Judge ends ‘Village at Wolf Creek’ land exchange
A ruling by a U.S. District Court judge has brought to an end a yearslong legal battle between environmental groups and developers for the future of a Wolf Creek Ski Area ski resort.
District of Colorado Judge John L. Kane officially unwound the 2015 land exchange between Rio Grande National Forest and Leavell-McCombs Joint Venture this week, ending one of the paths forward for the development of the “Village at Wolf Creek.”
The ruling confirms a major victory for environmental groups in Southwest Colorado that have fought to stop the 1,700-unit development that would have served 8,000 to 10,000 people adjacent to the remote Wolf Creek Ski Area.
“It really just ties up the bow,” said Jimbo Buickerood, the lands and forest protection program manager with the nonprofit San Juan Citizens Alliance.Read the whole story from The Durango Herald here: https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/judge-ends-village-at-wolf-creek-land-exchange/
Saguache Ranger District
seeks outfitting and guiding services
The Rio Grande National Forest is requesting responses from businesses and individuals wishing to offer new outfitting and guiding services near the communities of Villa Grove, Saguache and Crestone.
Activities being considered for new service permits include:
- Climbing activities such as mountaineering, sport climbing and ice climbing (limited trips) in the following areas: peaks which mostly form the spine of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains along with additional peaks adjacent to or near the spine and other areas within the Saguache Ranger District. The Saguache Ranger District shares this ridgeline with the Salida Ranger District, the San Carlos Ranger District, and the Great Sand Dunes Preserve, respectively.
- Non-motorized trail-based activities such as mountain biking, packing, horseback-based trail riding, backpacking, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, and trail running on the Saguache Ranger District.
- Motorized activities limited to Forest System roads and motorized trails, such as ATV/UTV/OHV/4-Wheel drive activities or shuttle services to transport individuals on/off the Forest.
First review the full public interest document located on the Rio Grande National Forest’s main Recreation page. Look for the Saguache Ranger District Outfitter & Guide Expression of Interest link in red. For more information on the solicitation process, please contact: Jerry Pacheco at (719) 655-6101 or Tristram Post at (719) 850-2358. Proposals will be accepted through January 21, 2022.
Piano students perform
at The Barn at La Manzanilla Farm
Sam Wisener and his piano students staged a recital at The Barn at La Manzanilla Farm on Saturday. We’re grateful he thought of The Citizen and submitted a group photo to share with the San Luis Valley.
The piano students who performed were: Olyvia Wofford, River Jessen, Xander Wolf, Marli Dick, Maya Cordero, Natalie Jessen, Brianne Russell, Phoebe Reylea, Elijah Dick, Grayson Beiriger and Oliver Henson. The students performed holiday pieces for friends and family.
If you would like to submit a photograph or a community news item, please send along to info@alamosacitizen.com. Or reach out via our @AlamosaCitizen Instagram page, Twitter feed or Facebook page, where we also post and share our news and photographs.
Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule for Alamosa
The city of Alamosa released its holiday trash pickup schedule for Christmas week and New Year’s week.
Christmas Week:
Commercial routes that normally get service on Friday, Dec. 24 will get service on Thursday, Dec. 23.; and commercial routes that normally get service on Saturday, Dec. 25 will get service on Monday, Dec. 27.
Residential routes that normally get service on Friday, Dec. 24 will get service on Monday, Dec. 27.
The recycling center will be open a half day on Friday, Dec. 24. The recycling center will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 25.
New Year’s Week:
Commercial routes that normally get service on Friday, Dec. 31 will get service on Thursday, Dec. 30.
Residential routes that normally get service on Friday, Dec. 31 will get service on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022.
The recycling center will be closed on Saturday, Jan. 1.
For questions, contact Alamosa Public Works at 719-589-6631
SPMDTU awarded $1 million CCR grant
A $1 million grant from Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade will fund restoration of the SPMDTU building in Antonito.
The Sociedad Protección Mutua de Trabajadores Unidos (SPMDTU) was founded on November 26, 1900, and is the oldest active Hispanic civil rights organization in the United States. The building hosts performances by Spanish-speaking touring troupes, art displays, workshops, dances, wedding receptions, family reunions, and community events.
The CCR grant will help fund restoration of the stage, plumbing and construction of two ADA gender-neutral bathrooms, installation of a heating system, an all-electric food service area, restoration of the stairs and floors, and converting the office into a museum/visitors’ center. The grant will also fund energy efficiency measures such as solar panels to provide energy for the building and electrical vehicle charging stations.
Once the restoration and rehabilitation of the building is complete, it will be returned to its splendor in appearance and style of 1925 and will be used to host the type of artistic and historic events of the past such as musical performances by groups such as Hilos Culturales, art exhibitions, art displays, workshops, and other community events.
Grant writer Dr. Antonio Esquibel says, “This award will not only restore the SPMDTU building the most prominent building in Antonito, to its original grandeur but will add to the revitalization of the local community and entire San Luis Valley.”