Pagosa Lakes News - Summer 2022 • Volume LI

PAGOSA LAKES NEWS

Summer 2022 • Volume LI

BOARD BOARD OF DIRECTORS

D A N MAYER P A TRICK DON O VAN L A RS SCHNEIDER D A N I EL MUSGR OVE M O NTE WHITM AN

ADMINISTRATION

S T EVE SCHWAR TZ

ALLEN ROTH

C H RI S TANNE R

COMMITTEES ECC COMMITTEE

General Manager

230 PORT AVE. PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO 81147 Notice and Call: Page 3

COMMITTEE CHAIRS A L JENAB

Our Vision:

K U RT RAYMO N D

R O GER FLYNN

Our Mission:

J O SH POTTER plpoa.com

1

Time to Buy or Sell Real Estate?

Time To Call

Find Out How Much Your Home Is Worth, Or See Homes and Land For FREE! Local Market Update – January 2020 A Research Tool Provided by Colorado Real Estate Network

Pagosa Springs Archuleta County Single Family

January

Key Metrics

2019

Year to Date

2020

% Change

Thru 1-2019

Thru 1-2020

% Change

New Listings

21

26

+ 23.8%

21

26

+ 23.8%

Pending Sales

22

26

+ 18.2%

22

26

+ 18.2%

Closed Sales

16

22

+ 37.5%

16

22

+ 37.5%

Days on Market Until Sale

142

215

+ 51.4%

142

215

+ 51.4%

Median Sales Price*

$322,000

$315,000

- 2.2%

$322,000

$315,000

- 2.2%

Average Sales Price*

$459,242

$397,001

- 13.6%

$459,242

$397,001

- 13.6%

97.0%

96.3%

- 0.7%

97.0%

96.3%

- 0.7%

Inventory of Homes for Sale

187

174

- 7.0%

––

––

Months Supply of Inventory

6.1

5.3

- 13.1%

––

––

Percent of List Price Received*

Townhouse/Condo

January

Key Metrics

2019

New Listings

2020

% Change

16

+ 433.3%

10

+ 400.0%

3

Pending Sales

2

Closed Sales

2

–– ––

Year to Date Thru 1-2019

Thru 1-2020

% Change

16

+ 433.3%

10

+ 400.0%

3 2

5

+ 150.0%

5

+ 150.0%

125

111

- 11.2%

125

111

- 11.2%

Median Sales Price*

$189,525

$155,000

- 18.2%

$189,525

$155,000

- 18.2%

Average Sales Price*

$189,525

$201,700

+ 6.4%

$189,525

$201,700

+ 6.4%

95.4%

95.7%

+ 0.3%

95.4%

95.7%

+ 0.3%

Inventory of Homes for Sale

19

30

+ 57.9%

––

––

Months Supply of Inventory

2.5

4.0

+ 60.0%

––

––

Days on Market Until Sale

Percent of List Price Received*

2

–– ––

* Does not account for sale concessions and/or downpayment assistance. | Percent changes are calculated using rounded figures and can sometimes look extreme due to small sample size.

Median Sales Price - Single Family

Median Sales Price - Townhouse/Condo

Rolling 12-Month Calculation

CREN Pagosa Springs

$400,000

Rolling 12-Month Calculation

CREN Pagosa Springs

$400,000 $350,000

$350,000 $300,000 $300,000

$250,000 $200,000

$250,000

$150,000 $200,000 $100,000 $150,000 1-2007

$50,000 1-2009

1-2011

1-2013

1-2015

1-2017

1-2019

1-2007

1-2009

1-2011

1-2013

1-2015

1-2017

1-2019

A rolling 12-month calculation represents the current month and the 11 months prior in a single data point. If no activity occurred during a month, the line extends to the next available data point.

Current as of February 5, 2020. All data from Colorado Real Estate Network. Report © 2020 ShowingTime.

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Notice & Call Notice Call

2022Annual Annual Meeting Meeting & 2022 & Election Election Pagosa Lakes Property OwnersAssociation Association--Pagosa Pagosa Lakes Lakes Clubhouse Springs, COCO 81147 Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Clubhouse––230 230Port PortAve. Ave.Pagosa Pagosa Springs, 81147 Saturday, July 30, 2021 Saturday, July 30, 2021 9:00 a.m. Social Hour & Balloting 9:00 a.m. Social Hour & Balloting 10:00 a.m. Annual Meeting Begins - Owners Appreciation BBQ Following the meeting at Vista Lake Park

10:00 a.m. Annual Meeting Begins - Owners Appreciation BBQ Following the meeting at Vista Lake Park

I. Notice and Call I. Notice and Call The purpose of the meeting is to elect 2 members to the Board of Directors, hear reports from the Board and its standing committees, and The consider purpose other of thebusiness. meetingAccording is to electto2 the members the Board of Directors, hearofreports the Board and its be standing committees, and BylawstoArticle V, Section 3, the term office asfrom a Board Member shall three years.

consider other business. According to the Bylaws Article V, Section 3, the term of office as a Board Member shall be three years.

II.

Agenda Items

II. Any Agenda Items which the property owners wish to have incorporated into the agenda, must be submitted in writing to the Pagosa Lakes new business, AnyProperty new business, the property owners to have into the agenda, mustbebereviewed submitted writingand to the Pagosa Lakes Ownerswhich Association by 5:00 p.m.wish on June 24thincorporated , 2022. All submitted items will forinlegality appropriateness Property Owners bybusiness 5:00 p.m.

June placed 24th, 2022. submitted items will be reviewed for legality and appropriateness in keeping withAssociation annual meeting prioron to being on the All agenda. in keeping with annual meeting business prior to being placed on the agenda.

III. Ballot Instructions

1. You may vote in person at the Annual Meeting from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., or vote absentee by going online to III. Ballot Instructions www.plpoavote.com withatyour codeMeeting that was from sent via email or U.S.P.S. In either you absentee must have by beengoing a “Member 1. You may vote in person theaccess Annual 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., case, or vote onlineintoGood st Standing” for inclusion theaccess voter list certified at 5:00 p.m.email on Tuesday, MayIn31either , 2022, sixty days prior to athe election.in Good www.plpoavote.com with on your code that was sent via or U.S.P.S. case, you(60) must have been “Member 2.

Article for III, inclusion Section 6 of Bylaws states: “The of oneMay or more shall entitle that ownership onlyelection. two votes, Standing” onthe theAssociation voter list certified at 5:00 p.m.ownership on Tuesday, 31st,lots 2022, sixty (60) days prior totothe on behalf of no matter how many lots are in that ownership.

For each Time Share Unit interval, (1week) there shall be two votes 2. Article III, Section 6 of the Association Bylaws states: “The ownership of one or more lots shall entitle that ownership to onlyalltwo votes, Owners within such Unit interval. Such Time Share Unit interval votes shall be counted as one-fiftieth (1/50) of a regular lot owner. no matter how many lots are in that ownership. For each Time Share Unit interval, (1week) there shall be two votes on behalf of all The signature of a Time Share Unit interval Owner in Pagosa Lakes shall be counted as one-fiftieth (1/50) of that of a regular lot Owners within such Unit interval. Such Time Share Unit interval votes shall be counted as one-fiftieth (1/50) of a regular lot owner.

Owner for purposes of meeting any petition requirements of these Bylaws, provided that said Owner is in good standing and provided Thefurther signature of a Time Share Unit interval Owner in Pagosa Lakes shall be counted as one-fiftieth (1/50) of that of a regular lot that in no event shall the cumulative total of signatures of Owners in any Time Share Unit interval be greater than two.

Owner for purposes of meeting any petition requirements of these Bylaws, provided that said Owner is in good standing and provided “Voting - A Member in Good total Standing shall haveofthe right toinvote any meeting of the Association.

Members of the further that inPrivileges no event shall the cumulative of signatures Owners anyatTime Share Unit interval be greater than two.

Board shall be elected by the Association at the annual meeting. The privilege to vote shall be based upon one ownership -

“Voting Privileges - A Member in Good Standing haveShare the right vote at anyvotes.” meeting of the Association. Members of the two votes, and shall one Time Unit to interval - two Board shall be elected by the–Association at theentity annualreceives meeting. privilege voteposted shall be upon one ownership Remember Each ownership twoThe votes for eachtoissue onbased the ballot, two votes, and one Share Unit interval -owned. two votes.” regardless of Time the number of properties Remember – Each ownership entity receives two votes for each issue posted on the ballot, IV. Online Elections – voting will be available from 5:00pm Friday, July 1, 2022 through 10:00am Saturday, July 30, 2022 regardless of the number of properties owned.

1. PLPOA Property Owners - Email

a. If– the Association has your email file, your voter access code and instructions will beJuly emailed to you. Emails will IV. Online Elections voting will be available fromaddress 5:00pmonFriday, July 1, 2022 through 10:00am Saturday, 30, 2022 be sent on June 28, 2022.

1. PLPOA Property Owners - Email If the email sent has to you is not delivered, you voteraccess access code post card U.S.P.S. a will few days later. to you. Emails will a. b.If the Association your email address onwill file,receive your avoter and via instructions be emailed 2. PLPOA Owners U.S.P.S. Mailing be Property sent on June 28,– 2022.

If the Association does your email address on file, a voter accesspost postcard cardvia andU.S.P.S. instructions will be mailed b. a.If the email sent to you is not nothave delivered, you will receive a voter access a few days later. to you via U.S.P.S. 2. PLPOA Property Owners – U.S.P.S. Mailing 3. Wyndham Timeshare Owners – U.S.P.S. Mailing a. If the Association does not have your email address on file, a voter access post card and instructions will be mailed to you via a. A voter access post card and instructions will be mailed to you via U.S.P.S. U.S.P.S. 4. Other Voting options – 3. Wyndham Owners – U.S.P.S. Mailing a. Timeshare Paper Ballots - PLPOA Property Owners may request paper ballots by calling the toll-free number on the voter access post card. a. A voter access post card and instructions will be mailed to you via U.S.P.S. Have your access code available when you call.

4. Other Voting options – b. Phone Voting – PLPOA Property Owners may vote by phone by calling the toll-free number on the voter access post card. Have a. Paper PLPOA Property yourBallots access -code available whenOwners you call.may request paper ballots by calling the toll-free number on the voter access post card. youron access code you call. be available online only from your computer or at the Administration Offices from of 8am-3pm c.Have Voting Friday, Julyavailable 29th will when b. d.Phone Voting – PLPOA Property mayonline vote by phone calling the toll-free on the voter access card. Have be available only fromby your computer or at thenumber Administration Offices frompost 9-10am Voting on Saturday, July 30st willOwners your access code available when you call. c. Voting on Friday, July 29th will be available online only from your computer or at the Administration Offices from of 8am-3pm d. Voting on Saturday, July 30st will be available online only from your computer or at the Administration Offices from 9-10am

PLPOA CANDIDATE FORUM

PLPOA CANDIDATE FORUM

plpoa.com Notice

& Call

2022 Annual Meeting & Election

3

PLPOA CANDIDATES Lars Schneider

As the current PLPOA BOD Treasurer, I am excited to be re-running for another term. Having lived in PLPOA for more than half my life, I have the long-term knowledge of our community and its members. I am the owner of Once-A-Tree and co-owner of Mountain Men Disaster Mitigation, two local businesses. As a working member of our community, I understand that the finances we pay in dues are hard earned, I will strive to make sure those are utilized responsibly and in the best interest of the community. I can't say it's been effortless serving on the board the last 2 years, but I can say that every vote I cast on resolutions, that affect you, have been done in honesty and how I felt was best for our growing, wonderful community. I personally, plan to be in Pagosa for the rest of my life. Collectively, I believe this gives me a unique perspective; all discussions and decisions that are held now will affect the future of the PLPOA; that's something I want to continue to be a part of. I'd like to go on representing the working people of our POA and for the reasons mentioned here that you will vote for me to continue to do so.

2022 Mike Perez

Following our retirement, my wife and I moved to Pagosa Springs and have now lived in here for 2 years. I feel that I would bring a fresh perspective to the board in that I am a retired resident who is not working and does not own a company servicing this area. I do not have vested interest acquiring a board position, my objective is to serve the owners of the Association. I have the time and energy to lend my years of experience and knowledge gained. I have a degree in Communications and worked in the outdoor advertising industry for 36 years. I am not a stranger to serving through board involvement. I served at both a city and state level on the sign regulation association and on the Ex-Student Association of the University of Texas, Austin. Locally and relatively, I currently volunteer as a member of the PLPOA Environmental Control Committee. I believe that the board should work with and in support of the association in order to best serve the community and the residents of Pagosa Lakes

Board applications were not due until after the deadline to go to print for this Newsletter. Given that, there may be more candidates to choose from. Scan the QR code or visit: https://www.plpoa.com/page/22408~1074691/2022-bod-plpoa-candidates to see the final list of candidates and their bios. Bio's will also be available on your electronic ballot.

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plpoa.com

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Lifestyle - Gardening

THE STORY BEHIND THE VISTA LAKE COMMUNITY GARDENS

FSFE - PLPOA - CLLC

The Vista Lake Community Garden is a budding project of the community members of the Vista neighborhood and surrounding community with support from Healthy Archuleta, dba FSFE Food Coalition (a local non-profit) and the PLPOA. The need for more local food production in our neighborhoods throughout Archuleta County came from the community during the 2019-2020 Community Food Assessment.

Additionally, we learned that those experiencing food insecurity desired more healthy and fresh foods. In the midst of the pandemic, the FSFE Food Coalition procured grant funding and donations to support the purchase of more fresh foods for the clients of the six food pantries in Archuleta County. During this time, the Coalition also worked with backyard growers to encourage them to grow an extra row and donate to the food pantries. Meanwhile, the idea of increasing food production through community gardens was also being explored through conversations between the FSFE - Food Coalition and PLPOA. In May of 2021, PLPOA staff identified some land near Vista Lake in close proximity to their existing community garden that could be dedicated to additional community garden spaces for food production.

This location was especially desirable as water from Vista Lake could be used to irrigate both garden spaces. To better capture the community needs and interest, FSFE - Food Coalition and PLPOA developed and conducted a survey to solicit community feedback on both the design and use of the garden that would most benefit those within walking distance.

Additionally, a grant opportunity from the Colorado Health Foundation was pursued.

FSFE - Food Coalition and PLPOA teamed up to engage the community during a series of outreach events in early June of 2021. These initial meetings introduced the project to community members and solicited input about

6

the design for the Vista Lake garden park and generated ideas for programming.

An application was submitted to the Colorado Health Foundation. Funding would allow for building the infrastructure of the garden and community engagement for the design and activation of the garden space. During the summer of 2021, FSFE - Food Coalition, PLPOA, and interested community members worked together to engage the PLPOA neighbors in a series of events which included the annual PLPOA member gathering and BBQ on July 31st.

At this event, 250 community members participated and approximately 100 residents engaged in the activities that obtained their input into the design and programming of the Vista Lake community garden park. Momentum continued into August with the Vista Veggie Garden tour, where neighbors visited gardens followed by a BBQ gathering at the home of a community member. Approximately 15-20 residents participated in the event and were engaged about the Vista Lake community garden and park.

In September 2021 funding was received from the Colorado Healthy Foundation to support the project. In October outreach into the Vista neighborhood was kicked off with conversations with residents during the Dumpster Day event and a series of outreach activities at the cluster boxes within the Vista neighborhood. During these activities 70 residents signed up to learn more about the Vista Community Garden project and participate in community events during November and December. The focus of the events in November and December was for plpoa.com

Lifestyle - Gardening neighbors to develop a vision for the community month and the other Thursdays we meet at the garden and park space. Starting in January a garden site. For more information about the group

of

community

members

who

had events

and

activities

of

the

Vista

Lake

expressed interest in being more deeply involved Community Garden please contact FSFE - Food in the design and programming of the garden Coalition at fsfearchuleta@gmail.com. and

park

space

were

invited

to

form

a

Community Learning and Leadership Circle If you are interested in participating in the (CLLC). This CLLC has since met on a weekly garden, there are 26 raised beds that will be

basis to determine the physical design of the under cultivation for 2022. Thirteen of these garden site and is going through the process of beds will be reserved for private/shared plots determining a schedule of programming to and an additional 13 will be used to grow food engage the community through events and for the larger community. In addition there will

activities during the year. Key to the Vista Lake be a smaller tilled area under cultivation that Community garden will be a team of community will be used to raise food for the community

garden coordinators. The CLLC is currently that will be distributed through the Food Pantry undertaking an effort to recruit and interview for Network as well as made available to community members through a variety of

these leadership positions.

programming efforts. Memberships to the

A Community Garden reveal was held on April community garden which include a produce 7th. Members of the CLLC invited the greater share are available for $15/year. Individual plots community to come see the progress that was are an additional $15/year. Scholarships are made in preparation for the growing season available for those with a demonstrated need. ahead. The event involved a fun and family Please contact Jen Pitcher jenp@plpoa.com to friendly series of activities for community request/pay for a bed and/or membership to members to learn about the opportunities to get the community garden. involved

with

programming

and

the

community

upcoming

garden

events.

The

evening’s activities included seed planting, rock painting, a scavenger hunt, drawings, and healthy refreshments. Community members also had the chance to weigh in on design and programming components and learn about opportunities within the community garden effort to increase access to freshly grown local, affordable, and nutritious foods.

There is an ongoing invitation for the standing weekly Vista Lake Community Garden meetings for anyone interested in being involved in the garden. Please plan on joining us every Thursday 5:30 pm - 7 pm. Meetings are held at the Clubhouse the 3rd and 4th Thursdays of the plpoa.com

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Shelley Low, Top Producer 970-946-0930

Jessica Low 970-903-8376

Tim Cooney 970-749-1350

Nick Johnson 970-274-2742

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Kim Moore 970-946-5619

Liz Jamison 575-770-1190

Drew Harbison 970-398-0521

Jean Brittingham 970-507-0885

Kathleen McFadden 512-422-3496

Jen Ott 951-492-8039

Penny Loper 970-946-3639

Melinda Gibson 575-446-8300

Denise Fisk 303-868-8972

Christie Hunt 970-585-4531

Caitlyn Jewell 970-216-5686

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PLPOA ACQUIRES OWNERSHIP OF GREENBELTS The Pagosa Lakes Property Owners’ Association and Wyndham Resorts came together on an agreement for all the Wyndham owned greenbelts to be transferred over to the Association. When the Developer of Pagosa Lakes in 1989, Fairfield, filed for bankruptcy, the Bankruptcy Court ruled that the greenbelts remain with Fairfield, now Wyndham Resorts. PLPOA and Wyndham have had many negotiations over the years regarding the transfer of ownership to the Association.

Especially, after a District Court Ruling in 1989 which found the greenbelts are recreational areas, permanently set aside for the common use, enjoyment and benefit of all present and future members of the Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association.

Other benefits for our Association owning the greenbelts; the larger greenbelt tracts can be improved and utilized as common area for PLPOA residents for recreation enjoyment such as parks, trails, playgrounds etc. Smaller neighborhood parks can be developed as well. Many of the greenbelts have informal trails through them which the Association can now look at improving them and making them part of the trail system.

A total of 185 tracts encompassing 620.42 acres were transferred to PLPOA. These tracts vary in size with the smallest tract less than an acre and the largest at 80 acres. Many of the smaller tracts are narrow strips of greenbelt buffer separating the backsides of rows of lots.

PLPOA’s main focus on obtaining the greenbelts is to be able to perform fire mitigation and maintain them on a regular basis. This is an extremely important measure in safeguarding our community against potential wildfires.

We witnessed the tragic “winter time” wildfire in Louisville, Colorado where hundreds of homes burned.

Also, numerous wildfires in California devastated entire communities. Our PLPOA borders seven miles of National Forest. The Forest Service over the last several years has performed prescribed burns and has scheduled additional prescribed burns this summer to create a buffer around Pagosa Lakes. The issue though comes in the form of fire hazards within our community of PLPOA. The greenbelts have not had any fire mitigation work done to them or any maintenance.

Many of our greenbelts contain various types of fire fuel components consisting of grasses, brush or shrubs, timber and woody debris. The most common brush are the gambrel oak along with rabbit and sage brush. It is very thick and tall in areas making it a hazardous fuel.

There is a lot of timber with dead limbs hanging low to the ground surface. Additionally, the dead-wood blankets the ground among the grass. Some of these tracts also contain many highly flammable juniper trees with low hanging branches.

The first priority for the PLPOA is the development of a Fire Mitigation and Implementation Plan. This plan of action will encompass 3 to 5 years. Prioritizing which greenbelts are to be mitigated first, and a description of work to be performed on each tract. The plan will also estimate costs for the fire mitigation work and maintenance. These costs will be worked into the Reserve Study and Reserve Fund for budgetary purposes. When completed over the five-year span, the fire mitigation work may cost as much as several hundred thousand dollars. PLPOA is working with the Wildfire Adaptive Partnership, U.S. Forest Service, Colorado State Forest Service and the Pagosa Springs Fire District for technical support in developing the plan and applying for grants to help with mitigation plpoa.com costs.

Once the Fire Mitigation & Implementation Plan is finished, PLPOA will be getting started this fall on some work. Residents will see a difference in the landscape. It will be more spacious below the ponderosa pine trees providing an expansive and clean look; but most importantly reducing the fire danger while increasing defensible space providing added safety for all of us.

9

Department of Property & Environment

By Department Manager, Larry Lynch As we head into the summer of 2022 we are gearing up for another busy season of projects and programs here in Pagosa Lakes. The fishing program got off to a great start this past spring with excellent conditions for trout and bass with some trophy- sized fish landed at several of the lakes. The lakes were stocked beginning in late April and fish stocking will be on-going through the middle of June at which point we will take a break during the hot part of the summer and plan to bring in additional fish in September and October. The boating season is in full swing as well with many of our owners enjoying some time out on the water.

Speaking of water, the lakes were completely full this past spring from spring run-off and the Dutton Diversion pipeline that feeds Hatcher Lake. The Dutton pipeline was active through most of May putting us in good shape going into the summer, however, with drought conditions becoming more of the norm over the past several years we will definitely be crossing our fingers for some good summer monsoon activity. The San Juan water treatment plant is in full operation where water is pumped up from the San Juan river a few miles below town and through the Meadows subdivisions, across Highway 160 and into the treatment plant near Vista. This treatment plant when in full operation helps take a lot of the strain off of Hatcher Lake providing for close to 70% of the potable treated water for the community.

Just a few years ago that number was closer to 30%.

Please help us conserve water as much as possible this year.

There is no doubt that water conservation is a going to be a driving force in our lives in the coming years with record low reservoir storage levels on the lower Colorado Basin and everyone wanting their share of water. There is a real possibility that we could be looking at water restrictions this summer due to low reservoir levels.

Defensible Space- Protecting Your Home The recent large and very scary fires in the Boulder and Louisville areas of the State as well as late spring fires in New Mexico and Arizona are a strong reminder that we are in the midst of a long term drought and that wildfires are something we are going to have to learn to accept as an

increasing hazard. There are things you can do to help protect your home and neighborhood from the threat of wildfire. The Association recommends that owners follow Colorado State Forest Service guidelines for defensible space and forest health. Things like removing brush and undergrowth to help reduce ladder fuels (ladder fuels allow fire to creep up into the crowns of trees); creating some spacing between trees where CSFS standards recommend 10 feet of crown spacing between trees generally; and developing a zone 1 protection around your home where combustibles are pushed back 15-35 feet away from the home. It is recognized that this isn't always possible or other factors may be involved. Many folks may have a prized tree that is very important to them, it may be that you choose to recognized that tree in your plans and develop a protection zone around that tree (or trees) by removing any combustibles from around it and limbing up to at least 10 feet off the ground. Those CSFS standards and several other important forest health article are available on the Association website under the Living In PLPOAWildfires tab. There is also a list of Archuleta County tree companies who specialize in tree removals and brush thinning.

The Association has taken steps to help owners achieve these home protections with a number of policies and services. The Association no longer requires tree removal permits for oak brush (of any size) or for Juniper trees. Those species may be removed at any time without a permit. We are also approving tree removal permits of other tree species at a staff level with quick turnaround times and a free application. Last year for example, hundreds of tree removals were approved and usually with a turnaround time of 4 or 5 days. The easiest way to apply for a tree removal permit is to simply go to the Association website and click on "Permits". A scroll down will appear and the Tree Removal Permit is the top option, you can fill it out in a few minutes on-line and it comes directly to our office where the approval process is initiated.

Staff may come by to take a quick look at the removal (please flag or mark the tree or trees) and an e-mail approval will be sent you in just a few days. We no longer require the green permit cards to be posted on site for tree removals, just an e-mail notification from us and you are good to go, the permit is valid for 6 months from the time it is approved.

2022

Summer Projects

The Department of Property and Environment will be working on a number of projects this summer around the community. One exciting project is the construction of a new community garden adjacent to Vista Lake, the Vista Lake Community Garden as we call it. This is in conjunction with Archuleta Food System/Food Equity Coalition and some grant funding that was received to cover materials. We will be constructing 25, 4' X 8' raised planting beds, installing a shed and irrigation system, and creating an area for direct-till gardening that will be available to Pagosa Lakes owners.

Contact the office for more information on this project. The DPE will also be working on constructing a new dog park over at the Recreation Center this summer where a fenced area will be built and separated for small dogs and large dogs and a number of agility type features will be installed. A new patio entry area is also planned at the Recreation center replacing those old railroad triangular beds that have been there since the beginning of time. Also, as part of our long range capital improvements for the lakes, a new vaulted permanent restroom structure will be installed on one of the lakes to replace an existing portable toilet. The plan is to eventually replace all five of the portable toilets with these much nicer looking units. We also will be replacing and adding to the floating dock at Hatcher Lake later this summer.

Regarding park and trail projects this year, no new capital improvement plans for new parks or tails are planned, however, the goal is to finish up a couple of projects that were started late last summer. The completion and grand opening of the new pedestrian foot-bridge and new sidewalk at the dam and spillway on North Pagosa Blvd is anticipated by the end of June. Also, the new gravel trail from Hatcher Circle and into the Highland Park and National Forest access will be completed by the end of May. We also have plans to crack fill and apply a seal coat to the North Pagosa Blvd multi-purpose trail to extend the life of the trail which will result in the closure of the trail for a day or two at some point this summer.

PAGOSA LAKES WILDFIRE FUEL MITIGATION TOOLS AND RESOURCES In addition to providing free pine needle pickups, the Association provides a free brush and limb drop-off andplpoa.com

chipping facility for Pagosa Lakes owner/members to utilize who are reducing wildfire fuels on their property or performing brush and limb cleanup and maintenance. Due to the large area that Pagosa Lakes encompasses and high number of individual lots, and the addition of several hundred acres of greenbelts to take care of in the coming years, the annual limit for drop-off's at the brush collection area is 2 truck/trailer load combination loads; or 3 pickup truck loads (or 3 individual trailer loads). The facility is located at 360 Sam Houston Blvd in the Trails subdivision area. Hours of operation and drop-off are Wednesday through Friday , 8 am to 4 pm; and Saturday 8 till noon.

For owners who are doing larger projects on their property there are a number of resources available to assist with that project. It is also highly advisable to consider chipping branches and limbs on-site either with a small rental chipper or qualified contractor. The Association recommends that forested properties be thinned or treated to Colorado State Forest Service standards, the publication, "Protecting your Home from Wildfire", is available at the Association Administration office, 230 Port Avenue or on the website, plpoa.com.

Additional Resources - Wildfire Adapted Partnership: (970) 398-0305 Wildfire Adapted Partnership (WAP) chipper rebate program where up to 50% of chipper costs will be reimbursed to those who qualify.

Wildfire Adapted Partnership also has some limited grant funding available to qualified owners who are doing defensible space projects on their property where up to 40% of those costs are reimbursed.

See Association website for list of qualified local tree contractors who can safely perform tree, limb and brush removal.

The local rental shops do rent out small chippers by the hour.

Brush and limbs are accepted at the Archuleta County landfill.

Limbs and branches larger than 3 inches in diameter make great firewood for friends and neighbors that have wood stoves, ask your neighbor.

Small Chipper Rental - Pine Valley Rental: 305 Bastille Drive 11

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Primary Care Appointments & Urgent Walk-Ins Mon-Fri 970.731.3700 | 95 S. Pagosa Blvd | pagosaspringsmedicalcenter.org |

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Benefits of Xeriscaping Your Property in the PLPOA DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY STANDARDS - BY KEITH CRAMER

With record droughts and major cities facing the very real possibility of water shortages in the not-so-distant future, there’s more emphasis than ever before on conserving one of our most precious resources, water.

While well-manicured lawns and luscious plants look beautiful, they require a ton of water to stay green throughout the hot summer months.

Xeriscaping was coined by Denver Water in the 1980’s as a way to create beautiful landscapes while conserving water. This strategy initially gained popularity in dry regions, which is why so many associate the word with cactuses and rocks. However, xeriscaping looks far different from city to city depending on the climate. In a rainy area, xeriscaping can include moisture-loving plants, while in a prairie region, it could include decorative grasses and wildflowers.

Xeriscaping combines the word “landscape” with the Greek prefix “xero”, meaning dry. It’s no surprise that this concept came to life in Colorado, as we live in a very dry region that does not have access to fresh water, making irrigation far more expensive and wasteful than in other regions. Denver Water not only coined the term but developed a list of principles to help others around the world adopt xeriscaping. Here are these main principles of xeriscaping:

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1. Plan and design for smart water use - Before you plant anything, determine the water resources for your landscape and how to use them properly. You’ll also want to take into consideration budget, function, aesthetics, and expected maintenance.

2. Improve soil quality - Quality soil retains moisture, which encourages plant growth. Incorporating organic matter into your soil can help improve its quality.

However, you must understand the type of soil that will help plants in your region thrive. Some native plants don’t require much organic matter, while other can drown in soil that retains too much moisture.

3. Reduce turf and other water-wasting plants - The main goal of xeriscaping it to reduce water waste, which means reducing the size of lawns. Look to replace lawns with drought-tolerant grass that’s best suited for your region.

You can also replace all or part of your lawn with lowwater ground covers that are drought-tolerant and require little to no fertilizer.

4. Choose the right plants - Pick plants that are droughttolerant, but also have aesthetic appeal. Select plants that are native to your region or thrive in your type of climate. It’s recommended that you select a good mix of plants at various heights that bloom throughout the year.

Don’t forget that different plants require different amounts of sunlight, so plant accordingly.

5. Water efficiently - No, xeriscaping does not mean you’ll never have to water again. However, it does aim to ensure you water wisely and never overwater. Choose drip irrigation systems that directly water the roots and avoid wasteful sprinklers that leave excess water on the sidewalk or street. Aim to water plants deeply at their roots and do so infrequently to help them develop long, healthy drought-tolerant root systems.

6. Mulch - It’s recommended that you use two to three inches of natural mulch. Mulch helps prevent evaporation and prevents weed growth. It’s also a way to improve the aesthetics of your landscape. The PLPOA offers free wood mulch for our owners available at our chipper yard.

7. Maintain your landscape - When you do the right amount of planning and research, you’ll end up with an attractive, low maintenance yard. But even xeriscaped landscapes still require some maintenance. Pull weeds, prune shrubs and trees, rake, and replace mulch as needed.

Thinking of implementing a xeriscaping strategy on your property? Here are the six biggest benefits it provides: Reduces water waste - Reduces maintenance - Reduces cost Reduces fertilizer usage - Reduces pollution - Improves the overall look of your community Scan the QR code to read details on these 6 benefits to xeriscaping

For more information on xeriscaping, check out the fact sheets put together by the local Colorado State University Extension for our area on our website at; https://plpoa.com/page/22408~489598/xeriscape-landscaping.

or stop by the PLPOA office at 230 Port Avenue for our own live plant demonstration area.

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PAGOSA LAKES

CLUBHOUSE >

GROUPS & CLUBS

SPECIAL EVENTS New Owners Orientation Annual Meeting/Owners Appreciation BBQ Spring & Fall Flea Market Community Garden Events/Programming Thanksgiving Dinner and Food Drive Welcome Santa Event Community Dances Partnered programming and events

For 2022 detailed information call 970-731-5635 Ext 210

Line Dancing Cornhole Tai Chi Yoga Yoga Zumba

SUMMER AQUATICS AND OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING fter undergoing a massive renovation, the long awaited pool project is finally complete. With the project taking longer then expected the PLPOA Recreation staff would like to thank everyone for their patience. If you’re looking to escape the heat or a looking for a little fun, come take a splash in our new pool. We are excited to announce that the Aqua Aerobics classes are back in session. They are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 6:30-7:30a.m. and 9:00- 10:00a.m. Please check the PLPOA Recreation Center’s website for the complete pool schedule including information on lap swimming and open swim times. Calm Water Aquatics, brought to you by Susan McKnight, will be providing swim lessons for PLPOA members throughout the summer. She will also be offering a power stroke class and snorkeling class for beginners. For more information and registration, please visit the Calm Water Aquatics website at: https://www.icanswimpagosa.com.

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Together the Recreation and Lifestyle departments are working to provide more programing for PLPOA owners. If you are looking to get some interactive and social outdoor exercise this summer, come join the walking, biking and running groups that will be meeting weekly starting in May. Each week we will be exploring a new trail or location and to top it off the program is FREE. In June the PLPOA Rec center will be hosting an outdoor pickle ball tournament, more information will be available in the second week of May. Also, be on the lookout for a new program called accessible athletics.

Accessible athletics is an adaptive program that allows everyone to participate in a comfortable and supportive environment. Types of programing that we are exploring for this program are floor volleyball, kayaking, SUP and etc. For more information on any of these programs please the check the PLPOA Rec Center website.

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Kim Brown

Diane Burnett

Team Christians

Steve Crow

Keyes Team

Kim Brown

Diane Burnett

Team Christians

Steve Crow

Keyes Team

Bill Kinsley

Phil McAdams

Marcie Lewis

Lindy Moore

Juli Morelock

Bill Kinsley

Phil McAdams

Marcie Lewis

Lindy Moore

Juli Morelock

Tim Plate

Layne Poma

Stan Zuege

Tim Plate

Layne Poma

Stan Zuege

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MLS volume sales, 2006-2022, in cooperation with other Brokers. This Is to solicit your listing If you have a relationship with another Broker.

M L S v o l u m e s a l e s , 2 0 0 6 - 2 0plpoa.com 22, in cooperation with other Brokers. This Is to solicit your listing If you have a relationship with another Broker.