Springs Shift
As of Jan 1, 2004, Valley View Hot Springs, the clothing-optional resort near Crestone, will be under ownership of the Orient Land Trust. Neil and Terry Seitz will continue to manage the resort as employees of OLT.
Memberships to VVHS will end, but individuals can join OLT at varying levels. The Seitzes say this will preserve the land around the resort, as well as Valley View, and ensure the place stays open.
Well Water
Colorado has a 40,000 acre-foot credit with other states in the Rio Grande Compact next year. Meaning if the drought continues (as it likely will) we can divert that water to our own use. For more water news, see my article in this issue.
In related bad news, the statewide snowpack on Jan. 1 was 85 percent of average. Water restrictions loom large in our future.
Robber Regrets
A man robbed a bank in La Jara, then stood outside the bank to count his newfound wealth, then went back into the bank, set the money and his weapon on the counter and waited for the police. Officials say the man has been in trouble before for stalking Linda Ronstadt.
Bad Time for Freedom?
Another lynx release is slated for this year, and many are questioning the timing. In a continuing drought, the supply of rabbits (the lynx's favorite food) is sparse, and this could mean starvation for most of the cats released.
The area planned for the introduction by the DOW is between Saguache, Pagosa Springs, Gunnison, and Conejos.
Male Order
The trend has reached the Valley -- "The Men of Valley-Wide" has appeared. The 2003 calendar features 15 male employees of Valley-Wide Health Services. No, they're not nude. Each portrait includes a quote about life, and shows each man doing something he loves. Proceeds benefit La Puente shelter.
It's a Gas, Gas, Gas
The U.S. Geological Survey says there is natural gas, and lots of it, in the San Juan Basin. The agency estimates 50.6 trillion cubic feet of the fuel is there, more than double its previous estimate. Expect more wells soon.
Brief Briefs