Pagosa Springs News Summaries Tuesday, September 7, 2010 Local News - Opinions & Editorials - Business & Real Estate - Neighbors & Families - Arts & Entertainment - Sports & Recreation - Humor, Fiction, Poetry - Health & Environment - Religion & Philosophy  Local Forestry Effort Celebrated Today Special to the Post | 7/29/10 Back to the News Summaries The Colorado State Forest Service will recognize a Pagosa Springs land trust today, Thursday, July 29 as the 2009 Colorado Outstanding Forest Steward of the Year for exceptional multiple-resource management of its 550-acre ranch. The 9am ceremony at the Reservoir River Ranch will be followed by a brief tour of the property, which borders the San Juan River southeast of town.   The Fairway Land Trust is receiving the award for demonstrating a commitment to active forest management and promotion of forest stewardship in the community. CSFS Director and State Forester Jeff Jahnke will present the award to Stanley Levine and his family, who share ownership of the trust. Pagosa Springs Mayor Ross Aragon will be in attendance; also invited to the event are State Sen. Bruce Whitehead (D-Hesperus), State Rep. Ellen Roberts (R-Durango), Archuleta County Commissioners and representatives from several conservation agencies.   “I’ve always considered our family to be stewards of this special land, and we have always focused on improving and maintaining the unique environment with which we have been blessed,” said Levine, who co-owns the ranch with wife Elaine, son and ranch manager Ken, and three of Ken’s siblings.   Only one Colorado Outstanding Forest Steward is selected annually by the Colorado Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee to recognize individuals or groups who demonstrate an exemplary commitment to a forest stewardship land ethic.   Assistant District Forester Dan Wand of the CSFS Durango District said the Levine family worked with the CSFS to develop a forest management plan for the ranch, which became a certified Tree Farm in 2009. The Natural Resources Conservation Service also works with the Levines, offering planning assistance as well as financial support for projects.   A summary of ranch accomplishments includes forest thinning on 152 acres to improve forest health; a half-mile of stream restoration; improved infrastructure for irrigation and access; and an active weed control program.   Located just south of Pagosa’s hot springs and adjacent to open space, the Reservoir River Ranch boasts a balanced blend of actively managed forestland, rangeland and pastureland. The property is also managed for wildlife habitat, watershed protection and recreational values.   “The Levine family has done an exceptional job of managing multiple resources on their land in an environmentally sound way,” said Jahnke.   The ranch is closely involved with the community and various partners, as well as the Town of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County. The Levine family has allowed limited recreational access to area residents for cross-country running and skiing events; there are also plans for a bike path that will tie into the existing path in town.  Visit the Pagosa Daily Post

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