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. 

• Fires, campfires, charcoal grills, coal and wood burning stoves are prohibited including use in developed recreation sites.
• Devices using pressurized liquid or gas that include a shut-off valve and wood stoves used to heat a residence are allowed. 
• Smoking is allowed only within an enclosed vehicle, trailer or buildings where smoking is permitted. 
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with open flame is prohibited, unless it is within an enclosed building.
• Also prohibited are all explosives, including fireworks, exploding targets, and tracers or incendiary ammunition.
• Operating or using any internal combustion engine, such as a chainsaw, generator or all-terrain vehicle is only allowed with a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order meeting USDA Forest Service or SAE approval. Additionally, chainsaw operators must have a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher and round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
• The entire Stage 2 fire restrictions order may be viewed on the Rio Grande National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande. For more information, call the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office at 719-376-2196.  This Order will be in effect from 12:01 am on April 15th, 2020 and will remain in force until rescinded. 

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. 

• Resources: Our local health care system, Conejos County EMS and Conejos County Sheriff are not equipped to handle cases of the Coronavirus that could arrive with increased population.
• Grocery stores: Please be aware grocery stores in Conejos county have limited quantities of stock and availability.
• Healthcare: Valley Wide Health Services and SLV health are extremely limited in their capacity to care for those affected by COVID-19. SLV Health hospitals have very limited testing resources. Hospital beds and ICU capabilities throughout the SLV are very limited. An influx of population will potentially put added pressure on nearby regional hospitals that will be taxed by other areas too.
• Altitude: Conejos County’s high altitude is not well suited for a respiratory illness such as COVID-19.
• Quarantine: Conejos County is requesting you to self-quarantine in your home for 14 days upon returning to our County for the prevention of spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Willow Pit 2020 Schedule – The Conejos County Willow Pit will be open the following Saturdays from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.

• May 16                            Aug. 1
• June 6                            Aug. 15
• June 20                          Sept. 19
• July 18                            Oct. 17

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 (1690 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. 

• Rio Grande Hospital: 719-657-4990
• SLV Health: 719-589-2511 ext. 9
• Valley Wide Health Systems: 719-589-3658 ext. 9

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. 

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 (1874 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 (1739 downloads )

Letter from SCLA Board of Directors 4-9-20 – COVID-19-Sheep-Creek-Letter-BOD.pdf (1763 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. 

• Resources: Our local health care system, Conejos County EMS and Conejos County Sheriff are not equipped to handle cases of the Coronavirus that could arrive with increased population.
• Grocery stores: Please be aware grocery stores in Conejos county have limited quantities of stock and availability.
• Healthcare: Valley Wide Health Services and SLV health are extremely limited in their capacity to care for those affected by COVID-19. SLV Health hospitals have very limited testing resources. Hospital beds and ICU capabilities throughout the SLV are very limited. An influx of population will potentially put added pressure on nearby regional hospitals that will be taxed by other areas too.
• Altitude: Conejos County’s high altitude is not well suited for a respiratory illness such as COVID-19.
• Quarantine: Conejos County is requesting you to self-quarantine in your home for 14 days upon returning to our County for the prevention of spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Letter from Conejos Co. Public Health Dept. CCPH-Seasonal-Homeowners-letter-4.9.20-DRAFT.pdf (1750 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:

• Resources: Our local health care system, Conejos County EMS and Conejos County Sheriff are not equipped to handle cases of the Coronavirus that could arrive with increased population.

• Grocery stores: Please be aware grocery stores in Conejos county have limited quantities of stock and availability.

• Healthcare: Valley Wide Health Services and SLV health are extremely limited in their capacity to care for those affected by COVID-19. SLV Health hospitals have very limited testing resources. Hospital beds and ICU capabilities throughout the SLV are very limited. An influx of population will potentially put added pressure on nearby regional hospitals that will be taxed by other areas too.

• Altitude: Conejos County’s high altitude is not well suited for a respiratory illness such as COVID-19. 

• Quarantine: Conejos County is requesting you to self-quarantine in your home for 14 days upon returning to our County for the prevention of spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

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.

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 (1846 downloads )

Once again we had another successful annual meeting of the Sheep Creek Landowners Association held on August 3.  Thank you to all who helped with setting up, donations, providing food or opening your home for our evening meal and fundraiser (Thorne’s) and to our Board of Directors for the countless hours you contribute to keeping our association going.  The meeting minutes and financials are now posted in the members only section under meeting minutes.  

Additional report from the scholarship committee:

The auction, hat sales & recipe sale brought in $2,343.  Additional donations from Landowners and Community Bank brought in $2,100 bringing our Grand total to $4,443.

Thank you Thank you Thank you!

The Scholarship Committee