Day: July 3, 2010

Gunnison: Gunnison District Court Judge Steven Patrick has reappointed George Sibley and Dennis Steckel to the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District

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From the Crested Butte News (Mark Reaman):

In his ruling, Patrick said the court had received numerous letters of recommendation to reappoint Steckel. It was pointed out that he had served as a “mentor” to many new board members and this was a positive attribute he brought to the board. Patrick said Sibley too brought knowledge, familiarity and experience to the board. Patrick lauded Spencer as being qualified to sit on the UGRWCD but chose to go with tenure. He has also reappointed directors Brett Redden and Steve Schechter to the board.

More Gunnison River Basin coverage here.

Colorado College: 2010 State of the Rockies Report Card

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Agriculture is the focus of this year’s report card. Click here to get your copy to read under the cottonwoods down by the creek this weekend.

Thanks to New West (Jill Kuraitis) for the heads up. From the article:

Colorado College’s 2010 State of the Rockies report, now in its eighth year of research and reporting on issues that define our lives in the mountain west, is focused on agriculture. The report provides the statistical overview of the region’s industry, but also delves deep into agricultural history, land and water use, demographics, production, finance, organization, and a “foodprint” of Rockies’ agriculture, according to project leaders.

States defined as part of the Rockies are Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and Idaho.

The average age of farm operators in the U.S. has increased from 52 to 57 years old, and only between 1 and 6 percent earn all their income from farming. In the Rockies, female farmers have increased by 257 percent. Ethnic diversity among farm owners and operators is also trending upward.