by Carol Dunn
HUERFANO- The Huerfano Basin Stockgrowers Association (HBSA) met June 5 to elect new officers and decide on programs for the coming year. Elected by acclamation were: Dave Stroh, President; Larry Fuller, Vice-president; James Willcox, Treasurer; Mollie Fuller, Secretary; and Board members Max Vezzani, Frank Menegatti, Frank Martin and Ty Edmundson. Stepping down as past president was Larry Mapes, who encouraged the group to begin planning for the Ranch Rodeo now. Mapes, along with Frank Martin and Dave Stroh, will organize the rodeo this year during the County Fair.
A membership picnic or dinner will be planned in the fall by Frank Menegatti and a committee of his choosing. The first committee member will undoubtedly be his wife, Sue.
To show its solidarity with landowners threatened by the Pinon Canyon maneuver site expansion, and further make a statement about the importance of private property rights, the group voted unanimously to donate $1,000 to the Pinon Canyon Opposition Coalition. As one member put it, “I think we all know how important this is to everyone in this room.” Indeed it is important to everyone in Huerfano County and southern Colorado.
The members also voted to donate $1,500 in memory of past members of HBSA to the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association endowment trust fund. Max Vezzani pointed out, “The CCA through its Land Trust has helped in setting aside 135,000 acres of rangeland in Huerfano County in conservation easements.”
There was some discussion about seeking a grant to erect a cover over the grandstands at the County fairgrounds. “Guesstimates” of the potential cost ranged from $20,000 to $50,000. The Association will be seeking partners to help with matching funds once a source of grant funds is found, which is expected to take about a year.
The Association agreed to take over management of the coyote program, which has been handled by Marvin Davis for the past eight years. Davis said he would “stay on one more year” to help coordinate the program.
In order for the Association to plan significant programs for future meetings, members were asked to fill out and return interest surveys. The HBSA has had new life breathed into it and seems to be well on its way to an active and meaningful year. Anyone who is interested in becoming a member should contact Dave Stroh at 738-3111.
