Molas Pass conflict creates concern

The Forest Service has decided to take no action on the recent incident involving an unloaded shotgun, a snowcat operator and four snowmobilers. District Ranger Pauline Ellis announced this week that Tim Kuss, owner and operator of El Diablo Alpine Guides, was in compliance with his special-use permit. However, she did warn him that she is concerned his actions have contributed to escalating tensions in the area.

The incident in question took place in early February near Molas Pass. At the time, Kuss confronted the snowmobilers, saying they had entered an area off-limits to them. The snowmobilers reported the confrontation because Kuss was holding an unloaded shotgun with the breach open during the argument.

Kuss has held a special-use permit since 1998 for commercially guided snowcat skiing on the west side of Molas Pass.The permit allows him to operate a snowcat within a portion of a nonmotorized area, where the incident allegedly took place. An investigation into the incident by the San Juan County Sheriff and District Attorney resulted in no charges. Similarly, an independent investigation conducted by a Forest Service law-enforcement officer also found no violations of applicable federal and state laws. However, Ellis said she has concerns about the state of affairs on Molas Pass.

"Over the past three years, we have tried to work with those who hold special-use permits in the area to alleviate conflicts," she said. "We've tried to rely on voluntary efforts, but if things continue to escalate, we may have to take a different tact.We will need the cooperation of all users in the area to arrive at resolution to these complex winter-use issues."

Kuss agreed that something needs to happen on Molas Pass. He noted that all recreational use has jumped dramatically in the area, and lines need to be drawn.

"What needs to happen is these incompatible uses need to be separated," Kuss said. "It needs to change in a big way. That's up to the Forest Service, and they're actually starting the process."

There has been noticeable recreational tension on Molas Pass since 2000. At that time, the Forest Service set aside 6,900 acres of terrain for motorized use and 200 acres around Andrews Lake exclusively for nonmotorized use. In 2001, a lawsuit was filed against the Forest Service by motorized user groups, claiming the plan was unfair and improper.Last fall, a Federal District Court Judge upheld the agency's right to implement the plan.The Forest Service hopes to address these issues of conflict this winter and spring. Community Study Groups are meeting monthly in Cortez, Durango and Pagosa Springs to share ideas for revising Forest Service and BLM long-range plans.A study group meeting is scheduled for June 28 at Fort Lewis College to specifically address these and other issues in the Silverton area.

Club works to mobilize grassroots

At the same time conflicts are an issue on Molas Pass, an effort is under way to mobilize the grassroots to better deal with agencies like the Forest Service. This Saturday, the Colorado Mountain Club is hosting an all-day Public Lands Seminar. The focus of the event is giving citizens more authority in maintaining quiet uses on public lands.

Chris Paulson, conservation officer for the local chapter of the CMC, said that frustration was the main impetus for the meeting. She pointed to the ambitious development proposed for Wolf Creek Pass and increasing local motorized recreation as areas where the grassroots are being outmaneuvered.

"They seem to know how to maneuver their interests exceedingly well," she said. "However, at the grassroots level the individual citizen doesn't have the same resources. The purpose of this gathering is to help people at the grassroots develop similar skills."

Morning events will focus on the planning process for the San Juan National Forest, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument and quiet use for parcels on Molas Pass. At noon, Jeff Berman, of Colorado Wild, will present a slide show of proposed development on Wolf Creek pass with discussion to follow. Afternoon presentations will focus on the proposed sales tax increase to fund open space, trails and a library.City Council candidates will be on hand to provide positions on the proposal.

Paulson said that she hopes the meeting will provide a catalyst for action. "I'm hoping to get a level of knowledge and expertise on how do we make ourselves heard in terms of maintaining quiet places in the San Juan Mountains."

The Public Lands Seminar takes place this Sat., March 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Durango Community Recreation Center, 2700 N. Main. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 247-0822.

Local democrats ready for future

Local democrats recently reorganized and readied for future challenges. More than 60 people turned out for the recent re-organization meeting for the La Plata County Democratic Party. During the meeting, precinct captain vacancies were filled and new officers were elected.

The delegates unanimously voted to reinstate Joelle Riddle as chair, a seat she has held since July 2004, citing her energy and commitment to revitalizing the party.

"2004 was amazing in La Plata - almost 1,000 people volunteered time for the November elections, and we had a 70 percent voter turnout," she said as she accepted the gavel. "Our goal now is to make this party an integral part of the community, and to communicate local concerns and issues clearly at state and national levels."

In addition to Riddle, the Dems elected Alison Dance, Anne Markward, Marsha Cohen, Gina LaBattaglia, Dan Black, Ross Park, Jean Walter, Lon Erwin, Kelly McCullar, Claire Ninde and Vicki Simarano.

"The enthusiasm is contagious," Riddle said. "We clearly see that people in this county are energized and eager for action."

Hospital celebrates "topping out"

Construction is proceeding apace at the new Mercy Regional Medical Center in Grandview just east of Durango. On Wednesday, Mercy celebrated the completion of the hospital's structural steel skeleton with a "topping out" ceremony. The celebration represented an important construction milestone traditionally celebrated in the steelworking industry.

In addition to the completion of the structure, ground also has been broken on the 155,000-square-foot medical office building, which will be adjacent to the 212,000-square-foot hospital.Because the medical office building is less complex to build than the hospital, it will likely be completed first.When complete, the new medical facility will include a central hospital, along with private practices and cardiology, psychiatric and dialysis facilities. Construction is expected to be complete late in the spring of 2006.

Brad Cochennet, Mercy's chief operating officer, commented that the topping out is a significant highlight. "We're proud to reach this milestone in the construction of our community's state-of-the-art medical center and look forward to staying on schedule so we can celebrate the grand opening of Mercy Regional Medical Center in 2006," he said.

- compiled by Will Sands