Author Archive

Invasive weeds at Max and Deb’s

Thanks everyone who has offered to help us with the annual Party on the Ridge, the Sunday before Labor Day.  We really appreciate all of the offers that we’ve received over the years but this year, WE CAN REALLY USE YOUR HELP.We have been invested with daisys and we don’t know which kind but they have taken over the property.  So, we’d like to ask you to join us on Sunday, August 14th at 10 am and/or Sunday, August 21st at the same time.  We will provide biodegradable bags and beer to help us get through the day.  Wear comfortable clothes, sunscreen,  and a sunglasses. 

 

Please let us know if you will be joining us and THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Debra Yeager

303 449 0454

303 881 7665

deb@nullmountainvisions.net

Job Opening at the Gold Hill School!

The Gold Hill school is looking for a new Principal’s Assistant.  This is a full-time, benefitted position.  The job entails managing the office, health room, lunch and recess, and assisting with instruction in both classrooms.  Applications will be accepted through August 10th.  Please consider sharing this with anyone who may be interested in joining Chrissy, Jojo and the school kids for a great school year!  Apply at: https://jobs.bvsd.org/mountain-school-office-manager/job/19735668
 
Contact Chrissy: christine.maedke@nullbvsd.org or Jojo: johanna.morrison@nullbvsd.org with any questions.  

GHTM Agenda for 8-8-2022

Don’t forget – this is our annual ELECTIONS Meeting, and there are positions to fill! Consider volunteering – we need some good people

Gold Hill Town Meeting

Monday, 7:00 p.m. August 8th, 2022

____________________________________________________________________________

Zoom Virtual Meeting

 

Time: Aug 8, 2022 07:00 PM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82174215776?pwd=N0VWbFNlVDF0VFgxNnRabTJHYjFEUT09

 

Meeting ID: 821 7421 5776

Passcode: 572566

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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kg1ekEzC0

 

____________________________________________________________

 

Review of Previous Minutes (additions or corrections)

Treasurer’s Report

ELECTIONS!

Guest Presenters

Maya – BWC

Jennifer – Buffalo Bicycle Classic: Sept 11

Emergency Preparedness/Communications – Pam?

Committee Reports

Mountain Stewards 

Forestry and Forest Management

Gold Hill School – Chrissy

IMA

Museum 

Community Planning and Fundraising 

Cemetery

Community Center

 

SafeLink/NeighborLink 

AirLink 

Weed Management

Historical Zoning

Fire Department

Other Town News: 

 

 

Upcoming Meetings/Events

 

____________________________________________________________________________

 

Next Gold Hill Town Meeting: October 10th, 7:00 pm (Indigenous People’s Day)

____________________________________________________________



 

Community Wildfire Protection Plan – info and link to survey

And please click here to go to the survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SSKTFCT

Boulder Watershed Collective update

Safe Switzerland Trail

Greetings Gold Hill Residents and Friends,

Beginning during the pandemic in 2020 and continuing through the present, many locals have noticed a significant increase in Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) use of the Switzerland Trail just west of the historic town of Gold Hill.

A small group of residents has been communicating with stakeholders including the US Forest Service (USFS), Boulder Ranger District, Boulder County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO) and others, to try to understand and mitigate negative impacts from this increased vehicle activity. In addition to displacing traditional quiet users of the Switzerland Trail, these vehicles have also impacted:

–          The condition and safety of County Road 52 (Gold Hill Rd)

–          Increased illegal penetration into Forest Service lands not designated for motor vehicles and resulting environmental degradation of those areas

–          OHVs ‘mistakenly’ driving on private property

–          Numerous areas adjacent to the Switzerland Trail now degraded by vehicles driving off the ST and onto fragile meadows and wetlands, etc.

–          Increased fire risk on USFS and neighboring lands due to

o   Campfires

o   Hot engines over tall grasses

The purpose of this posting is to:

  1. Increase awareness of the issue
  2. Provide detailed background information (see attached)
  3. Provide guidance on steps to take when illegal or egregious activities are encountered (see attached)
  4. Elicit support from those who care about this change in our neighborhood. Our current small group of local citizens can’t do it all! If you would like to learn more or help out, please email: goldhillforsafeswitztrail@nullgmail.com

Please see the following documents for detailed background information and guidance for what to do if you encounter illegal activity.

Action Steps

  1. Report all illegal activity ASAP by calling Boulder County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) non- emergency dispatch number: 303-441-4444.
  2. IF you have a cell phone or camera, take pictures! Try to get photos of details like license plate numbers, registration stickers, even color of vehicles or clothing.
  1. Illegal
    1. Driving ATVs or UTVs anywhere on Gold Hill Road or other county roads. (Note

trailers are legal)

    1. Driving any vehicles (ATVs/UTVs, 4WDs, dirtbikes, jeeps, 4WD) off of the

Switzerland Trail (for example across vegetation, meadows, up or down hills and slopes) that are not designated for motor vehicle use. Not sure? Download the official Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for our area through Avenza for free here: Roosevelt NF – Boulder Ranger District (North Half) – MVUM – US Forest Service R2 Rocky Mountain Region – Avenza Maps

    1. Driving any vehicles (other than emergency vehicles) onto USFS land adjacent to Gold Hill Road other than specifically on the Switzerland Trail or other designated motor vehicle route. (download the MVUM from link above).
    2. Any shooting within the vicinity of Switzerland Trail. Map of recreational shooting closure here:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd493392.pdf

    1. Burning during fire ban, including for example, cigarette smoking outside of vehicles
  1. In addition to contacting BCSO, please consider sending your photos and a description of incident to: goldhillforsafeswitztrail@nullgmail.com. We are working to build a repository of illegal activity taking place on or near the Switzerland Trail.
  2. Consider writing a letter and/or speaking to the Boulder County Commissioners about the impacts Off Highway Vehicles (OHV’s) have had on you/your neighborhood.
    1. Submit in writing here: https://bouldercounty.gov/government/elected- officials/commissioners/contact-the-commissioners/
    2. Email here: commissioners@nullbouldercounty.org
    3. Sign up to speak at an open comment zoom here: Webinar Registration – Zoom

(zoomgov.com)

  1. Reach out to network with other concerned citizens by emailing goldhillforsafeswitztrail@nullgmail.com. We are a small group of local residents concerned about the safety and environmental impacts from increasing OHV use on the Switzerland Trail and surrounding public lands.

Maintaining A Safe and Environmentally Healthy Switzerland Trail Area

OHV Use Near Gold Hill

~Background Information and Talking Points~

  • In 2020 and 2021 Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) use dramatically increased on the Arapaho-Roosevelt National Forest in Boulder County and has remained elevated year-round since then. This is an area under the management of the Boulder Ranger District.
  • This includes unprecedented use of the Switzerland Trail (Road #93J) on both the north and south sides of Gold Hill Road (County Road 52).
  • Up until this time Switzerland Trail in this area has been widely used by multiple recreational and nature-oriented user groups including hikers, birders, x-country skiers, snowshoers, cyclists, horseback riders and relatively minor vehicle traffic including dirt bikes, ‘street legal’ 4WDs and occasional ATV/UTVs.
  • At the time of this writing it appears there are primarily two rental companies, based in or near Estes Park (Larimer County) contributing to the bulk of OHVs on Switzerland Trail on any given day. https://www.backbonecycles.com/ and https://www.estesparkatvrentals.com/
  • Through these outfitters renters get a side-by-side non-street legal vehicle, a utility trailer to haul it on and a Jeep or Nissan (or similar) 4WD vehicle with towing package.
  • Renters get a GPS in their vehicle with directions to several routes in Boulder County including Switzerland Trail as well as Bunce School Road.
  • The new generation of OHV are built for speed and to go just about anywhere, for example the Polaris Razor. Promotional pictures on their websites promote ATVs through water features, meadows and forested areas.

 

  • Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) manages the rules for OHV’s in Colorado. Registration fees are required (via CPW) but no education is offered or required on where/how to ride in Colorado when the purchase or registration process is completed.
  • In 2005 the USFS Travel Management Rule was finalized: https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/final.pdf. Through this process, how motor vehicle use of routes was communicated to the public changed from signage where travel was DISALLOWED to using maps that indicate where travel is ALLOWED.
  • These maps are referred to as the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM). They are available for free as an app here:

https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/70781/roosevelt-nf-boulder-ranger-district-north-half-mvum

  • The Switzerland Trail in this area of Boulder County is designated as a motor vehicle route on the current MVUM.
  • The expectation is for OHV users on USFS to follow the rules on the maps, not rely on signage. By their own admission, there is very little if any funding for enforcement by the USFS. Likewise, BCSO complain of very little staffing/funding for Foothills patrol.
  • Boulder County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO) receives some federal funding to assist with law enforcement duties on FS lands.
  • Dispersed camping is also designated by the MVUM. It appears arbitrarily allowed on the north side of ST more than the south side.
  • Dispersed camping brings with it increased wildfire risk due to legal or illegal fire building by forest visitors.
  • Learn more about USFS travel management and OHVs here: https://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/ohv/

 

Impacts from the increase in OHV use near Gold Hill fall under two categories:

  1. Illegal:
  • Driving of OHVs off designated routes per the MVUM.
  • Environmental degradation of sensitive meadows and wetlands due to the above. This has been well documented and reported to USFS/Boulder Ranger District.
  • Driving over private land has been repeatedly experienced by neighbors and private property owners in the area.
  • Driving UTVs and ATVs on county roads and through Gold Hill town, prohibited by state law.
  • Potential impacts to wildlife have been reported to CPW. Moose, cow and bull elk including large bachelor herds, grouse, turkey and songbird populations are common in the area. Habitat includes Abies concolor, Ponderosa Pine, Aspen meadows, proximity to fen watershed, etc.
  • Speeding of ATVs/UTVs around blind curves on Switzerland Trail and other designated OHV routes; driving by unaccompanied minors and numerous close calls with horseback riders and hikers. These safety concerns have been repeatedly reported to BCSO.
  • Speeding of 4WD vehicles and tow trailers on Boulder County Rd 52 and other county roads.
  • Trash and refuse—including human excrement—left along the side of the road on numerous occasions.
  • Driving ATVs/UTVs and dirt bikes onto USFS lands that are not open to OHVs per MVUM.
  • Reckless driving endangering pedestrians, hikers and horseback riders on the Switz Trail and on GH Rd
  • Breaking level 1 & 2 fire ban restrictions
  • Vehicles without spark arresters and mufflers as required by law?
  • Impacts to private land owners along the Switz Trail including threatening altercation from ATV renter towards private landowner.

 

           

  1. Legal but impactful:
  • Excessively high use by OHVs has pushed multi users out (this includes hikers, horsebackriders, cyclists, bird watchers and other so-called ‘quiet users’ of the Switz Trail.)
  • residents have harrowing stories of very dangerous encounters with these vehicles both on Gold Hill Rd (county rd 52) and on the Switz Trail in both directions of GH Road. This also falls under illegal activity.
  • The historic Switzerland Trail itself is being torn up to where it may become impassable in areas. 93J is not a maintained road and will likely not see repairs from damage incurred by heavy OHV use.
  • The above is especially concerning during a wildland fire when the road is clogged with ATVs and UTVs. Consider complications to egress/evacuation of residents cut off by fire across other routes and safe access for firefighters and resource staging during a fire.

 

  • Boulder County Road 52 (Gold Hill Road) along with Sawmill Road and portions of Lefthand Canyon are the main routes tourists are using to haul in their heavy OHVs on utility trailers. This is having an impact on the condition of County Road 52, the primary commuter route for residents living west of Gold Hill. Boulder County Public Works is responsible for maintenance and repairs on these roads, funded by Boulder County property tax dollars.

 

  • Dangerous conditions on CR 52 (popular among cyclists and horseback riders) from speeding utility trailers on blind curves and hills.

 

  • Climate change, bringing with it heightened year-round forest fire conditions. How are vehicles monitored for spark arresters? What are risks of driving hot engines across tall, dry meadow grasses? How is the USFS–specifically motor vehicle and dispersed camping rules–responding to a changing climate?

 

 

 

 

Edie Eilender

Edith Eilender

Born: May 21,1935-Died: July 18,2022

Edie was born in Pontiac, Michigan and when she was 17 she took a train to Boulder to attend the University of Colorado. She fell in love with the mountains. After college she took a position as a substitute teacher in Boulder and finally as the teacher of the Gold Hill School. Frank Finn told her to buy a house in Gold Hill, which she did in the 1960’s. People will always remember her purple house and many dogs. She spent many summers rafting, kayaking, at the north rim of the Grand Canyon and Pack Creek Ranch outside of Moab, Utah where she met people like Edward Abbey.

After teaching, Edie worked for the Forest Service in the Arapahoe National Forest and the Indian Peaks Wilderness. She loved being outdoors in the mountains. While in Gold Hill, Edie became one of the founders of the Gold Hill Museum and the Mountain Misfits, a local poetry club. In her later years Edie moved to assisted living in Boulder where she passed in peace early Monday morning July 18. She left behind many longtime friends and in Edie’s words:

“And we will share stories

as the snow falls.

Bring alive the memories

when we were young

and each day

held the promise

of new adventure

Update on Plane Crash in Lefthand

From: Boulder County Sheriff <BoulderCountySheriff@nullpublic.govdelivery.com>
Sent: Monday, July 18, 2022 2:50 PM
Subject: UPDATE: Single-engine plane crash caused small fire in Lefthand Canyon

 

Four fatalities have been confirmed in the wreckage.
 

 

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
 
For Immediate Release

July 18, 2022

Media Contact

Public Information Unit, 303-441-1500

UPDATE:  Single-engine plane crash caused small fire in Lefthand Canyon

Boulder County, Colo. – The recovery efforts for the remains associated with the plane crash that occurred yesterday in Boulder County have concluded. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Boulder County Coroner’s Office have determined that four people were onboard the plane at the time of the crash and they are deceased.

Originally, it was thought the plane was a single engine aircraft, but the Federal Aviation Administration released information that the plane was a Cessna P337, a dual-engine aircraft.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the crash’s cause. Any questions regarding the investigation into the plane crash should be directed to the NTSB Public Affairs office at 202-631-6034.

The official cause and manner of death, along with identification of the deceased, will be determined by the Boulder County Coroner’s Office.

The agencies assisting in today’s recovery and investigation efforts included: The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, Boulder County Coroner’s Office, National Transportation Safety Board, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The associated Boulder County Sheriff’s Office case number is: #22-03376.

###

/s/ Carrie Haverfield, Public Information Specialist

 

Visit us at: www.BoulderSheriff.org  

Follow us on Twitter @BldrCoSheriff  |  Like us on Facebook

 
 
@ 2022 All rights Reserved – Boulder County
 

 

Bears!

Be alert!  Bears are definitely around.  Chuck and Deepika were just visited by momma bear and two cubs on their patio Saturday nite about 9PM.

Notes on the GHFPD Board Meeting 6/21/22

Notes on the GHFPD Board Meeting 6/21/22

 President Rich Lopez called the meeting to order.  Ten people attended: Board members Rich, Chris Dirolf, Kent Coghill, Jessica Brookhart and Boyd Brown, plus community members: Rick Sheingold, Max and Deb Yeager, Marcus Moench, and Gretchen Diefenderfer.

Minutes – of the May meeting were approved.

Chief’s Report – was deferred until the next meeting in Chris Finn’s absence.

Mitigation News – Chris Dirolf reported on the Four District CWPP proposal.  They will put out a Survey Monkey soon to all – will have a meeting soon to go over it and get it right.  Then they will have a Zoom meeting for all four districts.  Although it’s expensive, the City of Boulder will be starting helicopter work for hard, steep areas.  Rich added that it’s great to have all four districts cooperating on the IGA.

            Boyd reported on the Ashram mitigation work – there have been some glitches with contractors – Maya will know the timing.  Friday a.m. there will be a walk through with Teens, Inc.

UTV – They still have the $13,000 from the Community Foundation grant and could be short some $5,000 or more.  Kent researched a small, lighter unit that carries 20 gallons of water with a CAF system.  Leslie’s concern is evacuating patients.  They need to be able to access rough terrain, given our district, particularly for the scouting and patrol options.  Chris has access to a trainer who could certify our firefighters.  A welder could make a skid to hold a backboard.  Kent added that he’d recommend a Type 6 engine for a new wildland fire truck.

            A motion was made to authorize up to $25,000 to purchase a UTV – passed unanimously.  The Ranger base model is $15,400.  A trailer is a good idea if we have extra money.  Rich will take the lead and start shopping.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions – We need more signs saying No Fires and maybe flyers to hand out with information for campers.

Email from Clare Tone – regarding numbers of UTVs all over the place out west.  Apparently, there is an outfit in Estes Park that rents UTVs and sends them to the Switzerland Trail. Rich wonders about liability issues and will make some calls.

Religious Exemption for Fires – does not apply in Red Flag conditions.

Grants – No word on the IFG grant yet.  Chris Finn has sent a questionnaire to Jessie re: grant info.  Rich asked Maya, “What if we just hired you to write grants for maybe $40/hour?”  She doesn’t have any time now, but others might.  Jess pointed out that with grants and money, they have to start working on the budget for next year.

Mill Levy – Chris D reported that the discussion regarding the amount of increase is ongoing (somewhere between the 6.6 we have now and Fourmile’s high of 22).  Community members opinions cover the whole range of possibilities.  Boyd thinks they should have a big sign and flyers at the 4th of July to explain their needs and plans for the future.  Presently the mill levy income is approx. $48 – $49,000 per year.  Maybe double the present levy?  We need to develop a clear 5 and 10 year plans for the future so that people will know where the money will go.

Teens, Inc. – will be in Gold Hill the 11th through the 15th to help with weed whacking, gravel perimeters around homes, and chipping.

Next Board Meeting will be July 19th – Regular meetings are the 3rd Tuesday of the month.

Notes by Gretchen Diefenderfer

 

 

 

 

GHFPD Agenda for 7-19-22

GOLD HILL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

July 19, 2022

7:30 PM

NOTE: MEETING WILL START AT 7:30 IN THE FIRE BARN

CALL TO ORDER

ATTENDANCE

APPROVAL OF MINUTES 

FIRE CHIEF’S MINUTES      JUNE AND JULY

    

CALLS:   

Type of call

Initial response

Number of volunteers who arrived.

Who took command and transfer (if any)?

Equipment used.

Other Departments who arrived.

Lessons learned.

TRAINING: 

                      Training team members

                      Past training

                      Upcoming training

         New volunteers

MAINTENANCE: 
         Vehicles 

                     Equipment

EQUIPMENT: 

                     Inventory

                     Condition

OTHER BUSINESS 

 

         MITIGATION:

Four-District CWPP Update:  Chris D  Kent

Update on Ashram and Ashley mitigation:

UTV: Rich  Kent

Grants: .

West Gold Hill:  Marcus, Kris G and Maya

EDUCATION:

Pancake breakfast:

Mill Levy:

 

         OTHER TOPICS:

GHTM 6-13-22

GOLD HILL TOWN MEETING NEWSLETTER

Notes from the June 13, 2022, Zoom Meeting

Next Town Meeting is Monday, August , 7:00 p.m.

ELECTIONS!

 Chair Emma Dirolf called the meeting to order.  Thirteen people attended the meeting: Emma, Secretary Gretchen Diefenderfer, Deb Yeager, Cat Russell, Marybeth Neal and Paul Landskroener, Marcus Moench and Elisabeth Caspari, Virginia Schultz, Bear Carlson, Emily Rose, Karen Simmons, and Pam Sherman. Please let me know if I missed you.  As we did not have a quorum, this was not an official meeting and no votes could be taken, but we decided to continue with the meeting and put out the news reported.  Emma was not feeling well and requested that someone else volunteer to conduct the meeting.  Marcus agreed and Emma signed off.

Minutes – could not be approved, but there were no corrections or additions.

Treasurer’s Report – No report

Mountain Stewards – Cat reported that a couple of years ago we got a grant to study Gold Hill’s resilience and energy needs.  We found that the best way to improve would be distributed solar on people’s houses and the best way to do that would be bulk purchasing.  She’s excited that this is finally happening.  She connected with Solar United Neighbors (SUN), who collect groups that are geographically connected.  They sign them up and together figure out what’s needed, put out RFPs (request for proposals) and get bids from providers to offer the group this advantage.  Members can then pick what they want – there is no risk or obligation, just the opportunity to get a better deal.  They already have a Boulder County Group (Susie Stupe from Boulder County is our contact) and have grant money coming in from the Build Back Better program.  So now we have the opportunity for people to sign up on a waiting list for next year for solar set up and battery back-up.  They will do a collaborative event for SUN to present all this information sometime later.  Virginia asked when the County is launching their push.  Cat reported that it will probably be in 2023 – they’ve had one meeting so far.  People will be able to sign up on their website.  Mountain Stewards is looking into more grants as well.  They will be setting up criteria for qualifying.  Contact Cat with questions (wildcat.russell@nullgmail.com).

         Marcus added that Energy Outreach Colorado is rolling out a program to provide heat pumps to 5 households with qualifying incomes.  This is an attempt to switch people from propane to electric.  They will get full systems installed likely over the coming months.  Qualifying incomes are 80% of Boulder County median income.  This will be publicized in July – send names to Marcus (marcus.moench@nullgmail.com) to get on this list.

MARSEG (Mountain Area  Racist Self Education Group) started after our local Gold Hill protest march 6-18-21 in support of BLM and Elijah McLain who was killed by Denver police officers.  Cat reported that it’s an ongoing group – mainly self-education, and now becoming more active.  They will host a training on Bystander Intervention, a training developed by professional trainers and tailored to our situation, on June 9th outdoors at the Gold Hill Store.

Mountain Stewards/Forestry Management – Virginia reported on the May 7th and 8th town mitigation event – great participation!  It began with burritos at the Store and information tables on various mitigation related topics, and then tours led by Ben of the State Forest Service to several locations in town (thank you to the school, Emily Rose, and Kris Gibson) to look at potential mitigation measures.  Smokey the Bear made an appearance thanks to Leslie and Luke Finn.  The Watershed Collective and Gold Hill Fire Protection District also participated.  They filled 3 dumpsters and then got another and filled that!  They still have money to spend and Teen Inc. from Nederland will be here July 11-14 to help with mitigation work around town.  They’ll do weed whacking, slash collection, and perimeter building and will have some money to help support the projects.  Get in touch with Virginia for information.

         The Ashram project is ongoing and they will get to Ashley’s later – will try to dovetail with Teens Inc. and with the grant Maya is overseeing.

         They are also working on a Mycelium Project – it is sprayed on chips and it helps degrade them more quickly and reduces the need for burning for biomass reduction.  They are exploring alternatives to burning because there is so much resistance to burning now.

IMA – Pam reports they have been working with OEM (Office of Emergency Management) for several years.  She now needs someone else to be the Gold Hill representative because she has a work conflict. 

Weed Management – Pam is also ready to pass this on to someone else although she can still be a research source.  Shelby Kaminsky in the subdivision has a weed eradication business  – Edaphic Solutions – that steams the weeds and has been used at CU and in Nederland.

         She has also been working with the GH School on environmental education the first semester and gardening the second semester.  She has only superlatives regarding the students and the school.  She got an award for Impact on Education, but said it really belonged to Chrissy and the team.

IMA continued – The group started in 2010 after the Fourmile Fire.  Rebecca Lawrence from Ward brought community leaders together with the County to help each other with mountain issues.  The next meeting is Thursday and should be good.  Marybeth Neal volunteered to attend.

Museum – Deb reported on the Community Outreach evening – it was scheduled for July 1, but has now been postponed until September 3rd.  The evening begins with a cocktail party outside and continues with a presentation by Joan Few and Jane Maslanka on the Native Nations of this area and the impact of the miners, etc. interwoven with the Sand Creek Massacre.  The mission of the community outreach is to take history out to the community.

         The museum opened on May 28th and will continue weekends  through the end of September. 

Community Planning and Fundraising – The running race event tentatively planned for this summer has been cancelled.

Cemetery – no report

Community Center – Gretchen reported that, since the town voted not to pursue the idea of a Community Center at 900 Pine, it fell back to the group to sell it.  Our goal was to sell it to someone committed to Gold Hill.  By our original deadline we had three wonderful letters of intent.  One was Hannah Moench, so Marcus and Elisabeth recused themselves from our deliberations.  We met and ranked them and gave #1 a month to pull together finances and make a final decision.  At that point, they made the decision not to go forward with the purchase.  Hannah was our next choice on the list and was out of town and out of contact for some time.  After much soul-searching, particularly since she had made commitments in Alaska thinking she was out of the running, Hannah decided to commit to buying it because she does love Gold Hill and wants to settle close to family.    Marcus added that they are excited as well as trepidatious.  She is still in Alaska and so not around for a while, but will be in charge, with help from Marcus and Elisabeth until she returns. 

SafeLink/NeighborLink – Deb reported that we put out that we’ve simplified the NeighborLink  system at the last GHTM.  The recommendation is to identify two (or more) neighbors to partner with in order to help each other in an emergency to gather meds, computers, animals, etc., in case we have to evacuate.  Have a “To Go Bag” ready.  Make a list of things to take.  We will get in touch with our lists as soon as possible to share any information we have and ask that you get back with your contact information and location.  Deb still puts out Welcome Buckets with all this information.  We encourage everyone to sign up with Everbridge (the County reverse 9-1-1 system) through the Boulder Office of Emergency Management (https://www.boulderoem.com).

         Our network consists of Deb in Old Town and the Subdivision, Gretchen in the East Side of Gold Hill, and Dina west of the Ranch.  Get in touch with one of us if you have questions.

Historic Zoning – Bear reports the major overhaul at 770 Main (Jane Maslanka’s).  They did a great job – kudos to them.

Bocce Tournament – Bear reports that we have a full roster for the tournament on July 2nd.  It begins at 8 a.m. and goes into the afternoon.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  It’s a lot of fun!

Town Clean Up – Gretchen reports that there is no town clean up this year.  Somehow, since it went very slowly last year, the County people thought we’d decided to skip a year.  By the time I got in touch with them, the only time they had available conflicted with the Inn’s schedule.  I’ll make sure to contact them sooner next year.  In the meanwhile, recycling and trash can be taken to the Nederland Transfer Station and Recycling Drop-off Facility located at 286 Ridge Road, Nederland CO 80466  (https://wastebits.com/locator/location/nederland-transfer-station-and-recycling-drop-off-facility).

Next Meeting – August 8th, Elections!!  Be thinking – Emma, Jan, Dan, and Sarah have all said they will not be running this year.  We need some interested people to volunteer.  Check with any of us about what’s involved and check out the town website (goldhilltown.com) and the bylaws (https://goldhilltown.com/what-it-is/).

It’s fun!

Respectfully submitted, Gretchen Diefenderfer, Secretary

 

 

 

UPDATE: Pre-evacuation warning

We are still under an evacuation warning, but they do have hoses on the fire in Lefthand now.  The Forest Service helicopter is on the way, surveillance aircraft on scene.  Weather report is good.

 

Advice is to stay alert.

 
 

PRE-EVACUATION NOTICE FOR GOLD HILL

There is a fire in Lefthand, approx. 10 mile marker, from a small plane crash.  Fire in the forest will move uphill.  Pre-evacuation notice for the 13+ mile marker on Gold Run Road in to approx. the 11 mile marker.

 
Be ready to evacuate, get “To Go Bag Ready” check list for important things to go, check with neighbors.
 
Thank you

Gretchen Diefenderfer

Music at Windy Acres

“An Evening of Music Performed by Haiden Davis, Violin Virtuoso”

Tuesday, July 19th 23 at 6 PM

Windy Acres (~10600 Gold Hill Rd, south side of road)

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Please join us for an evening of music performed by Haiden Davis, a truly talented and charming violinist. The concert will occur on Tuesday, July 19th.  Music will begin at 6 PM, and last approximately 1 ½ hours.  The performance will take place on the platform at “Windy Acres”, the Geesaman property located at ~10600 Gold Hill Road, across from Sacred Mountain Ashram to the south of the county road.  Please park on the county road unless you have a health issue, and enter the property at the gate and follow the dirt road.  If needed, a shuttle to the music can be arranged (contact Rick at 303-444-7756).  We will be passing the hat to show our appreciation for Haiden and his music after the performance. 

Please bring your own chairs and refreshments.  Dogs must be under control.  We look forward to seeing you all, and sharing another special evening.  Be aware that the event will be cancelled if the weather turns stormy.

 

Rick and Breida Geesaman

303-444-7756

 

GHTM Elections August 8!!

Elections for Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Member at Large are coming up at the August Town Meeting and we really need people who are interested in serving.  Word has it that most of the present council do not intend to run again.  Our Town Meeting has been meeting since the old mining days.  It’s a forum for exchanging news and ideas, addressing issues of concern, and taking care of  whatever comes up.  Seriously, it’s very satisfying, and fun, too, to participate in and help out with our Gold Hill community and we need your help. Talk to your friends and neighbors!

We meet the second Monday of even months.

For more on what we’re all about, check out our website –  goldhilltown.com and the bylaws at https://goldhilltown.com/what-it-is/

Melodrama!

The Gold Hill Inn Presents:

… a Good Ol’ Fashioned

MELODRAMA!

****************

August

13 & 14

HIGH NOON

TO BE ORE NOT TO BE

A GOLD HILL MELODRAMA IN TWO ACTS

PRODUCED BY:

 ‘TIL DEATH DO US PARTY PRODUCTIONS

JOIN THE CAST of To Be ore not to be FOR A COMIC FUN-FILLED AFTERNOON OF VERY MELLOW DRAMA, WHERE THE HERO GETS HIS GIRL, THE VILLIAN THREATENS ALL THAT IS GOOD, THE CAN CAN GIRL REALLY CAN, AND THE WIND WILL BLOW YOU AWAY.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, and TICKETS:

WWW.ROCKYMOUNTAINMURDERMYSTERIES.COM

Reminder – Cemetery Clean Up

REMINDER ABOUT THE CEMETERY WORK DAY:  JULY 23RD AT 8:30 AM
We have just finished our preliminary audit of work to be done:
1.  Sand and seal railing
2.  Weed pulling
3.  Limbing of pine trees
4.  Installing one fence post – also going around perimeter with staples to repair fencing.
5.  Right 2 headstones (this will require some heavy lifting, so hoping for some strapping young people to help.)
Our cemetery is quite popular these days and is receiving more traffic than usual, so the upkeep is more urgent.  The aspens are in full foliage, many of the flowers are in bloom, and it is a lovely place to sit and visit with past and current friends.  We want to keep it as pleasant and welcoming as possible, so we really need your help.
What to bring:  hammers, sunscreen, hats, work gloves and clean-up rags.
Maggie
 
I know is partially conflicts with the wedding, but am hoping folks can consider coming down for an hour or so….

Bystander Intervention Training for Mountain Residents

Saturday, July 9 3-5 pm
Patio behind the Gold Hill General Store
Free — no RSVP necessary — just show up!

Have you ever witnessed harassment and hesitated to intervene? Bystander intervention training, like defensive driving, gives practical do’s and don’ts and reduces the time it takes to move from noticing a problem to effective action. This training, hosted by members of the Mountain Anti-Racist Self-Education Group, is based on tested techniques and has been tailored to scenarios you may encounter in our mountain communities. Come practice your active bystander skills in a supportive environment! Feel free to pass the word and invite others who want to learn to be better allies.

 
 The first scenario will give us practice in the “5D’s” of bystander intervention (Direct, Document, Distract, Delegate, and Delay), while the second will give us a chance to try “calling in” conversations. The training will be so much better for all of us if you join us!

 
Cat Russell
wildcat.russell@nullgmail.com
 

Posted in Community Digest, Events Calendar | Comments Off on Bystander Intervention Training for Mountain Residents

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Maedke Alley Vacation/Subdivision Exemption

Hello My Gold Hill Friends,

A few people have asked about our intentions regarding the alley vacation.  I’ve attached our letter to the commissioners explaining our rationale. In a nutshell, our water and house are not on the same continuous property, which causes title issues, and we have three tax bills.  In short, our property lines need to get cleaned up.  This should have happened decades ago.
 
People’s biggest concern seems to be whether or not we will continue to allow trail access.  We’ve always welcomed people to use the trail.  We’ve even outlined the trail and added a bench at the bottom.  Of course we will continue to allow access.   Another concern is that if we sell, will the next people allow trail access.  As the trail is, it is entirely on our personal property and only crosses the alley.  It runs up lots 13,14,15 and crosses onto lots 1 and 2.  (We also own lot 7).  The alley actually runs right next to our house, crossing up our walkway.  Keeping the alley would not necessarily resolve potential future issues.  
 
If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to us.  
 
Best,
 
Chrissy Maedke
303-668-6809
 
Dan Maedke
303-808-7082
 

Dear Commissioners,

I am writing today to request that you consider vacating the unused alley located on our property at 412 Boulder St. in Gold Hill. As you may know, the way Gold Hill was originally platted is not the way it was eventually developed. This means our property stretches across all or some of six different lots with an alley running through the middle. For the small house and yard that we live in (less than an acre), we have three different tax bills.

The steep alley plot was meant to access a road that was never built. The alley was never developed either. It is simply part of our yard. If the alley were ever developed, it would destroy the aesthetics and peaceful nature of our property, as well as cut our home off from our water source as explained below.

When we purchased the home last year, the alley almost made the home unsellable. We had to find a title company willing to work with us. The biggest issue was that our well and cistern are located on the parcel on the north side of the alley, while the house is located on the parcels on the south side of the alley. That left the lot the home is on without a source of water. We had to find a title company willing to consider these two non-adjacent lots as one sellable property. We are hoping to rectify this situation so it isn’t a problem in the future.

The smaller lots are not buildable, and we are not looking to add any structures. Once the alley is vacated, we are simply hoping to unite the properties into one taxed parcel of land through the Subdivision Exemption Process. We thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, 

Posted in Community Digest | Comments Off on Maedke Alley Vacation/Subdivision Exemption

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Museum Community Outreach Postponed

URGENT!  NEW DATE FOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH AT THE GOLD HILL MUSEUM        Due to the prevalence of virus cases in and around Gold Hill at this time, we have determined that it would be best to postpone our Community Outreach date and do our best to keep this event from becoming a super spreader.  We’re moving our presentation date to Saturday evening, September 3rd, with the hopes that the virus is less active and we will all be safe.  Please mark your calendars for a 5:30 pm cocktail party followed by a 7 pm presentation.  Our apologies for any inconvenience this change in the schedule has caused.  Subject:  Sand Creek Massacre:  Native Peoples and Gold Hill/Boulder County

 

Historic Gold Hill, Inc. Board Members

Deb Yeager

deb@nullmountainvisions.net

 

Cemetery Clean Up

The Cemetery Committee has determined July 23rd as our date we’d like to organize a Cemetery Cleanup.at 8:30 am (due to heat – we’d like to start early.)

Fencing, stone re-set, forest clean up, and repair of benches is on the list.  Recommend folks bring gloves, rakes, tools if you have em.
Thanks, 
Maggie
maggiesimms54@nullgmail.com
 

GH 4th of July

The 2022, 4th of July Pancake Breakfast is ON! 8:00-11:00am at the Gold Hill Elementary School. Adults $8.00, Children under 11, $6.00.
Pancakes, blueberry or plain; bacon or sausage; beverages and all the fix’ns, including the Chief’s strawberry rhubarb sauce.
Toys for the kiddos as long as they last.
Please Park Responsibly on one side of the road ONLY. We try to make it obvious. Please don’t block intersections or access to residences.
The Parade starts at 12:00. Limited space for kiddos to ride inside fire trucks but not on them.
Let’s celebrate our nation’s independence together!
 
To volunteer, please email finn.leslie@nullgmail.com
If you have rhubarb you want to donate, please drop it by the Inn for the Chief. Thank you all.

Gold Hill Pride Parade

Gold Hill Pride Parade will be this Sunday, June 26. Meet at noon at the Store and wear your Loud and Proud gear! Allies are encouraged. Come out and support all our community. Mike will be mixing up special Pride cocktails!

Questions, email Mary Claire at mcmulligan@nullme.com.

Thanks!

Mary Claire Mulligan
mcmulligan@nullme.com

“Getting Intimate With Smooth Brome”

Since Smooth brome is the dominant grass around many of our homes and on our Open Space and it’s pollinating right now, some in the community might enjoy this brief article on Smooth brome pollination:   https://themeaningofwater.com/2021/08/21/a-study-of-grasses-getting-intimate-with-smooth-brome/