GET UPDATES WITH OTHER GREEN MOUNTAIN RESERVOIR/CATARACT LAKE FANS ON FACEBOOK. JOIN TODAY.
SNAGGING SEASON - IT'S A KICK!
SNAGGERS SNAGGED THEIR LIMITS ON OPENING DAY OF SNAGGING SEASON!!
THEY ARE HERE!! IN PRAIRIE POINT AREA
THE WATER LEVEL IS DROPPING. AS OF SEPT 1 IT HAS RECEDED ABOUT 4-5'.
BOTH BOAT RAMPS ARE STILL OPEN.
MCDONALD FLATS WILL PROBABLY CLOSE IN 1-2 WEEKS.
If you recreate at Green Mountain Reservoir or at any Forest Service or BLM land in Colorado, this is your chance to offer input about the fee structures. The RRAC committee is in desperate need of applicants to serve on the committee and if you can represent any of the positions we encourage you to apply.
FOR MARINA STATUS, RESERVATIONS and HOURS,
PLEASE CALL 970-724-9441.
*******Important information for Boaters:*******
If you are planning to launch your boat this season, please be aware that you will need to have it inspected
TO HELP PREVENT POSSIBLE
ZEBRA or QUAGGA MUSSEL INVASION,
AND
LAUNCHING BOATS IS ONLY ALLOWED AT THE HEENEY MARINA AND MCDONALD FLATS (WHEN OPEN).
ALL OTHER LAUNCH SITES ARE CLOSED.
ALL VEHICLES 30' OR LONGER PULLING TRAILERS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT THE MARINA (THERE IS NOT ENOUGH ROOM). YOU WILL HAVE TO LAUNCH AT MCDONALD FLATS. ALL OTHERS - YOU CAN GET YOUR BOAT INSPECTED AT THE MARINA AND LAUNCH FROM THERE.
REQUIRED "ANS" INSPECTIONS
To protect the reservoir, all watercraft entering the water must go through Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection. The inspection is FREE and will require a few minutes to perform. Inspections are available at the Heeney Marina or at Melody Lodge Cabins.
To speed the process, be sure your boat is clean, dry and drained.
If watercraft is contaminated with ANS, Heeney Marina is an authorized Decontamination Center and can povide the necessary cleaning service for a fee.
In the meantime, if you have questions about boat launching,
call the Forest Service office 970-468-5400, the Heeney Marina 970-724-9441 or Melody Lodge Cabins 970-468-8497.
Last tested, the Green Mountain Reservoir was free of zebra mussel but, due to increased invasion in other Colorado lakes, the DOW recently designated Green Mountain Reservoir as a "high risk" lake.
Due to this concern, to prevent the spread of the zebra mussel, inspections will be required before launching in the reservoir.
The Heeney Marina opened May 15th and the new owner is certified to inspect your boat. The decontamination equipment is on order with the DOW and should arrive by Memorial Day weekend. If necessary, prior to the equipment arriving, you can get your boat disinfected and tagged at other locations on the Front Range or Lake Dillon or Wolford Reservoir.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation to help to preserve the boating and fishing on Colorado's waters and especially help us to protect this lake from the invasive mussels. Be sure to to your part to keep your boat and motor clean. Thank you.
CHECK OUT THIS HUGE BROWN 
CAUGHT BY SAM UP BY THE DAM.
The Green Mountain Reservoir is a storage reservoir and the level fluctuates up to about 40 ft. from spring to fall. In the winter the reservoir is drawn way down to allow for spring snow runoff. When it starts filling in early spring, it will fill fairly quickly (often 6' a day) and historically is full by end of June. The level will usually begin to recede about mid-August. The levels are dependent on water usage on the Front Range because the Green Mountain Reservoir is used to replace that water that should flow down the Colorado River but is pumped to the Front Range from Lake Granby and Dillon Reservoir. As the following pictures show though, even when the reservoir is not "full" there is plenty of water to recreate. 
For more summer and fall information call Melody Lodge Cabins at 970-468-8497 or the Forest Service at 970-468-5400 for winter conditions.
summer sunset
Email response received Friday May 7.
Debra, I have sent out several messages about the status. Unfortunately we have no control over the length of time it is taking to get appointments cleared in DC. We are all doing our best to make this new process work quicker. The President wanted to make sure there were no lobbyists or special interest groups on these committees, unless required by law. An entire new process had to be developed. Plus as is usual when the administration changes from one party to another, a "hold" is put on all appointments, each Department is required to review all their FACA committees to make sure they are all really necessary, that they all meet the various laws, and what ever else the new President is interested in. This review take several months. So once the new administration was sworn in, everything stopped. No background checks, no processing of nominations etc. During this time the new requirements of the nomination packages was being created and changed until the White House was satisfied with the process.
The process is now working and seems to beginning to work faster. You and the other 3 just cleared the background check. From the time your names were sent into the process (there was a huge back log) to clearance was a lot faster than the previous back ground checks so they may have cleaned up the process enough for things to speed up. There are still a few more hurdles to get over yet, but hopefully we won't be tripped up by any of them.
Unfortunately for us to do anything without a legal RRAC in place would be illegal as it violates REA.
As far as further funding, we all have to prioritize where our limited dollars are spent.
If you want to do something to really help out the RRAC, get the word out about the positions that we are now recruiting for. The sooner we can get a good list of nominees for those positions the sooner we can get those positions filled, the sooner the RRAC can be back up and running.
Pamela DeVore, R2, RHWR
Recreation Management Systems
office: 303-275-5043
fax: 303-275-5407
pdevore@fs.fed.us
I appreciate being kept in the loop about the RRAC goings on BUT I have a serious concern about the existence of this committee. I applied last year in an effort to help to get things going and have not heard anything since January about the appointment of any of the 3 new positions needing to be filled last year so I have a hard time recommending anyone to apply to a committee that only meets once every one to two years (I did not know they met last year until Leslie told me a week or so ago). Do not get me wrong, I still would be happy to serve on this committee once it exists and meets often enough to address the area concerns but, unfortunately I feel that our Forest Service office is paralyzed by the lack of RRAC activity. Several of us "general public persons" worked for quite awhile with our local Dillon Ranger Dist office to offer input for a revised fee schedule for the Green Mountain Res area and now, after a lot of work by that office to propose a more acceptable fee schedule, the fees can not change BECAUSE the RRAC committee cannot/won't meet. The fees in this area have not changed in over 3 years due to RRAC "interference". The change is needed. The local public has inputted. Lets get on with taking care of the land!
Someone in the system needs to address the current fee proposals for temporary review and acceptance until a functioning RRAC committee can form and act. A non functioning committee is only paralyzing the Forest Service and hindering its ability to do the job they are required by law to do - protect and manage our public lands. Without the fee change the District office lacks the funds to operate as needed - either temporarily approve the fee change OR give the Dillon District the necessary funds to make up the difference until a RRAC committee can function!!
Being paralyzed by your own poorly thought-out policy is not only confusing to the general public but the disgust of the public for lack of action/improvements/services will be misunderstood and misdirected. It would be nice to have public input but if it is so hard to find applicants then apparently the public does not want to serve and give input. Someone in the Department - Tom Vilsack (Secty of Agriculture, I guess - needs to allow the local offices to get on with taking care of our lands until the system is fixed.
Thank you for your time.
I look forward to hearing about an opportunity to serve and, in the meantime, someone taking the time to fix this situation.
Debra Gregory-Mitchener
Melody Lodge Cabins
melodylg@colorado.net
970-468-8497
From: Pam DeVore
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 8:41 AM
To: Janelle Smith ; james_sample@blm.gov ; Barbara Timock ; Ann Bond ; Mike Blakeman ; Patrick Thrasher ; Diann C Ritschard ; John Bustos
Cc: Dave Steinke ; Steve Segin ; Ken Emory ; Mike Blanton ; Steve Pittel ; Janelle Kukuk ; vera_smith@tws.org ; robyn morrison ; drew (John Vankat) ; RRACMiller (leslie miller) ; ehouse@cscc.org ; ssherwood@fs.fed.us ; Jack_Placchi@blm.gov ; pdevore@fs.fed.us ; linda_anania@blm.gov ; tomk@adventureBoundUSA.com ; James_Sample/COSO/CO/BLM/DOI.BLM ; melodylg@colorado.net ; jason_robertson@blm.gov
Subject: News Release: Applicants sought for Recreation RAC
I would go a little farther than Janelle's message. We really need this to get out as far and wide in CO as possible. So please distribute this release to all audiences. There are people in your area that may be interested.
We have a difficult time getting any applicants for these positions. For the 8 positions (appointees and alternates) that we had expire last year. We only got 4 applicants (3 were returnees) and that was after a very lengthy outreach. We need your help to get this message spread to as many places as possible.
Janelle can you please send me our Regional Media list. The White House is now putting a lot more emphasis on the diversity of our committees so I need to have a list of where our outreaches have gone so I can list them in the CRIA's we now have to do each time we change membership.
I need to get the same list from all of you.
Thanks for all you help. It's really critical to get at least 7 nominations, 14 or more would be awesome!
I also ask that if you personally know of someone who fits these categories and would be a good addition to the CO RRAC please contact them and convince them we really really need their help.
Pamela DeVore, R2, RHWR
Recreation Management Systems
office: 303-275-5043
fax: 303-275-5407
pdevore@fs.fed.us
__________________
Below is a news release that will be distributed to our media list, as well as through the BLM, to recruit new members to the Colorado Recreation RAC. Please feel free to distribute this release to your audiences if you feel you know people in your area may be interested in the vacancies listed below.
News Release
USDA Forest Service Bureau of Land Management
Rocky Mountain Region Colorado
740 Simms Street 2850 Youngfield Street
Golden, Colorado 80401 Lakewood, Colorado 80215
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Janelle Smith, Forest Service, 303-275-5359
Jim Sample, Bureau of Land Management, 303-239-3861
Applicants Sought for
Recreation Resource Advisory Committee
LAKEWOOD, Colo., April 3, 2010 – The Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region and Bureau of Land Management Colorado (BLM) are seeking nominations to fill seven positions on the Colorado Recreation Resource Advisory Council (Recreation RAC). The Council provides the agencies with recommendations on recreation fee matters for Forest Service and BLM lands in Colorado.
Positions expiring are 1) winter motorized, 2) summer motorized, 3) summer non-motorized, 4) non-motorized outfitter guides, 5) local environmental groups, 6) Colorado state tourism official, and 7) Indian tribes. Current members in these positions are eligible to re-apply.
The creation of the Recreation RAC is a requirement of the 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA), which helps the agencies deliver high-quality recreation services and facilities for public land visitors.
“Many recreation opportunities on our forests are free of charge,” said Regional Forester Rick Cables. “The Forest Service charges modest fees for sites where amenities are provided to enhance the quality of the recreation experience.” Examples of amenities include items such as picnic tables, trash collection, restroom facilities, potable water, boat ramps, and interpretive exhibits.
“The Recreation RAC, helps the BLM and Forest Service implement the provisions of the Recreation Enhancement Act with the help of those who enjoy recreation activities on Federal lands,” said Helen Hankins, State Director, BLM Colorado. “Recreation RACs play a vital role in helping us to achieve public satisfaction and participation.”
All Recreation RAC meetings will be open to the public. An opportunity to comment on each fee proposal is planned during each meeting. Council members will be recommended to the Regional Forester for appointment based on the following evaluation criteria:
Does the person represent an interest group and how are they qualified to represent that group? Why the person wants to serve on the committee and what can they contribute?
What is the person’s past experience in working successfully as part of a collaborative group?
People selected for positions will serve three-year terms and can apply to serve a subsequent three-year term.
Additional information about recreation fees and REA is available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/about-rec-fees.shtml.
Persons interested in serving on the Recreation RAC may review the application criteria and obtain a nomination packet at: http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/rrac-application.shtml or by contacting Pamela Devore at 303-275-5043 or pdevore@fs.fed.us. Letters of recommendation are welcome, but not required. Submit packet to Pamela Devore, U.S. Forest Service, Recreation Fee Manager, 740 Simms Street, Golden, CO 80401. Nominations for these positions will be accepted through June 15, 2010.
###
Note to editors: The following sidebar information provides additional selection criteria.
Members must represent certain interests as described in the December 2004 Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA). These interests are:
Five people will represent recreation users who participate in activities such as summer and winter motorized and non-motorized recreation, and hunting and fishing;
Three people who represent, as appropriate, the following recreation interest groups: motorized and non-motorized outfitting and guiding as well as environmental groups; and
One person each to represent:
1. State tourism
2. Indian tribes
3. Local government
________________________________
Janelle Smith
External Affairs Office
USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region
740 Simms Street, Golden CO 80401
303.275.5359 office
720.289.7587 cell
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/USFSRockyMtns
www.fs.fed.us/r2
April 27, 2010
Follows is the exchange of emails from today. I am astounded that the public accepts this!! The Forest Service is paralyzed by its own committee and lack of actions. For those of you that are unfamiliar with your National Forest Service, the RRAC committee is a group that was created by some bill to approve or disapprove fees in local FS Districts. Our RRAC committee last met in spring of 2008 and tabled the fee request. Because of federal crap they have not been able to meet since, and apparently won't until 2011 or later. UNBELIEVABLE! Something must be done!! Anyone got any suggestions??
********************
Believe me you aren't the only one saying this. I don't have a list of all those who have tried to get something moving, just what I've been told by those in DC who have been trying to do something about this. There apparently was a letter written to the Secretary signed by a multitude of Delegates, I don't remember whether it was from the House or the Senate, but that didn't do any good either. We keep being told it's what the White House is requiring, so unless the President changes his policy there is nothing we can do.
You can always go to the USDA website and find out how to contact the Secretary and you are more than welcome to contact your Senators and Congressmen about this. I can tell you that they have already been inundated with phone calls and letters.
Pamela DeVore, R2, RHWR
Recreation Management Systems
office: 303-275-5043
fax: 303-275-5407
pdevore@fs.fed.us
And we are supposed to accept this and just wait for a few YEARS??!!?? It has already been over two years since the RRAC last met. I find that unacceptable!
Who has attempted to get it moving, who are the "influential people", congressman, senators and lobbyists? I would like to contact their offices. How do we contact the Secretary of the Dept of Agriculture?
Thank you.
Debbie
Nothing has changed in Washington. We are still waiting. We are now being told to expect it to take at least a year to get any new appointments approved. It's not just the Forest Service but all FACA committees in the Dept of Agriculture. There are committees that deal with millions of dollars in aid money, grants, etc that are in the same boat. Can't say what is happening in the other Departments, but it sure is frustrating all the Dept of Ag agencies.
There have been many attempts by some very influential people, congressmen, senators, lobbyists, etc to try and get this moving, but so far no one has been able to get this mess cleaned up. We are working with the White House Liaison in the Dept of Ag, but nothing has changed.
From what we've been able to find out this is all related to the President's policy to make sure there are no special interest groups (unless required by law) or lobbyists on any of the FACA committees.
Unfortunately this has not only paralyzed the Forest Service but all Dept of Ag agencies.
The only appointments that have been approved so far are from committees who had nominations in well over a year ago.
We do know that the 4 (including you) we submitted some time ago are finally in the background check process. We recently found out that there are more documents that we (I) need to complete for the "after background check" part of the process. So I have more work to do sometime soon, hopefully.
We are just as frustrated. Unless something changes soon we will not be able to have a full RRAC until sometime in 2011.
Pamela DeVore, R2, RHWR
Recreation Management Systems
office: 303-275-5043
fax: 303-275-5407
pdevore@fs.fed.us
Pam - Could you please respond to Debbie? I have only heard a description of the RRAC situation second hand and Debbie and our GMR focus group deserve a detailed explanation as they spent a great deal of time working with us to come up with a good proposal.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ken Waugh
Recreation Staff Officer
Dillon Ranger District
White River National Forest
(970) 262-3446
UNBELIEVABLE!! the forest service seems to be paralyzed by its own committees. What is the problem with the RRAC??
This is the message I got in January from Pam -
Washington is finally processing appointments for FACA committees. Ours has been sent forward. May take a little longer this time. The background checks are more detailed than in the past. I've been told that there have actually been FACA committee members who have not passed the current background checks. This administration has not given the Forest Service the authority to approve the appointments so everything has to be signed by the Secretary.
We also face the need to begin the process for all those positions that end in July of this year. Several RRACs across the country, including ours has lost our 1 year overlap of appointments. Washington is checking to see if there is any way to extend the 3 yr appointments for another year to get us back in synch. Who knows. Stay tuned. Just as soon as I know anything you'll all get the word.
Pamela DeVore, R2, RHWR
Recreation Management Systems
office: 303-275-5043
fax: 303-275-5407
pdevore@fs.fed.us
I have not received any update as of today. Apparently we are looking at probably another year or more for you to do DO ANYTHING! I do not know about the rest of you but we have all spent a lot of time, especially the local Forest Service office, to come up with fees we all felt would work and fund the operations and FOR WHAT?? What a waste!
I applied for the committee last year because they had open positions with apparently no applications! What are they checking in my background??? It doesn't take this long for a background check to buy weapons!!! What do we need to do to get this whole rrac step dissolved? The Secretary or the President? Unbelievable.
By the way Ken, Cara has a new email address - caray1@wildblue.net
We are home now and excited about the upcoming summer/fall season.
Debbie
I thought I'd let you know what's going on with the fee increase. Unfortunately, the RRAC is not going to meet any time soon so we will be continuing the same fee schedule for another year. Unfortunately, I've had to divert funding other recreation programs in order to fund Green Mountain operations. For example, we will not have wilderness ranger patrol, OHV patrol, or trail crew seasonal positions on the District this year. I'll let you know when we find out when the RRAC will meet.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ken Waugh
Recreation Staff Officer
Dillon Ranger District
White River National Forest
(970) 262-3446
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Patrick (Pat) A. Thrasher
Public Affairs Officer, White River National Forest
Phone:970-945-3237
Cell Phone: 970-366-0039
FAX: 970-945-3211
E-Mail: pthrasher@fs.fed.us
"The Nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased; and not impaired in value."
Theodore Roosevelt
This website is not a US Forest Service website. This website is owned and maintained by Melody Lodge Cabins.
