Author: Lindsay Box

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Southern Ute Indian Tribe swears in new tribal officials

FOR MORE INFORAMTION CONTACT:
Melvin J. Baker – 970.563.0100
Lindsay J. Box – 970.563.2313
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 21, 2020 – 10:30 A.M.

Southern Ute Indian Tribe swears in new tribal officials

 
Southern Ute Indian Reservation –On Friday, December 18, 2020 the registered Southern Ute tribal voters took to the polls in the 2020 Run-Off Election to vote for Chairman and two Council Members. In accordance with the Southern Ute Tribal Election Code, Section 11-10-102 (3) “the candidate for each office in the run-off election who received the highest number of votes shall be deemed elected.”

 

The Southern Ute Election Board has confirmed the following election results:

Office of Tribal Chairman                                                        No. of Votes

                                    Melvin J. Baker                                                                                   214

Lorelei Cloud                                                                                       199

 

Office of Tribal Council                                                           No. of Votes

Lindsay J. Box                                                                                     159

Linda K. Baker                                                                                    205

James M. Olguin                                                                                 165

Stacey Oberly                                                                                       243

 

Chairman Melvin J. Baker has previously served 9 years on Tribal Council, including as Acting Chairman and Vice Chairman. Baker was born and raised on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Throughout his political career, Baker worked on the development and implementation of the new Sky Ute Casino Resort, Southern Ute Cultural Center & Museum and served on various tribal and state committees including the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs and Southern Ute Indian Housing Authority.

 

“First, and foremost, I would like to thank everyone who supported and voted for me in this year’s election run for Chairman. I look forward to working with the current Tribal Council as well as the two newly elected Tribal Council members.

 

I ask that you all do your part in regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay safe and wear your mask. Take care of our elders and our children.

 

I want to wish everyone Happy Holidays,” stated Chairman Baker.

 

Chairman Baker enjoys spending time with his family including his partner, three children and five grandchildren.

The two vacant Tribal Council seats were filled by Linda K. Baker and Stacey Oberly.

 

Newly Elected Council Member Baker has previously worked for the Southern Ute Museum as the Museum Director and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in the Anthropology Department. Baker attended Fort Lewis College and received her BA in History and a secondary teaching certification, as well as attending the University of Colorado at Denver; Western Archives Institute at San Diego State University; and Native American Museum Studies Institute at the University of California at Berkley.

 

“I would like to thank the membership for the vote of confidence and the dialogue with the other Candidates,” expressed Council Member Baker.

 

In her spare time, she enjoys beading, functional OCR/HIIT training, and providing educational consultation on Native American and Ute history and culture. She is the daughter of the late Archie Baker and Diana Cambridge-Baker.

 

Newly Elected Council Member Dr. Oberly has obtained a Ph.D in Linguistics, a Masters in Native American Linguistics and Bilingual Multicultural Education, and a BA in Spanish and Early Elementary Montessori Certificate. Prior to becoming an elected official, Oberly worked as the Coordinator of Ute Language and Culture at the Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy and an instructor for the American Indian Language Development Institute at the University of Arizona.

 

“I look forward to serving the tribal membership with clear communication, to create unity and transparency, while adhering to our traditional and cultural ethics,”  Her hobbies include making moccasins, ribbon skirts and shirts, singing Sundance and gourd dance songs, and taking her family on adventures.

 

Dr. Oberly is the daughter of Mary Inez Cloud and Pete Rivera, and the mother of three children.

Chairman Baker has chosen Council Member Bruce Valdez to serve as his Vice Chairman. The Executive Office appointment will be announced in the coming days. Until the announcement is made, Executive Officer Barbara Scott-Rarick will remain in the role through the transition.

 

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20201220 – Southern Ute Indian Tribe swears in new tribal officials (FINAL)

Southern Ute Special Election fills vacant Tribal Council seat

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Christine Sage, Chairman – 970.563.0100

Lindsay J. Box – 970.759.1494

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2020 – 10:15 A.M.

Southern Ute Special Election fills vacant Tribal Council seat

Southern Ute Indian Reservation – On Friday, October 30, 2020 the Southern Ute Indian Tribe held the 2020 Special Election and on Monday, November 2, 2020 the Southern Ute Election Board presented the certified results. Vanessa P. Torres secured support with 105 while candidates      Marty M. Pinnecoose with 100 votes and Corliss M. Taylor with 89 votes.

Torres has dedicated over 11 years to tribal court judicial system in positions as the Wellness Court Case Manager/Senior Probation Officer, Probation Officer, and Southern Ute Tribal Court Clerk. She also worked as the Senior Property Shift Manager at the Sky Ute Casino Resort.

“Thank you all who voted for the Special Election. I am deeply grateful and humbled for given an opportunity to be a voice for the people. Let’s continue to work together for a successful future for the Tribe and the membership,” said Torres.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hunting, fishing, motorcycling, reading, and participating in cultural events. She is married and shares one daughter.

“I look forward to working with the new Tribal Council Member. We are continuing working diligently for the tribe and the tribal membership involving all four tribal entities. Welcome aboard!” stated Chairman Christine Sage.

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20201030 – Southern Ute Special Election fills vacant Tribal Council seat

Summary of the Proposed Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Procedures

Summary of the Proposed Water Quality Standards for Surface Waters on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Procedures

On March 28, 2018, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s application to be treated in a similar manner as a state for purposes of the Clean Water Act’s water quality standards and section 401 water quality certification programs. At the direction and with the support of the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council, the Environmental Programs Division (“Division”) has developed water quality standards and Clean Water Act section 401 water quality certification procedures for tribal waters. What follows is a summary of the Division’s proposed water quality standards and Clean Water Act section 401 certification procedures.

Proposed Water Quality Standards
Water quality standards form a legal basis for controlling pollutants entering tribal waters. Water quality standards describe the desired condition of a water body and the means by which that condition will be protected or achieved. Water bodies can be used for purposes such as recreation (e.g. swimming, fishing, boating), protection of aquatic life, agricultural, public water supply, industrial, navigation, and other purposes.

The Division has developed proposed water quality standards to protect public health and welfare, enhance the quality of water, and serve the purposes of the Clean Water Act. To ensure that the standards are approvable by EPA, the Division has included the elements required under the Clean Water Act and EPA’s implementing regulations: (1) designated uses for tribal waters, (2) numeric and narrative water quality criteria designed to protect each designated use, (3) antidegradation policies and procedures to ensure attainment and maintenance of the designated uses, and (4) general policies to protect water quality.

The proposed water quality standards serve the primary functions of (1) establishing water quality goals for water bodies on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation over which the Tribe has authority to set water quality standards and (2) providing the legal basis for regulatory pollution controls. Establishing criteria and designated uses that protect aquatic and wildlife species, recreational use, potable water, and agricultural uses is also an important objective of these standards. More specifically, the standards should serve, and will be implemented to achieve, these purposes:

  1. Assessment. Provide a point of reference for the assessment of surface water quality.
    The standards represent the water quality goals of the Tribe for surface waters and will be
    used in assessing potential impacts to that quality.
  2.  Regulatory Controls. Both point and nonpoint source regulatory pollution controls to be established by the Tribe or the United States will be developed to ensure a level of water quality that will satisfy the water quality standards. Regulatory pollution controls established for point source discharges will also be consistent with applicable sections of the Clean Water Act. Tribal programs to control nonpoint sources, whether regulatory or voluntary, will be designed to meet the water quality standards.

Protection of Aquatic and Wildlife Species. The Tribe intends that the designated uses and criteria assigned to tribal waters will provide a level of water quality fully protective of aquatic and wildlife species dependent on it, including threatened or endangered species listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Procedures

Under Clean Water Act section 401, a federal agency cannot issue a permit or license for an activity that may cause a discharge to waters of the United States until the state or tribe where the discharge would originate has granted or waived Clean Water Act section 401 certification. With this authority, the Tribe can deny, certify, waive, or condition permits or licenses based in part on the proposed project’s compliance with the Tribe’s EPA-approved water quality standards. Clean Water Act section 401 certification authority, therefore, is an important tool for protecting water quality, although it is limited in scope and application to situations involving federally permitted or licensed activities that may cause a discharge to a water of the United States.

The Tribe’s proposed 401 water quality certification procedures:

  1. delegate authority to the Division to act on behalf of the Tribe in exercising the Tribe’s Clean Water Act section 401 certification authority;
  2. establish an application process through the Division that requires the applicant to reimburse the Tribe for the costs of application review;
  3. establish a process for applications to be reviewed both internally within the tribal organization (through a proposed project notification process) and through a public review and comment process;
  4. set forth the factors that will be considered in reviewing applications (e.g., compliance with water quality standards);
  5. describe the decision-making process and the possible decisions (e.g., grant, grant with conditions, deny, or waive);
  6. list the general requirements that will apply to all of the Tribe’s Clean Water Act section 401 certifications; and
  7. provide for judicial review in the Tribal Court of any Clean Water Act section 401 certification decisions by the Environmental Programs Division.

Notice and Request for Tribal Member Comments

Comments will be accepted until October 30, 2020. You may submit comments related to the water quality standards or 401 certification procedures through the Tribal Member Portal or any of the
following methods:

▪ E-mail: wqs@southernute-nsn.gov

▪ Mail: Water Quality Standards Committee, Environmental Programs Division, Southern Ute Indian
Tribe, P.O. Box 737 #81, 71 Mike Frost Way, Ignacio, Colorado 81137.

▪ Phone: (970) 563-4705; select the 7901 option to comment on the water quality standards and 401 certification procedures.

All comments received will be reviewed and the Division will provide a response to all comments. Once completed, the proposed water quality standards and 401 certification procedures will be available for an additional general public review for a 45-day period.

If you have any questions, please call Alexandra Ratcliff at 970-563-2256 or Jeff Seebach at 970-563-2272.

Outreach Flyer

 

Southern Ute Indian Montessori Academy School Reopening

August 14, 2020

To: SUIMA parents, guardians, and families

From: SUIT Education Department

Cc: Executive Office and SUIMA School Board

Dear SUIMA families,

First, and most importantly, I hope you remain in good health and spirits. Thank you for your understanding and patience while the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council (who also serve as the SUIMA School Board) and SUIMA Administration took the utmost caution to make the most informed decision on the upcoming school year. As a reminder the “Stay at Home” Order remains in effect until further notice as does the public health order requiring the use of face coverage.

While the Tribe considers education a necessity, the highest priority is the health of the SUIMA students and staff. In collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Incident Management Team (IMT) and Tribal Council, we have decided to begin school on August 24, 2020, as scheduled. However, due to the health concerns related to the coronavirus, SUIMA will offer multiple options for students this year.  Students will receive instruction through a Hybrid Learning model, which may include On-Campus Learning, Remote-Learning or a combination of both.  More details on the elected instruction options and the correlation to the tribal “Stay at Home” Order will be made available early next week or during the SUIMA Orientation.

Parents/Guardians will receive communication from their classroom teacher beginning on Monday, August 17, 2020 to confirm an available time for an in-person orientation explaining how SUIMA will deliver academic lessons to students. During the week of August 24-28, 2020, SUIMA will host classroom orientation for families to have the opportunity to meet teachers, observe the precautions set in place, and check out a Chromebook if needed. Families will be scheduled in a staggered manner to maintain COVID safety precautions.

Throughout the Hybrid-Learning time, students will be assessed on their academic performance every 30 days. If students require additional support, SUIMA will contact the Parent/Guardian to develop a plan for academic success which may include a deviation of the hybrid learning model. This may also include scheduled times in which Remote-Learners will come in to take their STAR test. If families find the elected instruction option does not work the family or the student, please contact SUIMA Administration at 970.563.2711. Also, every 30 days, families will be contacted regarding mental and physical health of students.

Meals will be made available to all students – Remote-Learners as well as On-Campus Learners.

SUIMA will use either Google Classroom or Montessori Records Express to deliver Remote Learning lessons. Academic online programs such as Freckle and Lexia will still be accessed for K-6 graders. A demonstration of these programs will be provided during the scheduled orientation throughout the week of August 24-28, 2020. Teachers will cover log-in instructions, navigation through the program, and answer any questions that may arise. Parents/Guardians may also contact the classroom teacher or SUIMA Administration for questions on the online programs throughout the hybrid learning model.

Attendance will be taken daily with both Remote-Learning and On-Campus Learning. SUIMA is currently working to develop a schedule for households with multiple students who have limited number of devices available at the same time.  As a friendly reminder, SUIMA students who are also enrolled Southern Ute tribal members can access the Computer Purchase Cost Share program. For more information on the program, please contact Mrs. Ellen Baker at 970.563.0235 or via email esbaker@southernute-nsn.gov.

The school advises that you stay informed with accurate information by going to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html or CDPHE website at  https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus. Please also follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media and regularly view the Tribe’s websites to observe the most updated tribal information.

Please remember that handwashing for 20 seconds is our number one defense.  Eat right, eat healthy, drink plenty of water, exercise and get plenty of rest. Continue to stay home, practice social distancing, and stay connected with your loved ones, friends, and SUIMA educators.

Additional details will be sent out as SUIMA makes necessary adjustments to the Hybrid-Learning model and to maintain safety and success of SUIMA students and families.

Please take care and best wishes for this upcoming school year!  For questions, please contact Mrs. Mari Jo Owens, SUIMA Principal at 970.563.2711 or via email at mjowens@southernute-nsn.gov.

 

Warmest Regards,

Mari Jo Owens,

SUIMA Principal

 

SUIMA School reopen COVID 19 PSA 8-14-2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Crews strengthen fire line, Six Shooter Fire is 75% contained

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571

Lindsay J. Box, PIO – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, June 19, 2020

 

 

Crews strengthen fire line, Six Shooter Fire is 75% contained

 

 

Ignacio, CO – The Six Shooter Fire was reported on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation at approximately 15:30, June 16, 2020. The fire is located in the Six Shooter Canyon.

 

The Six Shooter Fire is now 75% contained Crews spent the day securing the perimeter of the fire by increasing hand and dozer lines. Tomorrow, crews will continue strengthening the control lines and mopping up the interior.

 

The Durango Interagency IMT 3 will maintain management of the Six Shooter Fire and multiple agencies continue to work to fully suppress the fire. There are a total of 110 personnel working to suppress the fire. Ground resources include fire personnel, 2 crews, 4 modules, 7 type-6 fire engines, and one dozer. Air resources will be ordered as needed.

 

Smoke from the Six Shooter Fire has improved. To monitor the air quality related to the Six Shooter Fire, please go the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Environmental Programs Division Ambient Monitoring page at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/

 

The Tribe is working with oil and gas operators to monitor operations near the impacted fire area.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Monday, May 11, 2020 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for thjhjhe general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

 

STAGE I

General Public:

 

 

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  1. OPEN BURNING.  Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.

 

  1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING.  Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.

 

  1. CAMP FIRES.  Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.

 

  1. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the Six Shooter Fire, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more information or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Six Shooter Fire reaches 60% containment

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571

Lindsay J. Box, PIO – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 18, 2020

 

 

Six Shooter Fire reaches 60% containment

 

 

Ignacio, CO – The Six Shooter Fire was reported on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation at approximately 15:30, June 16, 2020. The fire is located in the Six Shooter Canyon.

 

Crews have suppressed the Six Shooter Fire to 60% containment. Personnel spent the day constructing fire lines which held the fire to no new acreage. The Six Shooter Fire has burnt a total of 224 acres.

 

The Durango Interagency IMT 3 will maintain management of the Six Shooter Fire and multiple agencies continue to work to fully suppress the fire. There are a total of 110 personnel working to suppress the fire. Ground resources include fire personnel, 2 crews, 4 modules, 7 type-6 fire engines, and one dozer. Air resources will be ordered as needed.

 

Smoke from the Six Shooter Fire has improved. To monitor the air quality related to the Six Shooter Fire, please go the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Environmental Programs Division Ambient Monitoring page at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/

 

The Tribe is working with oil and gas operators to monitor operations near the impacted fire area.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Monday, May 11, 2020 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

 

STAGE I

General Public:

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.

 

  1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.

 

  1. CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.

 

  1. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the Six Shooter Fire, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more information or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Six Shooter Fire reaches 224 acres

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571

Lindsay J. Box, PIO – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 18, 2020

 

 

Crews contain Six Shooter Fire line; fire reaches 224 acres

 

 

Ignacio, CO – The Six Shooter Fire was reported on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation at approximately 15:30, June 16, 2020. The fire is located in the Six Shooter Canyon.

 

The Six Shooter Fire grew 4 acres and now reaches a total of 224 acres. Crews promptly responded to a slight break in the fire line and hold fire to less than 5 acres of growth in 24-hours. Ground crews, including a tribal dozer, are working on cutting more fire lines today. Aerial resources will remain on stand-by. There are a total of 105 personnel working to suppress the fire. The Six Shooter Fire remains 25% contained. Personnel look to make positive progress with favorable weather conditions.

 

The Durango Interagency IMT 3 will maintain management of the Six Shooter Fire and multiple agencies continue to work to fully suppress the fire. Agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southern Ute Agency Fire Management, Los Piños Fire Protection District, Durango Fire, Florida Mesa Fire, and modules from the States of Colorado and Oklahoma. Ground resources include fire personnel, hot shot crew, heavy equipment, and utility terrain vehicles. Air resources will remain ready today.

 

Smoke is visible from Colorado Highway 550 and County Road 318. Smoke will be visible to the local communities throughout the duration of the fire. Smoke from wildfires can cause health concerns and some individuals are more at risk of complications. To monitor the air quality related to the Six Shooter Fire, please go the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Environmental Programs Division Ambient Monitoring page at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/

 

The Six Shooter Fire is still not a threat to housing developments. Fire activity remains confined to the canyon. The Tribe is also working with oil and gas operators in the area to shut-in facilities in the vicinity of the fire in an effort to mitigate any potential impact from those operators to first responder’s ability to contain the fire.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Monday, May 11, 2020 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

 

STAGE I

General Public:

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.

 

  1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.

 

  1. CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.

 

  1. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the Six Shooter Fire, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more information or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

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20200618 – Six Shooter Fire reaches 224 acres

Southern Ute Environmental Programs Division – Air Quality Information Resource

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Environmental Programs Division Air Quality Program is a great resource for air quality monitoring during the #SixShooterFire.

Visit the EPD’s Ambient Monitoring information at:
https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/…/air-q…/ambient-monitoring/

Please see the information below for important health tips while experiencing smoke from the Six Shooter Fire. Also included is help understanding the Ambient Air Monitoring Website.

For updates on the Six Shooter Fire, please continue to monitor the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, social media, and KSUT Tribal Radio.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Crew make progress on Six Shooter fire and hold fire to 220 acres

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

BIA Fire Management – 970.563.4571

Lindsay J. Box, PIO – 970.563.2313

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, June 17, 2020

 

 

Crews make progress on Six Shooter Fire and hold fire to 220 acres

 

 

Ignacio, CO – The Six Shooter Fire was reported on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation at approximately 15:30, June 16, 2020. The fire is located in the Six Shooter Canyon.

 

Both ground and aerial resources made positive progress, holding the fire to 220 acres. The fire is now 25% contained. Ground crews continued cutting lines by hand and with a tribal dozer while air attack focused on cooling hot spots burning on the interior of the fire boundary.

 

The Durango Interagency IMT 3 will maintain management of the Six Shooter Fire and multiple agencies continue to work to fully suppress the fire. Agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Southern Ute Agency Fire Management, Los Piños Fire Protection District, Durango Fire, Florida Mesa Fire, and modules from the States of Colorado and Oklahoma. Ground resources include fire personnel, hot shot crew, heavy equipment, and utility terrain vehicles. Air resources will remain ready tomorrow.

 

Smoke is visible from Colorado Highway 550 and County Road 318. Smoke will be visible to the local communities throughout the duration of the fire. Smoke from wildfires can cause health concerns and some individuals are more at risk of complications. To monitor the air quality related to the Six Shooter Fire, please go the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Environmental Programs Division Ambient Monitoring page at: https://www.southernute-nsn.gov/justice-and-regulatory/epd/air-quality/ambient-monitoring/

 

The Six Shooter Fire is still not a threat to housing developments. Fire activity remains confined to the canyon. The Tribe is also working with oil and gas operators in the area to shut-in facilities in the vicinity of the fire in an effort to mitigate any potential impact from those operators to first responder’s ability to contain the fire.

 

As a reminder, Stage 1 fire restrictions were enacted for Southern Ute Indian Reservation on Monday, May 11, 2020 and will remain in effect until conditions improve.

 

Stage I Fire Restrictions prohibits acts for the general public, commercial operators and industrial oil and gas operators performing work on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation.

 

 

STAGE I

General Public:

Prohibited acts:

 

 

  1. OPEN BURNING. Burning of trash and/or yard waste is prohibited.

 

  1. AGRICULTURAL BURNING. Burning of crop land, fields, rangeland, debris burning, slash piles, prescribed burning and weed burning are prohibited.

 

  1. CAMP FIRES. Building, maintaining or using a warming fire or campfire outside of officially designated or developed camp sites is prohibited.  The fire restrictions do not include charcoal fires (in suitable containers) for barbeques or fires for sweat ceremonies, however, such fires are not to be left unattended and are to be fully extinguished after use.

 

  1. Possession, discharging or use of any type or fireworks is prohibited.

 

Commercial and Industrial restrictions can be obtained from the BIA Fire Office at 575 County Road 517 or by calling (970) 563-4571.

 

Anyone violating the provisions of this fire ban may be subject to prosecution outlined in the Southern Ute Indian Criminal Code.

 

For more information on the Six Shooter Fire, please visit the Southern Ute Indian Tribe website, and follow the Southern Ute Indian Tribe on social media.

 

To report fires contact:

DURANGO ZONE DISPATCH (970) 385-1324

 

For more information or to report Fire Restriction Violations contact:

BIA FIRE MANAGEMENT (970) 563-4571 OR SOUTHERN UTE POLICE DEPARTMENT (970) 563-4401

 

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20200617 – Crews make progress on Six Shooter Fire and hold fire to 220 acres