Mountain Biking: Rubber side down- Time for a TurnaroundWell, my friends, things are finally looking up, and good timing, too, since I’m sure you’re all sick of me bitching. Recent bike build, including wheels… fun! In what feels like a fairly short time, I’ve come from sitting around … Continue reading → […]
- This Raised My PulseHey, baby… wanna ride? I may be injured, but I’m not dead yet. I can still have racy thoughts. Here’s more info. In other news, UBI was an awesome success! I had a blast. I highly recommend it. Overhaul day…. … Continue reading → […]
- Time for a Turnaround
- Edgy Veggie
Wildfire danger lower this year, but still serious
Sean McCaffrey of the Roosevelt National Forest fire crew digs a line around the West Creek Fire west of Glen Haven last year. The fire, which burned about an acre of steep, rocky terrain, was sparked by a lightning strike. | Photo: Walt Hester, Estes Park Trail Gazette
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) — Gov. Bill Ritter says wetter than usual conditions have reduced the fire danger this year but the state is ready if there is a major wildfire on the Western Slope.
Officials have warned that the continuing bark beetle infestation has left Colorado’s high country at risk of a major fire.
National Guard Staff Sgt. Mark Belo said Thursday at the state’s annual wildfire briefing that helicopters are on standby to head to the mountains if residents need to be rescued.
“You’re going to have towns that are completely surrounded” if there is a major fire, Belo said.
Ritter said Colorado could cash in on the natural disaster if the federal government would change the rules and allow the dead wood to be harvested to make biofuels that could produce electricity.
The pine beetle epidemic, which hit Colorado in 1996, has spread to more than 3,000 square miles in the state.
The beetles burrow into trees to lay eggs, leaving behind a deadly fungus that rots out trees and makes them vulnerable to fire.
