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Colorado - Wed. 06/11/25 |
A Free Business Publication from Alpine Bank
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WILD BISON CROSSING INTO COLORADO FROM UTAH GAIN PROTECTION UNDER NEW LAW
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Bison that reintroduce themselves to the state by walking across the border from Utah just got the backing of Colorado law. Before this year’s legislative session, Colorado law treated bison like livestock, and people could shoot the hulking visitors from Utah without consequence. Senate Bill 53, signed by Gov. Jared Polis, switches the bison’s designation to big game animal, and makes shooting them a poaching offense. The bill also directs Colorado Parks and Wildlife to set up a licensing and hunting protocol for bison, similar to other big game species such as bighorn sheep, mountain lions or elk. There are no immediate plans to create a hunting season, state wildlife officials said, given the small numbers involved, but the division wanted to be ready.
Bison were slaughtered needlessly, as white hunters and railroad employees wiped out more than 30 million of the valuable bovids, in the late 1800s. The iconic signature animal, life support and cultural touchstone for many Native American tribes, dwindled to just a few hundred in the wild. Populations are reviving, but mostly as captive demonstration herds or livestock raised for food on sprawling Western ranches. There are small herds for the public to see at Genesee Park along Interstate 70 west of Denver, and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge near DIA. Utah’s northeastern Bookcliffs region hosts about 150 wild bison, and they sometimes wander in north of I-70. Fines for poaching a wild bison, as with an illegal taking of a bald eagle, could cost up to $100,000.
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DELTA REVIVES FLIGHT TO COLORADO SKI COUNTRY
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Delta Air Lines Inc. is bringing back a domestic nonstop route to Colorado ski country that it had shelved for over a decade. This winter, the Atlanta-based carrier will resume a seasonal route to Colorado’s Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). It was last regularly flown to by Delta in 2014. The daily route will operate between Dec. 20, 2025, through Jan. 5, 2026. Earlier this year, Denver-based Frontier Airlines added a route to Eagle County for ski country fliers, too. Delta's Minneapolis route adds to flights to Eagle County from major cities, including Denver, Dallas and San Francisco.
Delta is also reinstating another MSP route to Watertown, South Dakota, after a 13-year hiatus. Delta's daily routes to the Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) will operate through the regional carrier SkyWest Airlines and be scheduled year-round, according to a Delta spokesperson. The route launches Aug. 1. Later this year, Delta will cut several domestic destinations from the Twin Cities, including Albuquerque, Buffalo, Fairbanks and Great Falls. Among the fall changes, Delta will begin a new daily route from MSP to Westchester County Airport (HPN) in New York.
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$71 MILLION GONDOLA CONSTRUCTION IN IDAHO SPRINGS
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Construction of a spectacular sightseeing gondola above Idaho Springs is well under way with high hopes that it will open early next year, if not sooner. Concrete footings for all of the support towers have been poured, and two support structures are already in place near the upper terminal. The remaining support towers will be flown into position via helicopter and secured in place this summer, either in July or August. A watch party for the public to view the process is planned. The $71 million privately financed project will extend 1.2 miles up the mountain, above the historic Argo Mill, with a vertical rise of 1,300 feet. When completed, it will carry 22 10-person cabins, plus five specialized mountain bike cabins. It will be called the Mighty Argo Cable Car and is being built by Doppelmayr, a prominent lift manufacturer based in Austria and Switzerland. The mill will remain open for tours this summer during gondola construction.
A recreational area called the Virginia Canyon Mountain Park with trails for hiking and mountain biking also is being built under the gondola. About 14 miles of the mountain bike trails are already complete. The goal is to double that amount. The trail system has been closed for construction but will reopen next week. The upper terminal will feature a three-level facility with a saloon, a wine bar, food and beverage options, a terraced amphitheater and an observation trestle.
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ASPEN COUNTS HIGHER OCCUPANCY THIS SUMMER, SO FAR
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Aspen occupancy rates booked for June, July and August are all higher than or equal to last year’s rates. The occupancy rates tallied between Jan. 1 and April 30 are higher than the historical five-year average for the same period. There are also more people flying in and out of the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport compared to recent years. Aspen’s June occupancy rate is currently booked at 62 percent as opposed to 58 percent last year. July currently has a 53 percent occupancy rate, the same as this time last year. August is booked at 9 percent higher than last year’s 37 percent. September so far has 13 percent rise in bookings compared to last year. June will likely bring a substantial jump in occupancy as the town emerges from off-season. Between 2012 and 2024, excluding 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic year, May has seen a 30.75 percent occupancy rate while June more than doubled to 62.42 percent.
The city has also seen an increased occupancy rate so far this calendar year as opposed to last year. January saw a 74 percent occupancy rate, 5 percent higher than 2024’s January rate of 69 percent. February saw an 80 percent occupancy rate which was 2 percent higher than the same period last year. March tallied 74 percent occupancy, the same rate as in 2024. April — the height of the slow season — had a 41 percent occupancy rate this year, the highest since 2019, and 5 percent higher than the 36 percent recorded in 2024. This year, the city of Aspen collected $2.76 million from its 2 percent lodging tax between Jan. 1 and April 30, a 5 percent increase from the same period last year.
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PITKIN PROPERTY VALUATIONS SLOWED IN CURRENT CYCLE
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Property valuations that inform tax bills mostly leveled out in Pitkin County during the most recent cycle, with some exceptions, following the record-breaking valuations in 2023. The value of all property in Pitkin County as of May 1, when notices of valuation were mailed, was approximately $75.3 million. In 2024, it was approximately $72 million; in 2023, the cumulative value for all property in the county was $76.68 billion; in 2022, $41.38 billion. According to preliminary data compiled by the Pitkin County Assessor’s Office, the May 1 actual value (or market value) of residential property increased 4.2 percent compared to the December 2024 actual value. Commercial property actual value increased 9.1 percent and agricultural property increased 28.7 percent.
Property valuation is calculated by taking the actual value of a property, multiplying it by the assessment rate (which is set by the state legislature) to get the assessed value. Then to calculate taxes, the assessed value is multiplied by the mill levy and divided by 1,000 to get your tax bill. Mill levies are set by taxing entities like the county government, schools and libraries and are finalized later in the year. As of Monday, the Pitkin County Assessor’s Office had received around 830 appeals to protest the valuation and expects to process around 1,000. The deadline to postmark an appeal was Monday.
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FACING FINANCIAL CRISIS, LIFT-UP SEEKS $2.5 MILLION TO AVOID MAJOR SERVICE CUTS
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LIFT-UP, a local food security nonprofit serving communities from Aspen to Parachute, is seeking $2.5 million in emergency funding to avoid deep service cuts amid what leaders are calling a financial crisis. Over the past month, the organization has appealed to municipal and county governments across Garfield County citing increased demand, reduced donations and mounting debt. Founded in 1982, LIFT-UP has long worked to combat hunger through a network of food pantries, a mobile pantry, multiple soup kitchens and other services like emergency food bags. Around 8 percent of Garfield County residents, including 11.5 percent of children, experience food insecurity.
Of the $2.5 million LIFT-UP is requesting, roughly $1.6 million would go towards paying off mortgages on its thrift stores in Rifle and Parachute, and warehouse in Glenwood Springs. The remainder would support programs like the Farm 2 Food Pantry, which sources fresh, local produce from farmers for LIFT-UP’s distribution network. To learn how to donate money, time, or gently used goods, visit liftup.org. LIFT-UP also urgently needs a truck capable of towing its mobile food pantry. Those interested in helping can e-mail director@liftup.org.
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SOUTHERN UTES TO TAP LAKE NIGHTHORSE WATER
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The Southern Ute Indian Tribe plans to begin drawing water from Lake Nighthorse this summer, becoming the first entity to use the reservoir for non-testing purposes since the reservoir’s completion in 2009. The Southern Ute Tribal Council approved the annual use of a portion of its Animas-La Plata Project water in Lake Nighthorse for “future industrial uses,” including energy development, in February 2024, according to the tribal newspaper, The Southern Ute Drum. The Drum did not specify when the tribe would begin drawing water, only that activities would take place this summer.
Lake Nighthorse stores 123,541 acre-feet of water. The tribe holds a 44,662-acre-foot annual allocation from the A-LP, with 38,108 acre-feet stored in Lake Nighthorse. The tribe’s claim represents about 35 percent of the water stored in the reservoir. The tribe currently uses 6,553 acre-feet annually from its Animas River allocation under the A-LP. A Bureau of Reclamation spokesperson said reliable water access is crucial for the tribe’s growth and the well-being of its members. All A-LP water is classified for municipal and industrial use and “provides valuable water resources that enhance the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s ability to foster economic development and preserve cultural traditions.”
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COLORADO'S WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST HAS A NEW TOP BOSS
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The White River National Forest has a new supervisor. Brian Glaspell, who has been acting supervisor since March, will assume the role as the top official for the most-visited national forest in the United States. The 2.3-million-acre White River National Forest is home to 11 ski resorts, 10 peaks over 14,000 feet and iconic destinations such as the Maroon Bells and Hanging Lakes. Located in parts of Eagle, Pitkin, Garfield, Summit, Rio Blanco, Mesa, Gunnison, Routt and Moffat counties, it draws more than 17 million visitors a year and supports an estimated 22,000 jobs. Glaspell fills the forest supervisor position left open after Scott Fitzwilliams voluntarily resigned earlier this year through the Trump Administration’s deferred resignation program. Fitzwilliams had spent 15 years as the supervisor of the White River National Forest.
Glaspell, who grew up in Chugiak, Alaska, and is married with two young adult children, had previously served as the Rocky Mountain regional director for strategic planning since 2023. He came to Colorado after serving as the regional chief for the National Wildlife Refuge System in Alaska, where he was responsible for the administration of Alaska’s 16 National Wildlife Refuges. Glaspell also served as manager at the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, manager of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and as the recreation program manager for the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests.
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RECYCLE OR PICK UP PAINT JUNE 28 IN STEAMBOAT
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Spring cleaning can turn up old paints and stains in need of proper disposal, so Routt County residents are invited to drop off leftover paint for recycling at the annual Steamboat Springs PaintCare event 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 28. The free paint collection will be conducted at Steamboat Springs Middle School at 39610 Amethyst Dr. People dropping off items are asked to register for a specific half-hour time window online at paint-steamboat-springs.eventbrite.com. Households and businesses can safely drop off unused paint for recycling or pick up leftover paint in good condition for reuse. Drop-off limits may apply to businesses bringing oil-based paint. For more information, visit Paintcare.org/business-limits.
The nonprofit stewardship organization PaintCare accepts unwanted house paint and primers either latex or oil-based, stains, deck and concrete sealers, and clear finishes such as varnish and shellac. Paint must be in sealed, original containers with the manufacturer label. PaintCare cannot accept leaking, unlabeled or empty containers, aerosol coatings, containers larger than five gallons, hazardous waste or other chemicals such as paint thinner, solvents, spackle, glue, adhesive, roofing tar or cleaning chemicals.
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WORKING A “GIG” IS TAXABLE
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Gig work offers flexibility, autonomy and a way to earn income, but it comes with tax obligations that may catch you off guard. Whether you drive for a rideshare service, deliver food, sell products online or offer pet walking services, it’s crucial to understand the tax implications to stay compliant and avoid costly surprises. Generally, if you receive income from a gig, it’s taxable. That’s true even if you don’t receive a 1099-NEC reporting the money you made. You may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments (the next is due June 16) because the income isn’t subject to withholding. Business expenses may be deductible, subject to the normal tax rules. For more information, visit the IRS Gig Economy Tax Center, https://bit.ly/43AH6XG.
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COLORADO'S BEST WHITEWATER RAFTING STRETCHES
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Since the 1970s, commercial whitewater rafting has been one of the most idealistic and adventurous ways to experience Colorado’s historic and wild canyon, mountain and desert landscapes. Here are the most famous and not-to-be-missed stretches of whitewater that Colorado has to offer:
- Yampa and Green River: Inside Dinosaur National Monument are two riverways — the Yampa and the Green — that wind through an area of archeological phenomena, fossils, and indigenous rock petroglyphs. Paddlers can soak up the stars among unique geological formations and sandy stretches. Since 2019, the monument has been among the Centennial State’s International Dark Sky-designated destinations. The Yampa is also the last free-flowing major tributary of the Colorado River.
- Royal Gorge: The Royal Gorge is one of the Centennial State’s most popular attractions and is home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, which stretches across the gorge. The bridge — 1,270 feet across and 956 feet above the water — was constructed in 1929. The plummeting canyon walls wind for 10 miles, creating a channel in the earth that was formed over millions of years. Outside of Canyon City and near Colorado Springs and Pueblo, the Gorge feels like the middle of nowhere, yet is easily accessible. One of the most famous ways to experience the canyon and bridge is to ride the rapids below: an adventurous rodeo across class III-IV rapids.
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon: To extend your whitewater season, head to the Arkansas River Valley. Running the Bighorn offers a family-friendly and mellow day on the whitewater through a gorgeous high-desert landscape. The Rocky Mountain landscape, a section of the Arkansas River, is home to Bighorn Sheep. These sheep have curled horns that can weigh up to 30 pounds alone. Eastbound between Salida and Canyon City, the river’s rapids range from Bear Creek to Spider, Badger Creek (all class II-III), and The Flume (class III-IV).
- Browns Canyon: Dynamic granite walls stretch above the Arkansas River like a castle’s watchtowers: Both paddlers and anglers alike gawk skyward in appreciation of the geological glory of Browns Canyon. The Arkansas River valley has 21,586 acres of pristine canyons, rivers, and forest. In December 2024, Browns Canyon National Monument became the Centennial State’s 18th certified International Dark Sky Place and 12th International Dark Sky Park. The iconic rapids along this lifeline include Zoom Flume, Big Drop and Toilet Bowl, and range from class II-III.
- The Numbers: Class IV-V rapids await these paddlers. The Numbers is named for its consecutive game of rapids in rapid-fire, one right after the other. Also along the Arkansas River, rafters can’t go wrong with the stunning views — when they earn a break to look up at the paradise.
- Animas River: In Colorado’s Southwest, the Animas is famous for its technical Class IV and V rapids, some of the country’s most challenging commercially rafted segments. If you’ve never been to Durango, the mining town’s history and charm are stunning, as is the river that snakes through it.
- Cache la Poudre River: Beyond its challenging rapids, the Cache la Poudre River is Colorado’s first and sole federally designated National Wild and Scenic River. It is an incredible piece of history meant to stand the test of time.
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MARKET UPDATE - 06/10/2025 Close
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(Courtesy of Alpine Bank Wealth Management*)
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Canadian dollar (per U.S. dollar)
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Mexican peso (per U.S. dollar)
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30-year fixed mortgage rate (Freddie Mac 06/05/2025)
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*Not FDIC insured. May lose value. Not guaranteed by the bank.
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Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado's Western Slope, mountains and Front Range. Alpine Bank serves customers with retail, business, wealth management*, mortgage and electronic banking services. Learn more at alpinebank.com.
*Alpine Bank Wealth Management services are not FDIC insured, may lose value and are not guaranteed by the bank.
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