Readers Say Thanks

Weed tree species meet their match in Glenwood

Tamarisk and Russian olive are two introduced tree species in western Colorado that outcompete native vegetation, interfere with native plant succession and consume vast amounts of water. Once considered beneficial, both species are now considered a nuisance and a threat to riparian habitat and water resources along our local rivers.

On Saturday, Oct. 10, these interlopers met their match. Sixty-five volunteers descended on Two Rivers Park in Glenwood with the mission of removing both tamarisk and Russian olives along the north bank of the Colorado River. Organized by Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV), the volunteers cut, hauled and chipped hundreds of theses invasive aliens. It was a tremendous effort and outpouring of energy under difficult circumstances, navigating steep, rocky banks and hauling brush great distances. The success of the volunteers' labor is readily visible in Two Rivers Park and in West Glenwood.

As with any successful community event, RFOV's tamarisk removal event was a collaboration of many individuals and organizations. Special thanks to David Hamilton and RFOV for their organizational and implementation skills, Al Laurette and the city Parks Department, our project partners Garfield County, Trout Unlimited — Ferdinand Hayden Chapter, LoVa Trails and the Colorado River Water Conservation District. Thanks to Richard and Darryl from High Country Forestry for donating their time and equipment, Rocky Mountain Disposal, ABC Tree Service and Down Valley Septic for their generosity as well. Local restaurants including Florindo's, Italian Underground, Fin's and Glenwood Canyon Brewery contributed sumptuous nourishment to refuel the volunteers.

On behalf of the entire city of Glenwood Springs, we would like to extend our deepest thanks to all those individuals and organizations who donated their time and resources in making this a huge success.

Sincerely,

Andrew McGregor

city of Glenwood Springs

Water plant gets help

The town of Silt would like to thank Donny Lente of Native American Crane and Ross Talbott of Talbot Enterprises Inc. for their generous donation of their services for the town's water plant project. It was greatly appreciated.

Melody Harrison, deputy clerk/treasurer

town of Silt

Hide collection a success

Glenwood Springs Elks Lodge 2286 sends its thanks to everyone who has made this year's deer and elk hides collection program successful. We have collected a total of 14 hides this year. The hides are treated and sent to Brighton, where they are tanned. These hides are used to make gloves for wheelchair-bound Veterans and leather therapy kits for hospital-bound Veterans. Some wheelchair veterans will go through 4-5 pairs of gloves a year. Thank you for helping our lodge support our veterans.

Mandi Ebeler and Cyndy Hallford

Lodge 2286 members