day comment period when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposes regulations to limit greenhouse gases from existing sources; asking that access to large electric water heaters be preserved so they can be used by co-ops for load management; a request for small changes in the Endangered Species Act; and a request for support of the Electrify Africa Act.

Pedal the Plains With Colorado’s Electric Co-ops

G Pedal the Plains with us.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 12 June 2014

Gov. John Hickenlooper and Dean Singleton, former publisher of The Denver Post, recently announced that this year’s Pedal the Plains bike tour will ride from Wiggins to Fort Morgan to Sterling and back to Wiggins.

Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are excited to be among the sponsors of the three-day event September 19-21.

Held in the southeast corner of the state last year, the bike tour has moved north for 2014, its third year. It is expected to bring 1,000 riders and their support teams to northeastern Colorado. They will participate in the bike ride, as well as Fort Morgan’s Fall Harvest Car Show and Sterling’s Sugar Beet Days and ride past Pawnee National Grasslands and Jackson Reservoir, as well as the working farms and ranches of that part of the state.

The Touchstone Energy co-ops will sponsor a bike team that will ride the 173-mile tour to raise money for Energy Outreach Colorado. Anyone interested in riding or in sponsoring a rider should contact Colorado Country Life Associate Editor Donna Wallin at dwallin@colorado countrylife.org.

[newsclips]

CREA’s EnergyWise Rewards Top Science Students

O

One way Colorado’s electric co-ops’ EnergyWise Project promotes innovation in energy research is through its support of the Colorado Science and Engineering Fair. With the financial support of rural lender CoBank, Colorado Rural Electric Association and Colorado’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives sponsor the Colorado EnergyWise award during this annual spring science fair.

This April, there were 250 projects created by students in grades 6 through 12 on display at the fair in Fort Collins. Among the judges were Students explain science Colorado Rural Electric Association Executive projects to judges during the Colorado Science and Director Kent Singer and CREA board member Engineering Fair.

Stuart Travis of Y-W Electric Association in Akron. Both judges were impressed by the quality of the displays and the knowledge that the students exhibited. titled “Eliminating Standby Power.” Kelsey’s was “Fueling the This year’s award winners are eighth-grader Diego Olaya of Future Phase 3: Decreasing Internal Resistance With a Microbial Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette and 10th grader Kelsey Fuel Cell.” Each of these students received a special certificate Lindbloom of Salida High School in Salida. Diego’s project was and a $250 prize.

White House Solar Summit Shines Light on Co-ops

E

Electric cooperatives are embracing solar energy, and the White House is taking notice. During a Solar Summit hosted by the White House in April, seven co-ops, including Poudre Valley Rural Electric Association in Fort Collins, had an opportunity to share how co-ops are leading the nation in community solar activities.

Poudre Valley REA CEO Jeff Wadsworth explained how co-ops in Colorado have been developing community solar Jeff Wadsworth projects for several years with more being planned. These community projects allow all consumers to participate in renewable energy, including renters and those with property not ideally suited for solar panels. His co-op recently partnered with Clean Energy Collective to build northern Colorado’s first community solar development. The first array proved so popular that the co-op is planning to break ground on a new array that will offer four times as many solar panels.

Electric co-ops from California to Wisconsin, Georgia, Kentucky and Maryland also shared their experiences working with community organizations on costeffective solar projects. These projects are being steadily added while balancing reliability and affordability, noted one speaker from Wisconsin.

Federal officials said that the amount of solar power installed nationwide now stands at an estimated 13 gigawatts, which is enough electricity to power more than two million homes. Several Colorado co-ops, as well as other co-ops across the country, have projects in the works that will add to that number.

Stats on Co-op Solar Y

1 99 cooperatives are planning projects in 27 states and American Samoa totaling over 150 megawatts of solar.

Y

Cooperatives have developed or are planning nearly 50 community solar projects across the country, including several in Colorado.

Y

Cooperatives are partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Defense on a wide array of renewable projects.

Y

Four cooperatives are partnering with the DOD on solar projects.

Y

Through the Cooperative Research Network, cooperatives are partnering with the DOE on research to bring down the price of solar and make utility-scale solar projects accessible to not-forprofit co-ops.

Y

CRN is working with five universities to help train utility staff on integrating renewable energy to the electric grid.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 13

[industry]

Washington, D.C., Youth Tour Life-changing summer trip made possible by electric co-ops

BY MAGEN HOWARD, CCC

T

The Electric Co-op Youth Tour is turning 50 this June. And oh, what a tour it’s been.

“I love this trip. Every year is a new adventure,” says Liz Fiddes, director of member services and education at the Colorado Rural Electric Association.

For 2014, 20 electric cooperatives in Colorado will send a total of 30 students to our nation’s capital June 12-19. Anyone who’s looked after a group of 16- and 17-year-olds in Washington, D.C., for Youth Tour knows how challenging and physically exhausting it is, not to mention how hot and humid the nation’s capital can be in the middle of June.

But there’s a reason the program has not just endured but thrived for half a century, and why people like Fiddes stick with it year after year: the students.

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to work with new groups of students each year,” Fiddes says. “It’s so rewarding to see each student grow through this program and discover how they can significantly impact their community. This program truly is changing lives.”

Youth Tour brings together some 1,600 teens from 43 states for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity culminating in Washington, D.C. Students tour the memorials and see firsthand the roots of American history. They learn about electric co-ops and grassroots political advocacy. They live in close quarters for up to a week and are given a small taste of freedom and independence. They sleep a little and talk a lot.

These students become college roommates, professional colleagues and lifelong friends. For some, it’s a fun trip that later brings fond memories. To others, Youth Tour inspires

them to discover the adults they’re going to be.

For those accepted into the Youth Leadership Council, the experience is even richer. These students — one representative from each participating state — work the congressional action center at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting. They also participate in a special meeting one month after Youth Tour to delve deeper into leadership and cooperative grassroots issues.

Much has changed during the past 50 years since the dawn of Youth Tour, but the one constant has been the students, who never fail to be amazed, inspired, humbled and grateful, according to the faithful electric co-op employees who bring new groups back to Washington, D.C., every year.

For the chaperones and state coordinators, Youth Tour is an enormous amount of work culminating in just a handful of hectic days each year. Flexibility and the ability to roll with the punches are must-haves. But it’s a labor of love for most.

“You have to be ready for any change that might happen and deal with any problems that come up, no matter what, for the safety of the students,” Fiddes says. “You have to be ready to take on responsibility for these students.”

“Rewarding” is a common buzzword from those involved in the program, from administrators and coordinators to parents and participants, and even the bus drivers who return to the job year after year.

“I’ve had parents come up to me after the program and say, ‘I don’t know what you did, but you brought back a different kid than you took.’ And for parents to say that is gratifying and humbling,” Fiddes says.

Youth Tour students from Colorado pose at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. ColoradoCountryLife.coop 14 June 2014

Youth Leadership Council member Ginny Creager of United Power represents Colorado this year.

Rooted in politics

Youth Tour was born from a speech at the 1957 NRECA Annual Meeting by Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson. The future U.S. president was a longtime advocate of electric co-ops, having lobbied for the creation of Pedernales Electric Cooperative in 1937 as a young politician in Texas. “If one thing comes out of this meeting, it will be sending youngsters to the national capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents,” Johnson said.

With that encouragement, Texas electric co-ops began sending summer interns to work in the senator’s Washington, D.C., office. In 1958, an electric co-op in Iowa sponsored the first group of 34 young people on a weeklong study tour of the nation’s capital. Later that same year, another busload came to Washington, D.C., from Illinois. The idea grew, and other states sent busloads of students throughout the summer. By 1959, Youth Tour had grown to 130 participants.

In 1964, NRECA began to coordinate joint activities among the state delegations and suggested that co-op representatives from each state arrange to be in Washington, D.C., during Youth Tour week. The first year of the coordinated tour included about 400 teens from 12 states.

As word spread, the program grew and grew until no hotel was large enough to house all of its participants.

Karen Bailey, NRECA’s longtime Youth Tour coordinator, said it was a relief when the Hyatt in Crystal City, Virginia, was built in the late 1990s. Most states’ participants stay there and some bunk down the street at the Hilton. “Now we have 500 rooms at the Hyatt, 200 at the Hilton, and it works out perfectly,” she says.

The prospect of contracting 700 hotel rooms years in advance doesn’t seem to faze Bailey, who has worked on the Youth Tour program for 25 years and has been the main coordinator for the past 15. Since 1999, she’s watched the number of participating states rise from 32 to 43 and the number of students from around 1,000 to surpassing 1,600 last year.

“Even through economic changes in the past few years, Youth Tour numbers never went down,” Bailey says. “Many states bring at least two or three more kids each year. Our

numbers have always gone up.”

In fact, the Hyatt’s ballroom, where Youth Day is held each year, is bursting at the seams. Already, chaperones are left to stand or watch the presentation in an overflow room — only students get a place to sit.

But it’s a good challenge to have. Youth Day, generally on the Monday of Youth Tour, is when all the state contingents converge to learn about grassroots politics and hear from inspirational speakers. The students share their state pins, often vying to get the most pins or those that are rare, like those from Alaska’s small group.

“Youth Day is sort of our general session,” Bailey says. “And all the energy that comes with everything is amazing to see.

It’s like I’m seeing it for the first time every year.”

Are we there yet?

Olivia Velasquez is preparing to make her mark at the 2014 Youth Tour. Sponsored by Hancock-Wood Electric Cooperative in North Baltimore, Ohio, Velasquez was the 2014 spokesperson for the YLC and spoke during a general session at the March 2014 NRECA Annual Meeting in Nashville.

Velasquez says she expects to have lifelong friends, thanks to Youth Tour and the Youth Leadership Council. And what makes the program so special and enduring is the investment in the students who participate.

“There are a lot of trips you can take and they favor people with money,” she says. “They don’t focus on the kids.” Youth Tour is on the opposite end of that spectrum, and not just because the trip is free.

“Everyone who’s helped us, whether in the state or nationally, they’re all very passionate about it, and they realize if they invest their time in the students, the students will invest their time in it themselves later,” Velasquez says.

That’s something unique about electric co-ops in general.

“They’re saying, ‘I want you to go as far as you can in your life, and I really do care about you,’” she says.

It’s clear to see the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour’s first 50 years impacted the lives of many.

“We’re excited to see what our future leaders accomplish,” Fiddes says. “And knowing that we played a small part of that is truly something special.”

To find out more about the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour, visit nreca.coop/what-we-do/youthprograms or watch a video at http://youtu.be/wNuePfJP8Jk.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 15

Rafters approaching the uplift of Split Mountain on the Green River in northwestern Colorado.

Raising

RIVER RATS

BY A M R O N G R AV E T T P H O T O G R A P H S BY M O N I C A R E I C H M U T H

While observing nature from the front of a blue raft in the wild remoteness of northwestern Colorado, it occurs to me that this is what my son has come to know as summer vacation. He was inducted into the River Rat Clan before his second birthday, floating a wide, slow stretch of the Colorado River with his parents and grandpa. The following summer he floated an eightday trip with a group of 20 boaters, including his other grandpa.

A mother and son paddleboard on the calm stretches of the river.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 16 June 2014

River running can be the most extraordinary experiential learning experience for children. After three summers, 30 river days and 11 successful trips around the Four Corners, I am no longer a novice and have learned how to adapt our family adventures for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

Last summer, we floated the lower stretch of the Green River through the Desolation and Gray canyons. Our trip had superb wildlife, shady beach camps and day hikes that made for a memorable voyage with my father, husband and son. This sum-

“Lodore: a word full of dolorous long O sounds, a heavily romantic name that matches a sonorous canyon.” — Ann Zwinger

A junior oarsman tests his strength at the helm

mer, we ran the upper stretch beginning at the Gates of Lodore.

This region contains prehistoric evidence that arouses any budding paleontologist. It has a storied cultural history to titillate any history buff, including Wild West chases by Butch Cassidy running from the law among the canyons. It has a unicorn quality to it: rarely seen, difficult to imagine.

River running can be the most extraordinary experiential learning experience for children.

We lucked out and won a permit through the tight lottery system and started canvassing people and setting plans during the dead of winter. We assembled a crew of eight adults and five kids (ages 4-10), three rafts, two “duckies” (which seat one to two people) and a stand-up paddleboard.

When the time came, our faithful crew drove from coastal California and flew from the Midwest to the put-in campsites beneath the looming Gates of Lodore in remote Dinosaur National Monument.

At the outset of his journey along a similar route in 1869, John Wesley Powell noted, “This morning we are ready to enter the mysterious cañon and start with some anxiety.” Indeed, his anxiety was manifest at the Disaster Falls rapid when his group’s boat, the No Name, split on a rock tossing three men and a third of their supplies including barometers, downstream. In 1825, Disaster Falls capsized Gen. William H. Ashley’s boat. We hoped to avoid the same fate, yet our anxiety rivaled these men

of history. But I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s get in the water first.

DAY ONE

The put-in of any river trip is an equally exciting and drudging time. The adults loaded gear for hours while the children enjoyed the cool, wet sand along the shoreline.

The trip leader, stewing in anxiety, fell back on his military training and medical provider skills while preparing, stocking and organizing. The ranger checked the required stash and lined the children up in a row to swear them in.

“Repeat after me: I will observe wildlife from a distance, listen to the adults, carry my trash out, pee in the river and have a blast!”

We had a gentle but auspicious beginning. Within the first mile, we saw a juvenile black bear lapping up water along the edge while momma bear watched over us from across the river’s edge. We enjoyed slow, rolling water and wide beaches for breaks.

Setting up camp was uneventful. Everyone divided the tasks of gear, tents, kids and cooking in a natural and egalitarian way. Although the fire ban restricted us from having a campfire, we gathered around the coals cooking carne asada wearing sandy clothes and smiles. The kids were well on their way to becoming true river rats. As the sun fell behind the walls, we relaxed to the sounds of the rushing river vibrating off the canyon walls.

DAY TWO

The river proved surprisingly uneventful even with class II and III rapids. Developing that river confidence early that second day was an important element to everyone [continued on page 18] ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 17

enjoying themselves for the rest of the trip. The children learned how to read the river, where to look for bighorn sheep and petroglyphs, how to paddle duckies and how to lie still on the bow of the paddleboard through light ripples.

Most of the group was not familiar with the July afternoon monsoons but were soon to experience their full wrath. At day’s end, not 20 minutes after we reached the campsite, the children heard thunder behind the high walls. They saw the flashes of light and the worry in our faces. We quickly unloaded the gear Grandpa and his 4-year-old grandkids win a round of water fights from the and set up tents in loose sand. The winds picked up, “ducky.” and the adults raced down the beach catching rolling The winds died tents and chairs. A runaway ducky down and we headed upstream with a frantic came together to The third day’s stretch through the canyon held many chalpaddler fast on its tail. lenges for adults and kids alike. Some of the rapids required The winds were fierce enough to tell stories, cook scouting and encouraged the little ones and mothers to pull out the raft stake and untether dinner and find walk the river’s edge rather than chance the float. My father all the boats. Thankfully, it moved comfort in the endured a humbling, rapid tumble that separated him from slow enough for us to catch them his “fits like a glove” ducky. Alongside this rapid, people before the floating barge reached calm after the were scattered on the shoreline with rescue throw bags at deep water. Meanwhile, back on storm. the ready. He was safely pulled to the beach having only lost land two of the kids were curled his shoes, a moment’s breath and a bit of his confidence. up on the sand wrapped tightly in On another rapid, our raft lost the main channel and tarps to keep them from blowing away. We herded the kids wound up stranded against an island with fierce currents into one tent and switched off holding it down while rescupushing us farther and farther from a safe passage. We ing the other little ones from all corners of the campsite. quickly unloaded the little ones and sent them to the lower They were scared and frantic but also slightly exhilarated at end of the island over slippery rocks with one adult, and the adventure of it all. Finally, the winds died down and we two of us managed to pull the thousand-pound raft against came together to tell stories, cook dinner and find comfort the raging current to meet them there. The courage and in the calm after the storm. strength of our group tested yet again.

The monsoons were not done with us yet. We made it to camp with nary a moment’s pause before the dark sky glowered. We threw gear under low trees and fashioned sleeping pads into a respectable kid bunker. With tarp overhead, they waited out this storm giggling. They were already learning how to navigate this wilderness with confidence.

During all of our river trips, we plan a dress-up night for the last night of the trip. It’s a way to celebrate the success of the trip and party under the stars. The kids never need an excuse to dress up, but it’s always interesting to see how flamboyant the adults will get. We ended up with a team of lucha libres wrestlers, a hippie, a superheroine and even Julius Caesar that night along the banks of the Green River.

The other planned event of the evening was the induction ceremony. As dusk came, the adults lined up along the riverbank with glow sticks in hand. In a procession of costumes and with anticipation, the children walked down to the river’s edge and received a river nickname and a river rat patch. They became the newest members of our clan.

Then, they went on a proper star walk to learn about the constellations under the deep, black night sky. The children A young scout directs from the bow of were floating on air as they went to bed that night. This was the raft while his father and brother ride the rapids an adventure that would stay with them always.

DAY THREE

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 18 June 2014

DAY FOUR

As morning came, we awoke slowly, feeling sad and excited to begin the last day of our trip. The river allowed us to wander in a daydream state for the first hour through the wide-open flatlands. Approaching Split Mountain the river started to pick up speed and we could see that rapids were upon us.

The kids were now confident with what to expect. You could see the anticipation in their eyes as we hit rapid after rapid with barely time to glance at the map to see what we were approaching next.

This is one of the steepest stretches of the Green River dropping 20 feet per mile. It had rapids big enough to be exciting and small enough to feel safe.

We rounded a corner and saw a juvenile bald eagle hop off a cliff on river right, swoop down to the water’s crest, pick up lunch with his talons and soar up to the low cliff on river left. We slowly coasted by watching the fish flopping over his branch while he ripped it apart — immersive education at its finest.

We couldn’t seem to orient ourselves on the map for the last few miles of the winding goosenecks but we knew there was no way to go but down river, so we relaxed and swam alongside the boat on the calm stretches. The striated canyon walls leading up to the Echo Park takeout were spectacular.

It was clear that dinosaur country was upon us. Here, the rocky slopes look like the backs of ancient, spiny reptiles. I imagine when Earl Douglass and his fellow paleontologists entered this region they were not surprised to find the eight tail bones of the Apatosaurus, nor the 350-ton fossil quarry now housed within a new building at the visitor’s center of the Dinosaur National Monument. We approached the takeout with sad but satisfied hearts and minds. All of us.

The trip leader inducts the next generation into the River Rat Clan

It is so important to share wilderness like this with our children. They bring home stories of conquering wild danger, yes, but they also bring home a stronger sense of our world and why we need to protect it. We are doing our part to cultivate ecologists, biologists and environmentalists, one child, one trip at a time. We refuse to allow nature deficit disorder to spread within our community. Our children need to experience this. They need us to guide them with confidence and knowledge, but also with an exhibited sense of wonder and curiosity.

My son will indeed learn some things in school, but he will learn how to investigate, explore, understand and ask questions about the natural world from these experiences.

On the river he will learn the art of navigation and negotiation. He will succeed in life not because he is a good test taker but because he has developed a curious mind, a confidence in solving problems and a sense of peace and preservation of our world.

Amron Gravett is a freelance indexer and librarian in Durango. Her recent publications include a book titled Chimney Rock National Monument (ISBN 978-1467131612) and A Literary Map of Colorado (ISBN 978-0983671107).

A tired group of river rats celebrates at the Split Mountain take out.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 19

[recipes]

Finger-Lickin’ Goodies Presenting an incredible cookbook that encourages licking the spoon

BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG Put Out the Flame For a flame-free version of her Cookie Dough S’mores, Landis suggests placing marshmallows on graham crackers and broiling for 30 to 60 seconds, or until golden brown and gooey. Or microwave marshmallows for 8 to 10 seconds, or until puffed.

Enter to win The Cookie Dough Lover’s Cookbook.

Go to colorado countrylife.coop Click on Contests.

The Cookie Dough Lover’s Cookbook

By Lindsay Landis (Quirk Books, $18.95) Buy today and get started on your cookie dough creations. This cookbook is available at bookstores throughout Colorado and online.

Find out more at cookiedoughlovers. com.

F

For me, eating the leftover cookie dough didn’t stop after adolescence; to this day you can find portions of cookie dough chunks in my freezer. As it turns out, there are loads of people just like me.

Cookie dough junkies, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Lindsay Landis’ The Cookie Dough Lover’s Cookbook.

This 160-page cookbook features a whole slew of cookie dough recipes, tips and creative ideas on how to package your bundles of goodness. The best thing: The cookie dough is made without eggs so you can snack on the dough as you mix and keep an extra stash in the freezer for later.

Yum!

Cookie Dough Crispy Treats For Cookie Dough: 1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup milk 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips For Crispy Treats: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 12 ounces marshmallows (about 7 cups mini marshmallows) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 7 cups crisp rice cereal Grease a 13- by 9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add vanilla and milk. Mix in flour and salt and beat on low speed until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.

Melt butter and marshmallows together in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Stir.

Fold in cereal, gently stirring until completely coated.

Press half of the cereal mixture into prepared pan.

Spread with cookie dough. With buttered rubber spatula, top with remaining cereal, carefully pressing into an even layer. Cut into squares. Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 June 2014

Cookie Dough S’mores For Cookie Dough: 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 tablespoons milk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon salt For S’mores: 12 graham cracker sheets, broken in half 2 (1.55-ounce) bars milk chocolate 12 marshmallows In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugars with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add vanilla and milk.

Mix in flour and salt and beat on low speed until incorporated.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of dough onto 12 of the graham cracker halves. Break chocolate bars into 12 equal pieces and center one piece atop each mound of cookie dough.

Toast marshmallows over an open flame or with créme brûlée until golden brown or charred to your liking. Place a hot marshmallow on top of cookie dough and chocolate and top with remaining graham crackers. Gently press until marshmallow begins to ooze out the sides. Let sit for 30 seconds to let the chocolate get sufficiently soft.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop December 2013 21

[gardening]

The Buzz About Bees Are gardening habits hurting them?

BY KRISTEN HANNUM || GARDENING@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

B

Birdbaths and shallow bowls have always izing they’re participating unknowingly been a staple at my home, but through in the problem,” says Niwot beekeeper the years I came to realize that bees and Tom Theobald. “Homeowners need to wasps were the main customers at our ask.” humble water features, not birds and It adds up. Theobald says that 242 milsquirrels. I found out another important lion acres of agricultural land is planted fact: Bees and wasps can’t swim. It was with neonicotinoid-treated seed. An equal easy enough to save their little pollinating acreage of urban and suburban land is lives by putting rocks in the wide metal also exposed through a range of prodbowl they liked best, the one that sat like ucts, including my bee balm in their little a wide bee lake next to the lavender, sage biodegradable containers. and thyme that flowered all summer long.

I’ll not only be buying organic vegetable But, bees need even more help these starters from now on but organic flower days. They are seeds and starters dying because of too, because I do colony collapse discare about the bees, order, a condition as well as the health in which bees are of the groundwater unable to find their and soil. way back to their I’m relieved hives. In addition, that I did many wild bumblebee things right for the species are nearing bees, that organic extinction in North thyme and sage, for America. instance. The old Since I already crabapple tree that I Today, the bad news about the shunned pesticides fed with aged comworld’s bees is difficult to ignore. and herbicides and post now and then Bees are dying because of colony planted bee-friendly was another bee collapse disorder, a condition in flowers, I figured I plus. And I always which bees are unable to find their was doing as much knew that the bees way back to their hives. as could be done to thanked me for the help the little guys. dandelions. Every I was only partly right. Gardeners do help time I saw a bee on one of their irrepressstruggling bee populations by providibly cheerful, never-say-die flowers, I ing bees and all those little aphid-eating knew I was doing the right thing by not wasps safe water and vegetation. What I poisoning them. didn’t realize was those innocent-looking “Dandelions are the end of winter for trays of starter geraniums, marigolds, the bees,” says Theobald, who pulls his bee balm and foxglove I bought may have dandelions by hand as well. “Bees get an been pretreated with neonicotinoids, the enormous surge from a good dandelion new “systemic” pesticides that scientists bloom.” and beekeepers suspect is the main culprit Theobald also advises leaving a corner in the collapse of bee populations. Not of your property wild. Wild bees often only are they likely to be tainted by neonest on or in the ground; some bumblenicotinoids, but the seedlings and plants bees prefer old mouse nests. sold in nurseries are often dosed with For more information, check help those pesticides at far higher levels than abee.org or buzzaboutbees.net or closer to what farmers use. home, visit bouldercountybeekeepers.org.

“A lot of retail outlets are just now realColoradoCountryLife.coop 22 June 2014

Scan page to see kids exploring a bee farm or go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekYL2Cbru7k Read previous gardening columns at colorado countrylife.coop. Search for Gardening.

Kristen Hannum is a native Coloradan gardener.

Email or write her with wisdom or comments at gardening@coloradocountrylife.org.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 23

[outdoors]

Genetically Pure Colorado Greenbacks Contemplating climbing the hill for the real deal

BY DENNIS SMITH || OUTDOORS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG

N

Are you enjoying your copy of Colorado Country Life?

Tell your friends about us on Facebook and Twitter. Use the hashtag #COCountryLife.

We’ll be watching. And, June 18 we’ll randomly select a post using our hashtag to win a $25 gift card.

It could be YOU! Just remember to use hashtag #COCountryLife

Nearly 14 years have passed since I last hiked to Zimmerman Reservoir, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. My sons picked me up just before dawn on what turned out to be a classic summer day in the Colorado high country. By the time we reached the trailhead a few miles east of Cameron Pass, poofy white clouds were drifting lazily across a sky so gloriously blue it almost hurt my eyes to look at it.

The air was delightfully still and there was just enough chill in the air that we had to pull on light fleece sweaters before soldiering up the hill with belly boats, waders, fishing gear, lunch and water in our packs. The trail is barely a mile long, but it starts at 10,030 feet and tops out at 10,480.

Though short, it’s steep, and unless you’re acclimated to hiking at that elevation, humping a 20-pound pack up that trail will give your legs and lungs a workout you’re sure to remember.

Five years previously, in 1995, the Colorado Division of Wildlife (now Colorado Parks & Wildlife) purged the lake of its population of exotic arctic grayling and restocked it with what it believed at the time to be a genetically pure strain of Colorado greenback cutthroat trout. We caught a bunch of them that day and took immense satisfaction in having caught real, honest-to-God, Colorado native greenbacks.

Only it turned out they really weren’t pure strain greenbacks as originally thought, so CPW reclaimed the lake again in 2005, this time stocking with the Roaring Creek and Hunter Creek strain of greenbacks, which at the time it again believed was the real deal.

Shortly after we heard about the second reclamation and restocking at Zimmerman, we made tentative plans to get back up there to catch the “true” natives, but time and circumstances prevented us from making the trip. In the meantime, we caught incredibly pretty greenbacks in a few backcountry creeks in Rocky Moun-

Roaring Creek Greenback

tain National Park and the upper Poudre River drainage, one of which was called Roaring Creek. Not having the foggiest idea what strain they were, we simply called them Roaring Creek greenbacks and began to wonder if they were, in fact, the same strain of greenbacks CPW introduced in Zimmerman and therefore were authentic, pure strain Colorado greenbacks as everyone up to that time had also believed.

Then, in 2012, a novel mitochondrial genetic study — led by University of Colorado Boulder postdoctoral researcher Jessica Metcalf in conjunction with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fisheries biologist and co-author Chris Kennedy — determined that the authentic greenback cutthroat trout native to the South Platte River drainage appeared to survive only in a small stream in the Arkansas River drainage. Along with a number of other fascinating surprises, they discovered that a local hotelier removed them from the South Platte in the 1800s and stocked them in the headwaters of Bear Creek to promote tourism. CPW subsequently announced in the fall of 2013 that it would again reclaim Zimmerman and this time restock with feral brood stock from what has finally been scientifically confirmed to be legitimate, pure strain, Bear Creek, Colorado greenback cutthroats. Now, I’m looking forward to trying again to catch a genetically pure Colorado greenback, but at this point I don’t know if I can climb that hill.

More about the green back: youtube.com/watch?v=LiHMnfwHrKE

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 24 June 2014

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 25

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 26 June 2014

[marketplace]

ENERGYWISE Dishwashers that were manufactured before 1994 use more than 10 gallons of water per cycle.

Today, the federal standard requires that they use 5.8 gallons or less of water per cycle. If you own an older dishwasher, consider replacing it with a newer, energy efficient model.

Follow us on Facebook at COCountryLife.

You will be happy you did.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 27

[classifieds] TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Please type or print your ad on a separate paper. Indicate how many months you would like your ad to run and which month to start. There is a minimum of 12 words at $1.63 per word/month.

Be sure to include your full name and address for our records.

Check MUST accompany this order or call to pay by credit card.

Send your ad before the 10th of the month to: mail: Colorado Country Life

5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 phone: 303-902-7276 fax: 303-455-2807 email: classifieds@coloradocountrylife.org

ANTIQUE RESTORATION

CARS/TRUCKS/BOATS

ANTIQUE RESTORATION STUDIO – Antique conservation. Quality craftsmanship since 1974. Bayfield, CO, www.antiqueresdurango.com 970-884-1937. (988-06-14)

50 SUBARUS! (1995-2014) Outbacks, Foresters, Imprezas, Tribecas & more! Great prices! Warranties available! Dealer: www.

MonumentMotors.com 719-4819900 (574-08-14)

CHAIR CANING, hand caning, machine caning, fiber rush caning. Pueblo West, 719-547-0723. chaanita@q.com (858-10-14)

ANTLERS ANTLER CHANDELIERS made only from REAL antlers. We are the manufacturer and we sell all of our products at wholesale prices; save as much as 60% from store prices.

Many other antler products and mounts, including 56” elk mount, giant moose paddles, and elk antlers.

Showroom open May 15 through September 30 in Granby, CO. 16 years at this location, over 900 satisfied customers! Designers: We can provide you a single item or a whole houseful. Call! 970-627-3053.

(085-09-14)

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES (These opportunities have not been investigated by Colorado Country Life.)

LEGITIMATE WORK AT HOME opportunity. No sales, investment, risk. Training/website provided.

Monthly income plus bonuses, benefits. Call Carrie 303-579-4207, www.workathomeunited.com/ ourabundance (932-02-15) PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with American School home-study course. Tools included. Call for info.

800-497-9793. (158-01-15) WORK LESS & LIVE MORE! MiaBellaNation.com Department #745 (831-06-14)

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 28 June 2014

CLOCK REPAIR & RESTORATION DURANGO AREA. CLOCKS of all kinds repaired. Antique and modern. Clocks bought and sold. Call Robert 970-247-7729, bob.scott@ usa.net (109-07-14)

FARM & RANCH SUPPLIES PET FOOD, GRAINS, GRASS/alfalfa hay, straw, shavings, bedding/stove pellets, & firewood. 719-495-4842.

Ayer Ranch TLC, Inc., 12558 Meridian Road, Elbert/Black Forest, CO 80106 (146-10-14)

FOR SALE GRASSFED YAK AND BISON MEAT for sale. Delicious and nutritious.

Delivery available. Quarter, half, or whole. 720-256-3364 (029-07-14) HARLEY DAVIDSON, ’04 Softail FXSTI, well kept, low miles, fuel injected, HD 6spd transmission, V&H pipes, red pearl color, many extras, $9,495, pictures on request, Monument area, 719-337-8861 and agin55553@mypacks.net for details.

(117-06-14) OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS - $380 with warranty. Also sell portable concentrators and oxygen supplies.

Repair and service of equipment.

Aspen Concentrator Repair Service 719-471-9895 (040-08-14)

Call Kris at 303-902-7276 to place a classified ad.

FREE

REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon the “Mark of the Beast” will be enforced as Church and State unite!

Let the Bible reveal. The Bible Says, POB 99, Lenoir City, TN 37771. thebiblesaystruth@yahoo.com 888-211-1715. (814-08-14)

BAYFIELD/VALLECITO – Beautiful mountain retreat, 4bd, 3ba, 3436sf on 1.2 acres, well water, septic, 5 minutes from Vallecito Lake. $467,900. 970-884-9324. (163-07-14)

SOUTHERN COLORADO near Spanish Peaks. Custom home on 36 wooded acres, 3bd, 3ba, 9’ ceilings, tile, granite, hardwoods, soapstone woodstove, Pella windows, main floor master. Barn/garage, wildlife, seasonal stream, mountain views.

Ideal for retiree, work from home, vacation. 20 min. to I-25. $395,000.

303-908-3434, www.forsaleby owner.com #23971720 (158-06-14)

WILL YOU GET THE CALL? Register your cell to receive emergency notifications (reverse 911). It’s free, it’s easy, it can save your life. www. safetyinformed.com (161-06-14)

GRASS MCDONALD LAWN CARE – Mowing, fertilization, trimming, irrigation winterization. Call 970-580-1203. 30 years lawn care experience in Northern Colorado.

(160-06-14)

HEALTH A WAR IS GOING ON inside your body! Do you have what you need most to survive this battle? Take the free QUIZ at www.Health WiseAnswers.com (800) 959-5343 (176-09-14) MACHINERY & PARTS SAWMILL EXCHANGE: North America’s largest source of used portable sawmills and commercial equipment for woodlot owners and sawmill operations. Over 800 listings. THE place to sell equipment.

800-459-2148 www.sawmill exchange.com . (267-09-14)

POULTRY & GAMEBIRDS FREE COLOR CATALOG. 193 varieties, Cornish Cross, standard breeds, fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, supplies, video. 417-532-4581. PO Box 529, Lebanon, MO 65536. www.

CackleHatchery.com (876-07-14)

REAL ESTATE 35.38 ACRE LOT IN Eagle’s Ridge, gated subdivision, paved road, electricity already to the lot, seller will provide a well with accepted contract. $259,000. Linda Crowther, Keller Williams Realty 970-7492088, www.DurangoColorado.com (107-06-14)

REAL ESTATE ARROWHEAD, CIMARRON, CO, level, treed lot. ALL utilities in place (underground). 2 sheds, graveled driveway/parking, much more.

Community has many amenities.

Evenings 512-229-7826 (169-06-14)

COKEDALE COTTAGE – 2bd, 1ba.

Seven miles from Trinidad. Minutes from fishing, boating, hiking at Trinidad Lake State Park. Darling outdoor enthusiast getaway.

Danielle Rollo, Southern Colorado Realty 719-859-7653. (162-06-14) COZY CABIN 10 MILES EAST on Flat Top Scenic By-Way from Meeker, CO. Cabin overlooks Oak Ridge & White River, is 4 miles from national forest. Access forest from house

by ATV, 4x4, walking, skiing or snow machine. 3bd, 2ba, 1568sf, on 1.4 acres, great well water, septic tank, furniture negotiable. Details on Western Exposures Realty website. $287,500, 970-878-5877 (175-06-14) CUCHARA, COLORADO CONDO. Southern front range 9000+ elevation. 2bd, 1ba, 2 decks, $65,000.

Great view, hiking, fishing, hunting. cbohaty@kc.rr.com for photos, details (171-06-14) GRAND LAKE – 1/4th acre with 32’ 1995 Prowler trailer, well, sewer, electric, deck, shed, $60,000. 970379-7358 (173-06-14)

RELIGION BECOME AN ORDAINED Minister by correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info. Ministers for Christ Outreach, 7558 West Thunderbird Rd, Ste 1 - #114, Peoria, AZ 85381. http://www.ordination.org (441-12-14)

SEEDS/PLANTS/TREES OLATHE SWEET CORN SEED. Discount to co-op members. 970323-5708, paul_otv@qwestoffice. net Olathe Hardware (172-06-14)

TECHNOLOGY UNLIMITED RURAL INTERNET – Get unlimited 3G/4G high speed internet today. Faster than satellite.

No data cap! 10 day free trial, $119 monthly for unlimited bandwidth.

Visit us: www.evdodepotusa. com 888-508-3389 – Ask for Patti (177-06-14)

TICKETS

JUST FOR YOU! Nice home in historic Cokedale, CO. 2bd, 1ba, single garage, screened porch. Hunting, fishing, boating. 1 mile from Trinidad Lake. 303-941-6572, 719-324-5628.

(164-07-14)

NFR & PBR RODEO TICKETS – Las Vegas. All seating levels available.

Call 1-888-NFR-rodeo (1-888-6377633) or www.NFR-Rodeo.com. *BBB Member; Since 1990. (912-11-14)

OWN PROPERTY? NEED INCOME? We’ll rent exclusive hunting/fishing rights from you. Encourage young sportsmen by providing safe, private access. You make the rules.

303-460-0273 (069-08-14)

BRING YOUR HORSES: Rent our 4br log home, near Red Feather Lakes.

Ride Roosevelt National Forest: 5 nights or weekend. 765-438-6488, john@stlukesumc.net (159-06-14)

June 15 is Father’s Day

VACATION RENTAL

HISTORIC WALDEN Rock House, 413 Lafever, Walden, CO. One day/ short stay. 970-723-4736 www. waldenrockhouse.com (138-06-14) KAUAI VACATION RENTAL, 2bdr, full kitchen. Minutes from beaches. $600/wk. 808-245-6500; makana crest.com; kauaiweddings.com.

(756-05-15) KONA, HAWAII, Paradise Villa condo located on the 18th fairway of Kona Country Club with sweeping ocean views; 3bdr, 2ba specials.

(503) 369-2638; www.konacondo. info (116-11-14)

[funny stories] VACATION RENTAL

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY

FOX RUN BED & BREAKFAST — spacious inside and out. Family friendly. Minutes from AF Academy.

719-481-9520 or www.foxrunbnb. com (178-06-14)

OLD COLORADO LIVESTOCK brand books prior to 1975. Call Wes 303757-8553. (889-08-14)

OLD POCKET WATCHES – working or non-working and old repair material. Bob 719-859-4209 watch doctor@hotmail.com. (870-06-15)

WANTED TO BUY AMERICAN FLYER MODEL TRAINS manufactured 1950s to present.

Interested in locomotives, freight/ passenger cars, etc. Monument area, 719-337-8861, agin55553@ mypacks.net (117-06-14) NAVAJO RUGS, old and recent, native baskets, pottery. Tribal Rugs, Salida. 719-539-5363, b_inaz@ hotmail.com (817-06-14)

OLD COWBOY STUFF–hats, boots, spurs, chaps, Indian rugs, baskets, etc. ANYTHING OLD! Mining & railroad memorabilia, ore carts! We buy whole estates. We’ll come to you! Call 970-759-3455 or 970-5651256. (871-11-14) OLD GAS AND OIL items: Gas pumps, advertising signs, globes, etc. Pieces, parts, etc. considered. Also 1932-34 Ford cars and trucks, parts and pieces, too. Any condition. Brandon, 719-250-5721.

(519-11-14)

VINTAGE FISHING TACKLE. I buy rods, reels, lures, creels, etc. Gary, 970-222-2181 (170-10-14) WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

(402-03-15) WANTED: JEEP CJ OR WRANGLER. Reasonably priced. No rust buckets.

888-735-5337 (099-04-15) WE PAY CASH for minerals and oil/ gas interests, producing and nonproducing. 800-733-8122 (099-02-15)

Send us photos of you with Colorado Country Life

Last summer, we had all five grandkids over for a cookout.

As usual, it was total chaos: kids hollering, remote-controlled cars going everywhere and younger kids crying. One of the highlights was roasting s’mores. Of course, most marshmallows ended up in flames rather than roasted. One grandson, looking quite concerned, came running over with a marshmallow blazing on his straightened coat hanger. “Grandma,” he said. “could you help me put this on a graham crapper?”

Judy Whichard, Windsor

The other night, my husband was talking to our 3-yearold daughter, Bettie, during a storm.

The lightning entranced Bettie. “Dad, what’s lightning?” she asked.

“Electricity,” he answered.

She pondered for a moment and then asked, “Really? Then why doesn’t the sky have plugs?”

Aimee Markwardt, Berthoud

Martin Smith was on his deathbed, knowing the end was near. His wife, daughter, two sons and nurse were with him.

“Bernie, I want you to take the Beverly Hills houses. Ernie, take the offices in Center City,” he told his sons.

“Ethel, take over the apartments in Los Angeles Plaza,” he told his daughter.

“Martha, my dear wife, please take all the residential buildings downtown,” he said and then slipped away.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” the nurse said to the family. “Mr. Smith must have been such a hardworking, successful man to own all that property.”

“Own? Property?” Martha said. “He had a paper route.”

Phillip Esler at the top of Pikes Peak.

We’re Looking … for photos of readers and their copy of Colorado Country Life.

Got a great pic of you or your family member with the magazine

Lila Taylor, Stratton

Five-year-old Dara was walking with her dad and her sister, Stormie. Dara said something silly and Stormie said, “She is so blond!” Dara shot back, “I’m not blond, I can see just fine!”

Anonymous

at some fun place? Send it and your name and address to info@ coloradocountrylife.org. We’ll post it on our Facebook page. And on June 20 we’ll draw a winner from the submissions and send that winner a $25 gift card.

Congratulations Congratulations to Phillip Esler of Limon, who won a $25 gift certificate for submitting the photo above at the top of Pikes Peak.

We pay $15 to each person who submits a funny story that’s printed in the magazine. At the end of the year, we draw one name from those submitting jokes and that person will receive $150. Send your 2014 stories to Colorado Country Life, 5400 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 or email funnystories@ coloradocountrylife.org. Don’t forget to include your mailing address, so we can send you a check.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop June 2014 29

[discoveries]

Fractiles Figure in the FUN

M

Magnetic, portable and beautifully colored, Travel Fractiles-7 makes for awesome on-theroad entertainment. The Parents’ Choice awardwinning activity board comes with 96 flexible

magnetic tiles, offers endless design options and suggestions and even teaches children about different types of symmetry they can use in their creations.

The Boulder-based company mission

is “to help bring the beauty of geometry into the mainstream” and “support the USA economy and USA jobs by manufacturing entirely in the USA.”

on the GO

Junior Van Gogh

D

Don’t let a road trip impede your child’s imagination. The Artist On The Go! art kit includes supplies your little artist needs to be creative in the car: a recycled paper

Travel Fractiles-7 costs $29.95 and can be ordered by calling 303-541-

notepad, 12 colored pencils, five drawing

0930 or visiting fractiles.com.

stencils and wood pencils, all in a cotton

Kidz Gear Safe HEADPHONES

carry case with built-in handles.

Kiddos can listen to their favorite music and

ventors, sportsters and heroes. The Artist

audiobooks without damaging their eardrums.

On The Go! art kit is $20. For more infor-

The volume control in Kidz Gear Safe Headphones

mation and to order, call 970-372-0522 or

doesn’t exceed 90 decibels, a level that researchers

visit beginagaintoys.com.

have determined is safe.

ME

K

Kidz Gear Safe Headphones come in gray, blue, orange, purple, green, pink and white, making them as cool looking as they are great sounding.

Kidz Gear Safe Headphones cost $19.99. For more information and to order, call 800-828-4514 or visit familysafemedia.com.

Kids Travel ORGANIZER

K

Kids require a slew of necessities on a long road trip.

The One Step Ahead® Kids Travel Organizer keeps those things in order. Sturdy and steady, the Kids Travel Organizer has nine compartments to hold books, toys, snacks, drinks and more.

The Kids Travel Organizer costs $14.95. Visit onestepahead.com to find out more and to order.

BeginAgain, a Fort Collins-based toy company, creates several additional kits geared toward young artists, writers, in-

M

Vs. YOU

Me Vs. You makes a great traveling

companion for families who like to play together. The Klutz Company assembled a variety of word searches, jumbles, puzzles and more in these handheld padand-pencil sets that will keep kids engaged during the ride.

Me Vs. You is intended for children ages 8 and older and sells for $10.99. For more

Enter to win The On Step Ahead® Travel Organizer. Just visit colorado countrylife.coop and click on Contests. Good luck.

ColoradoCountryLife.coop 30 June 2014

information and to order, call 866-6955889 or visit klutz.com.