Into The Woods: Restrictions Ease

Forest Service Opens Campgrounds

Starting today June 1, the Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche (PSICC) National Grasslands will begin re-opening some recreational facilities in a phased approach, allowing the agency to remain responsive to local conditions. For a full list of open areas and up-to-date information on re-openings, visit the forests and grasslands website. In a press release distributed to media outlets on Friday, the agency is committed to maximizing public access to the national forests and grasslands while ensuring the physical, emotional, and psychological safety and well-being of its employees.

“While we understand there may be some excitement to return to these recreation areas, there may be limited services or spaces available,” says Diana M. Trujillo, forest and grassland supervisor. “We ask that visitors please continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines on staying safe and practice good hygiene and social distancing wherever they choose to visit.”

Visitors are asked to stay as local as possible when choosing a site to visit and to pack out everything they bring, especially trash. Visitors are also urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with local health and safety guidance.

The campers have arrived at Turquoise Lake in Leadville Today!

June 1 Brings New Fire Restriction for USFS

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will remain until replaced or rescinded to enhance public and firefighter safety, protect natural and cultural resources and help minimize human-caused wildfires. It is important to check with the local county you plan to visit as many also have fire and recreational shooting restrictions in place.

Under Stage 1 fire restrictions, forest visitors may not:

• Build or maintain a fire or use charcoal, coal or wood stoves, except in permanent fire pits or fire grates within a developed recreation site (e.g., campgrounds where fees are charged).
• Smoke, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all flammable materials.
• Use any internal or external combustion engine (including chainsaws) without a spark arresting device properly working and a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and a round point shovel.
• Weld or operate acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher.
• Use explosives, including fireworks.

Responsible recreation will help expand access to facilities, services and other opportunities. Our offices are closed, but we are providing virtual services via email or phone.

Contact information for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands is available online.

BLM Program Impacts Burros

This news bit is for all those burro-lovers in Leadville Today – and who isn’t? Last month on May 12 it was announced in Washington, D.C. that there was a surge in funding – $21 million of additional taxpayer dollars for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Wild Horse and Burro Management Program – will be used for the removal of 20,000-30,000 wild horses and burros from federal lands this year and each year for many years to come. The program is a hot-topic item however, some of the burros and wild horses can be adopted. Albeit a somewhat complicated process, it has been done in the past and some of those beautiful beasts of burden have found a home right here at The Ass Ranch near Leadville Today. If you’re interested, here are some links:

• Full Press Release
• Congressional Report and History of Program
• Story of The Ass Ranch in Leadville

Burro Seetpea and friends ham it up for the camera during a recent visit to The Ass Ranch. Photo: Leadville Today.

Solvista Offers Substance Use Program

Solvista Health in Leadville understands that 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime and that everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. As people emerge from quarantine situations which may have triggered certain stressors for people struggling with addiction issues, it’s good to know there are practical tools that everyone can use to improve mental health and increase resiliency. There are also ways that friends, family, and co-workers can be supportive of those who are struggling with life’s challenges.

This week Julie Zavage, LCSW, LAC, supervisor on our Substance Use Disorder team, talks to people who may have an addiction, or a loved one with an addiction, and some important things to know about substance abuse.

Mental Health Minute

Follow the Solvista Health Facebook Page, to see posts offering tools to thrive. One of the easiest tools anyone can use is taking a mental health screen at, Solvista Health Free Screening when they need answers. It’s a quick, free, and private way for people to assess their mental health and recognize signs of problems.

Another great way to develop #Tools2Thrive is by joining one of their Free Virtual Support Groups via Zoom. The groups are open to anyone in the community and have a range of topics including: Parenting During COVID-19; Physical Activity and Wellness; Substance Abuse and Recovery; Music; Grief Recovery; Cooking; Homework Help for Students; and more. To get more information or to join a group, call us at 719-275-2351. For each person, the tools needed to keep mentally healthy will be unique.

Finding what works for you may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes. By developing your own #Tools2Thrive, it is possible to find a balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, and physical health and mental health. Remember, Solvista Health is always here for you 24/7, just call 719-275-2351. Crisis help is also available through Colorado Crisis Services by calling, 1- 844-493-8255, or text “TALK” to 38255 to connect with someone.