Chubb Park Ranch State Wildlife Area is located approximately nine miles northeast of Buena Vista on Highway 24/285. Joseph and Arlene Cogan, whose family has been ranching in Chaffee County since 1889, own the 507-acre ranch. They have agreed to open their ranch to public hunting as part of a perpetual conservation easement.

The conservation easement was jointly financed by the Colorado Division of Wildlife, Trust for Public Lands, Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas, Great Outdoors Colorado, Chaffee County, and a donation from the Cogan family.

Chubb Park Ranch SWA is comprised of a blend of mountain grassland habitat, creeks, and forest habitat. It provides critical elk winter range.

“The purpose of this project is to protect the conservation values of Chubb Park Ranch in perpetuity and allow public access for hunting,” said Division of Wildlife Regional Manager Dan Prenzlow. “It will protect 84 acres of riparian habitat, 12 acres of forested habitat, over 400 acres of sagebrush/grassland habitat, as well as important winter range for elk.”

The conservation easement also protects nearly 2.8 acres of stream frontage, including portions of Trout Creek, as well as some of the smaller tributaries to both Trout and Chubb Creeks, although the access easement is for hunting only.

Prenzlow said the agreement would also preserve historic ranching practices, habitat for non-game wildlife, and invaluable scenic vistas including a fantastic viewscape from Hwy. 9 to Buffalo Peaks.

The conservation easement preserves valuable habitat as a wildlife corridor between surrounding State Land Board land and the San Isabel National Forest.

The perpetual access easement allows the public to hunt the Chubb Park Ranch. Access to the 507 acre ranch also enhances access to the existing 3,640 acre Chubb Park State Land Board parcel which is open to hunting as part of the State Trust Lands Program.

The DOW is a co-grantee on this perpetual conservation easement with the Land Trust of the Upper Arkansas.

The property is located in Game Management Unit 49.

Note: This is a press release from the Division of Wildlife.

Ewing, a local resident for 27 years, drew on extensive local knowledge, archival research and stories from “old timers” in presenting an agricultural history of the Valley. She emphasized the role that small-scale agriculture played in making people, especially immigrant families, self-reliant. In the 1920′s, commercial agriculture made up a small part of local industry; most people were employed by mines or the railroad. Nevertheless, it was common for families to grow their own food in garden plots or “truck patches” and barter or sell produce to local merchants. At one point in the 1920′s, Ewing said, the region had 18 grocery stores; Smeltertown alone had four.

Citing historical documents, Ewing noted that lettuce and potatoes were grown commercially, while alfalfa and timothy grass were raised by ranchers to feed cattle and horses. Field peas and oats were also popular crops. Produce grown in the Arkansas Valley was sent by rail to the Front Range, and in some cases farther. Early in the century lettuce sheds dotted Salida alleys — one can still be seen behind Benson’s Tavern — and harvesting the ice used to cool lettuce sheds and railroad cars provided gainful wintertime employment for some. Franz Lake was the site of an early fish hatchery and aquaculture initiative; fish from the facility were shipped as far as Chicago.

Agricultural production slowed during the Great Depression, then nearly doubled between 1930 and 1945 as “victory gardens” were planted and food was grown to aid the war effort. At one point, 316 farms in the Valley had 140,195 acres in production, Ewing said.

In contrast to this rich agricultural heritage, David Lynch painted a picture of contemporary society where people are largely divorced from the land. The lack of once-common agricultural knowledge has contributed to the growth of a food industry which produces cheap, rather than healthy, food. “Typical Americans go to the grocery store in the same way they go to a filling station — just to fill up,” Lynch said.

As development pressures and the cost of farmland increase, consumers will need to understand the social, environmental and economic aspects of local food systems in order to ensure that local food will continue to be available, according to Lynch.

There is cause for optimism, however. In contrast to places like Summit County, which is now devoid of farms, the Arkansas Valley still has farmland and the water rights needed for local agriculture. The past few years have seen an emerging local agrarian renaissance: both Salida and Buena Vista now have seasonal farmers markets; community-supported agriculture (CSA) is increasingly popular; and there is a broader understanding that the land planning status quo in Chaffee County encourages development at the expense of farming and ranching.

It is not necessary for residents to recreate local agrarian knowledge, Lynch said. “The wisdom is already here in the Valley.”

Newer organizations backstop efforts by local farmers and ranchers. Guidestone serves as an umbrella organization for Cottonwood Creek Dairy and Weathervane Farm, while providing meaningful educational farm experiences via workshops, internships and volunteer opportunities. The Central Colorado Foodshed Alliance works to educate people about the value of local food and connect producers and consumers. Eric Belsey’s Backyard CSA takes an innovative approach to sustainable local agriculture: in exchange for land in residential backyards, the Backyard CSA will plant a garden and provide produce to the homeowner.

Lynch also discussed Land Link, an initiative formed to addresses the problem of agricultural land being sold for development or dropping out of production, which often happens as older farmers retire. Land Link matches new farmers with mentors, arranges internships and apprenticeships and provides technical knowledge about lease arrangements, stewardship agreements and estate planning.

Suzanne Ward and others at GARNA based “Our Sense of Place” on a similar program in Palo Alto, California called Exploring a Sense of Place. Grounded in the writings of natural philsophers, Exploring was designed to connect people to the ecosystems in which they live through study and experiential education.

GARNA’s “Our Sense of Place” will continue monthly with a combination of seminars and field trips. Upcoming topics will include wildlife, astronomy, weather, birds and wildflowers. Learn more at GARNA.

The Chaffee County Board of Commissioners is accepting letters of interest from persons desiring to serve on the Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory Board (CCHAAB). The CCHAAB was created pursuant to Chaffee County Resolution No. 2004-45 to provide advice and assistance on matters associated with planning and implementation of the Heritage Area Program. The CCHAAB is seeking applicants for three (3) seats for a three year term beginning February 1, 2009 – January 31, 2012.

The CCHAAB is also seeking applicants for one (1) “at large” seat with a one to three-year term beginning February 1, 2009. The Board’s focus in 2009 will be evaluation and inventory work to better define the details of historic and preservation projects listed as action items in the Management Plan and completing initial plans for heritage centers in the county’s municipalities.

Additionally, the CCHAAB is seeking applicants for one (1) seat from a representative of the ranching community, who lives and owns a significant amount of property along the scenic byway. This term is a three year term beginning February 1, 2009 – January 31, 2012.

All members must be full time residents of Chaffee County. The members are selected by the Chaffee County Commissioners, based on appropriate geographic representation of the county, and based on representation of interests in cultural, natural, economic, and recreational resources.

Please address the letter to the Board of Commissioners stating your qualifications to serve on this Board. Letters will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2008 in the Commissioner’s Office, 104 Crestone Ave., Salida, or mailed to GARNA, P.O. Box 1522, Salida, CO 81201. For further information please call (719) 539-5106.

For more information, contact Alison Ramsey at 719-539-5106.

Minutes of Historic Salida Inc., at United Methodist Church.

Present were Leslie Walker, Meriel Gooding—membership chair, Judith Kinzie—treasurer, Dara McDonald, Earle Kittleman–president, and Beth Smith—secretary. A quorum was present.

Earle called the meeting to order. Beth read the minutes of the October 17, 2008 meeting. Minor changes were made. Jackie moved we approve the minutes as amended. Motion passed.

Jackie reported on restoration of the Twitchell building. Anyone interested is invited Nov. 25 at 11:30 for a tour with Estelle Cole from CHF. Participants will meet at the Cowgirl Coffee. They will be reviewing the contract with Tom Zeman. There is no need for CHF to ratify each contract unless CHF has an issue with it. Several cornices on F Street have been repainted including repainting bricks below the windows.

Alison Ramsey ( P.O. Box 1522, Salida, 539-5106) may be interested in a HSI scholarship for CMC. She is chairman of Chaffee Co. Heritage Plan with GARNA. Beth will contact her.

Meriel reported 181 newsletters are in the mail.

Leslie talked about “Coming Together for our Town” and the new property code approved by the city council. It includes signs, mountain trails, farmers market, Boys and Girls Club, and many more local issues. The 2009 focus is on façade improvement, and rehabilitation of historic buildings. Dara McDonald will lead as Community Development Director. She needs volunteers to help with the workshop. Soon a press release will be in the local papers.

Leslie talked about “webinars,” an online workshop from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street program for interested people at the Salida Regional Library. Jackie moved that HSI sponsor it with the city and the Salida Business Alliance. HSI would pay half the cost. Leslie seconded the motion. Motion passed. Leslie is chairman of the “webinars”. December 4th at 11 a.m. will be the first session.

The Unique Theater has been listed for sale with Leslie’s real estate firm. Thomas Morgan, a realtor is involved too.

Jackie wondered if we could set up an archive to preserve HSI papers. Earle and Judith have papers and contribute.

Jackie told about a program with Tom Noel and Ed Quillen called “What Good is Denver?” similar to the successful face-off we had earlier this summer at the Steam Plant. Perhaps HSI should plan a field trip to enjoy the program sometime in February.

Jackie moved we spend up to $1700 on the workshop coming up on property maintenance. Motion passed. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Perschbacher will organize it at the Scout Hut. The city will handle the expense of the Scout Hut. The city will send out follow-up letters to their downtown property code enforcement notices (sent out last month) inviting property owners to the workshop. Earle will welcome all to the workshop. Dara will discuss the city code. A Saturday in January or February will be the time frame.

Next meeting of HSI (regular meetings on third Friday of the month) will be December 19, 12:00 noon at the Methodist church. Cheryl Brown Kovacic will present a power point program on the Chaffee County Heritage Plan, which was adopted by the County Commissioners last week.

Meeting adjourned.  Beth Smith, secretary

It is open daily, 11:00am to 5:00pm, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The Salida Museum contains a treasury of Native American artifacts, vintage household furnishings, artwork, historic photographs, and implements associated with local railroading, mining, farming, and ranching activities.  The Museum collection, first displayed in 1954, was established at its current location in 1976.  The Museum is available for historical and genealogical research.

The Salida Museum is managed, in cooperation with the City of Salida, by the Salida Museum Association, a volunteer organization that is also responsible for the Smeltertown smokestack and the one-room Maysville School.

Volunteers are currently working to restore the smokestack and renovate the Maysville School.
If you are interested in becoming a Museum Association member or volunteering for museum projects, contact the Museum during business hours at 719-539-7483

Visit our website at www.Salidachamber.org/museum/

Salida Museum Association
406 Highway 50 West
Salida CO 81201-2236
salidamuseum@gmail.com

The Chaffee County Heritage Area Management Plan – Draft – October 2008 is released.

This is a detailed review of the Chaffee County Heritage Area, how it has been developed and how it will be managed. The 191 page report describes the Heritage Area and includes much interesting background about county history and the people that made Chaffee County what it is today.

From the report – Purpose of the Chaffee County Heritage Area and Collegiate Peaks Scenic Byway

The Chaffee County community has long recognized the value of this distinct natural environment and the unique cultural, historical and recreational resources that it has spawned. To protect and preserve these resources, to promote economic development, and to provide educational opportunities, the community established the Chaffee County Heritage Area in 2004. The establishment of the Heritage Area grew out of a growing consensus among county residents, governmental agencies, and local businesses that those heritage resources that define the county’s sense of community should be protected by creative and sensible solutions to retain and attract residents, appropriate businesses, and tourism.

This designation of Chaffee County as a Heritage Area is by resolution (Resolution No. 2004-45), officially established by the Chaffee County Commissioners with a defined boundary that coincides with the official county boundary (Figure 1, page 4). To guide development and management of the Heritage Area, the County Commissioners established the Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory Board (CCHAAB) at the same time.

The CCHAAB consists of seven to nine members appointed by the Commissioners “to provide assistance on matters associated with planning and implementation of the Heritage Area program.” Members must be full-time residents and are selected by geographical diversity. At the direction of the County Commissioners, the program is administered and coordinated by the Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA), a local non-profi t 501-c (3) cooperating association.

Soon after its creation the Board recognized the value of having the county’s major highways designated as a Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway, and using that designation to energize and catalyze protection and preservation of the heritage resources of the Heritage Area, i.e., the whole county. Establishing a byway was given the highest priority, and in 2005, through the Board’s efforts and with community support, the Collegiate Peaks Historic and Scenic Byway was formally established.

The Chaffee County Heritage Area Management Plan will:

• Guide decision-making by the Chaffee County Heritage Area Advisory Board (CCHAAB) in the management and promotion of the Chaffee County Heritage Area and the Collegiate Peaks Byway;
• Provide a vision and goals for the Heritage Area and Byway’s future, an inventory of its intrinsic qualities, and identification of ‘key findings’ related to the unique character of Chaffee County;
• Recommend a set of strategies and actions, and present a phased implementation plan.

Download and read the complete report from the GARNA website.

HSI has recommended the Elk’s Club to Colorado Historical Fund to receive a grant for assessment and begin restoration on the roof. The Elks Club building is already recognized as a historic building. Bob Rich and Sam De Leo were present to lead a tour of the building after the HSI business meeting.

Dara McDonald, Bonnie Lathrop, Judith Kinzie, Peggy Barton, Jackie Powell and Beth Smith were present. Earle Kittleman presided at the meeting. Michael Yerman and Mike Perschbacher were guests.

The secretary read minutes and data on the Salt Creek Ranch was added by Jackie. Minutes were approved with this addition.

Treasurer J. Kinzie reported a total of $5,804.l0 in the HSI account. Jackie reported the contract for the $8000 Twitchell Building grant from CHF had arrived. They plan to read it after today’s HSI meeting.

No HSI scholarships have been awarded this semester. We plan to talk to the teachers in the historic studies department. Candy Chant in student services is the woman to see about scholarships at CMC.

The Heritage Plan has been presented publicly. Beth will see if Cheryl Kovacic will bring the power point program to HSI.

Mike Perschbacher told about his work in restoring 5 outbuildings on the Hutchinson Ranch. The granary is completed. In l869 it was moved from Granite to the Homestead. The Hutchinson lived in it while their home was being built. Display cases have been purchased; one in memory of Rex Rhodes.

Teachers will bring Longfellow second graders on a visit to Salida’s historic places on 10-23-08. They will visit the Hutchinson Ranch, the Smelter smokestack, Maysville School, Tenderfoot Mountain and the sign about Zebulon Pike (1806) on highway 285 among other things. Peggy and Bonnie offered to help with the second graders.

Michel Yerman discussed the city’s downtown property code enforcement. The biggest violation was with paint and historic windows, some minor foundation work needing repair and maintenance. After notification owners have 180 days to fix the building.

HSI is considering sponsoring workshops on repairing windows, paint, cornices for the owners in a Jan. or Feb. time frame. Mike Perschbacher has been teaching a workshop in South Park on historic window restoration.

The Unique Theater (Hartslief) has defaulted on the loan from the city to restore the building. The city will take the next step.

There is still interest in restoring the “Pest House” below the River Run Inn and some interest in declaring the F St. corridor a historic area.

The F St. Bridge is on the national historic register and will get an assessment soon. The Stone Bridge is also listed.

Following adjournment, Bob Rich and Sam De Leo gave us a tour of the Elk’s building and told us history of the Club at the old building.

Meeting adjourned. NEXT MEETING (3rd Friday of month): Friday, Nov. 21, 2008

Beth Smith, secretary

P.S. Cheryl Brown Kovacic will make her power point presentation about the Heritage Area Plan during the December board meeting of HSI set for Friday, Dec l9th at noon at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Minutes of the August meeting were approved.

Meriel reported that letters had been sent to all members whose dues are due again. 65 members are currently on the roll. Members present volunteered to call the members whose dues were not paid by next month. Again this year Meriel will pay for the HSI
Web site. Thanks Meriel!

Judith Kinzie reported the Salt Works Ranch tour attracted 22 people last Saturday; raising $230.00 of which $l20.00 want to “Tag” Fanning and $110.00 went to the HSI treasury. Currently HSI has $5318.78 in the bank.

Those who toured the Salt Works Ranch reported a very successful day at the ranch. Many thanks were expressed to Jackie Powell and Gary Higgins for their help and a slide presentation before the tour.

Linda Balough, the head of the Park Co. Historical Preservation Society presented Jackie and Gary with an award on behalf of the Park County Commissioners and Park County Historic Preservation Advisory Commission for their help in establishing the Salt Works as a Historic Property. Today the Mt. Mail had a good article and picture of Jackie and Gary.

Historic Salida’s scholarship fund to CMC remains untouched this semester. Jackie will contact Bob Ogle about how to manage more student contact and report at the next meeting.

Suggestions for our Nov. newsletter were articles about the Salt Works Ranch tour, the downtown improvement going on and our scholarship fund.

Laura Cronenwett is very ill in her new home in Kansas. Donna will send a card with best wishes from the HSI group.

Earle will post a gallery of photos from Salt Works tour on the web site and see about the “pest house” requests.

Alan Robinson will give a tour of Leadville Stage road planned for development into a hiker and biker trail Sept. 27 or 28.

Earle told of his and Beth’s tour of the Nestle Waters site on Ruby Mountain. A DRGW boxcar is available at Jensen’s Ranch on CR 250.

Donna Francis will write a letter of support for HSI to Colo. Historic Fund to help the Elks club get a grant for restoration of their building’s roof and perhaps an elevator for the interior of the building.

Beth Smith, Secretary

Members present were Earle Kittleman, Meriel Gooding, Faye Golson, Jackie Powell, and Katy Grether. Guests were Linda DeLuca and Bob Rich.

Meriel read a letter she is sending to new members and all members whose dues are due reviewing our progress with Salida historic restoration. She was asked to include UMC scholarship information and notes about the upcoming Salt Creek Ranch tour. Judith Kinzie is the member to contact if you’d like to go to the Salt Creek Ranch tour on Sept.13. Anyone can go, $10 donation suggested, with half the money going to the Ranch and half going to HSI. Jackie and Gary Higgins will present a slide show about the area at the Methodist church at 9 A.M. before we car pool to tour the Ranch. Take a brown bag lunch; drinks will be furnished at the Ranch.

Our October meeting will be held at the Elks club including a tour of the historic building.

Bob Rich and Linda DeLuca were representing the Elks club, which is looking for advice and guidance on applying for historic designation and grants with the Colorado Historic Fund. Bob is the facility supervisor on the Board of Trustees at the Elks Club. Linda represented the women’s activities. Bob has already talked with Lyle Miller from CHF. HSI will write a letter of support for the restoration project when they are ready to apply for CHF designation. The next meeting will be on October 17, 2008.

The heritage plan is still under revision. Public meetings will be held soon.

Beth Smith, Secretary