Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Set In Place

Despite the wetter than average winter, fire restrictions are still in place this summer at both city and county levels. Make sure you are informed before heading out for summer fun. Durango School District 9-R, welcomes two new leadership teams at Escalante and Miller Middle Schools, for the coming 2023/24 school year. The City of Durango is seeking volunteers to join local boards and commissions. And La Plata and Pine River Conservation Districts want to hear from landowners regarding natural resource concerns. You are watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by Tafoya Barrett and Associates, and Happy Pappy’s Pizza n Wings. I’m Wendy Graham Settle. As of Monday, June 10th, La Plata County enacted Stage One Fire Restrictions in San Juan National Forest followed suit July 13th. Under Stage One Restrictions in La Plata County any fire other than a supervised fire in a designated campground fireplace or a metal fire ring with a great cover is prohibited. Open burning, burning barrels and agricultural burning is prohibited without prior authorization. San Juan National Forest Stage One Fire Restrictions prohibit any kind of fire outside of permanent metal or concrete fire pit, or grate installed by the US Fire Service. Any liquid or gas fuel device must be used in an area clear of flammable materials and must have an off switch. Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building or in a developed recreation site. All restrictions and updates are posted online. Make sure to be informed about the latest restrictions. Check the weather for red flag warnings and make smart decisions about fire safety to avoid starting a wildfire this summer. Durango School District announced the new leadership teams for Escalante and Miller Middle School for the 2023/24 school year. Miller Middle School students and families had the opportunity to meet new principal, Vernadette Norman, and Assistant Principals, Kalyn Knestrick and Doug Geygan, at an Ice Cream Social, July 11th. Escalante Middle School students and families are invited to meet the new Principal, Emily Moreland, and Assistant Principals, Eva Duce and David Tanaka at an Ice Cream Social, July 25th. The meet and greet will take place at Escalante Middle School from six to 7:00 PM. Looking for a way to be more involved with your community? Durango City Council’s looking for volunteers to serve on the Planning Commission, Local Licensing Authority and Retirement Plan Board. Boards and commissions generally meet monthly and provide public input and a way to get more involved in local community happenings. Applications for the boards and commissions are due this August. La Plata Conservation District and Pine River Conservation District have opened a public input survey for local landowners who reside in the Conservation Districts. The survey asks for input on natural resource concerns, specifically land use concerns, to help better direct local priorities and funding. The survey has six sections to fill out for concerns regarding irrigated crop land, irrigated pasture, dryland pasture, dryland cropland, range land, and forest land. Learn more about these and other stories online at durangolocal.news. Thank you for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I’m Wendy Graham Settle.