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The Bear
Apparently someone we know is getting bored with his summer vacation.  Ed must now think he is James Faulkner.  Only the financial reports have been put on the site since July 23, so here it is.  Let's hope the ending is not as inevitable as Faulkner's.

Building a One-Woman (or Man) Defensible Space
Clearing the scrub and thick tree growth from around your building site can be a daunting task.  Carol Rawle tells of her own experience, imparts some tips about dealing with scrub oak regrowth and demystifies the concept of donating "in-kind" to the SFTR grant funded community thinning projects.

Burning Memories
See what happens when you don't plow Ed Hockett's road?  He thinks he has to write War and Peace in his idle time.  No one else has submitting anything in a while, so here it is.  Read at your own risk, and only if you have a couple of hours to spare.

Brabant Belgians Draft Horses
A story of the Big O Tires Brabant Draft horses that are in training at SFTR.  These two horses are full brothers, and weigh 2,500 lbs. each.

Carol Dillow Phillips

Confessions of a Tree Hugger
Or, How We Got Firewise

Joyce Wolff

Snow Storm Photos
Story and pictures from Trinidad taking during the big snow.

Cinderella Oetter

Snow Days in a 5th Wheel
MaryAnn and her husband were stranded for six days and seven nights in a 38 foot 5th wheel during the 12/29/2006 storm.

MaryAnn Messier

Pictures of the Storm's Aftermath
Pictures of the area, from multiple sources, after the big storm of 12/29/2006

Multiple

Enuf Already!
Thoughts and photos of the big storm of December 2006

MJ Shelton

Pleased with the Bull Hog Work
After hiring for some clearing, Joyce & Walt were very pleased with the results.

Joyce & Walt Wolff

Hiking to Fisher Peak
An adventure many have thought about, but Ed and friend Tim Keller did it!

Ed Hockett

Losing the Ranch to Gas Drilling
A first-hand account of gas drilling.  Article appeared in The Trinidad Times Independent on 8/15/2006.

Rosemary Bilchak
Writers on the Range

Noxious Weed Control at SFTR
Information on the upcoming 2006 Weed Out event.  Plus, information on your responsibilities as a property owner for weed control.

Bill Wenstrom

The 2006.3 Whimper Old-Limp-Icks
In honor of the Winter Olympics we asked our very own Oldlimpians if they would come out of retirement for an encore performance.  (Requires Adobe PDF reader to view.  Article is fairly large and may take a moment to fully download.)

MJ Shelton

1/30/2006

Saying Goodbye a Second Time
Gene downs died on January 26, 2006 at his home in Texas.  This touching story helps tell why so many people loved him as a Ranch neighbor and friend.

Ed Hockett

6/21/01

One Tough Hombre
Gene downs takes some novice firefighters into the action to fight a blaze on the Ranch.  An exciting tale told by a grateful participant.
This article "reprinted" to honor Gene on the news of his passing.

Mary Jo Shelton

Meet the New Neighbors
A second "Shelton Family" has moved to the Ranch.  Get an introduction with this article.

Joyce & Walt Wolff

What is the Scoop with the Santa Fe Trail Ranch Gate Signs?
Who makes these beautiful signs and what's involved?

Diana Novacek

A Rude Awakening
A first-hand account of an early morning fire call.

Ed Hockett

Shaded Fuel Breaks a Good Idea
A short article from the Willits News.  (A town in California.)

C.K. Morey

Open Letter to SFTR from C.K. Morey
An open letter from C.K. Morey of the Colorado State Forest Service to owners on the Ranch.  The topic is a Shaded Fuel Break to protect the Ranch from fire originating to our south and west.

C.K. Morey

Noxious Weed Control at SFTR
Information on the upcoming 2005 Weed Out event.  Plus, information on your responsibilities as a property owner for weed control

Bill Wenstrom

Fred is Outside Washing the Car
A reminder of how far we've come with our water system and thanks to those who helped us get here

Harriet Vaugeois

April Showers???  Er...April Blizzards?
Mary Jo reports during the big spring blizzard of 2005

Mary Jo Shelton

Cows and Me
An Autobiographical Journey to Understanding

Ed Hockett

Amazing Grace
The story of a friend of SFTR, Joyce Wolff's mother.

Joyce Wolff

Cows Eat Weeds at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site
An article on the livestockforlandscapes.com web site.

George Gonzalez

Livestock Grazing's Contribution to Fire Hazard
An article written by George Wuerthner published in Summer 2002 by the Oregon Natural Desert Association.

D. Lee Phelan

Livestock Grazing and Weed Invasions in the Arid West
An article written by A. Joy Belsky Ph.D. and Jonathan L. Gelbard published in April 2000 by the Oregon Natural Desert Association.  (Because this article was formatted for printing, it is difficult to read from a screen.  Viewing this article requires a PDF viewer, such as Adobe's Acrobat Reader.)

D. Lee Phelan

It's Water!
Water is now available on the Ranch and the first few water connections have been made.  Joyce Wolff shows with words and pictures the exciting event of getting "city water" in the country.

Joyce Wolff

What's the Buzzzz????
Earlier this summer Flora Martinez and her grandson noticed an unusually large number of bees flying around a small pinon tree near their home.  Learn what they did in this article by Joyce Wolff.

Joyce Wolff

What's This, Mamma?
Ranch resident Pam Russell has won a state-wide photo competition sponsored by Colorado Farm Bureau Insurance.  This article by Joyce Wolff tells all about it.

Joyce Wolff

Labor Day Festivities
Fun with family and friends was the order of day at Trinidad's 94th Annual Round-Up Rodeo.

Pam Russell

Western Wildland Urban Interface Grant
Poll of SFTR landowners who have an interest in doing forest management / fire mitigation on their acreage.  CK Morey, our District State Forrester, is willing to apply on behalf of the Santa Fe Trail Ranch for a 2005 competitive 50/50 matching grant provided to 17 western states through the USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry programs.

Diana Novacek

DSL on the Ranch?
Eddie Gieske needs information from Ranch residents, non-residents, and wanna-be residents to persuade Qwest to make DSL service (high-speed Internet access) available on the Ranch.

Eddie Gieske

Crazy Weather
There was a "Hazardous Weather Outlook" posted on July 12.  Mary Jo Shelton takes a humorous stab at the National Weather Service in this funny article.

Mary Jo Shelton

Ranch Radio
The Emergency Services Committee has been using inexpensive FRS Radios for some time now.  All residents are encouraged to find out about and use these radios for communications on the ranch.

Eddie Gieske

Block E-Mail
Tired of getting e-mail from a specific person?  This brief tutorial shows you how to block all e-mail from a specific e-mail address.

Patrick Roehl

SFTR'ers Visit Vermejo
Twenty SFTR residents were recently invited to tour the Vermejo Park Ranch, our next door neighbor to the south.  This article shares some of the forest thinning techniques employed at Vermejo.

Carol Rawle

Tigers in the Trees
Have you seen those tent-like structures and wondered what they were?  Now that little mystery is solved.

Carol Rawle

Toward a Better Discussion
Facts and discussion points for the proposed community building.

Ed Hockett

They're Baaack!
Information about combating our yearly visitors, The Beetles.

Carol Rawle

Who is Lazaro Martinez?
Rick Johnson fills in some details for those who never met Lazaro.

Rick Johnson

Weeds, Your Land, and You
Information on weed control and the upcoming 2004 Weed Out event.

Carol Rawle

My Friend, Paul Montoya
A tribute to friendship and the bond made during firefighting.

Ed Hockett

Community Response
A recount of the recent Dave Schroepfer incident and how the Ranch community came together for a positive outcome.

Michelle Minion

Noxious Weed Control at SFTR
Information on the upcoming 2004 Weed Out event.  Plus, information on your responsibilities as a property owner for weed control.

Bill Wenstrom

3/2/04

Michelle is Getting Close
It’s has seemed a long time coming but Michelle Minion is about ready to open the doors of Santa Fe Trail Medical Center.

Joyce Wolff

1/21/04

Crime Prevention-Protection Program
Tips, pointers, and general information about the County's crime protection program.

Joyce Wolff

12/24/03

A Trip to Rosemount Mansion
Joyce Wolff describes her trip to Pueblo with Ann Scott, Betty Ruward, and Mary Dye.

12/15/03

Greenland Reserve Conservancy
Joyce Wolff, Chair of the Common Land Subcommittee, explains the Greenland Reserve Conservancy.

11/11/03

San Diego Fires - Part II
San Diego firefighter Paul Vircsik shares with us his experiences during the recent California fires and draws important comparisons to the ranch based on his professional knowledge and training.

11/04/03

Our Town Opens 11/7
A growing number of ranch residents are becoming involved in local theatre and Our Town includes some new players.

11/03/03

Paul Montoya Update
Mary Jo and Mike visited with the Montoyas and offer this upbeat progress report.

11/01/03

San Diego Fires - Part I
Paul Vircsik has been working the enormous Cedar Fire in San Diego County.  While on a brief break he put his article together for us.

10/25/03

Trinidad City Council Response to Letter Attributed to Them
The Communications Committee followed up on an item in the minutes of the October 5, 2003 committee meeting, regarding a questionable letter posted on the Forum last month and attributed to the Trinidad City Council.

10/22/03

Web Security Concerns
A note about personal information and our web site.  Carol explains a recent incident and explores the steps being taken to keep private information that way.

10/19/03

Fire Station Progress
Mary Jo provides another update on the new fire substation progress - with LOTS of great photos!

9/12/03

Fire Station Progress
Mary Jo provides another update on the new fire substation progress - and puts out a call for volunteers.

9/06/03

Fire proof
It does not exist, but there are products that can help make materials fire resistant.  I have looked into and spoken to the founder of “Barricade”.  A company that makes a gel that helps make your home resistant to fire.  It might be worth checking this product out as another tool for protecting your home.

8/22/03

Mosquitoes and West Nile Virus on the Ranch
This article gives tips and suggestions on controlling mosquitoes.

8/22/03

Renee Kidwell in the Pikes Peak Marathon
One of our own ran this grueling marathon and this article tells you a little about her.

8/14/03

Fire Station Progress
Bob Scott has written a progress report on the new fire station being constructed on the Ranch.

6/27/03

Defensible Space, Fire and Insurance.  Are these related?
Information about defensible space, emergency procedures, and the upcoming July 4th holiday.

6/14/03

What's That Munching on Our Trees?
A lot of folks have been asking what the "clicking, chewing, munching" sounds are coming from our trees on the ranch.  Carol Rawle has the answer is this well-researched article.

5/30/03

Dumpster Etiquette
A little consideration for everyone's dumpster needs goes a long way.  This article provides some common sense guidelines for sharing a limited resource and protecting our bears.

5/04/03

Photo Essay
Photos taken while hiking a 1/4 mile stretch of Gallinas Creek.  It's interesting seeing how luscious the creek and surrounding area are now.

Harriet Vaugeois

4/27/03

Pine Beetle Season
Pine beetles love our beautiful trees to death.  This article will explain how to spot a pine beetle attach and what to do about it.

Carol Rawle

Noxious Weed Control at SFTR
Information on the upcoming 2003 Weed Out event.  Plus, information on your responsibilities as a property owner for weed control.

Bill Wenstrom

3/27/03

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly...
Six days' worth of "Blizzard 2003" activities and with lots of pictures.

Mary Jo Shelton

3/19/03

Oso's Tale - Revisited
A nice story of how a stray dog worked his way into the hearts of long-time Ranch residents.

Joyce Wolff

2/21/03

Survival Ingenuity
Timely article about survival ingenuity - being able to be creative and resourceful if you should find yourself stranded.

Paul Vircsik

2/07/03

Dorsey Mansion
Join the Wolffs and the Scotts for an interesting tale of their day-out excursion to explore the grasslands to the east including the Dorsey Mansion, 25 miles plus from Springer, NM.

Joyce Wolff

12/09/02

Fighting the Pine Beetle
Our pine trees make a lovely home for these pests.  Carol explains what can be done to control them.

Carol Rawle

Meet Candidate Monica Leche
Carol Rawle introduces Monica Leche, a candidate for this October's POA Board election.

Carol Rawle

Meet Candidate Diane Rader
Harriet Vaugeois introduces Diane Rader, a candidate for this October's POA Board election.

Harriet Vaugeois

A Letter to the Membership
Letter to Property owners regarding up-coming election of POA board members.  Harriet reviews the election process and invites your participation.

Harriet Vaugeois

Water Rate Increase Facts
Investigative reporter Carol Rawle digs deep to discover the facts surrounding the recent rate increase.

Carol Rawle

Who Will Lead Us?
It’s time to consider running for the POA Board of Directors.  Harriet explains the benefits to SFTR when new people volunteer.

Harriet Vaugeois

Fire Dept. Dinner
The Fisher’s Peak Fire Protection District Auxiliary had a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. Lots of pictures accompany this story.

Mary Jo Shelton

Trinidad Water Wars
Carole Rawle gives her impressions from the Trinidad City Council meeting on water restrictions.

Carol Rawle

Varnishing Monologues
Last week while varnishing away her life, Mary Jo began ruminating about the pitfalls of trying to varnish in the presence of men, or at least in the presence of someone who was an experienced varnish applier.  Good reading about being a varnish detainee.

Mary Jo Shelton

Shooting Bears in the Butt or Two
Bill Wenstrom tells of his run-ins with hungry bears on the Ranch.

Bill Wenstrom

Picnic Adventures 2002
Notes (and lots of pictures) from the 2002 Annual POA Picnic.

Harriet Vaugeois
Walt Wolff

Fishing Tournament Results
The 3rd annual Santa Fe Trail Ranch Fishing Tournament was a resounding success.  With pictures!

Mary Jo Shelton

Life and Death of an Attempted Covenant Change
Carol Rawle details the efforts made to update our covenants and why it is so difficult to do so.

Carol Rawle

Ranch Receives Much Needed Rain
Mary Jo Shelton describes her delight at the arrival of much-needed rain on the Ranch.

Mary Jo Shelton

Fire on the Crazy French Ranch - Part II
Mary Jo Shelton shares first-hand information with pictures.

Mary Jo Shelton

A Bear of a Summer Ahead
Morgan Chai provides information on the bear situation on the Ranch.  Introduction by Carol Rawle.

Morgan Chai

Fire on the Crazy French Ranch
Walt Wolff supplies some photos and narration of the fire just across I-25 from our Ranch.

Walt Wolff

Rattler Alert!
Walt Wolff finds the first rattler of the season.  Advice, cautions, and interesting facts about these inhabitants of our land.

Walt Wolff

Noxious Weed Control at SFTR
Substantial information on weed control and property owner's responsibilities.

Bill Wenstrom

SFTR in the News
SFTR residents Carol Rawle and Joyce and Walt Wolff, who have written several articles about co-existing with bears on the ranch, are to be congratulated for their ongoing efforts to keep us educated.

Harriet Vaugeois

Fire on the Ranch!
Quick reaction by several people and fast response by Fisher's Peak Fire Protection district are explained in this first-hand account.

Carolynn Johnson

Loose Dogs on the Ranch
If your dogs are running loose you are exposing yourself and others to more risk than you may know.

Carol Rawle

St. Patrick's Day Fire
Riveting first-hand account of our Fisher’s Peak firefighters in action.

Mary Jo Shelton

Christmas Production Pictures
The SFTR Christmas Play was well received.  Here are some final comments with lots of pictures.

Harriet Vaugeois

12/03/01

Christmas Production Update
Rehearsals continue for the Christmas play.  This is update installment five on how it's going, with pictures.

Harriet Vaugeois

11/27/01

Trinidadio 2001
New Location, Same Result Third Trinidaddio Blues & Cultural Festival Another Success

Submitted by
Neil Sexton

8/29/01

New Entrance Sign
Through the volunteer efforts of many people the Ranch has a new entrance sign.

Harriet Vaugeois

8/22/01

Fall Weed-Spraying / Adopt-A-Road
Information on the upcoming Fall weed-spraying activities and the Adopt-A-Road program.

Bill Wenstrom

8/11/01

Annual Picnic
Notes and pictures from SFTR Picnic 2001

Joyce Wolff

8/02/01

Goats for Weed Control?
Ideas for weed control near Ranch ponds

Connie Tucker

6/30/01

Out of State
Weed spraying notice for out-of-state Property Owners

Harriet Vaugeois

6/29/01

Annual Picnic
Santa Fe Trail Ranch Annual Property Owners Picnic Announcement

Joyce Wolff

6/21/01

One Tough Hombre
Gene downs takes some novice firefighters into the action to fight a blaze on the Ranch.  An exciting tale told by a grateful participant.

Mary Jo Shelton

6/21/01

Fire Pictures
Pictures taken during the fighting of the "Father's Day Fire" in Hobb's Canyon, just south of the Ranch.

Mary Jo Shelton

6/21/01

A Prickly Job...
A Spring weed-spraying event was fun and productive.  With pictures!

Joyce Wolff

6/19/01

Ranch Evacuation
The Ranch was evacuated on June 16, 2001.

Rick Johnson

6/19/01

Fisher's Peak Fire Protection
Details on how the Ranch was helped during the close-call and how you can help in the future.

Carolynn Johnson

5/26/01

Cattle Grazing Season
Cattle grazing on the Ranch benefits all owners.  Read about those benefits and the arrangement.

Michael Hughes

5/16/01

Embezzlement Case Settled
SFTR is happy with recent developments in Fisher's Peak Fire District embezzlement case.

Carol Rawle

5/15/01

Weed Zapper's School
Pictures and the story of the Weed Identification Tour held on May 12, 2001.

Joyce Wolff
Walt Wolff

5/8/01

Attack of the Pine Beetles
Pinon pines are a tasty treat for these pests.  Carol explains what can be done to control them.

Carol Rawle

4/12/01

Weeds
Controlling weeds on the Ranch is an important issue. This article gives valuable information on the subject.

Carol Rawle

3/19/01

POA Financial Overview
Information on how the POA financials work: Where the money comes from and where it goes.
Requires member log-in to access.

Bill Wenstrom

3/12/01

Petition Information page
Collection of resources pertaining to the effort to enter the Fisher's Peak Fire District in the SE section of Ranch

A Collaborative Effort

3/12/01

Consequences of Not Having Fire Protection
Important information about entering the Fisher's Peak Fire District

Paul Vircsik

3/12/01

Fire Warning to Owners in SE section of Ranch
Important information about entering the Fisher's Peak Fire District

Carol Rawle

3/2/01

Webmaster Visits the Ranch
Webmaster Patrick Roehl visits in February

Joyce Wolff

2/25/01

Aerial Pictures of the Ranch
See what our property looks like from high above

Patrick Roehl

2/20/01

Speeding on the Ranch
Driving too fast causes a lot of problems for all property owners

Harriet Vaugeois

01/09/01

New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve 2001 at the Obrey's. With lots of pictures

Joyce & Walt Wolff

01/08/01

Careless Smoker Causes Fire
18,000 acre fire information with pictures

Paul Vircsik

12/14/00

SFTR Christmas Party
Brief story and lots of pictures!

Joyce Wolff

11/8/00

At Home in Indiana
Where in the world are the Novakowskis?

Joyce Wolff

11/8/00

Let's Keep SFTR Clean
Ongoing information from the Common Area Appearance Subcommittee

Harriet Vaugeois

11/6/00

First snow in the 2000-2001 season!
Ongoing information from the Common Area Appearance Subcommittee

Harriet Vaugeois

One of our "Out Of Town But Dying To Live Here " property owners had a great idea to post more news and stories here, so here is the first one

Lynn Chase
Alpine Meadows Drive