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SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE

News for San Juan Public Landsemployees, retirees & partners

Winter-Spring 2011

San Juan Public Lands People

San Juan National Forest,BLM San Juan Center, and

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Eaton Named New Canyons of the Ancients ManagerEaton Named New Canyons of the Ancients ManagerEaton Named New Canyons of the Ancients ManagerEaton Named New Canyons of the Ancients ManagerEaton Named New Canyons of the Ancients ManagerDOLORES - Marietta Eaton, who is currently the National Landscape Conservation

System (NLCS) Science Coordinator in the BLM Washington Office, will report to theAnasazi Heritage Center this spring as the new Canyons of the Ancients National

Monument Manager.In Washington, Marietta has been responsible for building the NLCS foundational

science program, which initiated funding for more than 100 diverse science projectsacross the country. She has worked on several national initiatives, including climate

change, landscape conservation cooperatives, healthy lands assessments, inventoryand monitoring strategy, and served as liaison to the Recreation Visitor Services Team.

Marietta holds a Bachelor ’s degree in Anthropology from Northern Arizona University,

where she also completed course work on a Master’s in Anthropology/Archaeology.She enjoys hiking, camping, gardening and reading. Her daughter, Savanna Davenport,

25, lives in Portland, Oregon.Marietta is excited to move back west and to work on meeting the challenges of

protecting the cultural resources of Canyons of the Ancients and working closely withpartners and the local community.

“I look forward to working with local governments and embracing opportunities to

continue the success of existing partnerships while creating new and novel ones, shesays.

Marietta’s career spans both the BLM and USFS. She has been in her NLCS positionsince 2008. From 1997 to 2008, she worked in several capacities at the BLM Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

including Science Program Administrator, Assistant Monument Manager for Cultural & Earth Sciences, Acting ScienceProgram Administrator, Acting Public Affairs Officer and Planning Team Lead for Cultural & Earth Sciences. From 1979 to1997, Marietta worked as Archaeologist on the Coconino, Kaibab and Sequoia NFs.

“I am delighted to be coming to Canyons of the Ancients and the Anasazi Heritage Center,” Marietta says. “The release the Resource Management Plan last year makes this an opportune time to join in the work of its implementation with the

outstanding staff, volunteers and partners.” - Ann Bond



22222 SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE

PUBLIC LANDS CENTER NEWS

Brian to Head RecreationBrian to Head RecreationBrian to Head RecreationBrian to Head RecreationBrian to Head RecreationDURANGO - Brian White is the San Juan’s new Recreation and Wilderness

Program Lead overseeing USFS and BLM recreation programs. Most recently hewas the BLM Coeur d’Alene Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner.

Brian started his federal career in 1997 on the Wenatchee NF as a ForestryTechnician. He later worked as a Park Ranger for the BLM Yuma Field Office in

Arizona and Dillon Field Office in Montana. He was an Outdoor Recreation Planner

for the BLM Hollister Field Office before moving to Coeur d’Alene in 2006.Brian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Environmental Science from

California State University, Chico, and a Master’s degree in Natural ResourceManagement from Central Washington University. He is a certified “Leave No Trace”

Trainer.He and wife, Cortney, have a 20-month-old daughter, Sophia. They enjoy family

outdoor activities together, while Brian also indulges in more extreme outdoor sports

In addition to gardening, landscaping and home improvement, he has worked as apersonal fitness trainer.

“I’m excited about the diversity, complexity, and high level of public interest and

participation in the recreational resources on the San Juan,” Brian says.- Ann Bond

Laurie Y. LeavingLaurie Y. LeavingLaurie Y. LeavingLaurie Y. LeavingLaurie Y. LeavingDURANGO - Laurie Yeager, San Juan NF Facilities Engineer since 2000, is leaving

to become the Facilities Engineer on the Arapaho-Roosevelt NFs and Pawnee National Grassland. Laurie started on the San Juan in 1990 working on entry-leveengineering projects and joined the Capital Improvement Program Design Team in1992. In 1995 she moved to Facilities, which has continued to be her area of focus

Laurie has also spearheaded the San Juan’s work on integrating sustainable products and practices into its administrative facilities.

“I am especially proud of the utility bill cleanup work I did on the San Juan, whichresulted in an annual savings of $32,000, and which is now taking place within theagency on a national scale,” she says.

Laurie’s federal career over the past 23 years began with an assignment underthe Student Career Experience Program on the Routt NF in 1988. During this timshe also worked as a BLM Fire Dispatcher and Firefighter in Wyoming and as a Forestry Tech on a Timber Thinning Crew on the Shoshone NF.

Laurie holds two Bachelor’s degrees; one in Civil Engineering from the Universityof Wyoming, and one in Biological Sciences from the University of Nebraska. Sheand teenage daughters, Ally and Emma, look forward to living in Fort Collins.

“I value the friendships I have made and the adventures I have experienced on the San Juan,” Laurie says. “Leaving isbittersweet after 20 years, but I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead.”

- Ann Bond



33333SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE


Elysia Hired as Student TraineeElysia Hired as Student TraineeElysia Hired as Student TraineeElysia Hired as Student TraineeElysia Hired as Student Trainee

Laurie B. Lands New PositionLaurie B. Lands New PositionLaurie B. Lands New PositionLaurie B. Lands New PositionLaurie B. Lands New Position

Meet the TrujillosMeet the TrujillosMeet the TrujillosMeet the TrujillosMeet the TrujillosDURANGO - Gabe and Jenn Trujillo are new in the San Juan PLC Fluid Minerals

Department. Gabe is working as a Petroleum Engineer Tech (PET), and his wife,Jenn, is working as a Production Accountability Technician (PAT).

Jenn is responsible for conducting production accountability audits of federaland Indian oil and gas leases, agreements, and units. Gabe’s job is to ensure thatoil and gas operations are in compliance and that surface and subsurface resourcesare protected, as well as public health and safety. He also makes sure productiois properly handled, and accurately measured and reported.

Gabe began his BLM career in 2002 at the BLM Farmington Field Office, where hewas certified as a PET in 2004. He transferred to the BLM Buffalo Field Office inWyoming in 2006, where Jenn worked as Legal Assistant and Office Automation

Clerk.The Trujillos have family in the Four Corners and enjoy outdoor activities with

their three dogs: Turbo, a shih tzu; Bart, a yellow lab, and Shady, a black lab.- Ann Bond

DURANGO - Laurie Ball, former San Juan Administrative Support Clerk, is nowAdministrative Operations Assistant working in Human Resources, Safety and otherAdministrative projects.

“I’m excited to start something new,” she says. “I think it will be challengingLaurie started her USFS career in 1985 at the Rocky Mountain Research Station in

Fort Collins as a Forms and Supply Clerk. She worked on the Arapaho and RooseveltNFs first as Visitor Information Technician, then as the Forest Supervisor’s Secretary for 11 years. Laurie later worked part time while raising her daughter.

She and husband, Mark Ball, San Juan Wildlife Program Manager, moved to Durangoin 2002. Since then Laurie has worked in Budget and Finance and as Human Re-sources Assistant. In 2007, she became Administrative Support Clerk.

Laurie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from the University of FloridaShe and Mark have a daughter, Lindsay, 20, who was recently engaged to be mar-ried, and a dachshund, Gracie, who “runs the house,” Laurie says. - Ann Bond

DURANGO - Elysia Retzlaff is working in Planning and Public Services in the PLCas a Student Trainee under the Student Career Experience Program. Prior to now,she has worked with Kelly Palmer as a Mountain Studies Institute intern on the SanJuan’s Hydrology Crew, and for the San Juan under contract as a Planning Assistant.

Elysia’s new duties include assisting with the Plan Revision, compiling the quar-terly Schedule of Proposed Actions (SOPA), managing the NEPA library, posting LegaNotices, assisting with the Secure Rural Schools Resource Advisory Committee, andhelping with Freedom of Information Act requests. She’ll also be performing minesite surveys and water sampling for the Abandoned Mined Lands Program.

“I am absolutely thrilled,” Elysia says. “It’s a great feeling to find a job doingsomething you find interesting and enjoyable.”

Elysia moved to Durango in 2009 from Salt Lake City, where she studied at theUniversity of Utah and worked as a GIS technician for the Energy and GeoscienceInstitute.

Elysia holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Geography and GIS and is working towards a Mastersdegree in Natural Resources, with an emphasis in NEPA, through Utah State University. She enjoys traveling (that’s Moun

Everest in the picture behind her), backpacking, mountain biking, snowboarding and croquet. - Ann Bond




COLUMBINE NEWS

Ivan Hired in HydrologyIvan Hired in HydrologyIvan Hired in HydrologyIvan Hired in HydrologyIvan Hired in HydrologyDURANGO - Ivan Geroy, who worked on the San Juan under the Student Career

Experience Program, has been hired as a hydrologist assisting Kelly Palmer, SanJuan Air and Water Program Lead. Ivan recently received his Masters in Civil Engi

neering with a water resources emphasis from Boise State University.Last summer, Ivan helped engineering staff with the South Mineral Creek culvertproject. Now he’s helping with data collection and preparation related to waterrights cases. He’s also working for the districts on various NEPA projects.

Ivan worked as a seasonal hydrological technician for the Natural Resources Conservation Service on snowpack telemetry during the summer of 2008. He enjoysrafting, skiing, backpacking and hunting.

“Since moving to Durango I’ve also taken up mountain biking and purchased amotorcycle,” he says. “I’m excited to be starting my career on the San Juan andlook forward to learning from all of the staff.” - Ann Bond

Neil Heads to Mesa VerdeNeil Heads to Mesa VerdeNeil Heads to Mesa VerdeNeil Heads to Mesa VerdeNeil Heads to Mesa Verde

Tae New in WildlifeTae New in WildlifeTae New in WildlifeTae New in WildlifeTae New in WildlifeBAYFIELD - Tae Hillyes has joined Columbine as a Wildlife Biology Technician

He is a 2010 graduate of Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor’s degree inEnvironmental Biology. Tae served eight years in the U.S. Army as a groundsurveillance system operator and worked as a data processor for Uranium Onewhile working on his degree.

His duties will include work on various wildlife-related projects, with an emphasison studying the impacts of oil and gas winter operations on the mule deer populationin the Northern San Juan Basin. During his free time Tae enjoys climbing, mountain

biking and snowboarding. - Stan Sparks

BAYFIELD - Neil Perry, former Columbine term BLM Wildlife Biologist, has ac-cepted a biologist position at Mesa Verde National Park. He will be holding downboth GIS and wildlife duties, and writing a new wildlife management plan for thepark.

Neil holds a Master’s degree in Wildlife Science from Texas A & M University anda Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Massachusetts.

Neil’s career has included work for the USFS, Fish and Wildlife Service, Nationa

Park Service, USDA Wildlife Services and Utah Division of Wildlife Resources.- Stan Sparks





Vera Heading SouthVera Heading SouthVera Heading SouthVera Heading SouthVera Heading South

FIRE NEWS

Craig New Air Tanker Base ManagerCraig New Air Tanker Base ManagerCraig New Air Tanker Base ManagerCraig New Air Tanker Base ManagerCraig New Air Tanker Base Manager

Dennis Supervising HelitackDennis Supervising HelitackDennis Supervising HelitackDennis Supervising HelitackDennis Supervising Helitack

DURANGO - Vera Pena, Assistant Center Manager for the Durango InteragencyDispatch Center for the past nine years, is leaving to become Center Manager of theShow Low, Arizona Interagency Dispatch Center. She’ll be supervising eight employ-

ees with the help of two assistant center managers.Vera worked on the San Juan as a seasonal employee in range from 1977 to 1980.She also worked in timber from 1988-2002, then moved into dispatch in 2002.

Vera is most proud of her work in the field building fences, carrying fence postsup mountains, conducting stand exams and timber stand inventories, as well asworking on initial attack crews fighting fires.

“I have been proud to work on the San Juan for all these years,” Vera says. have learned so much about our land through the interaction with everyone in theirrespective areas. It has been my pleasure to serve the public and internal personel.” - Ann Bond

DURANGO - Craig French is the San Juan’s new Air Tanker Base Manager. He comesto us from the Sequoia NF, where he was Assistant Airbase Manager of the PortervilleAirtanker Base.

Craig’s first season with the USFS was in 1979 on the Los Padres NF, where hetrained under the Young Adult Conservation Corps. He went on to work for the LosPrietos Hot Shots and several Engine Modules on the Los Padres, then moved to theSequoia NF as Fire Engine Operator. In 1988 Craig transferred into timber whilecontinuing to work as an Engine Captain, as needed. In 1999 he returned to fire dutyat the Porterville Airtanker Base until now.

Craig was born on a farm in Cortez where his family raised alfalfa and dairy cowsHe enjoys fly fishing, hunting and sail boating. He also owns four guitars, which he

uses, “for therapy and stress relief.” He has two sons Jacob, 22, and Jon, 17, and agranddaughter, Sydnie, 2.

“I look forward to the challenges this position has to offer and the knowledge andperspectives to be gained from the San Juan,” Craig says. – Ann Bond

DURANGO - Dennis Fogel is the San Juan’s new Helitack Supervisorat the Airtanker Base at La Plata Field. This year marks his 22nd seasonin fire and aviation.

Dennis started his USFS career in 1990 on the Bitterroot NF, wherehe spent 10 seasons working with engines, helicopters and the Hotshotcrew. In 2000 he became an engine captain on the Manti La Sal NF.Since then he has worked as helitack captain for the Indianola Heli-Rappel Crew, helitack supervisor for the National Helitack/Salmon Heli-Rappel Program, and Rappel Base manager, providing oversight forfour aircraft and 45 rappellers.

Dennis is currently pursuing certification as a Federal Aviation safetyofficer through the University of California Davis and the System SafetyLeadership for Aviation Managers Program.

He and wife, Janet, have three daughters: Emily, 14; Kirsten, 11;and Macie, 6. The family enjoys biking, skiing, camping, fishing and hunting.

“I’m eager to get involved with the other program areas on the San Juan, and learn about the successes and challengesof land and fire management in the Four Corners,” Dennis says. - Ann Bond




Green Vets Hired for Fire CrewsGreen Vets Hired for Fire CrewsGreen Vets Hired for Fire CrewsGreen Vets Hired for Fire CrewsGreen Vets Hired for Fire CrewsDURANGO – Five of the military veterans, who worked on

the San Juan last season through the Veterans Green Corps,have been hired as San Juan Public Lands firefighters. Three

have been hired by Columbine; the other two will work forDolores and Pagosa, beginning this season.

Lew Sovocool of Madison, Alabama, who served as a combatengineer in the US Army on deployments to Iraq and Afghani-stan, has been hired as a member of the Columbine Handcrew.

Joining Lew on the Columbine Handcrew will be SarahCastaneda of Page, Arizona, who served as a combat medic inthe US Army on a deployment to Iraq, and who is currently inthe New Mexico National Guard.

Ross Schumaker, of Cambridge, Illinois, who served as a light-wheel mechanic and combat water survival instructor in theUS Marine Corps on two deployments to Iraq, will work on theColumbine Engine Crew.

Mike Bremer of Minneapolis, Minnesota, who served as aninfantryman in the US Army on a deployment to Iraq, will workon the Dolores Engine Crew.

Albert Bassett, of Farmington, New Mexico, who served twotours in Iraq as an Army Infantryman and is currently in theNew Mexico National Guard, will work on the Pagosa EngineCrew.

The veterans were originally hired and trained in 2009 by the Southwest Conservation Corps under the Veterans GreenCorps to conduct hand thinning and pile burning on San Juan Public Lands. They have also received additiona fire trainingfrom the San Juan Public Lands Center. - Ann Bond

Ross Schumaker with the Veterans Green Corps , lights a burnRoss Schumaker with the Veterans Green Corps , lights a burnRoss Schumaker with the Veterans Green Corps , lights a burnRoss Schumaker with the Veterans Green Corps , lights a burnRoss Schumaker with the Veterans Green Corps , lights a burn

pile on BLM lands near Durango this winter. Over the ppile on BLM lands near Durango this winter. Over the ppile on BLM lands near Durango this winter. Over the ppile on BLM lands near Durango this winter. Over the ppile on BLM lands near Durango this winter. Over the pthree months, fire crews have burned about 5,000 slash pilesthree months, fire crews have burned about 5,000 slash pilesthree months, fire crews have burned about 5,000 slash pilesthree months, fire crews have burned about 5,000 slash pilesthree months, fire crews have burned about 5,000 slash pileson the Columbine District. All units, as well as the Veteraon the Columbine District. All units, as well as the Veteraon the Columbine District. All units, as well as the Veteraon the Columbine District. All units, as well as the Veteraon the Columbine District. All units, as well as the VeteraGreen Corps, pitched in to help. Columbine Burn Boss HonGreen Corps, pitched in to help. Columbine Burn Boss HonGreen Corps, pitched in to help. Columbine Burn Boss HonGreen Corps, pitched in to help. Columbine Burn Boss HonGreen Corps, pitched in to help. Columbine Burn Boss HonSchlapfer estimates another 3,000 piles remain to be torchedSchlapfer estimates another 3,000 piles remain to be torchedSchlapfer estimates another 3,000 piles remain to be torchedSchlapfer estimates another 3,000 piles remain to be torchedSchlapfer estimates another 3,000 piles remain to be torched

FIRE NEWS

Rowdy W. RetiresRowdy W. RetiresRowdy W. RetiresRowdy W. RetiresRowdy W. RetiresDURANGO - Jeff “Rowdy” Welsh, Helicopte

Manager for Durango Helitack for 14 years, retired thiswinter after 34 years with the USFS.

Rowdy started his USFS career working on a hand

crew with the Willamette NF in 1978. In the 1980s, heworked as a Rigdon rappeller, on the Redmond

Interagency Hot Shot Crew, and as foreman with theWolf Creek Hot Shots.

In the 1990s, he served details as a helicoptemanager in La Grande, Oregon and with the John Day

rappellers. He went on to work for 10 years as a fieldcoordinator and prescribed burn boss with thePrescribed Fire Training Center.

“I love the forests, adventure, and travel, so this wasthe perfect career choice for me,” he says.

His retirement plans include moving back to his homein Oakridge, Oregon, travel and visiting family in the

Northwest. He also plans to partake in all the hunting, fishing and camping he didn’t have time to do while working.

“I will miss fire fighting and all the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure to work with,” Rowdy says. “Very few careersoffer the opportunity to work with people who have a real passion for what they do.”

Rowdy says he is most proud during his career for helping build Durango Helitack into “one of the best helitack programsin the country.”

- Ann Bond

Pictured with the Durango Helitack Crew is the now retired RowdyPictured with the Durango Helitack Crew is the now retired RowdyPictured with the Durango Helitack Crew is the now retired RowdyPictured with the Durango Helitack Crew is the now retired RowdyPictured with the Durango Helitack Crew is the now retired RowdyWelsh, fifth from left in the back row (in a tank top).Welsh, fifth from left in the back row (in a tank top).Welsh, fifth from left in the back row (in a tank top).Welsh, fifth from left in the back row (in a tank top).Welsh, fifth from left in the back row (in a tank top).




PAGOSA NEWS

Volunteers Adopt Forest RoadsVolunteers Adopt Forest RoadsVolunteers Adopt Forest RoadsVolunteers Adopt Forest RoadsVolunteers Adopt Forest Roads

District Hosts Avalanche TrainingDistrict Hosts Avalanche TrainingDistrict Hosts Avalanche TrainingDistrict Hosts Avalanche TrainingDistrict Hosts Avalanche Training

Britton Leaves for ColumbineBritton Leaves for ColumbineBritton Leaves for ColumbineBritton Leaves for ColumbineBritton Leaves for Columbine

PAGOSA – The Pagosa Ranger District hosted a course in basicavalanche safety and awareness in January for about a dozen of itsfield-going employees and volunteers. The course was led by Case

Bristow, who teaches for the Wolf Creek Avalanche School.A classroom session covered tools for avalanche safety, such asforecast websites, safety equipment and procedures to follow whenin the backcountry.

The participants then headed to a high-elevation area near theLobo parking lot off US Highway 160 north of Wolf Creek Pass topractice hands-on training in winter search and rescue, includingthe use of avalanche beacons, shovels and probes.

The area near the Lobo parking lot has been designated as anavalanche beacon training park and is open to the public.

- Brandy Richardson

BAYFIELD - Britton Quinlan, Pagosa Fuels Crew Supervisor, is moving to Columbine as theInitial Attack Handcrew Supervisor, where he’ll supervise the hand crew and help with fuelsreduction.

Britton began his USFS career in 2001 in his hometown of Payson, Arizona, with the TontoNF Hotshots. He also worked with the Tonto NF Heli-rappellers, on the Bridgeport RappelCrew, for the Kaibab Helitack-Rappel and as a North Cascades Smokejumper.

Britton holds a Bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University in Parks and RecreationManagement. He and his wife, Cheri, an Assistant Engine Captain for Pagosa, love outdooractivities and visiting family in Arizona and New Mexico.

“I’m excited to learn a new district and have the opportunity to teach and train newwildland firefighters,” Britton says. - Brandy Richardson

Seasonals John Bosma and Ben McCary practice efficientSeasonals John Bosma and Ben McCary practice efficientSeasonals John Bosma and Ben McCary practice efficientSeasonals John Bosma and Ben McCary practice efficientSeasonals John Bosma and Ben McCary practice efficientdigging techniques for rescuing avalanche victims.digging techniques for rescuing avalanche victims.digging techniques for rescuing avalanche victims.digging techniques for rescuing avalanche victims.digging techniques for rescuing avalanche victims.

PAGOSA SPRINGS – The San Juan Public Lands “Adopt a Road” Program putsvolunteer ambassadors on National Forest roads performing trash pickup, partialculvert maintenance, road condition surveys, fire pit maintenance and removal,and service as monitors.

Coordinator Patti Brady started the program 10 years ago under a partnershipbetween the San Juan Mountains Association and the USFS/BLM. “I’m so proudof our volunteers who put in many hours monitoring public lands roads and trails,”she says. Volunteer Jim Lesch of Pagosa Springs, a retired military and commer-

cial airlines pilot, added“Adopt a Road” to a long listof volunteer positions he holdsin the community.

“Since I was already spend-ing time on Eight Mile Mesa, I jumped at the opportunity to help withthe Adopt-A-Road Program, while enjoying the great outdoors,” he says

Roger Amyx, a Durango native who now lives in Farmington, patrolsforest roads with his wife, Terry, and their friends in the Kenney Flatsarea, where his father once owned a ranch. ”We really enjoy cleaningcampsites, roads, and watching what goes on,” Roger says. “It makes usfeel like we are giving a little back for using the forest.” - Ann BondRoger Amyx and friends patrol the Kenney FlatsRoger Amyx and friends patrol the Kenney FlatsRoger Amyx and friends patrol the Kenney FlatsRoger Amyx and friends patrol the Kenney FlatsRoger Amyx and friends patrol the Kenney Flats

and Valle Seco roads.and Valle Seco roads.and Valle Seco roads.and Valle Seco roads.and Valle Seco roads.

Jim Lesch patrols forest roads on EightJim Lesch patrols forest roads on EightJim Lesch patrols forest roads on EightJim Lesch patrols forest roads on EightJim Lesch patrols forest roads on EightMile Mesa with Rocky.Mile Mesa with Rocky.Mile Mesa with Rocky.Mile Mesa with Rocky.Mile Mesa with Rocky.




End of an Era - Lloyd RetiresEnd of an Era - Lloyd RetiresEnd of an Era - Lloyd RetiresEnd of an Era - Lloyd RetiresEnd of an Era - Lloyd Retires

DOLORES NEWS

MANCOS - Lloyd McNeil was paid tribute this winter at a surprise retirementparty to honor a remarkable career spanning six decades. About 150 peopshowed up to recognize Lloyd, with more than half the attendees representing

community-based organizations.Lloyd spent his entire career on the San Juan NF, starting first on the old

Mancos RD in 1969 in Developed Recreation and finishing up as Trail Foremanfor the Dolores Public Lands Office. Over the years, he also served in law en-forcement, visitor Information services and as a para-professional archeologisfor both offices.

Lloyd also served special details as a para-professional archeologist surveying beetle kill on the Stanislaus NF and helping with reconstruction of the TonyGrove Guard Station on the Wasatch NF.

Lloyd graduated from Fort Lewis College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Anthropology. In the late 1980s, he was instrumental in th‘Save Jersey Jim Fire Lookout Tower ‘movement and has served on the JerseyJim Foundation board since its conception.

Lloyd is proud of helping to rename the San Juan’s former Thompson ParkCampground to reflect its cultural heritage. Based on information from the UteTribe and his own observations of scarred pines, he learned that the Utes calledthe area Ivikukuch, which means Target Tree.

The campground was formally renamed in 1988, and an interpretive sign installed in recognition of its history. Membersof the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes took part in a dedication ceremony held at the campground. Lloycontinued to hold annual picnics for tribal elders and their families for several years.

Lloyd’s love of conservation and hard work was a perfect match for his relationship with the Southwest ConservationCorps, where he is remembered for his love of natural resources, instilling a work ethic in young people, and playing hisukulele and award-winning whistling.

This also holds true of the hundreds of scouts Lloyd instructed over his 40-year span as a Wood Badge Instructor, alongwith his conservation education work with local school groups for the USFS.

Other proud moments in Lloyd’s career include the Glade Guard Station fence reconstruction project, and his workingrelationship with the Mesa Verde Backcountry Horsemen and other agency partners. Lloyd and wife Clara plan to build anew house and spend time traveling to visit their 10 kids and 23 grandchildren. - Toni Kelly

SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLESAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE is published by the San Juan’s Public Affairs Officewith the help of Visitor Information Specialists in Bayfield, Dolores and Pagosa Springs.Professional proofreading provided by Elizabeth Haydon, San Juan Executive Assistant.

Read this and past issues online on the ‘About Us’ page of our Web site:

www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuanwww.fs.usda.gov/sanjuanwww.fs.usda.gov/sanjuanwww.fs.usda.gov/sanjuanwww.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan




DOLORES NEWS

Kevin New in TimberKevin New in TimberKevin New in TimberKevin New in TimberKevin New in Timber

Tom Named AssociateTom Named AssociateTom Named AssociateTom Named AssociateTom Named Associate

Bob RetiresBob RetiresBob RetiresBob RetiresBob RetiresDOLORES - Bob Ball, BLM Rangeland and Wild Horse Manager

for the Dolores Public Lands Office, has retired after 32 yearsof federal service.

For the past six years, Bob has worked with the Spring Creek

Wild Horse Management Area. Prior to that, he worked in rangefor 13 years.Bob started with the BLM’s San Juan Field Office in Durango

in 1995, working initially in wildlife, handling plant and animalThreatened and Endangered Species clearances and invento-ries.

Prior to his work on the San Juan, Bob was a BLM RangelandManagement Specialist in Taos and Farmington, New Mexico.He also worked as a BLM Natural Resource Specialist inFarmington early in his career.

Bob holds a Bachelor’s degree in Range Science from TexasA&M.

- Ann Bond

DOLORES - Tom Rice, who has been serving a detail as the Dolores PublicLands Office Associate Field Manager/Deputy District Ranger since last year, hasbeen named permanently to that position. He’ll be working with staff on severa

issues and projects, including abandoned mined lands, fluid and solid mineralsrenewable energy, realty and lands, wild horses and cultural resources.

Tom came to the DPLO in 2007 as a Natural Resource Specialist in the oil andgas program. Prior to that, he was the Director of the Ute Mountain Ute TribaEnvironmental Protection Program and Natural Resource Division Head for theTribe.

Tom has lived and worked in the Four Corners Region since 1986 and is agraduate of Fort Lewis College. He and wife, Kelly McAndrews, an archaeologistfor Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants, have a young son and daughter,Blair and Willa.

“I look forward to my continued work with the top-notch staff here, as well asthe challenges that are part of this position,” Tom says. - Ann Bond

DOLORES - Kevin McAlpin is the newest member of the DPLO timber shopKevin will be leading the seasonal marking crew in laying out timber salesand fuels projects, as well as working on thinning projects.

Originally from Myrtle Point, Oregon, Kevin graduated from Oregon StateUniversity in 2007 with a degree in Natural Resources. He most recently workedas a fire module leader for two seasons for the Manti-LaSal NF in Ferron,Utah. Prior to his experience in Utah, Kevin worked on the Dolores PublicLands seasonal timber marking crew.

In his spare time, Kevin’s enjoys hiking, mountain biking, rafting, playingguitar, watching movies, and spending time with his dog, Whiskey.- Toni Kelly




DOLORES NEWS

DOLORES – Cara MacMillan, Dolores Public Lands Office Ecologist, was therecipient this winter of the U.S. Department of Interior Partners in ConservationAward. Cara was recognized for her work through the BLM Seeds of Success

Partnership, which coordinates banking of native seeds and restoration of na-tive plant communities.

Cara is working to solve an ecological challenge through the creation of a newcommercial market. With funding from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, she and her crew have established 30 sites to monitor life cycles of 14hardy early- to mid-successional native plants. Seeds collected are being sent tothe USFS Bend Seed Extractory, where they are cleaned, counted and treated.

Plans are to use these species to revegetate arid public lands following dis-turbance, because past reclamation efforts with later successional native plantshave met with mixed success. Some of the native plants under study are purplethree-awn, yellow owl-clover, bulbous spring parsley, Louisiana sagewort, wildtobacco and wooly plantain.

Although Cara’s research indicates some reclaimed sites may only be capable

of sustaining the pioneer species, she believes this would be preferable to dis-turbed sites remaining barren or being invaded by noxious weeds. She also hopesthe pioneer plants will retain and improve soils enough to eventually be able to

accommodate later successional plants.Cara is also working on an economic analysis to test whether the native pioneer seeds can be produced as a commercia

product for reclamation purposes by both the public and private sectors. With the help of Southwest Seed, Inc. of Dolores,the first test plantings have been sown. Seed yields will be evaluated for the next three years to determine the profitabil-ity of harvesting and marketing. If there is a sufficient seed yield next year, the native seed source will be tested in areclamation project in Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

This spring, Cara will establish a native plant showcase garden at the Dolores Public Lands Office to showcase the nativeplants under study. The garden will serve as a pilot project and learning tool for researchers, land managers and the locacommunity. - Ann Bond

Cara Studying Seeds for SuccessCara Studying Seeds for SuccessCara Studying Seeds for SuccessCara Studying Seeds for SuccessCara Studying Seeds for Success

Jenn Honored for ServiceJenn Honored for ServiceJenn Honored for ServiceJenn Honored for ServiceJenn Honored for ServiceDOLORES - Jennifer Jardine (formerly Rowe), Dolores Public Lands

Office Range Conservationist, was honored this winter for serving onthe Colorado Section Board of Directors of the Society for Range Man-agement (SRM) from 2008 to 2010. Jenn has been a member of SRMsince 1998, and has also served as its Range Rider newsletter editorand webmaster.

SRM is a professional society dedicated to supporting those who workwith rangelands and have a commitment to their sustainable use. Itsmission is to promote the professional development and continuing

education of members and the public and the stewardship of range-land resources. - Mark Tucker

Jennifer Jardine (at far right) breceiving an awardJennifer Jardine (at far right) breceiving an awardJennifer Jardine (at far right) breceiving an awardJennifer Jardine (at far right) breceiving an awardJennifer Jardine (at far right) breceiving an awardplaque with other outgoing SRM Officers for theplaque with other outgoing SRM Officers for theplaque with other outgoing SRM Officers for theplaque with other outgoing SRM Officers for theplaque with other outgoing SRM Officers for the

Society of Range ManagementSociety of Range ManagementSociety of Range ManagementSociety of Range ManagementSociety of Range Management

SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE welcomes story ideas!SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE welcomes story ideas!SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE welcomes story ideas!SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE welcomes story ideas!SAN JUAN PUBLIC LANDS PEOPLE welcomes story ideas!Let us know about awards, special projects, or employee comings and goings that you hear about.Let us know about awards, special projects, or employee comings and goings that you hear about.Let us know about awards, special projects, or employee comings and goings that you hear about.Let us know about awards, special projects, or employee comings and goings that you hear about.Let us know about awards, special projects, or employee comings and goings that you hear about.

Just send an email to [email protected] with the basic information.Just send an email to [email protected] with the basic information.Just send an email to [email protected] with the basic information.Just send an email to [email protected] with the basic information.Just send an email to [email protected] with the basic information.




Linda RetiresLinda RetiresLinda RetiresLinda RetiresLinda RetiresDOLORES – Linda Farnsworth retired this winter after serv-

ing as BLM Canyons of the Ancient National Monument Archae-ologist since 2005. Prior to that, Linda had been the San Juan

Public Lands Heritage Program Lead since 2001.To cap off her career, Linda coordinated a project last year

to save an important archaeological site in the western portion of the NationaMonument.

The Fortress Spur site is above thecliffs of a high and narrow mesa. De-spite the precipitous location, unper-mitted horses from the neighboringNavajo Reservation, seeking water inthe bedrock basins of the mesa, hadfound their way up and were damag-ing the site.

As a mitigation measure in a grazing assessment permit renewal, Linda

proposed solving the problem by fencing off the site. She managed the entireproject, which included carrying all materials and equipment up the steepmesa by hand. The result is a 200-foot-long fence which appears to be actingas an effective barrier.

Linda’s work on this project will be added to her legacy of helping theagencies and the public learn from and protect the unique and sensitive cultural sites of southwestern Colorado.

- Ann Bond

AHC/CANM NEWS

AHC Upgrades Energy SystemAHC Upgrades Energy SystemAHC Upgrades Energy SystemAHC Upgrades Energy SystemAHC Upgrades Energy SystemDOLORES - The BLM Anasazi Heritage Center is now getting 18 percent of

its total electric power from the sun. This has been made possible by thinstallation of a new photovoltaic electrical supply system funded throughthe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

More than 400 panels can supply 130 kW at peak power on sunny days. Thesystem does not store reserve power in batteries, so its output will vary withavailable sunshine.

The project was contracted out to the private sector. Principal contractoJohnson Controls of Denver, hired subcontractors Nice Electric of Cortez,PINNT Roofing of Grand Junction, Front Range Wireless of Centennial, LancasterEnterprises of Montezuma County, and four local stonemasons. - David Kill

Solar panels near the parking lot can provideSolar panels near the parking lot can provideSolar panels near the parking lot can provideSolar panels near the parking lot can provideSolar panels near the parking lot can provide100 kilowatts of power, while rooftop panels100 kilowatts of power, while rooftop panels100 kilowatts of power, while rooftop panels100 kilowatts of power, while rooftop panels100 kilowatts of power, while rooftop panelscan supply 30 kilowatts.can supply 30 kilowatts.can supply 30 kilowatts.can supply 30 kilowatts.can supply 30 kilowatts.

DOLORES - Boyd Logan is the new Park Ranger for Canyons of the Ancients National Monument working out of the Anasazi Heritage Center. His new duties wilinclude management of recreation and travel management.

Boyd worked previously as a Florida State Park Ranger in St. Petersburg. He alsowas a range technician working in weed management for the BLM White River FieldOffice. He studied archaeology at the University of West Georgia.

“This is exactly the job I’ve been wanting for a long time,” he says. “I lookforward to performing all of the duties of this position.”

- David Kil

Boyd is New Park RangerBoyd is New Park RangerBoyd is New Park RangerBoyd is New Park RangerBoyd is New Park Ranger

SanJuanNews-02-2011final

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