Dismantling the walls to wildlife in Colorado

Big Pivots

Al though never a big-game hunter, I have killed three deer in Colorado and likely gave a bull elk a terrific headache. That’s not to mention my carnage among rabbits and other smaller critters.

Cars were my weapon, not guns. Driving at dusk or into the darkened night will inevitably produce close brushes with wildlife, large and small, on many roads and highways. Even daylight has its dangers.

Colorado is now redefining that risky, ragged edge between wildlife habitat and the high-speed travel that we take for granted. State legislators delivered a message last year when appropriating $5 million for wildlife connectivity involving highways in high-priority areas.

In late December, state agencies identified seven locations where that money will be spent. They range from Interstate 25 south of Colorado Springs to Highway 13 north of Craig near where it enters Wyoming. New fencing and radar technology will be installed. Highway 550 north of Ridgway will get an underpass.

The pot wasn’t deep enough to produce overpasses such as two that cross Highway 9 between Silverthorne and Kremmling or one between Pagosa Springs and Durango. But $750,000 as allocated to design work for crossings of I-25 near Raton Pass with a like amount for design of an I-70 crossing near Vail Pass.

In this and other ways, Colorado can better vie for a slice of the $350 million allocated by Congress in the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for improved wildlife connectivity.

This is on top of the overpass of I-25 planned for the segment between Castle Rock and Monument to complement the four underpasses installed in the widening project of recent years.

We are pivoting in how we regard roads and wildlife habitat.We have long been driven to protect human lives and our property by reducing collisions. Our perspectives have broadened. Human safety still matters, but so do the lives of critters.

When we built our interstate highway system between 1956 and, with the completion of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, 1992, we gave little regard to wildlife. There were exceptions, such as the narrow underpass for deer in West Vail installed in 1969.

Biologists in the 1990s began emphasizing highways as home wreckers. Expanding road networks, they said, was creating islands of wildlife habitat. Fragmented habitat leads to reduced gene pools and, at the extreme, the threat of extinction of species in some areas, called extirpation.

I-70 became the marquee for this. Wildlife biologists began calling it the“Berlin Wall to Wildlife.” The aptness of that phrase was vividly illustrated in 1999 when a transplanted lynx released just months before tried to cross I-70 near Vail Pass. It was smacked dead.

With that graphic image in mind, wildlife biologists held an international competition in 2011 involving I-70. The goal, at least partially realized, was to discover less costly materials and designs.

Colorado’s pace has quickened since a 2014 study documenting the decline of Western Slope mule deer populations. In 2019 an incoming Gov. Polis issued an executive order to state agencies directing them to work together to solve road ecology problems.

Two wildlife overpasses along with underpasses and fencing north of Silverthorne completed in 2017 have been valuable examples.

SEE WILDLIFE, P23

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Studies showed a 90% reduction in collisions.

“An 80 to 90% reduction right off the bat is pretty typical for these structures,” says Tony Cady, a planning and environmental manager for the Colorado Department of Transportation.

State agencies, working with non-profit groups and others, have crunched the data to delineate the state’s 5% highest priority road segments. These data may give Colorado a leg up on access to federal funds.

The two studies found 48 highpriority segments on the West- ern Slope and 90 east of the Continental Divide, including the Great Plains, reports Michelle Cowardin, a wildlife biologist for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The Craig and Meeker areas have lots of high priority roads, but so is much of I-76 between Fort Morgan to Julesburg has many high-priority segments.

Some jurisdictions are diving deeper. Eagle County has completed a study of wildlife connectivity, and in the Aspen area, a non-profit called Safe Passages has secured funding to begin identifying highest-priority locations in the Roaring Fork and Crystal River valleys.

These new studies attest to a shift in public attitudes. Rob Ament of Montana State University’s Western Transportation

Institute says wildlife connectivity is becoming institutionalized in how we think about transportation corridors. Instead of an extravagance, he says, crossings are becoming a cost of doing business.

This is happening internationally, too. “My world is just exploding,” he said while reciting crossings for elephants in Bangladesh, tigers in Thailand and work for other species in Argentina, Nepal, and Mongolia. If in some ways a long time in coming, we are redefining the relationship between highways and wildlife.

Check out other work by Allen Best about climate change, the energy transition and other topics at BigPivots.com.

Center can be di cult to electrify and decarbonize due to their high process and ventilation loads,” said Lucas Toffoli, on the group’s Carbon-Free Building program. “So, we hope the integrated e ciency, energy recovery, and renewable energy strategies they’re using will provide a helpful model for high-performance lab build-outs across the U.S.” is story is from e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support e Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. e Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

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Public Notice

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ELIZABETH PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly to the electors of the Elizabeth Park and Recreation District of Elbert County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, three (3) directors will be elected to serve a fouryear term and one (1) director will be elected to serve a two-year term.

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms are available from Michael Barney, the Designated Election Official for the District, at 34201 County Road 17, P.O. Box 434, Elizabeth, Colorado 80107, Colorado or email mike@elizabethpr.com..

Self-Nomination and Acceptance forms must be filed with the Designated Election Official for the District at the above email address not less than 67 days prior to the election (Friday, February 24, 2023 at 5:00 pm).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots may be filed with the Designated Election Official of the District at the above address during normal business hours (9:00 am and 5:00 pm), until the close of business on the Tuesday immediately preceding the election (Tuesday, April 25, 2023). All absentee ballots must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 7:00 p.m. on election day.

ELIZABETH PARK AND RECREATION DISTRICT

By: /s/ Michael Barney

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. 24944

First Publication: February 2, 2023

Last Publication: February 2, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News

Public Notice

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

DEER CREEK WATER DISTRICT

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and particularly, to the eligible electors of the DEER CREEK WATER DISTRICT ("District") of Elbert County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the District will conduct a regular election on the 2nd day of May, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At that time, (3) three directors will be elected for a 4-year term expiring in May 2027.

In order to be a candidate for one of the director positions, a qualified individual must submit a Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form. Eligible electors of the District interested in serving on the Board of Directors may obtain a Self-Nomination and Acceptance form from the District’s Designated Election Official (DEO):

Sue Blair, DEO elections@crsofcolorado.com

Community Resource Services of Colorado

7995 East Prentice Avenue, Suite 103E Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Phone: 303-381-4960

Offices Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form must be returned to the Designated Election Official by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023. The form can be emailed to elections@crsofcolorado.com.

A Self-Nomination and Acceptance Form that is not sufficient may be amended once at any time before 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Earlier submittal is encouraged as the deadline will not permit correcting an insufficient form if received at 5:00 p.m.

Affidavit of Intent To Be A Write-In-Candidate forms must be submitted to the office of the Designated Election Official by the close of business on Monday, February 27, 2023.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an application for an absentee ballot may be filed with the Designated Election Official, at the contact information referenced above, no later than the close of business on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

DEER CREEK WATER DISTRICT Sue Blair, Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. 24942 First Publication: February 2, 2023 Last Publication: February 2, 2023 Publisher: Elbert County News Misc. Private Legals Public Notice BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION FOR A RULE 702.b FINANCIAL ASSURANCE PLAN, ADAMS, ARAPAHOE, BENT, ELBERT, KIOWA, MOFFAT, PROWERS, WASHINGTON, AND WELD COUNTIES, COLORADO CAUSE NO. 1 DOCKET NO. 221200345

TYPE: FINANCIAL ASSURANCE PLAN NOTICE OF HEARING

Renegade Oil & Gas Company, LLC (Operator No. 74165) (“Renegade” or “Applicant”) filed an Application for a Rule 702.b Financial Assurance Plan. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you are an interested party entitled to notice pursuant to Rule 504.b.(10).

DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change)

The Commission will hold a hearing only on the above-referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location:

Date:April 12, 2023

Time:9:00 a.m.

Place: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission

The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203

PETITIONS

DEADLINE FOR PETITIONS BY AFFECTED

PERSONS: March 13, 2023

Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written petition with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 507 at https:// cogcc.state.co.us, under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 510.l, the deadline for petitions may only be continued for good cause, even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Pursuant to Commission Rule 507, if you do not file a proper petition, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you. Parties wishing to file a petition must register online at https://oitco.hylandcloud.com/DNRCOGExternalAccess/Account/Login.aspx and select “Request Access to Site.” Please refer to our “eFiling Users Guidebook” at http://cogcc/documents/reg/Hearings/External_ Efiling_System_Handbook_December_2021_Final.pdf for more information.

Any Affected Person who files a petition must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of March 13, 2023, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a petition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc. Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

By: Mimi C. Larsen, Commission Secretary

Dated: December 29, 2022

Renegade Oil & Gas Company, LLC c/o Robert A. Willis Scott M. Campbell Poulson, Odell & Peterson, LLC 6155 S. Main St., Suite 225 Aurora, CO 80016 1660 Lincoln Street, Suite 1500 Denver, CO 80264 303-264-4418 rwillis@popllc.com scampbell@popllc.com

Legal Notice No. 24943

First Publication: February 2, 2023

Last Publication: February 2, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THE NIOBRARA FORMATION, WILDCAT FIELD, ELBERT COUNTY,

GMT Exploration Company LLC (Operator No. 10243) (“GMT” or “Applicant”) filed an Application with the Commission for an order to establish an Oil & Gas Development Plan (“OGDP”) on the lands identified below. Generally, an Oil & Gas Development Plan is the process whereby an applicant obtains approval to develop oil or gas resources at one or more oil and gas locations by drilling a specific number of wells. Importantly, an OGDP is not a pooling application.

This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may: 1) be an Owner of oil and/or gas (“mineral”) interests to be developed by the proposed OGDP; 2) own, reside, or operate a first responder agency on property within 2,000 feet of a working pad surface included in the OGDP; or 3) be otherwise entitled to notice pursuant to Commission Rule 303.e.(1).

APPLICATION LANDS

Mineral Development: Township 6 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M.

Section 2: All Section 3: All Section 4: All Section 5: All Section 6: All Surface Lands: Township 6 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M Section 4: NE¼NE¼

DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change)

A Commission hearing on the above-referenced docket number is currently scheduled for the following date, time, and location:

Date:March 29, 2023 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place:Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203

Parties to this hearing will be notified if this date, time, or place changes. For the most up-to-date information regarding the Commission’s hearing schedule, please visit https://cogcc.state.co.us/#/ home, click on “Commission Hearings,” and click on “Preliminary Agendas.”

PUBLIC COMMENT

Any party may file a public comment for the review of Commission Staff related to the abovedescribed OGDP. All public comments will be included in the administrative record for the OGDP proceeding. Parties wishing to file a public comment on the above-described OGDP may follow the instructions at https://cogcc.state.co.us/ documents/sb19181/Guidance/Mission_Change_ Guidance/Info%20Sheet_303.e.(2).D%20Public%20Comment_20210309.pdf, or may use the eFiling system outlined below.

PETITIONS

DEADLINE FOR PETITIONS BY AFFECTED

PERSONS: February 27, 2023

Any interested party who wishes to participate formally in this matter must file a written petition with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 507 at https://cogcc.state.co.us, under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 510.l, the deadline for petitions may only be continued for good cause, even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Pursuant to Commission Rule 507, if you do not file a proper petition, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you. Parties wishing to file a petition must register online at https://oitco.hylandcloud.com/DNRCOGExternalAccess/Account/Login.aspx and select “Request Access to Site.” Please refer to our “eFiling Users Guidance Book” at https://cogcc.state. co.us/documents/reg/Hearings/External_Efiling_System_Users_Guidebook_20201109.pdf for more information.

Any Affected Person who files a petition must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of February 27, 2023, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a petition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc. Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

By: Mimi C. Larsen, Commission Secretary

Dated: January 19, 2023

Applicant GMT Exploration Company LLC c/o Jamie L. Jost, Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 3511 Ringsby Court, Unit 103 Denver, CO 80216 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com

Legal Notice No. 24941

First Publication: February 2, 2023

Last Publication: February 2, 2023

Publisher: Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

KENNETH ALFRED SCHENCK, a/k/a KENNETH A. SCHENCK, Deceased

Case No: 2022PR030052 ll persons having claims against the above-named estate