It's been an interesting week. After seeing more trees at Home Lake succumb to the beavers on the east side, I had finally had enough. So on this past Monday, I called the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Monte Vista Office, and discussed my concerns with District Manager Luke Hoffman. The trees around the lake are very important in providing shade for the lake's fisheries, keeping waters cool for a variety of fish that they stock there. The fish also feed numerous birds such as the cormorants, osprey and eagles that we see there fairly frequently. The trees also provide an important resting and feeding area for breeding and migrating birds. That was Monday.
Today Friday, as I drove around the lake, I was surprised to see wire-mesh screens placed around many of the smaller cottonwood trees on the east side of the lake. I also bumped into Fred?...the CPW assistant that put the screens up this past week and thanked him for doing so. It made my week for sure....
It is a rare day when we can experience such expeditious response from agency personnel. And I know first hand how processes have to run their course, having spent 30 years in government service. But it was a refreshing sight to see such a quick response that should have immediate positive effects on the birds and fish at Home Lake. And the beavers will do fine with the many willows available to them in the canal and river. Great job by CPW personnel.
JR, Lake Skipper
