March 2024 Update

 

March…. Oh My! Winter returned and it was packed with moisture. Unfortunately, we experienced power outages throughout Fremont County, some without power for over 24 hours. The temperatures at this time were in the 30’s so that was a blessing. Ag Met sensor only recorded almost 2 inches of precipitation from the storm, however many have reported as much as 3-4 inches of moisture on their gages. The snow amounts varied from 6 inches to 10 inches depending where you lived. The local mountain areas received several feet of snow.

The Superintendent was busy with preparing and assisting the company that repaired the 42-inch line that has been leaking for some time. (This is the main line that brings our water down from the diversion to our system in Penrose). In order to make this happen, all the water at the diversion had to be released into the creek and the 42-inch line had to be completely drained. This process takes time as the 42-inch line holds a lot of water. Once completed, it took a couple of days to refill the line enough to reach us. It was a longer process than anticipated. However, the water is running into our system as needed.

The Ditch Riders have been putting all their efforts into cleaning the lower canal. This is probably the most difficult job they must endure as it is primarily hand work with shovels getting all the debris, sand, gravel and branches out of the canals. They also cut the saplings that are growing along the concrete to prevent them from growing into trees that crack the cement. This year we have hired a few temporary individuals to assist them in these efforts. They have done a fantastic job and it will be very beneficial when we start to run water. A BIG THANK YOU to Jonie and Megan and the crew that assisted them!

Assessment payments due April 1^st are coming into the office in a big way. Keeping the office staff very busy receiving these payments…thank you shareholders for your payments as they go towards the operating costs that keep Beaver Park Water running.

Pray for rain, carry an umbrella (April showers bring May Flowers) …. snow gear? One never knows….

February 2024 Update

 

February in Penrose was either Spring like or Winter with a high of 67 degrees and a low of 13.1. However, we did receive 1.77 inches in precipitation for the month either in the form of rain or snow or a combination of both.

The Annual Shareholders meeting was a great success with 66% of all shares represented. The total count was lower than last year by 4%. As a reminder, this is a mutual shareholder company and we encourage every shareholder to represent their shares respectively.

We had the good fortune of three guest speakers; Charlotte Norman, Board President of Penrose Water District; shared updates within their company and upcoming water treatment plant plans. Greg Langer, Conservationist from NRCS and Shanan Davey from Fremont County Extension office specialist in Ag/Natural Resources/4-H. Each presented the shareholders with current programs that the shareholders could participate in.

Unfortunately; we said good-bye to Jack Tyler as he retired from the Board of Directors after 20 years of service. He was presented with a plaque thanking him for his commitment to Beaver Park Water, Inc.  The shareholders voted in Butch Faoro as our new Board of Directors member. Connie announced a new ditch rider to cover the west side. Please welcome, Justin Campbell. Justin’s phone number will be 719-371-4310.

The staff is currently working on cleaning the canals and repairs at this time. We hope to have everything completed prior to irrigation in April. The most important repairs will be the leak on the 42-inch line and re-surfacing on the face of the diversion.

Statements for 2024 assessments will be mailed the 1^st week of March. Assessments are due April 1^st 2024. As in the past, as a courtesy we will accept ½ payments by April 1^st and the 2^nd half due by August 1^st. This option does come with a $10.00 administrative fee should you choose this option. Accounts that are not in good standing will not be eligible to receive irrigation water. You will not be put on the schedule to receive water and the ditch riders will not remind you of your account status.

It is appearing at this time we should have a good start for irrigation water as there is 84 feet in Brush Hollow at this time and we are receiving about 7 c.f.s. into our system at this time.

Pray for snow or rain or both! Coats, snow boots and umbrellas are good tools to have this time of year.