Posted by Erin Eddy
provided by
Montrose Association of REALTORS
Statistics for Ouray County Jan 1 - Sept. 30, 2008
TOTAL HOMES (includes new home sales)
Homes Sold : 54
Total Price : $19,456,400
Average Price : $360,303
Median Price : $300,000
Range in Price : $25,000 - 1,200,000
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY
Units Sold : 7
Total Price : $1,512,800
Average Price :$216,114
Median Price : $185,300
Range in Price :$52,500 - 623,000
VACANT LAND
Units Sold : 19
Total Price : $5,182,125
Average Price : $272,743
Median Price : $175,000
Range in Price :$110,000 - 1,600,000
FARM & RANCH
Units Sold : 1
Total Price : $525,000
Average Price : $ 525,000
Median Price : $ 525,000
Range in Price :$ 525,000
ALL PROPERTIES
Units Sold : 81
Total Price : $26,676,325
Average Price : $329,337
Median Price : $280,000
Range in Price :$25,000 - 1,600,000
*This information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Ouray Ice Park Expansion
Ice Park gets 'Stump Wall'
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
October 24, 2008
Written By Samantha Tisdel Wright
The newest expansion of the Ouray Ice Park, to be called the"Got Stump Wall," is currently under development and should be operational in time for the winter climbing season, said OIPI Executive Director Erin Eddy.
A brainchild of ice climber and Rigging for Rescue owner Mike Gibbs, the new wall is unique in that it is located on the opposite side of the Uncompahgre River gorge from all of the other climbs in the park. "Mike has had this in his head for years," Eddy said. The area is adjacent to the penstock trestle that crosses the gorge near Box Canyon Park, and is easily accessible from Highway 550 in snow-free months.
The wall will feature six new routes, each with 90 feet of "dead vertical," Eddy said. He estimated that on the WI (Water Ice) system of rating difficulty, the climbs will rank in the range of four to five, with six being most difficult. Most climbs in the park are in the range of three.
Two ice park employees have been at work in the vicinity of the new wall, clearing trees and scrub, and installing anchor bolts, Eddy said, adding that local metalsmith Jeff Skoloda will be building a grate with vertical risers and screening to make the area, which has significant exposure, somewhat more secure.
The next step will be to install plumbing to create the new ice falls, which will come across the penstock trestle, Eddy said.
"Rob (Holmes, OIPI's chief 'Ice Farmer') gets sick of us," he grinned. "We keep expanding."
"Got Stump" takes its name from ice climber Malcolm Daly, who lost his foot to frostbite after falling from Alaska's Thunder Mountain, but continued to climb, and climb hard. While playing auctioneer at a fund-raiser at the Ouray Ice Fest several years ago, he was wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the irreverent logo "Got Stump?" which had been given to him by Chris Folsom, a Ouray local who had managed to chop off one of his fingers some years ago and also continued to climb.
Once everything else had been successfully auctioned off, Folsom yelled for Daly to sell the shirt off his back. He did, and got a couple hundred dollars for it.
The "Got Stump" shirt turned up again at successive Ice Fest auctions, raising first $2,000, then $3000, then $3500. The winner of the shirt was entrusted with it for the coming year, instructed to keep it safe and warm, and take it out on some adventures.
Recent custodians have included Warren Macdonald, a double amputee climber, and Kim Csizmazia, who had her hip replaced last year.
At Ice Fest 2007, the humble t-shirt raised a remarkable $7,500, this time through donations rather than at auction, and was entrusted for the year to Durango climber Joseph Miller. The money has been used to create a permanent kids climbing area at the Park, which includes a memorial to fallen climbers designed and built by Jeff Skoloda.
Posted by Erin Eddy
www.ourayland.com
www.ridgwayland.com
October 24, 2008
Written By Samantha Tisdel Wright
The newest expansion of the Ouray Ice Park, to be called the"Got Stump Wall," is currently under development and should be operational in time for the winter climbing season, said OIPI Executive Director Erin Eddy.
A brainchild of ice climber and Rigging for Rescue owner Mike Gibbs, the new wall is unique in that it is located on the opposite side of the Uncompahgre River gorge from all of the other climbs in the park. "Mike has had this in his head for years," Eddy said. The area is adjacent to the penstock trestle that crosses the gorge near Box Canyon Park, and is easily accessible from Highway 550 in snow-free months.
The wall will feature six new routes, each with 90 feet of "dead vertical," Eddy said. He estimated that on the WI (Water Ice) system of rating difficulty, the climbs will rank in the range of four to five, with six being most difficult. Most climbs in the park are in the range of three.
Two ice park employees have been at work in the vicinity of the new wall, clearing trees and scrub, and installing anchor bolts, Eddy said, adding that local metalsmith Jeff Skoloda will be building a grate with vertical risers and screening to make the area, which has significant exposure, somewhat more secure.
The next step will be to install plumbing to create the new ice falls, which will come across the penstock trestle, Eddy said.
"Rob (Holmes, OIPI's chief 'Ice Farmer') gets sick of us," he grinned. "We keep expanding."
"Got Stump" takes its name from ice climber Malcolm Daly, who lost his foot to frostbite after falling from Alaska's Thunder Mountain, but continued to climb, and climb hard. While playing auctioneer at a fund-raiser at the Ouray Ice Fest several years ago, he was wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the irreverent logo "Got Stump?" which had been given to him by Chris Folsom, a Ouray local who had managed to chop off one of his fingers some years ago and also continued to climb.
Once everything else had been successfully auctioned off, Folsom yelled for Daly to sell the shirt off his back. He did, and got a couple hundred dollars for it.
The "Got Stump" shirt turned up again at successive Ice Fest auctions, raising first $2,000, then $3000, then $3500. The winner of the shirt was entrusted with it for the coming year, instructed to keep it safe and warm, and take it out on some adventures.
Recent custodians have included Warren Macdonald, a double amputee climber, and Kim Csizmazia, who had her hip replaced last year.
At Ice Fest 2007, the humble t-shirt raised a remarkable $7,500, this time through donations rather than at auction, and was entrusted for the year to Durango climber Joseph Miller. The money has been used to create a permanent kids climbing area at the Park, which includes a memorial to fallen climbers designed and built by Jeff Skoloda.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Oktoberfest contest winners announced
Posted by Erin Eddy
Source: Ouray Plaindealer
October 10, 2008
This year's Jeep raffle winner at the annual Oktoberfest celebration is James Puckett, maybe.
Ouray Chamber Resort Association Executive Director Jennifer Loshaw said Wednesday that Puckett has 30 days to respond to OCRA's notification, but his winning ticket only has a phone number, no address. Loshaw said if Puckett fails to collect his prize, OCRA will contact the holder of an alternate ticket drawn, a resident from Kansas.
The Ouray County Historical Society also had two winners during the Oktoberfest celebration last Saturday at the Ouray Community Center. Martha Metzger, a part-time Ouray resident and one of the ladies who made the raffle quilt, had her name drawn to receive the beautiful handmade quilt is patterned after a historic quilt hanging in the OCHS museum. Nancy Johnston, a resident of Montrose, had her name drawn for a line drawing of the Mountain Top Mine by artist John Hayes.
And the winner of the ATV raffle, sponsored by the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department, is Larry Haller of Ridgway.
Source: Ouray Plaindealer
October 10, 2008
This year's Jeep raffle winner at the annual Oktoberfest celebration is James Puckett, maybe.
Ouray Chamber Resort Association Executive Director Jennifer Loshaw said Wednesday that Puckett has 30 days to respond to OCRA's notification, but his winning ticket only has a phone number, no address. Loshaw said if Puckett fails to collect his prize, OCRA will contact the holder of an alternate ticket drawn, a resident from Kansas.
The Ouray County Historical Society also had two winners during the Oktoberfest celebration last Saturday at the Ouray Community Center. Martha Metzger, a part-time Ouray resident and one of the ladies who made the raffle quilt, had her name drawn to receive the beautiful handmade quilt is patterned after a historic quilt hanging in the OCHS museum. Nancy Johnston, a resident of Montrose, had her name drawn for a line drawing of the Mountain Top Mine by artist John Hayes.
And the winner of the ATV raffle, sponsored by the Ouray Volunteer Fire Department, is Larry Haller of Ridgway.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Be bear aware: activity increases in the fall
Posted by Erin Eddy
Denver
October 10, 2008
DENVER — Autumn is when black bears become more active, setting the stage for an increase in bear sightings and possibly encounters.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) reminds residents and visitors that bears are searching for food to prepare for the denning season, which begins in early to mid-November. From now until then, bears will look for food wherever they can find it and the result may lead them closer to people or homes.
While Colorado's bears usually run, rather than confront humans, encounters do occur and people should know a few things about how to react, or better yet, how to avoid an encounter altogether by reducing the likelihood of attracting bears in the first place.
Human injuries caused by bears are rare in Colorado. In the few cases when people are injured, it usually involves food left where bears can find it, or is the result of a surprise encounter.
When bears become habituated to food left out by people, it can lead to conflicts, property damage, the possibility of injury and eventual destruction of the bear. The DOW has the following recommendations to reduce the chances of having a close encounter with a black bear on a homeowner's property:
n Do not feed wild animals (against the law to feed foxes, coyotes or bears) and play it safe if you have bird feeders in bear country. Feeding wildlife, including birds, can draw bears into an area. Once bears become comfortable in an area where they find food, they will continue to return. Bears have an amazing ability to recall areas where food was easily available from year to year. A "neighborhood bear" can become a real problem for homeowners and neighbors.
n Tips for safely feeding birds include: restrict feeding to when bears hibernate, which is generally November through April; avoid bird foods that are particularly attractive for bears, such as sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar, or suet; bring feeders inside at night or suspend them from high crosswires; and temporarily remove feeders for two weeks if visited by a bear. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
n Don't place garbage outside until pick-up day. A 1994 Arizona study discovered that putting trash cans out the morning of the pickup reduced bear visits from 70% to less than5%. Garbage or food items, including pet food, should be stored inside the garage or secure storage shed. Garage doors should not be left open except for very brief periods during the day.
n Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your backyard, stay calm. From a safe distance, shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog. Children should understand not to run, approach or hide from a bear that wanders into the yard, but, instead, to back away and walk slowly to the house.
n Eliminate temptation. Bears that visit areas of human habitation are drawn there by food. Neighbors need to work together to reduce an area's appeal to bears.
For more information and tips on preventing conflicts with bears, go to DOW's webpage (http://wildlife.state.co.us) and the link Wildlife Species.
Denver
October 10, 2008
DENVER — Autumn is when black bears become more active, setting the stage for an increase in bear sightings and possibly encounters.
The Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW) reminds residents and visitors that bears are searching for food to prepare for the denning season, which begins in early to mid-November. From now until then, bears will look for food wherever they can find it and the result may lead them closer to people or homes.
While Colorado's bears usually run, rather than confront humans, encounters do occur and people should know a few things about how to react, or better yet, how to avoid an encounter altogether by reducing the likelihood of attracting bears in the first place.
Human injuries caused by bears are rare in Colorado. In the few cases when people are injured, it usually involves food left where bears can find it, or is the result of a surprise encounter.
When bears become habituated to food left out by people, it can lead to conflicts, property damage, the possibility of injury and eventual destruction of the bear. The DOW has the following recommendations to reduce the chances of having a close encounter with a black bear on a homeowner's property:
n Do not feed wild animals (against the law to feed foxes, coyotes or bears) and play it safe if you have bird feeders in bear country. Feeding wildlife, including birds, can draw bears into an area. Once bears become comfortable in an area where they find food, they will continue to return. Bears have an amazing ability to recall areas where food was easily available from year to year. A "neighborhood bear" can become a real problem for homeowners and neighbors.
n Tips for safely feeding birds include: restrict feeding to when bears hibernate, which is generally November through April; avoid bird foods that are particularly attractive for bears, such as sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar, or suet; bring feeders inside at night or suspend them from high crosswires; and temporarily remove feeders for two weeks if visited by a bear. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.
n Don't place garbage outside until pick-up day. A 1994 Arizona study discovered that putting trash cans out the morning of the pickup reduced bear visits from 70% to less than5%. Garbage or food items, including pet food, should be stored inside the garage or secure storage shed. Garage doors should not be left open except for very brief periods during the day.
n Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your backyard, stay calm. From a safe distance, shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog. Children should understand not to run, approach or hide from a bear that wanders into the yard, but, instead, to back away and walk slowly to the house.
n Eliminate temptation. Bears that visit areas of human habitation are drawn there by food. Neighbors need to work together to reduce an area's appeal to bears.
For more information and tips on preventing conflicts with bears, go to DOW's webpage (http://wildlife.state.co.us) and the link Wildlife Species.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Expert explains links between mining and energy
Posted by Erin Eddy
October 03, 2008
Plaindealer staff report
"Mining for energy independence," with a focus on renewable resources, is the topic of a public presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Ouray Community Center.
Jim Burnell of the Colorado Geological Survey will talk about the importance of finding and developing domestic sources of minerals required for the development of generating energy from renewable sources.
Ouray County Surveyor Bob Larson said he expects attendance to represent the interests of mining, the environment and the general public.
According to Burnell, public support is growing for the development of energy generation from renewable sources. However, an aspect of renewable energy possibly unknown by many is the hardware needed for these technologies.
"The infrastructure requires mined materials, including imported strategic and critical minerals," said Burnell.
Burnell said silica, copper, gallium, indium, selenium, cadmium and tellurium are required for the dominant photovoltaic technologies. Silver and aluminum are necessary for "concentrating" solar power technology. Zinc, vanadium, platinum group metals and rare earth elements are key components of power storage, hybrid vehicle, and fuel cell applications.
"All these materials must be mined," said Burnell. "At present, the U.S. is woefully dependent upon import sources for most of these materials and demand is already squeezing the prices.
Domestic sources must be found and developed if energy independence is to be achieved using alternative sources." For information about the program, call Larson at 325-4600.
October 03, 2008
Plaindealer staff report
"Mining for energy independence," with a focus on renewable resources, is the topic of a public presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Ouray Community Center.
Jim Burnell of the Colorado Geological Survey will talk about the importance of finding and developing domestic sources of minerals required for the development of generating energy from renewable sources.
Ouray County Surveyor Bob Larson said he expects attendance to represent the interests of mining, the environment and the general public.
According to Burnell, public support is growing for the development of energy generation from renewable sources. However, an aspect of renewable energy possibly unknown by many is the hardware needed for these technologies.
"The infrastructure requires mined materials, including imported strategic and critical minerals," said Burnell.
Burnell said silica, copper, gallium, indium, selenium, cadmium and tellurium are required for the dominant photovoltaic technologies. Silver and aluminum are necessary for "concentrating" solar power technology. Zinc, vanadium, platinum group metals and rare earth elements are key components of power storage, hybrid vehicle, and fuel cell applications.
"All these materials must be mined," said Burnell. "At present, the U.S. is woefully dependent upon import sources for most of these materials and demand is already squeezing the prices.
Domestic sources must be found and developed if energy independence is to be achieved using alternative sources." For information about the program, call Larson at 325-4600.
Forest Service Ice Park Deal Looming
Posted by Erin Eddy
October 03, 2008
By Samantha Tisdel Wright
City and Forest Service officials appear to finally be on the same page, regarding the city's proposed acquisition of U.S. Forest Service inholdings at the Ouray Ice Park.
Mayor Bob Risch met with USFS officials on Monday to discuss a recent proposal for the city to purchase slightly more than 20 acres of Forest Service land encompassing the Ice Park and the city's adjacent shooting range.
"Both sides want it done," Risch said. The city will conduct a survey of the area in the coming weeks, after which the Forest Service will need to conduct an appraisal before acquisition can move forward.
Two portions of the Ouray Ice Park are owned by the USFS, said OIPI Executive Director Erin Eddy: an area below the lower bridge, known as "Five Fingers," and the "New Frontier" further up the gorge to the south, toward the reservoir.
Risch estimated that the acquisition process would "slip into 2009," but was encouraged that the city's formerly stymied efforts to consolidate ownership of the park are finally inching forward.
"We missed it so badly last time," he said, referring to a former proposal by the city to purchase 40 acres of land in the area. This proposal included ice park and shooting range parcels as well as Forest Service land encompassing the city's water tank.
That proposal was jettisoned earlier this year when a USFS appraisal for the parcels came in at $870,000, a figure which City Administrator Patrick Rondinelli called "completely ridiculous and ludicrous" in that it disregarded the city's and county's own zoning regulations which prohibit development in the area, much of which is literally vertical.
The new proposal, agreed upon Monday, includes only that USFS land which is within the Ice Park's boundary, as well as the shooting range, which the Forest Service wants to get away from the business of permitting. Risch said that in this go-around, he is hoping the Forest Service will agree to use a local appraiser, more familiar with the area's particular real estate climate.
Four entities own land within the ice park: the City of Ouray, Ouray County, the Forest Service, and Eric Jacobsen who owns Ouray's Hydroelectric Plant and much of the land and infrastructure along the south rim of the gorge. The county currently retains administrative oversight of the Ice Park, a duty which County Administrator Connie Hunt is eager to pass off as soon as possible, she told USFS officials at a multi-jurisdictional meeting on Thursday.
Ice Park land acquisition is one of eight priority goals listed by city officials for the upcoming 2009 budget. Other items include the engineering and installation of a new water line from the Box Canon Spring toward the Hot Springs Pool, the replacement of 300 feet of damaged water main near Mineral Farms on Camp Bird Road, the construction of a second water tank, conversion to a Home Rule municipal structure, engineering and installation of of a new diversion in the Skyrocket channel, continued efforts to forward the cause of affordable housing, and adoption of a parks master plan.
October 03, 2008
By Samantha Tisdel Wright
City and Forest Service officials appear to finally be on the same page, regarding the city's proposed acquisition of U.S. Forest Service inholdings at the Ouray Ice Park.
Mayor Bob Risch met with USFS officials on Monday to discuss a recent proposal for the city to purchase slightly more than 20 acres of Forest Service land encompassing the Ice Park and the city's adjacent shooting range.
"Both sides want it done," Risch said. The city will conduct a survey of the area in the coming weeks, after which the Forest Service will need to conduct an appraisal before acquisition can move forward.
Two portions of the Ouray Ice Park are owned by the USFS, said OIPI Executive Director Erin Eddy: an area below the lower bridge, known as "Five Fingers," and the "New Frontier" further up the gorge to the south, toward the reservoir.
Risch estimated that the acquisition process would "slip into 2009," but was encouraged that the city's formerly stymied efforts to consolidate ownership of the park are finally inching forward.
"We missed it so badly last time," he said, referring to a former proposal by the city to purchase 40 acres of land in the area. This proposal included ice park and shooting range parcels as well as Forest Service land encompassing the city's water tank.
That proposal was jettisoned earlier this year when a USFS appraisal for the parcels came in at $870,000, a figure which City Administrator Patrick Rondinelli called "completely ridiculous and ludicrous" in that it disregarded the city's and county's own zoning regulations which prohibit development in the area, much of which is literally vertical.
The new proposal, agreed upon Monday, includes only that USFS land which is within the Ice Park's boundary, as well as the shooting range, which the Forest Service wants to get away from the business of permitting. Risch said that in this go-around, he is hoping the Forest Service will agree to use a local appraiser, more familiar with the area's particular real estate climate.
Four entities own land within the ice park: the City of Ouray, Ouray County, the Forest Service, and Eric Jacobsen who owns Ouray's Hydroelectric Plant and much of the land and infrastructure along the south rim of the gorge. The county currently retains administrative oversight of the Ice Park, a duty which County Administrator Connie Hunt is eager to pass off as soon as possible, she told USFS officials at a multi-jurisdictional meeting on Thursday.
Ice Park land acquisition is one of eight priority goals listed by city officials for the upcoming 2009 budget. Other items include the engineering and installation of a new water line from the Box Canon Spring toward the Hot Springs Pool, the replacement of 300 feet of damaged water main near Mineral Farms on Camp Bird Road, the construction of a second water tank, conversion to a Home Rule municipal structure, engineering and installation of of a new diversion in the Skyrocket channel, continued efforts to forward the cause of affordable housing, and adoption of a parks master plan.
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