Gov. appoints outdoor rec. czar

Durango's booming outdoors industry now has a seat at the big kids' table. On Mon., June 8, Gov. Hickenlooper named well-respected mountaineer Luis Guillermo Benitez as director of the state's newly created Outdoor Recreation Industry Office.

The role of the new office will be to serve as advocate for Colorado's diverse outdoors-related businesses and interests at the state level.

The office was established in recognition of the impact and importance of the industry in Colorado, according to a press release from the Governor's Office.  A study by the Boulder-based nonprofit Outdoor Industry Association, found that outdoors recreation generates $4.2 billion in wages and salaries in Colorado each year.

"The industry provides significant employment opportunities and is a critical component of the economic base in many rural and mountain communities," stated the release.

As Colorado's first-ever outdoor recreation industry director, Benitez, of Eagle, will be the point man for the industry, helping to promote and support its interests.

Benitez, a mountaineer, guide, educator and community leader is the epitome of an outdoor recreation industry professional, according to Hickenlooper. "Luis has the knowledge and experience to become a successful convener and collaborator with all industry participants throughout the state," said the governor. "His passion for the outdoors is contagious, and he combines this with a business savvy that will ensure we continue to elevate Colorado's business brand and the continued prominence of our outdoor recreation industry."

In addition to working as a professional ski, climbing and paddling guide, Benitez has summited the world's "Seven Summits" dozens of times, including six summits of Mount Everest. His first summit of Everest was with blind athlete Erik Weihenmayer on his historic quest in 2001.

Benitez also has an extensive resume, having worked with Adventure Consultants, a New Zealand-based guiding company; Vail Resorts; and Colorado Outward Bound. He is also active in outdoors leadership training, leading seminars in Chile for the Wharton School of Business and a firm he helped found, Endeavor Consulting. He is currently a town councilman in Eagle, where he has championed the extension of mountain bike and commuter trail systems, including the town's river corridor and proposed whitewater park.

"I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to connect who I am personally with what I get to do professionally," said Benitez. "Colorado is in a strong position to lead the outdoor recreation industry on many levels, and this office will be the start of creating not only the collective voice for the outdoor community in our state, but also starting to craft the collaborative vision for the future of the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado."

Benitez officially assumes his new role July 1.

Electric bear fence rebates offered

Rural La Plata County residents now have some extra juice in their fight to keep bears out of the chicken coop.

In partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Bear Smart Durango has announced an electric fencing rebate program to help up to 20 county landowners install small-scale electric fence systems to protect chicken coops, beehives, fruit trees and livestock from unwanted visits from bears. 

Made possible from nearly $5,000 in local donations and grants, the program will provide landowners up to $100 worth of electric fencing materials or a $100 rebate for purchased materials. In addition, instruction and assistance on design and installation of electric fencing is also being offered.

"Until this program, nothing existed in our community to assist small-scale, backyard operations – which comprise a notable amount of bear-caused damage and loss," Bear Smart Director Bryan Peterson said. "Through this program, potential incidents can be largely prevented and residents can be educated on the very real costs associated with living with black bears."

Peterson said the main goal of the program is to permanently resolve human-bear conflict in areas that have historically experienced conflict. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, from 2002-11, black bear damage claims for sheep, beehives, goats, cattle and other livestock averaged $17,000 a year in the southwest part of the state.

However, Peterson and several bear experts note that electric fences are often the best tool to prevent such losses.

 “Electric fencing is probably the most effective tool that we have to prevent conflicts, particularly here on the Rocky Mountain front,” Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks biologist Seth Thompson said.

Nevertheless, many landowners simply are not aware of this or do not take preventative steps until an incident occurs. For others, installing electric fencing is cost prohibitive. 

"In our area, and for a variety of reasons, not enough landowners utilize this effective tool in deterring bears," said Peterson.

The program is not available to city residents, as electric fencing is illegal within city limits.

Interested residents can contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 247-0855. More information is available at: bearsmartdurango.org/electric-fencing-incentive-program/

– Missy Votel