Three former Colorado Division of Wildlife officials have been given special citations by Gov. Bill Ritter for extraordinary service during decades of work at the division.
The honors were bestowed Monday at a gathering of approximately 70 members of the Red Owls, an organization of former DOW employees.
Ivan Wescoatt was most responsible for persuading the Bureau of Reclamation to construct the Pueblo hatchery at no cost to DOW. He also interfaced with the Colorado Department of Transportation during construction of Interstate 70 to protect streams along the entire corridor.
Wayne Sandfort established the framework for the big- game season, a form that has remained little changed through the decades. He also was mentioned for his key role in the distribution of Colorado’s wild turkeys, one of the state’s success stories. Sandfort established the Colorado Chapter of the Wildlife Society and last year worked as a volunteer to help preserve water resources at Bonny Reservoir.
During Colorado’s oil shale boom of the 1970s and ’80s, Bob Evans worked to ensure protection of key wildlife habitat. He urged the routing of I-70 over Vail Pass, a direction far less destructive to wildlife habitat. He also served as a prime advocate for establishing a walleye fishery in the state.
Celebrating cane.
Colorado’s fourth annual Cane Conclave, an event that venerates the art of constructing classic bamboo fly rods, is Aug. 2 at the Planet Bluegrass Pavilion in Lyons.
The 9 a.m.-5 p.m. affair features displays from noted rod makers, the opportunity to cast hundreds of rods, private fishing on the St. Vrain River and a catered lunch. The cost is $45, and all of the proceeds from the live auction will be given to Reel Recovery and Casting for Recovery, organizations that provide fly-fishing opportunities for cancer patients.
A highlight of the affair will be the Jeff Hatton traveling display of antique wood rods.
Registration deadline is July 27, and copies of the registration form may be obtained from . For more information, contact event organizer Gary Carbaugh at reelhimin@comcast.net.
Chicken strategy.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife is gathering public input with an eye toward revising management plans for the lesser prairie chicken. The current strategy has been in effect since 1992.
Biologist Eric O’Dell will solicit comments through Sept. 1 by mail at 317 W. Prospect, Fort Collins, 80526 or at eric.odell@state.co.us.
Grouse and wind.
Concern over the effects of wind energy development in Wyoming’s core sage grouse habitat areas has prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to examine the possibility of conflict in the two components.
The agency raises questions about whether adequate regulation mechanisms are in place to protect the species. The core habitat strategy, developed by a team assembled by Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, was endorsed by the USFWS.
Charlie Meyers is on vacation.
