The first project involves the mechanical removal of trees and brush in and around park structures that could pose a significant fire risk in the event of a wildland fire. The park contains approximately 170 structures ranging from recent construction to significant historic structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This project will not only aid the wildland fire crew in their efforts to manage wildland fires, but will also help the structural fire crew in their efforts to protect park buildings. The project follows guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association’s “Firewise Communities” program, and has been developed and funded through the Wildland Urban Interface Initiative in cooperation with the National Fire Plan. The National Fire Plan was initiated by Congress after the severe fire season of 2000 and stresses the importance of reducing hazardous fuels around structures to reduce the risk from wildfire.

Additionally, personnel from Mesa Verde National Park are collaborating with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Cedar Mesa Ranches Homeowner’s Association in an effort to lower the wildfire risk to Mesa Verde and our neighbors. This treatment would reduce fire intensities in the event of a wildfire and is located on the north side of Highway 160 at the eastbound off-ramp near the park entrance. The community of Cedar Mesa Ranches and several businesses are located just to the north of the work site. The project involves the removal of beetle-killed trees, dead and down fuels, some brush, and the removal of lower limbs of some trees. The Mesa Verde Helitack crew will be performing the bulk of the work and residents of Cedar Mesa Ranches have committed to assisting with this project. Material removed from both project areas will either be chipped and dispersed on-site or piled away from the structures for future burning. Follow-up treatments may be necessary to maintain desired fuel levels.

For more information on this and other fire management projects in Mesa Verde contact Fire Management Officer Steve Underwood, at 970-529-5049 or Fuels Specialist Joanie Lawrence, at 970-529-5066.

The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) project involves the placement of several large mist-nets in the pinyon-juniper woodlands. During the early morning hours from May through July the nets are regularly checked and captured birds are carefully extracted from the nets, thoroughly measured and documented, and then banded with a sequentially numbered leg band before release. The MAPS project will provide essential demographic information at the population level on a suite of migratory bird species shared with countries south of the U.S. border. This capture data is reinforced with substantial numbers of direct field surveys, called point-counts, performed by trained observers. This demographic information will provide park managers with science-based information essential to identifying prime sources of life-cycle problems for these species.

A second park project, managed through the Hummingbird Monitoring Network (HMN), captures, measures, and bands some of Mesa Verde’s breeding and migrating hummingbirds. These tiny bundles of feather and muscle return year after year to Mesa Verde, allowing us to track the numbers of returnees and gather other information. The Rufous Hummingbird, a species shared with Canada and Central America, has seen a species-wide population decline of 58% in 40 years. Falling bird populations in national parks and elsewhere likely indicate that habitat in tropical wintering grounds, along migration routes, on American breeding grounds, or all of these areas are in need of conservation attention. By increasing our knowledge about the park’s bird life, we hope to ensure that Mesa Verde’s tropical connection is not broken. For more information, call George San Miguel at 970-529-5069.

The workshop is scheduled for October 14-16, 2011, and is limited to 13 participants to ensure everyone receives plenty of personalized coaching. The workshop begins at noon on Friday and ends on Sunday afternoon. Our $840 package includes all meals and two nights lodging at Far View Lodge. Proceeds from Institute programs support Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde Association members receive a 20% discount on all photography workshop fees.

For more information and to register, please visit the MVI website at www.mesaverdeinstitute.org.

Everyone is invited to Mesa Verde National Park’s 2nd annual “Hike and Bike” on the Wetherill Mesa tram road on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11. Entrance fees will be waived for those participating. “Fall is a great time to enjoy the park, with cooler weather and the changing colors of autumn,” said Superintendent Cliff Spencer. “This year, several native artists will be demonstrating traditional arts and crafts, as well.” Wetherill Mesa is closed for the season after Labor Day, but will re-open for hikers and bicyclists on September 10 and 11.

On both days, the Wetherill Mesa Road will open at 9:00 a.m. and close to entry at 3:30 p.m. All visitors must exit the Wetherill Road by 4:30 p.m. The Wetherill Mesa Road is located near mile 15 on the park road, just past Far View Lodge. From that junction, hikers and bicyclists are invited to drive 12 miles to the Wetherill Mesa information kiosk, where several native artists will be demonstrating traditional arts and crafts. From that point, hikers and bicycle riders can ride or hike along the 5.5 mile long tram loop road. Along the route, stop at Long House, the second largest cliff dwelling in the park; hike into Step House; explore Badger House Community; and hike to views of Kodak House, and Nordenskiöld #16. Park rangers and volunteers will be available to answer questions and point out unique features of each site.

Participants may bring a picnic lunch and drinking water, or may purchase a hot sandwich, chips and a drink for $6.00 from the Mesa Verde Community Club at the kiosk. “Last year’s first hike and bike was a great experience,” said Superintendent Spencer. “We hope visitors and local community residents will join us again this year.”

For safety’s sake, bicycle riding is not allowed on the Wetherill Mesa Road itself, due to its narrow condition and lack of shoulders. Dogs are not permitted on the tram road. Riders and hikers should keep safety in mind at all times: bring plenty of drinking water and high energy snacks, sun and wind protection. Wetherill Mesa is about 7,240 feet above sea level. For more information, call 970-529-4465.

As always, Mesa Verde Association members receive a 20% discount on all purchases when you order by phone or shop in our stores. Place your order today at 800-305-6053 or 970-529-4445. Not a member yet? It’s easy to join! Just click here or call us.

Learn more about the Ute Mountain Ute tribe at www.utemountainute.com