Welcome to NR News

NR News is the quarterly newsletter that will keep you up on the latest news from Larimer County Natural Resources. The newsletter will highlight events, important updates and other tidbits of interest. If this is just too much great information from us in your inbox, you can opt out by following the link at the bottom, or by contacting Rob at rnovak@larimer.org. Feel free to send along suggestions for items to include as well, or questions you might like answered.

Open Lands Master Plan Kicking Off

In 2001, the Open Lands Master Plan was adopted to help guide the Natural Resources department to conserve land and provide recreation opportunities throughout Larimer County. Since then, the county has helped conserve over 40,000 acres of open space and agricultural land and added significantly to local outdoor recreation. Now it’s time to revisit the plan, check in with residents, and re-evaluate for the future.

Why plan? When citizens voted for the Help Preserve Open Space tax in 1995, they entrusted the County to provide the open spaces, natural areas and trails that make Larimer County a desirable place to live. As responsible stewards of public dollars it’s up to us to fulfill this obligation and planning for the future is the most effective and efficient way to do so. The master plan process will ensure that future efforts incorporate public input and steer the Open Lands program in the direction that our citizens desire. As the process moves forward, keep your eye out for public meetings, open houses, e-mail blasts and social media, all designed to collect public opinion. Please participate and spread the word to anyone you know who wants to contribute. This effort will help shape our community for future generations, let us hear your voice!

Upcoming Events:

Monday, April 7 at 10:00 a.m. “Tiny Trekkers” Join Larimer County Naturalists for a special program designed for your toddler and you. This program at Devil’s Backbone Open Space will be a morning filled with crafts, stories and fun facts!

Tuesday, April 22 at 6:00 p.m. “Bone up on your Backbone” Join naturalists Caroline and Jay for a nature hike designed to expose the secret world of Devil’s Backbone Open Space. They’ll give you insight into human history and geology of this famous local landmark. Hike rating: Easy. Approximately 2 hour program.

Monday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. “Tiny Trekkers” Join Larimer County Naturalists for a special program designed for your toddler and you. This program at Devil’s Backbone Open Space will be a morning filled with crafts, stories and fun facts!

Tuesday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m. “What’s in Bloom at Devil’s Backbone?” Join Naturalists Caroline and Jay for a wildflower walk at Devil’s Backbone Open Space. You’ll have a fantastic time searching out the early spring beauties in this healthy foothills plant community. Approximately 2-hour program. Hike rating: Easy.

Saturday, May 17 at 10:00 a.m. “Burst in to Nature” Buff up on your nature knowledge with this hike focused on Project BudBurst and Project Noah, two programs that let you be the scientist! Use your smart phone to document plant and animals species. Don’t have a smart phone? Bring your digital camera instead! The whole family is invited to Devil’s Backbone Open Space, to learn about the wildflowers and wildlife of the area, and connect your family to nature. Hike rating: Easy.

Saturday, May 24 at 9:00 a.m. “Horsetooth is Blooming” Take a walk through the wildflowers to Horsetooth Falls at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space with Naturalist Janet. Approximately 2.5 hour hike. Hike rating: Easy.

Register for events at Larimer.org/nrregistration. For more information call Heather at (970). 619-4489, or go to www.larimer.org/naturalresources.

Larimer County Natural Resource's 10th Annual Fishing Expo was a huge success. Anglers of all ages came to learn about fishing in Larimer County's Reservoir Parks. Hope to see you at the event next March!

Boating Open at Larimer County Reservoir Parks

Boaters and Anglers can kick their season on the water off now at select boat ramps at Larimer County’s Reservoir Parks. With snow packs around the state looking nice and deep we are in for a great long season on the water – we hope! A full schedule of boat ramp hours through the season is available at http://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/boating_inspections.htm

From the County Forester:
Emerald Ash Borer Now in Colorado

In September of 2013 emerald ash borer, (EAB), was identified as a new tree pest in Boulder, CO. EAB is a major pest concern and does have the potential of killing all ash trees in North America. EAB was first identified in south east Michigan in 2002 and since has been found in 22 states and 2 Canadian provinces. EAB is an exotic pest from Asia and most likely arrived in wood packing material. Since being identified in Boulder the Colorado of Agriculture has quarantined all ash nursery stock and raw ash products, unless treated, from leaving Boulder County.

Emerald ash borer is a small ½ long metallic green in color insect. The borer’s larva feed under the bark of the ash trees, first in the crown of the tree and then moving to the bole of the tree. This feeding does disrupt the conductive tissues of the tree and unless treated early will kill the tree. Once EAB is established in an area ash trees not treated will die.

Signs and Symptoms of EAB Infestations

Sparse leaves or branches in the upper part of the tree.
D shaped exit holes about 1/8 inch wide.
Sprouts on lower trunk or lower branches.
Vertical splits in the bark.
Winding, S-shaped tunnels under the bark.
Increased woodpecker activity.

There are treatment options available for emerald ash borer, though treatment may be need for the life of the tree. Not all trees are candidates for treatment.

For additional information: http://www.emeraldashborer.info
http://www.eabcolorado.com

One last note, EAB was most likely brought to Colorado by someone moving firewood from the Midwest. Don’t Move Firewood. Buy It Were You Burn It.

Photo Credits: Top: Harry Strharsky Master Plan:Logan Simpson Designs Fishing Expo: Sandy Werkmeister Water Skier: Charlie Johnson

Welcome to NR News

Open Lands Master Plan Kicking Off

Boating Open at Larimer County Reservoir Parks

From the County Forester: Emerald Ash Borer Now in Colorado

From the County Forester:
Emerald Ash Borer Now in Colorado