There will be NO REGULAR ANNUAL MEETING, AUCTION OR LUNCH/DINNER in August this year due to the Pandemic. Please go to our Member only section (left side in Menu bar, you’ll need to log in) and click on “Meeting Minutes”. Check the June (06.28.20) Meeting minutes for the alternate plans. You will be receiving additional information by email or mail within the next 2 weeks. The SCLA Board of Directors would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during these abnormal times.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/6725432584
Meeting ID: 672 543 2584
Password: 056551
(You will be admitted via the “waiting room”)
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Meeting ID: 672 543 2584
Password: 056551
Additional Instructions if not familiar with Zoom –
If you are joining by cell phone, tablet, iPad, Computer, click on this link and it will take you to Zoom, where you are prompted to download the Zoom launcher. Click on the tab at the bottom left when complete and ‘open’, it will quickly take you to the meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/6725432584
IF you do not have the capability of hearing or speaking through your computer microphone (this should not be a problem with a phone or iPad), then when asked if you want to join by internet audio or “call” then click call and it will give you the dialing instructions with the participant ID.
If you are using your cell phone, you can click on “One tap mobile” and it should enter the meeting ID for you. Some phones are a little fast, and if you are not connected shortly, re-enter the meeting ID.
This is a 1 min video on how to Join a Zoom meeting.
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362193-Joining-a-Meeting
After watching this you can test out a demo by clicking: Join a test meeting
You can also click on this link with a step by step but warning, it gives you more than you would probably need as you progress through this explanation.
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362033-Getting-Started-on-Windows-and-Mac
Contact me by email, deekessler57@gmail.com or call me at 719.376.2322 and I’ll be happy to walk you through it.
Dee
May 20, 2020
Fire Restrictions Update from the National Forest Service:
Stage 2 fire restrictions (see below) are in effect for all National Forest System lands in the Rio Grande National Forest.
Current conditions are not being updated by district.
Our Sheep Creek fire danger signs will continue to be set to Extreme
Due to the continued drying trend and wind, Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther has initiated Stage 2 fire restrictions for all of Conejos County.
COVID-19 May 20, 2020 Daily Update
Saguache County confirmed their first COVID-19 related fatality today, bringing the total deaths in the SLV to three. Four more cases have been confirmed positive, bringing the total number for the SLV to 110. County case counts and other San Luis Valley data are updated weekdays at slvemergency.org/slv-covid-19.
Conejos County Public Health is investigating possible COVID-19 exposures at the Conejos County Jail. One employee has been confirmed to have the virus. Close contacts of the confirmed positive employee have been instructed to isolate at home, monitor symptoms, and be tested. Due to use of masks, proper cleaning and hygiene, and limited contact, inmates are at relatively low risk. Right now, there is no outbreak at any facility in Conejos County. Conejos County Public Health is actively monitoring the situation and updates will be available soon.
In Emergency Management, one of the main focuses is Recovery, what to do after the crisis is over. When there’s a fire, flood, or other natural disaster, there is usually a clear beginning, middle, and end. Public Health emergencies are a different kind of disaster in that they are often long-term. The Governor says, “This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon,” and like a marathon, we need to pace ourselves. That is why local governments are seeking a balanced, gradual approach to reopening. While it seems to many that the major crisis is ramping down or even over, Public Health activity is starting to ramp up as response efforts begin to bring results. Our focus at this point needs to be on stability, rather than recovery.
REMINDER OF HOW COVID-19 can effect you here in the Conejos Canyon.
Willow Pit 2020 Schedule – The Conejos County Willow Pit will be open the following Saturdays from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Location: East of Manassa on Hwy 142, approxiamately 4.5 miles, North side. Click on the link below to see the restrictions of what they will and will not accept and contact number for more information. Willow-Pit-Schedule-2020.pdf (29 downloads)
SLV COVID-19 Updates from SLV Emergency.org
The weather is warming and people are anxious to travel. We invite those who would be visitors from out of state to familiarize yourselves with Colorado’s current COVID-19 guidance, which can be found on Colorado’s Safer at Home website: https://covid19.colorado.gov/safer-at-home. Colorado’s Safer at Home guidance still recommends staying close to home for recreation. Visitors, when you do eventually come to visit, please protect local residents and yourself by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing, and washing your hands frequently. Please also note that under the current state order, gatherings should be limited to 10 persons or less.
If you are experiencing COVID symptoms, contact one of the nurse call-lines listed below.
Today, four more positive cases were identified for the San Luis Valley through testing and contact investigation. Costilla and Saguache Counties each added one more to their count, and Alamosa identified two new cases for a total of 63 for our region. Of those positive San Luis Valley cases, 13 have been hospitalized and 21 have completed isolation. We remain at 2 deaths counted for the region. Numbers are updated weekdays at http://www.slvemergency.org/slv-covid-19/.
This uncertain time is difficult for many people. As a community, if we empower each other, be kind, and strive to make informed choices, we will get through this together as one SLV. In our increasingly information-saturated society, misinformation campaigns abound designed to divide and misinform us. Today, the lives of our loved ones literally depend on critically examining these claims before sharing or acting upon them. CISA – the cybersecurity and infrastructure branch of the Colorado Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM), laid out some guidelines, shared below, to address false information.
1. Go to trusted sources of information like coronavirus.gov FEMA has also established a coronavirus rumor control website at www.FEMA.gov/coronavirus/rumor-control where you can learn more about specific disinformation campaigns.
2. Check the source of the information.
3. Search for other reliable sources of information on the issue.
4. Think before you link – take a moment to let your emotions cool down before sharing anything online.
SLV COVID general questions 719-480-8719. You may also email your questions to slvepr@alamosacounty.org.
Subject: SLV Public Health Daily Update
Date: May 7, 2020
SAN LUIS VALLEY – Our numbers changed again today due to positive test results and contact tracing investigation. Saguache County Public Health received notification of 2 COVID-19 tests. During the contact tracing investigation, 7 additional close contacts were identified with COVID-19 symptoms, for a total of 9 new cases for the county. Alamosa County Public Health is continuing the investigation of the outbreak reported yesterday, and additional testing is anticipated in conjunction with the outbreak investigation. San Luis Valley case counts are updated every weekday at the SLV Emergency website, www.slvemergency.org/slv-
Contact tracing is the investigation of close contacts of a person with an infectious disease. It is one of the most effective tools we have for preventing the spread of disease, especially as businesses begin to open back up and more people are going out of their homes for essential activities. When a person is identified as carrying an infectious disease, that person can be isolated until they are no longer infectious. Close contacts of the confirmed case also stay away from others for 14 days (quarantine) during the time they could spread the disease unknowingly, and while they watch for symptoms to appear.
There has been a lot of information shared recently about properly wearing a mask when you encounter other people, but what about gloves? For the general public, washing your hands frequently is often more effective than wearing gloves, especially if you are not familiar with wearing them. Like N95 masks, wearing gloves without proper knowledge of how to use them can provide ineffective protection or actually increase the chances of infection.
In the Safer at Home Public Health Order 20-24, the governor expanded requirements on appropriate glove-wearing for employees. This is intended to provide an extra layer of protection for the employees who serve customers. Specifics on requirements for different kinds of businesses can be found on Colorado’s Safer at Home website at https://covid19.colorado.gov/
Due to the constant updates around Public Health Orders, Recreation and Requirements due to COVID-19, below is a brief summary with links to give you the latest information.For current information, visit slvemergency.org. This is an important website that is updated daily.
FIRE BAN Resolution 4-14-2020 – Conejos County has issued a Fire Ban Resolution due to the continued drying trend and wind. Conejos County Sheriff Garth Crowther has initiated Stage 2 fire restrictions for all of Conejos County. Links to Conejos-County-Fire-Ban-Resolution-4-14-2020.pdf (58 downloads) and Conejos County Website
ALL TRASH must be in a bag before putting in the dumpster. The Governor is requiring NO unbagged trash can be taken to the Landfill. PLEASE do your part, and do not throw loose trash in our dumpster, BAGGED TRASH ONLY!
SEASONAL HOMEOWNERS – Letter from Conejos Co. Public Health Dept. 4-13-20 – PLEASE READ Conejos-County-Seasonal-Homeowners-Letter-1.pdf (51 downloads)
Letter from SCLA Board of Directors 4-9-20 – COVID-19-Sheep-Creek-Letter-BOD.pdf (36 downloads)
The Rio Grande National Forest announced an order on 4/7/2020 to temporarily close developed recreation sites and to implement fire restrictions. Developed recreation sites are temporarily closed while dispersed camping, hiking, and river uses are allowed as long as people are maintaining social distancing and staying aware of how they may impact local EMS services. Closed developed recreation sites include campgrounds, day-use areas, picnic areas, and any other constructed facility amenities – such as potable water stations, fire rings/grills, picnic tables, restroom facilities with flush or vaulted toilets, trash cans and trash collection services. Parking facilities, trails, and trailheads remain open. Dispersed camping includes camping on a national forest or grassland where recreation facilities or services are not provided.
Repeat message from Governor Polis: “I’m going to say this again and again: This is not a vacation; it’s a pandemic. Stay home unless absolutely necessary. There are still an alarming number of people traveling to our mountain and rural communities, putting themselves and others at risk. Whether you’re a second homeowner or weekend warrior, please stay home.”
Testing supplies are extremely limited at this time, so not all who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested. For those who experience mild symptoms, testing does not change the treatment. Those experiencing mild symptoms can care for themselves at home as they would for a regular cold while following isolation instructions below.
The best thing everyone else can do is to follow the state and local public health orders to stay at home. Businesses and health care workers are making some serious sacrifices during this pandemic. Let us, as a community make sure that those sacrifices have not been in vain. Continue to stay at home as much as possible, without visitors, even if you feel fine. Because the truth is with this virus, sometimes people can transmit it to others before they even know they have it.
LAST REMINDER OF HOW COVID-19 can effect you here in the Conejos Canyon.
Letter from Conejos Co. Public Health Dept. CCPH-Seasonal-Homeowners-letter-4.9.20-DRAFT.pdf (41 downloads)
April 9, 2020
Dear Sheep Creek Neighbors,
Sheep Creek Board of Directors has been advised by the Public Health Directors and Emergency Managers to ask you all to STAY AT HOME.
Colorado Governor Polis has extended a state-wide lockdown through April with an extension expected until June 1.
“This is not a vacation; it’s a pandemic. Stay home unless absolutely necessary. There are still an alarming number of people traveling to our mountain and rural communities, putting themselves and others at risk. Whether you’re a second homeowner or weekend warrior, please STAY HOME.”
Colorado Governor, Jared Polis
Colorado counties and our neighboring Conejos communities are requesting that seasonal homeowners and visitors wait before coming up.
Recreation areas are being closed. If you get sick here, hospital beds in Alamosa are extremely limited. We are asking that you please STAY HOME.
For current information, visit slvemergency.org. This is an important website that is updated daily.
We will continue to give you updates and revised recommendations as we receive them.
Be safe!
Sheep Creek Board of Directors
Clint Crowe, James Eanes, Neal Lummus, Leah Thomas, Vicki Bader, Michael Hardin, Bob Newcomer
————————————————————————————————————————–
Conejos County Public Health . P.O. Box 78 La Jara, CO 81140 . Phone: (719) 274-4307
Thinking of visiting your part-time home in Conejos County to enjoy the abundant trails, waters, peaks and sunshine? Please Think Again.
While the primary residents of Conejos County work to weather the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis, they are experiencing some of the complications of living in a rural area. These complications include, but are not limited to the following:
Help Conejos County by simply not visiting or re-locating to your second home at this time. We miss you. We value you. We can’t wait to see you again. Just please, not until we begin to reverse the aggressive trend of this global pandemic in our neck of the woods.
For the most recent information on COVID-19 numbers in the San Luis Valley, please see www.slvemergency.org/slv-covid-19.
PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOW IN SHEEP CREEK OR ARE PLANNING TO COME SOON!
In order to keep you updated with the ever changing current status of the COVID-19 here in Conejos County and the San Luis Valley, go to SLVEmergency.org A complete count of known cases are listed on this site as well.
April 2nd Daily Briefing
SAN LUIS VALLEY – We want to start today with a message from Governor Polis: “I’m going to say this again and again: This is not a vacation; it’s a pandemic. Stay home unless absolutely necessary. There are still an alarming number of people traveling to our mountain and rural communities, putting themselves and others at risk. Whether you’re a second homeowner or weekend warrior, please stay home.”
Testing supplies are extremely limited at this time, so not all who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be tested. For those who experience mild symptoms, testing does not change the treatment. Those experiencing mild symptoms can care for themselves at home as they would for a regular cold while following isolation instructions below.
The statewide stay-at-home order is for everyone, all the time, except for brief essential activities like getting groceries or performing work that has been deemed as essential. Isolation and quarantine go beyond that.
Isolation can be done at home or, in the worst cases, in the hospital. It is important for those who experience mild symptoms to do the right thing and self-isolate at home until you are fever-free for 72 hours without medication and it’s been 7 days since the onset of symptoms and your symptoms have improved. During this self-isolation period, do not leave your home for any reason except to get emergency medical care. As much as possible, separate yourself from household members. Some patients will experience worsening symptoms, becoming sick enough to require hospitalization.
Quarantine is for those who have had close contact with someone who is sick. If you have been exposed, you may transmit the COVID-19 virus to others before you develop symptoms, which could take up to 14 days. If you have been exposed, you must stay home for 14 days while you see if symptoms develop. Do not leave your home except to receive medical care as instructed by your doctor. Arrange for someone else to deliver your groceries to your doorstep; do not go to work or out into the community for any reason during your quarantine period.
If you have felt ill since March 1st, please complete our SLV Symptom Tracker Survey at www.slvemergency.org/slv-
The best thing everyone else can do is to follow the state and local public health orders to stay at home. Businesses and health care workers are making some serious sacrifices during this pandemic. Let us, as a community make sure that those sacrifices have not been in vain. Continue to stay at home as much as possible, without visitors, even if you feel fine. Because the truth is with this virus, sometimes people can transmit it to others before they even know they have it.
In this troubled time, it is also important for those with more than they need to remember our local food banks. The Food Bank Network of the SLV is accepting donations of food and household or personal supplies to be distributed across the valley. To make a cash donation, send a check to Food Bank Network SLV, 513 6th St. Alamosa CO 81101. Your donation can be designated for a particular food bank community (on your check).
As always, we are working diligently to minimize the impact of COVID on our community! Stay home, Stay Safe, and we will get through this together, one step at a time!
SLV COVID general questions 719-480-8719 for English, or 719-315-5019 for Spanish. You may also email your questions to slvepr@alamosacounty.org.
CO HELP line 1-877-462-2911 (English and Spanish) for Colorado general information.
Colorado updates and guidance: https://covid19.colorado.gov
CDC updates and guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/
Small Business – www.choosecolorado.com
Volunteer or Donate – www.helpcoloradonow.org
We would like to thank everyone who has participated so far in our SLV Symptom Tracker survey. So far the data shows that in the San Luis Valley, around 80% of those with symptoms have mild, not severe, symptoms. That is consistent with what other parts of the country are seeing. People who are not at high risk of severe illness may not need to be evaluated in person or tested for COVID-19. Whether symptoms are mild or severe, do not wait for a test to self-isolate. The severity of your symptoms has nothing to do with your ability to transmit the virus to others. If you have symptoms, self-isolate, or in other words, stay at home and avoid contact with others until:
Call your healthcare provider or a local nurse line if your illness becomes more severe, especially if you are experiencing shortness of breath. You can use telehealth or a nurseline to get medical guidance; find out more and access a list of telehealth and nurseline resources here: https://covid19.colorado.gov/telehealth-and-nurselines
If you have a medical emergency, call 911. If you have severe respiratory symptoms, especially shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, tell the 911 dispatcher about your symptoms. Do not wait for a COVID-19 test to self-isolate or call 911.
We are excited to announce that our application for the 2019-2020 Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Program “Ongoing Sheep Creek Landowner Association Fuel Reduction” has been approved for funding by the Colorado State Forest Service. As you may know, applying for, collecting required data, and monitoring grants takes a huge amount of time, dedication, and effort. Thank you Bob Newcomer and James Eanes who work tirelessly for the benefit of all of us in Sheep Creek.
The complete information is available for you to download: Forest-Grant-Approval-Feb-2020.pdf (68 downloads)