Roaring Fork, CO April 2020

RoaringForkLifestyle.com

APRIL 2020

Loving Our

Lands

THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE SWEETWATER LAKE

EVERGREEN ZEROWASTE’S NEW RECYCLING APP

BUCKET-LIST ADVENTURING WITH COLORADO OVERLANDER

The clothing The equipment the expertise 719 GRAND AVE., GLENWOOD SPRINGS, CO 81601

970.945.9611 FlyFishHookers.com

2

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

Carbondale | 16 St. Finnbar Farm Road 4 bedrooms | 4 full-baths | 2 half-baths | 5,250 sq.ft.

Offered for $3,195,000

ASPEN

BASALT

CARBONDALE

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

970.925.8088

ASPENREALESTATE.COM

LIFESTYLE LETTER

APRIL 2020 PUBLISHER

Rick French | rfrench@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Caitlin Causey | caitlin.causey@lifestylepubs.com

To Mother Earth THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY IS APRIL 22. What began as a day of

AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart LAYOUT DESIGNER

Dani Moore

learning and peaceful demonstration in thousands of U.S. schools and communities

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

in 1970 has grown into a global celebration of environmental causes. According to

Caitlin Causey, Lindsay DeFrates, Bridget Grey

the Earth Day Network, which coordinates the holiday’s major events and educational initiatives, Earth Day is now celebrated in almost every country around the world by more than a billion people every year.

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Darren Bridges Photography, Windfirm Photography, Carl Zoch Photography, Todd Winslow Pierce

This month, Roaring Fork Lifestyle is celebrating five decades of Earth Day with a look at some of the newest ways to locally honor our land and care for our environment. We spoke with EverGreen ZeroWaste and got an exclusive peek at their new online recycling resource, “Love Zero Waste,” which is launching this month via web and mobile app. While exploring the app, I learned that so many items I had assumed would be destined for the landfill were, in fact, recyclable. This tool has been painstakingly researched by the EverGreen team, and it’s poised to help our community make big strides in local recycling rates.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

In our cover story, writer Lindsay DeFrates takes us to the shore of Sweetwater

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Lake, nestled in a remote corner of northeast Garfield County, and offers insight on

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

a new campaign to purchase and preserve it forever. Sweetwater has a fascinating

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

history and unique ecological significance, not to mention a wealth of recreational

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

opportunities, and it needs our financial help to be protected for future generations.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Reduce, reuse, recycle, recreate, educate, raise funds, and read on: However you choose to salute Mother Earth this month, we hope the stories in this issue offer inspiration to go a little greener.

Caitlin Causey, Editor

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Sweetwater Lake, northeast of Glenwood Springs.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EAGLE VALLEY LAND TRUST 4

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

RoaringForkLifestyle.com

Proverbs 3:5-6 Roaring Fork Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Roaring Fork areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Roaring Fork Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Yvonne Ellis Passionate, Educated, Zealous

where

DREAM HOME meets

As a professionally-trained photographer, Yvonne Ellis has a keen eye for beauty. Like all artists, Yvonne puts in long hours crafting perfection — in this case the perfect real estate transaction. She’s tenacious, knowledgeable, and a champion problem-solver. Dream homes, like a beautiful portrait, take hard work, excellent timing, and preparation. On every front, Yvonne delivers. Picture that.

970.928.9000 | cbmasonmorse.com

INSIDE THE ISSUE APRIL 2020

FEATURES 16 Waste Not EverGreen ZeroWaste Introduces a New Local Recycling App

22 Saving Sweetwater The Push to Preserve a Culturally and Ecologically Significant Lake in Northeast Garfield County

28 Western Wanderlust Choose Your Own Adventure with Colorado Overlander

32 Eco Shred Carbondale’s Peter Arlein on the

22 32

Snowpack-Friendly Ski Wax of MountainFLOW

28

16

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

12

Around Town

16

Healthy Lifestyle

22 Locals Only 28 Driver’s Notebook 32 Local Limelight 34 Water & Woods

Jamie Roth is excited to announce her affiliation with Trust & Estate Advocates, LLP to offer expanded services.

• Tough and efficient trust & estate controversy representation • Sophisticated estate planning.

2520 S. Grand Avenue, Suite 204, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

970-366-3727 // jamie@tealaw.com Offices in Denver, Durango and Glenwood

WE ARE YOUR

TURN-KEY DESIGN + BUILD CONTRACTOR

DECKS

|

RENOVATION

REMODELS | OUTBUILDINGS NEW CONSTRUCTION

970-618-3461 | trevor@boilercreek.com April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

7

GOOD TIMES

Sunlight Mountain Snowshoe Shuffle On February 23, a total of 49 snowshoers and 15 canine companions took to an 8K course through Babbish Gulch at Sunlight Mountain Resort in support of Colorado Animal Rescue. Participant Wesley Toews clocked the overall winning time at 47 minutes 18 seconds. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA NELSON OF WINDFIRM PHOTOGRAPHY

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

COMPANION CARE SERVICES • • • • •

Bathing, Dressing, and A ssist ance with Personal Hygiene G roce r y S hopping ; M e al Pre par at ion and S e r ving G e ne r al E r r and s and Light H ou se Wor k A s sis t ance wit h S oci al E ng age me nt s and Ac t ivit ie s Tr anspor t at ion t o and f rom A ppoint me nt s

TA I LO R E D C A R E

P O S T O P E R AT I V E S E RV I C E S • • • • • •

Tr anspor t at ion t o and f rom Pl ace of Proce dure A s sis t ance wit h Re h abilit at ive St re t c he s and E xe rcise s A nt i - I nf l amm at or y N u t r it ion al Pl ans Pe r son al Che f O pt ions 24 - hour A s sis t ance w it h O ve r night Che c k- ins L i aison B e t we e n M e dic al Pe r sonne l and Pat ie nt

TR AVEL COMPANION S • 24 - H our C are and Companionship for Tr ip D ur at ion • Wheelchair, Bathroom, Grooming and Dressing Assistance • A s sis t ance wit h B ag g age , Che c k- ins , S e cur it y and S pe ci al M e dic al N e e d s • Detailed Communication and Coordination with Families

SERVING THE ROARING FORK VALLEY

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from Aspen to Glenwood Spring s

HERETOTHERECARE.COM

April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

9

GOOD TIMES

Winter Wonderland Gala On Valentine's Day weekend, St. Stephen Catholic School in Glenwood Springs hosted its annual fundraiser. Guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres by The Red Onion Aspen, a three-course dinner by Susie Jimenez Productions, drinks by Woody Creek Distillers, a performance by the Legacy Dance Company, and dancing with DJ Benny. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARREN BRIDGES PHOTOGRAPHY

10

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

EAGLE CREST NURSERY The Valley’s best selection of trees, shrubs, flowers, garden accessories and gifts!

Open Year-Round | Colorado Certified Nursery Professionals on Staff

C e l e b r at i ng O v e r 20 Y e a r s s e rv i ng r Oa r i ng F O r k v a l l e Y g a r d e n e r s 400 Gillespie Drive, El Jebel, CO 81623 | 970.963.1173 Visit our website for current store hours: www. EagleCrestNursery .com mentiOn this ad tO reCeive

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April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

11

AROUND TOWN

SPECIAL NOTICE FROM ROARING FORK LIFESTYLE REGARDING COVID-19

Band and headliner Rekha Ohal in celebration of

As of press time on March 23, the unprece-

and is a celebrated singer known for her sultry

dented impact of the coronavirus crisis is rapidly

voice and piano stylings, as well as her distinc-

unfolding across the Roaring Fork Valley. We regret

tive interpretations of popular music. The concert

that some of the information in our April issue may

will be held at 6 p.m. at the Glenwood Vaudeville

be outdated by the time it reaches our readers. We

Revue theater. Tickets are $15/council members

have made efforts to update information to the best

and $25/general public and can be purchased

of our knowledge, but ask that readers please refer

at GlenwoodArts.org.

International Jazz Day. Ohal hails from Colorado

to local businesses’ and organizations’ websites and social media accounts for changes that may occur. We sincerely appreciate the community’s support during this time, and send our most heartfelt well wishes for safety and good health to our valley neighbors in the coming weeks and months.

—Rick French, Publisher —Caitlin Causey, Editor

A FOREVER HOME FOR THE ART BASE After the Town of Basalt unanimously approved development of the River Park Parcel in late February, the Art Base announced it will move forward with plans for a new 6,500 sq. ft. facility on the Roaring Fork River. The space will include a high-caliber gallery, an adult classroom with a digital lab, a youth classroom with park access, a roof terrace event space, and a resident artist studio

CARBONDALE EDUCATOR EMBARKS ON POLAR RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

and installation shop. The organization hopes to

Early this month, civic watershed education

see its grand opening by the summer of 2023, if not

specialist and Wild Rose Education founder Sarah

sooner. Learn more at TheArtBase.org.

Johnson will head out on a PolarTREC Arctic science expedition, led by the University of Washington and the United States Office of Naval Research in Utqiaġvik, Alaska for 10 days. The expedition team will deploy arctic buoys in coordination with the International Arctic Buoy Programme, which maintains a network of drifting buoys in the Arctic Ocean.

These provide meteorological and oceanographic data for real-time operational requirements and research purposes, including support to the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the World Weather Watch (WWW) Programme.

Johnson will participate as a research assistant and public relations officer during this expedition, joining other educators working in polar research locations from the Arctic to Antarctica, as part of

INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY PERFORMANCE TO FEATURE ACCLAIMED SONGSTRESS

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PolarTREC. The program allows educators to experience first-hand what it is like to conduct research and work closely with scientists in some of the most remote locations on earth, as a pathway to improv-

On April 30, the Glenwood Springs Arts Council

ing science education. Johnson is one of 11 educa-

and Jazz Aspen Snowmass will present a perfor-

tors selected through a nationwide search. Follow

mance with the local High School All-Star Jazz

her blog at ArcticRuminations.us.

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

HEALTHCARE at home home health & palliative care personal care hospice care grief & bereavement volunteer opportunities Our HomeCare Team includes Registered Nurses, Certified Home Health Aides, Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapists, Medical Social Workers, Registered Dietitians, Chaplains

EAGLE | GARFIELD | PITKIN Your locally based, nonprofit home care and hospice provider. www.HCHOTV.org | 970-930-6008 | 888-927-6650

COMMUNITY We are proud to support these local non-profits. Thanks to all local non-profits for the heart and hard work you put back into our families, schools and communities! Lets make 2020 better for all!

Youth Zone

Strawberry Shortcut -Special Olympics Rotary Clubs

Epic Experience

GWS Public Education Fund Feed my Sheep

Literacy Outreach

GlenX Career Expo

Children’s Mini-College

Habitat for Humanity

Windwalkers Riding Center

Kiwanis Club

Two Rivers Community Foundation Holy Cross Cattleman’s Association Valley Life for All

Return to Dirt

Roaring Fork Volunteers Basalt Educaiton Fund

Symphony in the Valley

Project Healing Waters

Hoop D Ville

Youth for Christ

Aspen Community Foundation GWS Citizens Alliance

Lift Up

Rifle Animal Shelter

Ducks Unlimited 4-H Club

Advocate Safehouse Youth Entity

GSHS Mock Trial

Alzheimer’s Association Boy Scouts of America Lift UP

GLENWOOD SPRINGS 901 Grand Ave., 970.945.7422 • BASALT 655 E. Valley Rd., 970.704.1144 RIFLE 1200 Railroad Ave., 970.625.1266 • bankofcolorado.com MEMBER FDIC

20_BC05_GWS_LIFESTYLE_MAGAZINE_10x692_AD.indd 1

April 2020 | Roaring Fork 2/14/20 Lifestyle 12:41 PM13

ARTS DAY CAMPS (AGES 3.5-14) Each of our three summer camps takes kids on a time-travel journey through the decades, expressing themselves with dance and art styles from the 1920s to the 2020s! Come dance and create with Maurine Taufer, Thelma Zabel and a team of talented instructors who have a fun line-up of artistic activities.

Sessions: June 8-19, June 22-26, or July 6-17 Half-day 9:30a-noon (for ages 3.5 - 7) Full-day 9:30a-4p (for ages 6 - 14) CMC Glenwood Center / 1402 Blake Ave. Register: coloradomtn.edu/community-education

PRE-SCHOOL DAY CAMP (AGES 3-6) The Children’s Mini College offers a partial-day camp during the month of June. Children will enjoy field trips, science experiments, water fun, and more!

Mon-Thur, 9a-1p

June 1-25

Sign your child up for one week or the whole month.

CMC Glenwood Center / 1402 Blake Ave. Register: 970-945-2446; jchovanec@coloradomtn.edu

EXTENDED REALITY PUZZLE QUEST (AGES 10-15) Kids will spend the morning using AR / VR (augmented and virtual reality) to explore and find secrets hidden on campus. In the afternoon, ditch the goggles and use your physical senses to explore and pursue more clues.

July 13-16, 9a-4p (transportation available) CMC Spring Valley / 3000 County Rd. 114 Register: coloradomtn.edu/community-education

HIGH-TECH MAKING & PROTOTYPING (AGES 10-15) CMC’s Quigley Library and the Isaacson School’s Prototype Lab give kids the chance to create vinyl-cut stickers, 3D models, and screen-printed T-shirts. The day includes sessions using software and tools in the Prototype Lab plus physical activities in the afternoon.

July 27-30, 9a-4p (transportation available) CMC Spring Valley / 3000 County Rd. 114 Register: coloradomtn.edu/ community-education

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

SUMMER FOR KIDS AT CMC

SUMMER CLASSES FOR KIDS

Visit Us Online

Keep up with us online when you are on the go.

Past Issues Current Articles Business Directory

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UNWIND IN A NEW

BULLFROG SPA

TrueNorthFireplaces.com 970-230-9363

Visit Our Outdoor Kitchen Showroom! 120 Midland Ave, Glenwood Springs, CO

April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

15

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

WASTE NOT ARTICLE CAITLIN CAUSEY

SO YOU’VE GOT A FUNKY OLD MATTRESS. Or a box of dead Christmas lights, a forgotten wetsuit, a busted CD player from the ‘90s, a bucket of used batteries, or a broken beer fridge hanging out in your garage. You need to get rid of this junk, but you can’t just throw it out for your weekly trash hauler to lug to the landfill.

Your conscience taps you on the shoulder and whispers: “Please recycle.”

But it takes effort to recycle weird stuff that doesn’t fall on the glass-aluminum-plastic-cardboard spectrum, right? Who has time to research where all of it should go?

Plot twist: you do. That’s because a brand new online tool from the valley’s lovable compost crusaders at EverGreen ZeroWaste (EGZW) takes the guesswork out of finding exactly where your unusual reusables and recyclables should end up. How easy is it? Simply pull up the website LoveZeroWaste.org or mobile app “Love Zero Waste” and search for your specific items. Within seconds you’ll have answers. The service, debuting this month, is completely free and filled with up-to-date information about the valley’s waste diversion resources.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

WHEN IT COMES TO LOCAL RECYCLING, EVERGREEN ZEROWASTE MAKES SURE THAT YEP—THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Try searching the motley crew of items above. In less than five minutes, you’ll find that the mattress can be recycled at the Pitkin County Solid Waste Center, the Christmas lights can go to Trinity Recycling in Glenwood, the wetsuit can be dropped in the clothing recycle bin at the South Canyon Landfill, the CD player can head to Green Zone Metal Recycling in Silt, the batteries to Ace Hardware, and the beer fridge to Brite Ideas Recycling in Glenwood. Easy peasy!

EGZW co-founder Alyssa Reindel says that’s exactly the point.

“This resource is going to bring a lot of clarity about how residents can really make an impact on a personal level,” she notes. “I’ve heard for years that finding places for non-traditional recyclables is too confusing, and that people aren’t sure if anything good really happens with the items they need to get rid of. Our hope is that this tool offers transparency, and a meaningful way for everyone to act on their own to help keep waste out of the landfill.”

Reindel has funded this labor of love directly from EGZW’s own pockets, as part of the company’s mission to invest back into the community and continually educate the public about greener alternatives to the garbage can. She assigned two staffers, Tessarae Mercer and Sara Tymczyszyn, to complete extensive research for the project. The resulting tool—which automatically offers information in English and Spanish and helps users figure out what to do with more than 300 items—is an impressive example of EGZW’s belief in the power of knowledge to create change.

“Education is a huge component of what we do,” Reindel says.

“We want to shift the paradigm on waste. With our compost collection services we’ve always done complimentary waste diversion education for our customers, and we have also worked in the local schools, but this recycling resource adds another layer of what we’re offering to the greater community.”

KEEP ‘EM OUT!

CONTINUED >

...OF THE LANDFILL, THAT IS. DID YOU KNOW THAT ALL OF THESE ITEMS

CAN BE RECYCLED, REUSED, OR PROPERLY DISPOSED OF LOCALLY? Lightbulbs

Gear

Paint

Appliances

Electronics

Clothing

April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

17

HE ALTH Y LIFEST Y LE (CONTINUED)

The Reindels, pictured here doing community education in summer 2019, have made outreach an integral part of their work as local business owners.

So, a few fun facts about local waste diversion courtesy of “Love Zero Waste”: Did you know that the towns of Glenwood Springs and Carbondale offer special collection events for household hazardous waste and electronic waste? Are you aware that most area police departments accept anonymous drop-offs of prescription medications? Or that outdoor gear, like backpacks and tents, can be consigned at Ragged Mountain Sports or donated to organizations like the Salvation Army and Feed My Sheep? That Target has an e-waste bin for your old cell phone? That Guitar Cellar in Glenwood Springs accepts any stringed instrument, and that Habitat ReStore offers free donation pick-up? These are just a few of the tips you can learn about through the online service. And of course, basically any waste that was ever living—food scraps, yard trimmings, paper products—can be set out for weekly compost collection by EGZW. “When it comes to recycling, I think we have a lot of great momentum here in Colorado,” Reindel says. “But there is definitely still a lot of work to be done in the valley. We really feel that with the right tools, awareness, and participation, people can actually make a big difference here. Responsibly handling waste is something we all can do to make a positive impact—and it feels good.”

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

EverGreen ZeroWaste co-founders Alyssa and Dave Reindel, accepting their award for Recycle Colorado's 2019 Recycler of the Year last summer.

Kreative Kleaning Krew 9 70.4 5 6.1060 kreativekleaningkrew

April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

19

CARBONDALE Built to perfection, this one owner Aspen Glen home has been meticulously maintained and is tastefully designer appointed with lovely finishes. Situated on a cul-de-sac. WEB# RF163336

CARBONDALE Everything has been replaced and updated in this Ranch at Roaring Fork home. Single level living plus loft. Wood floors, solid doors and trim, terrific kitchen, huge deck and three season sun-room. WEB# RF163254

4 BED | 4.5 BATH | $1,350,000 Nancy Emerson 970.366.1194

4 BED | 2 BATH | $759,000 Nancy Emerson 970.366.1194

CARBONDALE Mid-valley location. Many upgrades including a remodeled kitchen and master bath... PLUS new flooring and windows in 2005. Custom closets in master bedroom. WEB# RF163198

REDSTONE Vaulted ceilings, open floor plan and plenty of light with four bedrooms, three baths, garage and fenced yard. Two additional lofts off the bedrooms makes for plenty of storage space. WEB# RF162753

3 BED | 2 BATH | $699,000 Patty Brendlinger 970.379.5484

4 BED | 3 BATH | $649,000 Maria Wimmer 970.274.0647

where

HISTORY MAKERS meets

Aspen | Snowmass Village | Basalt | Carbondale | Redstone | Glenwood Springs

GLENWOOD SPRINGS True Colorado living in this private mountain home on 4-Mile Creek that has 4,252 square feet including a Mother-In-Law/Nanny suite, nestled among the pine and aspen trees on 8.3 acres! WEB# RF163051

GLENWOOD SPRINGS Three level home with a walk out level downstairs that can function as a great mother in law unit. New carpet, fresh paint, granite counter tops, great range and views make this a must see. WEB# RF163403

5 BED | 4.5 BATH | $1,100,000 Konnie Krahn-Prosence 970.319.1086

5 BED | 3.5 BATH | $849,000 Maria Wimmer 970.274.0647

GLENWOOD SPRINGS Mid-Century Architecture on 2.4 acres with an orchard.

Home boasts windows throughout that bring the outdoors in. Interior finishes are well made, and create a great mid-century modern aesthetic. WEB# RF163464

GLENWOOD SPRINGS Well-built home with beautiful landscaping and goodsized yard. Two living rooms, vaulted ceilings, two-car garage, radiant floor heating, and central A/C make this home attractive! WEB# RF163096

3 BED | 3 BATH | $650,000 Konnie Krahn-Prosence 970.319.1086

4 BED | 2.5 BATH | $629,000 Maria Wimmer 970.274.0647

For almost 60 years, the Roaring Fork Valley’s trusted leader.

Discover why at cbmasonmorse.com | 888.354.7500

LOCALS ONLY

S AV I N G S W E E T WAT E R DUE NORTH OF GLENWOOD CANYON LIES A BODY OF WATER WITH GREAT CULTURAL AND ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE FOR OUR REGION. CAN IT BE PRESERVED FOREVER?

ARTICLE LINDSAY DEFRATES PHOTOGRAPHY TODD WINSLOW PIERCE

Photo courtesy of EVLT 22

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

OVERHEAD,

THE

HUMMINGBIRDS

interior. In a small room off to the side of the

WERE FLITTING PAST ME IN THEIR NEV-

cave’s main entrance are some of the only Ute

ER-ENDING DOGFIGHT FOR SUGARED

pictographs in this area of Western Colorado.

RESOURCES. In my hand was a buffalo

To say that Sweetwater Lake is just

burger, grilled to perfection, and in front of

another pretty Colorado destination, is to

me, just past the deck’s wooden railing, was

undersell its vibrant ecosystem, its spring-

the crystalline surface of Sweetwater Lake. It

fed water, and the tenacity of the many col-

was July 2006, and reflected in the water were

orful individuals who have lived their lives in

the towering limestone cliffs of the Belden

and around this special place.

Formation, and the blue skies of a Colorado

Hundreds of years before white men

summer day. Fishing gig-bobs angled for trout

claimed the area for ranching, the Ute

all across the lake, and horses whinnied in a

Indians would travel to Sweetwater in the

nearby corral, waiting to carry visitors into the

summer to live and hunt, eventually drawing

Flat Tops Wilderness Area just up the road.

the pictographs in the cave which are still

On a break from the nearby summer camp

there to this day. In the 1920s, one of the

where I worked with a group of co-counselors

lake’s most colorful residents, the notorious

that included my future husband, I was enjoy-

Chicago gangster Diamond Jack Alterie, aka

ing the mid-July sunshine after buying lunch at

Leland Varain, bought the property in order

the Diamond Jack Lodge, the only restaurant

to live an ostentatious dude-ranch lifestyle.

within a ten mile radius of camp. Later, we

Records in the Glenwood Springs Historical

would hike a short distance through aspens

Society’s archives show that he hosted and

and wildflowers to crawl into the Ute cave to

participated in rodeos, tried his hand at

enjoy the perennially cool air in its dark, sandy

ranching, and local lore has it that he would CONTINUED >

April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

23

LOCALS ONLY (CONTINUED)

also put sharpshooters at the narrow points of Sweetwater

partnership with Eagle Valley Land Trust (EVLT) and several

Road (the only access to the lake) to make sure he wasn’t

other entities, The Conservation Fund hopes to raise $3.5 mil-

surprised by any unwelcome visitors.

lion in local financial support and win funding from the Land

Over the past 35 years, A.J. Brink Outfitters has used century-old cabins and the Diamond Jack Lodge as the base for

offshore oil and gas royalties, to make up the difference.

horseback rides and hunting trips into White River National

Bergen Tjossem, deputy director of EVLT since January,

Forest and the Flat Tops. Today, the creek which flows out

reports that they have already managed to gather more than $1

of the lake is a crucial part of the Colorado River watershed,

million in cash and pledges. Local municipalities like Gypsum

joining the river just a few miles after it leaves the lake. Native

and Eagle have pledged at least $40,000, and the project has

fish thrive in the clear water, and the riparian area provides a

the support of the Garfield County Commissioners. The lake

haven for wildlife venturing down from the higher elevations

itself is actually located within Garfield, not Eagle County,

for milder weather and abundant food sources.

which has made some of the funding a little trickier. Many

The last time I saw the lake, frozen solid on a cold day in

smaller local organizations and citizens, including a group of

January 2009, my husband and I slid out on its striped ice,

sixth graders from Glenwood Springs Middle School, have

newlyweds laughing about good memories and old friends.

also made generous contributions to the effort.

The solid surface of the lake felt secure, permanent; it never occurred to us that someday it might not be there for us.

24

and Water Conservation Fund, a federal program funded by

Once the purchase is complete, The Conservation Fund will deed the property to White River National Forest, ensur-

The reality is, however, that public access to Sweetwater

ing public access and management of the area’s precious

Lake has been closed for almost two years, and was

water and anthropological resources for future genera-

nearly restricted permanently. In the last decade, the 488-

tions. Already tucked up against expansive national forest,

acre property with generous water rights has changed

Sweetwater Lake is perfectly positioned to become a gem

hands several times. Most recently, an investment group

in western Colorado’s public lands.

from Castle Rock (SCC Partners Group) had planned a

White River National Forest applied for funding from the

development for the land including 240 luxury homes, a golf

Land and Water Conservation Fund last December, but as

course, and a bottled water facility. The deal fell through in

of press time had not heard back on the status of their appli-

2017 when they filed for bankruptcy.

cation. Even if Sweetwater wins significant funding, it will

When the property was listed for sale last year at $9.3

still need local support to make up the difference and secure

million, The Conservation Fund, a national non-profit with

the lake forever. To make a donation and learn more about

a regional office in Boulder, managed to convince lend-

the Save the Lake campaign, visit EVLT.org or call the EVLT

ers Coulton Creek Capital to award them the contract. In

office at 970.748.7654.

Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

“ALREADY TUCKED UP AGAINST E XPANSIVE NATIONAL FOREST, SWEETWATER LAKE IS PERFECTLY POSITIONED TO BECOME A GEM IN WESTERN COLORADO’S PUBLIC LANDS.”

April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

25

WATER RIGHTS • BUSINESS • REAL ESTATE

by mary noone

THE NOONE LAW FIRM www.NooneLaw.com 1001 Grand Av. Suite 207 Glenwood springs, CO 81601

ROBERT M NOONE, ESQ CLAIRE M NOONE, ESQ

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

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DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK

Western Wanderlust CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE WITH COLORADO OVERLANDER

ARTICLE BRIDGET GREY PHOTOGRAPHY CARL ZOCH PHOTOGRAPHY

ACCESS. For Glenwood Springs resident Patrick Drake, who grew

go out and explore. The team helps facilitate self-reliant overland

up immersed in the high country paradise that is the Roaring Fork

trips through off-road vehicle and gear rentals, planning assistance,

Valley, having access to the outdoors is key. The ability to experience

insiders’ tips, and safety advice. Basically, if you’ve got a dream to

our most beautiful and beloved wild lands firsthand, he believes,

truly see the state or experience a bucket-list adventure, they can

helps us not only enrich our lives but form a better understanding of

help make it happen.

the place we call home.

“Our goal is to help people experience Colorado and the west for

“And for visitors coming here from out of town, there is just so

what it really is,” Drake says. “We suggest our own ideas for trips, from

much more to see beyond the I-70 corridor from Denver,” he says. “A

the big national parks to the lesser-known places, to try to ignite the

lot of Colorado, and the greater western U.S., is missed due to lack

possibilities but ultimately it’s up to each of our clients to experience

of access—whether people don’t have the right vehicle or gear, or

their own overland adventure. We just give them the tools to do it, and

the knowledge of how to get out where the paved road ends. Open

hopefully help them remember that sometimes the best experiences

country is right outside our door but sometimes it just takes a little

aren’t about a landing destination; they’re about the journey.”

help to get there.”

If mud season has got you itching to make plans for summer travel,

So almost a year ago, Drake and his three partners (brother Chris

tempt your wanderlust on social media @colorado.overlander and

Drake, brother-in-law Zach Neal, and close friend Jason Smith)

learn more about the company’s fleet of vehicles and other offerings

founded Colorado Overlander to help more locals and visitors simply

at ColoradoOverlander.com.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT INTERVIEW CAITLIN CAUSEY

ECO SHRED CARBONDALE'S PETER ARLEIN ON THE SNOWPACKFRIENDLY SKI WAX OF MOUNTAINFLOW

MountainFLOW founder Peter Arlein, all smiles on Richmond Ridge.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020

MountainFlowEcoWax.com Social: @mountainflowecowax

RFL: YOUR COMPANY BEGAN AS NORTH AMERICA’S ONLY PLANT-BASED SKI WAX. WHAT’S THE SCOOP?

GIVE US THE RUNDOWN ON YOUR LINE OF PRODUCTS. Arlein: “First is Plant-Based Hot Wax: We offer a full tem-

Arlein: “Well, when we started we offered the only

perature range of wax (Cold, Cool, Warm, and All Temp). This

line of plant-based ski wax in North America but since

wax is available for consumer use and also sold in bulk for

we launched, there have been a couple other companies

backshops and rental operations. Same application process

that began making plant-based as well. We welcome the

as a conventional ski wax: melt on, scrape off, drink a beer.

competition and love to see more plant-based wax on

Next is Plant-Based Quick Wax, a rub-on paste wax in two

the market. We are still the only folks to exclusively offer

temperatures (Cool and Warm). It’s really easy to apply,

plant-based wax, since all of our competitors make

doesn’t last quite as long as the hot wax, but it’s great for folks

petroleum-based wax as well. Two years ago, we rec-

on vacation who may not have access to a full waxing/tuning

ognized a huge hole in the market. There wasn’t a truly

setup. It works awesome on all equipment but is especially

eco-friendly

(plant-

nice on fish-scale nordic skis which

based) ski wax on the

are notoriously difficult to wax. And

market. Ski shops and

last, we offer two types of Skin Wax in

consumers were asking

a spray and rub-on. It prevents icing on

for it, so we began the

climbing skins and adds extra glide.”

research

and

devel-

opment process. After

HOW DID YOU CONDUCT TEST-

more than 200 itera-

ING TO ENSURE YOUR WAX PER-

tions, we developed a

FORMED AS WELL AS OR BETTER

formula that was made

THAN PETROLEUM-BASED?

entirely from plants and

Arlein: “Before launching, we ran

worked just as well as a

a series of controlled performance

conventional wax.”

tests. We borrowed some professional timing equipment from Aspen Valley

HOW

THE

Ski & Snowboard Club and set up a

E N V I R O N M E N TA L

speed trap. Two pairs of the same ski,

IMPACT OF PLANT-

waxed with different products. The

BASED COMPARE TO

skier was blind to the wax and made

CONVENTIONAL?

multiple runs down the course. After

Arlein:

DOES

“Traditional

crunching the numbers, we deter-

ski wax is made from

mined that mountainFLOW’s wax was

petroleum. This means

just as fast as a conventional petro-

that we are drilling oil to

leum-based wax.”

make ski wax and furthermore, whatever you put on your skis goes directly into the snowpack and then

WHAT’S YOUR VISION OF THE PERFECT DAY OF SPRING SKIING IN THE VALLEY?

into local rivers. About a third of the global ski wax supply

Arlein: “The day would start early on Panda Peak with

is made with fluorocarbons or PFAS. These substances

my kids. And since this is a ‘perfect day’ there would

are highly toxic and carcinogenic. PFAS are referred to as

be more runs than hot chocolate and there wouldn’t be

a ‘forever chemical’ because once they are in the environ-

any meltdowns. After some french fries on the deck at

ment, they simply do not break down—ever! Fortunately,

Bumps, I would meet up with some buddies at Highlands

environmental regulating bodies have begun to ban PFAS

to hike the bowl. Then maybe a lap or two through the

use in ski wax. MountainFLOW is biodegradable and non-

bumps on Scarlett’s and down to the Ale House deck for

toxic. Even our packaging is biodegradable.”

a couple cold ones!”

April 2020 | Roaring Fork Lifestyle

33

WATER & WOODS

Immersed

A NEW LEARNING CENTER IN RIFLE SHEDS LIGHT ON RIVER HEALTH

01

WHERE:

ARTICLE CAITLIN CAUSEY

The River Stop will be housed in a convenient location just off I-70 at the Rifle rest area, in the facility formerly used as a visitor center at 200 Lion’s Park Circle. It is planned to be open every weekend and some weekdays throughout the summer and fall.

HERE ON THE WESTERN SLOPE, RIVERS MEAN LIFE. In May, the Middle Colorado Watershed Council (MCWC) will unveil the River Stop, an education center that will help the public learn more about the importance of our local section of the Colorado River and its watershed from Glenwood Canyon to DeBeque. Here’s what you need to know before it opens next month:

02 SEE:

Immersive exhibits include a cross-section of the river channel complete with rocks, insects, fish, and cottonwood trees. Other displays will highlight the watershed’s unique setting and natural resources. Fundraising is underway for even more exhibits.

03 HOW:

The center’s creative planning and exhibit installation was handled by Masumi Shibata Design of Grand Junction, which also worked on the city’s Eureka! McConnell Science Museum.

04

LEARN: Regular events at the River Stop will feature a range of free offerings for youth and adults. Naturalist Jeff Kerber will lead interactive outdoor programs as part of Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Rifle Gap Outdoors initiative through the fall.

05

VOLUNTEER: Community members who are passionate about river health and education are encouraged to consider donating time at the River Stop, which needs a handful of extra part-time volunteers to staff the center. Email info@midcowatershed.org to learn more about opportunities.

Image courtesy Masumi Shibata Design

06

WHEN: MCWC will announce the May grand opening date as soon as possible.

Check MidCOWatershed.org and follow @midcowatershed on social media for the latest news.

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Roaring Fork Lifestyle | April 2020