Headlines – August 14, 2023

Colorado To Launch Statewide E-Bike Rebate Lottery

Colorado is launching its statewide e-bike rebate program this week. Eligible residents can begin the application process through the Colorado Energy Office’s website from 9 am this Wednesday to 1 pm next Monday.

Some 2,000 participants will be randomly chosen to complete their application using proof of Colorado residency and proof of income requirements. If approved, residents will be eligible for e-bike rebates between $500 and $1,750.

Program officials say their goal is to reduce car use and greenhouse gas emissions and get e-bikes into the hands of people who would otherwise not be able to afford them.

Wildlife Officials Seeking Wolves For Colorado

The clock is ticking for Colorado wildlife officials who need to find gray wolves by the end of this year to fulfill the reintroduction plan voters approved back in 2020.

The Denver Post reports officials are still in discussions with three potential wolf donor states: Washington, Oregon, and Montana.

Two other states, Idaho and Wyoming, expressed concerns about fulfilling Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s request for wolves. Both states cited difficulties with federal regulations for endangered species and conflicts over how to manage wolves, especially when they kill livestock.

Under the management plan, Colorado Parks officials want to place between 30 and 50 wolves over the next five years. The wolves would be released in an area between Vail, Glenwood Springs, and the Roaring Fork Valley.

CPW Seeks Bear That Attacked Woman In Her Home

The Trinidad area has seen its second bear attack in two weeks. This time, Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials are searching for a cinnamon-colored black bear that attacked an 82-year-old woman in her home.

According to a press release, the victim told officials she awoke early Friday to the sound of crashing and her dog growling. She discovered a small bear in her mudroom, where it scratched her on the legs. The woman quickly shut the doors to the room, and the animal tore through a window screen to escape back outside.

Officials say the bear is considered dangerous to humans. If caught, they plan to humanely euthanize the bear, which they believe to be a cub or yearling.

The woman suffered minor injuries and declined medical attention.

Colorado Nature Photographer John Fielder, Has Died At 73

Well-known Colorado naturalist and environmental photographer, John Fielder, passed away peacefully Friday, surrounded by loved ones in his home in Summit Colorado.

Fielder’s work moved legislation and earned him accolades from the Sierra Club in 1993 and from the Aldo Leopold foundation in 2011.

Fielder donated his archive to History Colorado earlier this year, making 7,000 photos of his sprawling 200,000 official photo collection available for public and commercial use. Fielder’s work is also on display through the History Colorado Center in the collaborative exhibit, “REVEALED: John Fielder’s Favorite Place.”

Fielder’s collection of photos can also be found at the History Colorado website.

Woman Dies In Fall At Rocky Mountain National Park

Emergency workers coordinated two separate helicopter rescues in Rocky Mountain National Park this weekend after three people fell.

A 21-year-old woman died when she fell 300 feet climbing down the Flying Dutchman’s steep gully between Longs Peak and Mount Meeker. The woman’s partner, a 25-year-old man also fell. He was transported by helicopter to a hospital with serious injuries.

In a separate incident, a 64-year-old man fell 60 feet from the Keyhole Route area of Longs Peak and also was transported by helicopter with serious injuries to a hospital.

Rally Held Outside Jeffco D.A. Seeks Arrest In Shooting

A group held a rally this past Friday in Jefferson County, seeking justice for a man who was shot in Edgewater.

Community members rallied outside of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office on Friday to call for action and transparency in the case of Adam Michael Fresquez, who was fatally shot May 3 at a Tesla charging station in Edgewater Public Market.

The Edgewater Police Department suspects the fatal shooting occurred after a road-rage-related argument. The confessed shooter left the scene and called authorities. No charges have been filed since the murder, although the shooter has been interviewed by the police.

Fresquez’ mother, Lena Mendez, told The Denver Post that police released the suspect two hours after the incident. A spokesperson from the Denver Justice Project said they believe the police are treating the case differently due to the victim’s race.

The DA’s office released a statement saying the case has not reached them as it is still under investigation by the Edgewater Police Department.

EPA Offers Colorado $531K For Stormwater Treatment

The EPA announced last week that nearly $50 million in grants was available through the Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grant Program, or OSG. Colorado will receive $531,000 from that funding.

The OSG program was created so small and financially distressed communities receive grant assistance at no cost to the community.

EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker said the grant helps Colorado address the threat of stormwater backups in underserved communities.

States can apply for grant assistance to fund projects that will help municipalities strengthen their stormwater and sewer systems against heavy rain events and prevent the polluting of waterways.

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