Having the hearth in the center of Aspen is a perfect way to tell us all more about global warming and the Canary Initiative. In education, we call it a “teachable moment.” Just a few ideas:You could have it turn off every 15 minutes and have a brief recording giving us facts about how we can make a difference in our own lives, how Aspen is trying to implement the initiative and what the initiative is out to accomplish. Or simply have a few signs up.Concerned volunteers could be on hand at peak times to give a personal “lecture” and answer questions. School students could come and debate the impact and issues, including how Aspen is debating its own efforts to create a “cozier” Aspen versus it’s consequences.Science classes could gather around and measure the fire’s impact and come up with their own solutions as to how to power it.Hire an educator for the town and initiative.Maybe we should have one in Carbondale, too.Honestly, I do appreciate your thoughtfulness in the message the hearth might send, let’s just not keep debating it at meetings.Carrie HaberernCarbondale

At the October general meeting of the Crystal River Caucus, the Wildlife Task Force was applauded for the completion of a commissioned Wildlife Study. The resulting report was the culmination of a two-year effort by the volunteer task force and consultants to evaluate and identify critical wildlife habitat within the Pitkin County portion of the Crystal River Valley. Six natural heritage areas of the valley were assessed and ranked by the study. Five of the areas were determined to contain areas of critical wildlife habitat. Six miles of relatively intact habitat were identified within the natural heritage areas of Filoha Meadows, Avalanche Creek/Janeway and Red Wind Point/Nettle Creek. Sections 1 through 7 of the report were adopted by the Crystal Caucus for its consideration in responding to appropriate future open space management and development plans. The Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners commended the caucus for the report at a presentation made to them in September. The report was peer-reviewed by members of the scientific community. The Crystal Caucus members extends their gratitude to the following volunteer Task Force members and associated consultants: John Seidel, former CDOW wildlife supervisor; Bob Kelley, CMC biologist, USFS Biodiversity Committee; Eric Peterson, former USFS biologist and private consultant; Bob McGill, former CMC administration and wildlife photography; Jim Lester, former aeronautical engineer; Dr. Dave Clark, plant identification; Delia Malone, environmental science; John Groves, CDOW district wildlife manager; Dr. John Emerick, Roaring Fork Stream Health Initiative.Submitted by William Hanks, retired science educator, task force coordinator. A copy of the report can be obtained by contacting William Hanks. 970-963-2011.William HanksRedstone