Some Steamy Issues
NATHROP – The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has decided to issue a lease for geothermal development near Mount Princeton to 3E Geothermal.
The bureau received 16 letters of protest from residents and landowners in the vicinity of the proposed lease whose concerns focused mainly on fears of water contamination.
The bureau says that issues of contamination were addressed in a National Environmental Policy Act Determination of Adequacy, according to an article in The Mountain Mail.
3E Geothermal, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Young Life, Christian youth camp on land adjacent to a portion of the lease site, said they would not be making any decisions about developing the lease in the immediate future.
In a related story, the BLM released an Environmental Analysis (EA) document in November concerning geothermal exploration near Tomichi Dome east of Gunnison. The document proposes allowing leasing with stipulations, according to The Gunnison Country Times.
Some adjacent landowners are satisfied that the BLM has adequately addressed their concerns, but others, including a large ranch property owner, believe the proposal would impact the quality of life at his seasonal ranch. Texan Ray Davis has charged through his attorney that the BLM is not requiring many of the same stipulations for private land in the EA as for surface land managed by the BLM.
Among other comments received by the BLM over the proposal were concerns about the Gunnison Sage-grouse, which is considered endangered by area environmental groups. They would like to see written protections for the bird expanded in the proposal. Concerns about impacts to elk in the area were also voiced by both wildlife advocates and hunting guides.
The study at present would only allow for possible exploration of geothermal potential and any ground-disturbing activity would require additional application, review and approval by the BLM.
Groups Hope for Changes at Ski Cooper
LEADVILLE – Efforts to change the way Leadville’s Ski Cooper is managed are being met with resistance to locals who like the ski area just as it is.
Friends for Change at Cooper Hill and Friends of Cooper Hill are hoping commissioners will open up the bidding on a new contact to manage the area when the existing contract expires in 2012. Ski Cooper is currently managed by an all-volunteer management board who believe they’ve done a good job of keeping the area financially stable and would like to renew its contract with the county.
Others are not so sure, and would like to open the bidding to outside interests in the hope that the ski area can gain a broader appeal and increase skier visits, which currently average about 62,000 skiers annually.
“We want to see them do things that get people to come to town,“It’s happening at ski areas like Monarch and Wolf Creek. It should happen at Ski Cooper,” said Mike Collins, founder of the Friends for Change at Cooper Hill as quoted in The Denver Post.
Theater Demolition on Again, off Again
SALIDA – Stabilization work on the old Salida Opera House ended shortly after it began when the building’s owner claimed he did not give permission for the city and its contractor, Diesslin Construction, to enter the property.
The historic opera house, also known as the Unique Theater has been at the center of controversy. It was deemed dangerous and in imminent danger of collapse by inspectors for the city in 2006 and ordered to close until it was stabilized.
In February of 2007 the city closed the alley behind the structure and recommended that a number of adjacent businesses close due to concerns over its possible collapse. Local businessman Bobby Hartslief stepped up and purchased the building from then owner John Groy for $50,000. City council members approved a $125,000 loan to Hartslief in March 2007 to stabilize the building and prevent a possible collapse. Hartslief trucked in eight steel girders, which were hoisted through holes made in the roof of the theater section of the building to support it.
In 2008 the city found Hartslief in default on his loan. He repaid the entire debt in December of 2008.
Since that time the building underwent removal of the stucco on its facade but no other work was done to the theatre portion, eventually forcing a showdown between the owner and the city. This led to the city’s decision to move forward with demolition and to file liens if needed to recover costs. The building is currently undergoing asbestos mitigation.
Skating Rink gets Nod
PONCHA SPRINGS – Efforts to create an ice skating rink at the Chaffee County fairgrounds got a boost in December when the Poncha Springs board of Trustees agreed to a letter of support for the proposal.
The county fair board has also agreed to consider the skating rink in the master plan for the fairgrounds. The town of Poncha Springs is the lease holder for the fairgrounds.
Notable Quotes
“When you hear ‘tour bus’ and ‘46 patients’ a red flag goes up.” – Tom McDonough, assistant fire chief at the scene of a tour bus accident on Hwy. 114 between Gunnison and Saguache. A number of injuries were reported but no fatalities.– The Gunnison Country Times, Dec. 23, 2010
“a huge month – something to celebrate.” – HRRMC vice president of fiscal services Lesley Fagerberg on the hospital’s gross patient revenue for November 2010. – The Mountain Mail, Dec. 23, 2010
