MONDAY BRIEFING | Feb. 14, 2022

Alamosa School Board calls
special meeting for Monday

The Alamosa School Board will meet Monday during a special board meeting to discuss property negotiations. Unclear from the board agenda what “real property” is under discussion, but the board will meet in executive session to discuss a negotiating position and then come into public session to explain the “real property” it’s negotiating over. The board agenda is here.

Adams State Gives Day
is Tuesday, Feb. 15

Adams State created a special way for supporters to give to the university. A live talent show mixed with a push for donations, it’s called Adams State Gives Day The third annual event is slated for Tuesday, beginning at 7 p.m. You can attend in person at Richardson Hall Auditorium or watch a live streaming feed at www.adams.edu/live.

Students will staff a live telephone bank to accept pledges made during the talent show. Viewers can call in to make a gift or a pledge to 1-844-GIVE-ASU or 844-448-3278. For every dollar donated, three more dollars will be added, thanks to the $100,000 match by Duane and Lorey Bussey and San Luis Valley Federal Bank.

Valentine’s Week events
by First Southwest Community Fund

First Southwest Community Fund is hosting a workshop Monday on creating a business plan and information session Tuesday on how to start a business or mentor someone who is.

Monday’s workshop is the first of four that Rural Women-Led Business Fund is hosting through the First Southwest Community Fund. The workshop is from noon to 1:30 p.m. and then again in Spanish from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Link to register and attend is HERE.

The First Southwest Community Fund information session on how to start a business is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Reach out to Azarel Madrigal at azarelmc@fswcf.org or 720-629-2792 for more information.

Big-game license requirements
and fees have changed

Hunters hoping to draw a big-game license in Colorado in 2022 are urged to review the changes in license requirements and fees in the 2022 Colorado Big Game brochure prior to the March 1 opening of the primary draw application period (March 1 – April 5 at 8 p.m. MT). Hunters are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid complications or delays.

For a good overview of what’s in store, watch CPW’s “What’s New” video for the 2022 big-game seasons.

Qualifying Licenses: Hunters must purchase a qualifying license to participate in the big-game draws. All qualifying licenses are available beginning March 1 and must be purchased prior to applying for all big-game licenses or preference points.

State wildlife areas in SLV
close for bird nesting season

To protect water birds during the nesting season, Colorado Parks and Wildlife implements seasonal closures at several State Wildlife Areas (SWAs) across the San Luis Valley.

Higel, Playa Blanca, Rio Grande, Russell Lakes and Sego Springs SWAs are closed to all public access Feb. 15 through July 15. Additionally, the wetlands portion of San Luis Lakes SWA is closed to the public on the same dates.

“These properties serve as important areas for many species, including the federally endangered Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, different species of waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, herons, etc.,” said CPW District Wildlife Manager Tyler Cerny. “We have staff that continually work in these areas managing weeds, water movement or other projects, so the public may see staff during these times of closure.”

The closures add to two other closures at SWAs currently in place in the San Luis Valley:

• Hot Creek SWA is closed to motor vehicles from Jan. 1 through April 30.
• La Jara SWA is closed to motor vehicles Jan. 1 until the last Thursday before Memorial Day. This year, that is May 26.

The purpose of those closures is to protect big-game animal winter range during the months elk and deer are most vulnerable.