Finally, there’s good news for outdoorsmen on the northwest Colorado energy development front. Two energy giants, EnCana and Shell, have agreed to keep several large private parcels open for hunting in the Piceance Creek basin. Working in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, EnCana made a one-year commitment to allow hunting on approximately 17,000 acres on the Roan Plateau during the 2007 season. DOW and Shell entered into a 10-year agreement for 19,000 acres. The land involves the so-called “Girls Claims” that historically had been owned by the Bureau of Land Management, but claimed by the energy companies in 1980 under an agreement that kept the land open to the public for 25 years.
Water for John Martin
The Colorado Division of Wildlife and Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation have joined to purchase an additional 2,000 acre feet of water for storage in John Martin Reservoir, near Las Animas. The water will be added to the permanent storage pool of a reservoir that has suffered severe drawdown from recent drought, but this year has received a substantial water boost from strong runoff on the Arkansas River.
Father’s Day contest
A fishing contest will highlight Father’s Day activities at Highline State Park near Loma. The 9 a.m. event at Mack Mesa Lake will offer a variety of prizes. To reach the lake, take the Loma exit off Interstate 70 west of Fruita.
Free youth archery
The Division of Wildlife has scheduled a archery event Saturday for kids of all ages at the Bighorn Archery Range just east of the DOW office at 600 Reservoir Road, on the south side of Pueblo Reservoir. Activities include target practice, a 3D shoot and instruction. Youths under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent. Call 719-542-6012.
