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In Brief: Rio Grande ponds re-open; Hanging Lake trail improvements; Aspen Schools promote from within

Spill contained, ponds open again

The Rio Grande Park and John Denver Sanctuary ponds have been reopened to the public. The city of Aspen Engineering, Streets, Water, and Parks departments have worked to stop the movement of an overspray of asphalt tackifier at the Spring and Cooper paving project, city officials said.  

Spill kits, absorbent socks, and booms were used to contain the product within the ponds. A vacuum truck was also used to remove any remaining material in the stormwater inlets. At this time, no long-term impacts to the Roaring Fork River or vegetation are expected, officials said. 

Hanging Lake Trail in line for improvements

On Friday, the White River National Forest approved a handful of improvements to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Hanging Lake Trail.



With trail improvements and ecological restoration set to begin this fall, the approved project includes re-engineering six of the trail’s seven bridges to better accommodate high water and debris flows, a news release states. Two of the bridges will also be slightly relocated to crossing locations that provide better stream clearance.

The improvements are funded by the Great Outdoors Colorado, Colorado Parks and Wildlife State Trails Program, the National Forest Foundation, city of Glenwood Springs, and the U.S. Forest Service. The project will look to increase the Hanging Lake Trail’s long-term sustainability following the significant damage it faced following the 2021 debris flows in Glenwood Canyon.




“This work would not be possible without the support of our partners,” White River National Forest Supervisor Scott Fitzwilliams said in the release. “These repairs and improvements will ensure that we continue to provide a world-class visitor experience at this iconic Colorado location for decades to come.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, improvements taking place will include:

  • A boardwalk at Spouting Rock to reduce erosion and other impacts by guiding visitors
  • Rock work and flood debris removal
  • Seeding and planting by hand along the trail to stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion 
  • Removal of Debris and reconstruction of the stream channel 
  • Construction of an accessible plaza with seating and shade

Work is expected to begin in September 2023 and continue through fall 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says trail closures could be necessary as work progresses. For further information regarding the improvements to the Hanging Lake Trail, visit fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63318.

Two team up to lead technology at Aspen School District

Aspen School District has promoted within for newly-created co-director positions overseeing all aspects of technology in the district, the district announced.

Kinberly Zimmer will oversee technology instructional development, where she will continue to support teachers and students with their use of educational technology across all grades in all schools.
Aspen School District/Courtesy photo

Kimberly Zimmer and Jason Pfeifer have been promoted to co-directors of learning and lnnovation. Zimmer will oversee technology instructional development, where she will continue to support teachers and students with their use of educational technology across all grades in all schools. She will also lead professional development for teachers around topics such as ChatGPT, artificial intelligence technology, and other classroom technology tools.

Jason Pfeifer will focus on the technical side of technology operations, which is directing, overseeing, and evaluating IT services including planning, purchasing, maintenance, telecommunication systems, video, email, network systems, data warehouse, database systems, software, and hardware.
Aspen School District/Courtesy photo

She will work with the International Baccalaureate coordinators to integrate technology into the curriculum. Among her new duties is overseeing the purchasing of online educational subscriptions, budgeting for instructional technology, and making decisions on which devices and peripherals are used in the district.

Pfeifer, an Aspen High School graduate, will focus on the technical side of technology operations, which is directing, overseeing, and evaluating IT services including planning, purchasing, maintenance, telecommunication systems, video, email, network systems, data warehouse, database systems, software, and hardware. 

It made sense to create co-director positions where each director can dive in and focus on instruction and operations, said Superintendent Dave Baugh. 

To round out the technology team, a third technology support specialist has been added to the roster, putting one dedicated tech support specialist in each of the three schools.

“Our students and teachers are moving at lightning speed, and we need our Tech Team to be right there with them,” Baugh said. “We are looking forward to seeing this team’s work and their experience drive our curriculum and operations into a world class status.”

Voss awarded destination marketing recognition

Eliza Voss, vice president of destination marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, has been awarded the Certified Destination Management Executive designation through Destinations International

The CDME program is the only industry certification program specifically designed for destination management and marketing professionals and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The program is designed to prepare destination organization professionals to leverage their experience and apply their knowledge with a focus on vision, leadership, productivity, and implementing business strategies.

liza Voss is the vice president of destination marketing for the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
Courtesy photo

She joins Debbie Braun, president and CEO of the Chamber Resort Association, who achieved CDME certification in 2015. CDME certification for key staff members is part of ACRA’s Strategic Plan and one component of the process for the organization receiving the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program certification in 2019, which will be renewed this year.

For more information at destinationsinternational.org.

Garfield County wants to sit down with state transportation leaders over traffic

Garfield County has sent the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) a letter requesting roundtable meetings with local governments to discuss forecasted growth in the area and the impact it will have on a congested road system.

The letter, which was addressed to CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew, cites increasing population projections and the need for a “safer, more efficient, and reliable multi-modal transportation system for the I-70 and State Highway 82 corridors.”

“According to population and employment forecasts, particularly along the I-70 corridor, Garfield County’s population is estimated to grow by 40%, from 62,000 residents in 2020, to 86,000 in 2040,” the county’s letter notes. “The number of jobs in Garfield County will increase by 40% over the same time period, from an estimated 36,000 jobs to 51,000.”

In recent years, local roadways have also experienced disruptions due to natural disasters, such as wildfire, debris flows, rockslides, and more, further impacting already heavy traffic flows. 

“It seems vital to us that CDOT, the most important transportation stakeholder in our region and the state, be involved in, and, ideally, facilitate a series of transportation roundtable meetings for local governments in Garfield County,” the letter states.

The letter was approved unanimously by the Board of County Commissioners, 3-0, and signed by the board, and is expected to be signed by the towns of Parachute, Silt, New Castle, and Carbondale, and the cities of Rifle and Glenwood Springs. The letter can be read on the county’s website.

Sopris Lodge names new executive director

Sopris Lodge at Carbondale, a WellAge Senior Living-managed retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care residences, has named Stephen Hook executive director.

In this role, he will oversee Sopris Lodge’s day-to-day operations, ensure customer satisfaction, and provide comprehensive leadership in resident care, staff development, and regulatory compliance.

Stephen Hook
Courtesy photo

Hook has worked in long-term care for 15 years. Having started as a recreation director, he completed a specialized training program through WellAge’s sister company, Vivage Senior Living, before becoming a nursing home administrator. He has a bachelor’s degree in adaptive recreation and a master’s in project management.

Sound immersion event at Carbondale Library in June

Ildi Ingraham will present a Sound Immersion at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the Carbondale Branch Library.

Organizers explain the experience as deep peace and bliss a while listening to the healing sounds of crystal and metal singing bowls, gong, and chimes. Bring a mat, pillow, blanket, and anything else to be comfortable. This event is free and open to all. For more information, call the library at 970-963-2889.

Pace of auto thefts falls in first quarter

The first quarter of 2023 shows a 22% decline in auto theft versus 2022, the state police reported this past week. The Q1 numbers of auto theft occurrences resemble numbers from 2020.

“The noticeable decline of auto theft is a testament to the resiliency of our citizens and the collaborative effort of many law enforcement and key partners across the state,” said Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “However, now is no time to rest and relax your vehicle securities. CATPA and the Colorado State Patrol ask you to continue to stay in this fight to reduce auto theft and overall crime in your communities.”

Auto theft is a catalyst crime that often sets off a chain reaction of other crimes, according to the state police, citing as examples burglaries, smash-and-grab robberies, reckless driving, eluding, drug crimes, and weapons offenses.

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