Spring 2016 Newsletter
Ancient Bristlecone Research
Ancient tree over 1,900 years old
A core sample retrieved last summer verified the age of one of the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone pine trees within the Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area as 1,927 years old! Dr. Richard Guyette, Kevin Hosman and Dr. Rose Marie Muzika conducted research at Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area last summer with the objective of estimating the age of the Rocky Mountain Bristlecone trees. Hosman, the director of Beaver Ponds Environmental Education Center, said twenty six increment cores were collected in all. A second core was determined to be 1,856 years old.
According to the research team, most of the trees on the south facing slope of Pennsylvania Mountain had some degree of internal rot that prohibited them from finding the age of trees expected in the 2000 – 3000 years old range. An unexpected find was that half of the cores from the Bristlecones showed increased growth rates over the past 100 years due to unknown circumstances.
Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area background:
This a dramatic and beautiful 500+acre area surrounded on three sides by public land near Fairplay, Colorado. In 2014, with the generous support of the community, MALT purchased 92 critical acres as part of a multiphase project. This effort ensures the continuing ongoing scientific research conducted by more than a hundred scientists for nearly 40 years – one of the longest term alpine research sites in the country. Read more here.
Photo credit: Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine/Allan Casey
Non-profit Landowners Can Earn Tax Credits
MALT works with non-profit landowner after new state ruling
MALT is nearing completion on a voluntary land conservation agreement with the Boys Scouts of America, Pikes Peak Council Camp Alexander near Lake George, Park County. With approximately 330 acres, this project is one of the first non-profit voluntary land conservation agreement in the state. In March 2014, the Colorado Department of Revenue issued a Private Letter Ruling in response to a request challenge by the Conservation Resource Center (CRC) that allowed non-profits, generally 501(c)(3) entities, to also qualify for tax credits. This allows them to sell the tax credits for cash. This new ruling offers non-profit landowners (camps, retreats, religious organizations, etc.) to become potential voluntary land conservation agreement donors.
Camp Alexander has significant conservation values, including over a half mile of land along the South Platte River which is a high quality trout fishery. Based on the property’s geological features it also offers quality mountain lion and bobcat habitat. The camp is situated on a scenic byway located between Lake George and the Eleven Mile Reservoir – a popular area visited by high numbers of recreational travelers. Conservation of the property will continue to provide an opportunity for the general public to appreciate its scenic values. If you know of a non-profit landowner, please feel free to share this information and put them in touch with MALT at 303-679-0950.
Pika Trail Continues to Grow
Family Stewardship Experience in August
MALT will continue to add to the Pika Trail at Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area near Fairplay, CO this summer with a trail building weekend on August 20-21. For this family stewardship experience, MALT will once again be partnering with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) and Beaver Ponds Environmental Education Center (BPEEC). The goal is to complete an additional 3/4 mile to the trail that was built in 2015. This is a wonderful stewardship and camping opportunity for families to work together on an outdoor environmental experience.
Summer Nature Walks
Get outside this summer!
See ancient bristlecone pines (over 1900 years old!), stunning wildflowers and alpine researchers in the field at Pennsylvania Mountain Natural Area near Fairplay or learn about the unique history and natural resources of the Beaver Brook Watershed near Evergreen on one of MALT’s guided hikes. Nature walks are free and begin in June. MALT is happy to work with your group and schedule a private nature walk for you!
Welcome New Board Members
New members join Board of Directors
Barb McEahern is the founder of Friends of the Wildcats Foundation at Arvada West High School and former Board member with Apex Foundation. Barb is a dedicated volunteer and has devoted many years to projects for Jefferson County schools. She lives in Golden with her husband and four children.
For the past 25 years, Ted Schaal has been selling agricultural properties, primarily working, recreational and dude ranches and is licensed in Colorado and Wyoming. He is a member of the National Western Stock Show Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Realtors Land Institute, Pheasants Forever, a proud Marine and a member of the Elks USA. Ted lives in Evergreen.
Meet MALT Intern – Janet Hofman
Winter Intern provides valuable assistance
Originally from Michigan, Janet Hofman, MALT’s Winter Intern, is a recent Denver transplant. After receiving a B.S. in Geography from Eastern Michigan University, Janet worked as a National Park Ranger, as well as various other seasonal positions, in Utah, New Mexico, California, Florida and Washington, DC. She is currently finishing up her M.S. in Park and Resource Management online through Slippery Rock University and is looking forward to having some free time to partake in less academic pursuits, like hiking, mountain biking and gardening!
Vista Giving Circle
Have you considered including Mountain Area Land Trust in your estate plans? It can be simple to accomplish and by including MALT in your will, life insurance policy, real estate plans or retirement account, you can specify a gift that comes to MALT after your lifetime. Planned gifts bring valuable support to MALT and will help make a significant difference in the lives of generations to come.
Learn more about Planned Giving.
