Last Chance migrant trap totally devastated. So sad

[Joe Roller]

I drove out there today, and my worst fears were realized. It was not a heart-breaking sight, but

more like a punch to the gut. It was like turning the corner expecting to run into a vivacious friend, but seeing

a skeleton instead. When a corpse is found, someone covers it with a sheet or blanket. But

there was no one to cover Last Chance from my view.

What was burned, what was not:

The short-grass prairie is black in every direction.

The bridge on Hway 36 a mile west of Last Chance was passable, and road crews were repairing 

some minor damage.Trees burned partly and I suspect that the owls that breed there will be able

to return next year.

Northeast quadrant of Hways 71 and 36.  Motel, Dairy King and the houses 

and juniper stand north of that appeared untouched.

Southeast quadrant: Skeletal remains of the old railroad cars are smoldering. All else burned down. 

Northwest quadrant: The church and other buildings there appeared untouched. The riparian

area and prairie north of the bridge over  Hway 36 are totally burned up.

Southwest quadrant. Although the greenery,trees around the rest area and porta potties were fine,

I am sorry to report that all is black west of the chain link fence behind the potties - burned up burned down.

 The larger elm trunks were partly charred, with some green leaves at their tops. May survive,

may not. I am not an expert assessor. But that was a mere token of unburned vegetation, as EVERYTHING

except the green scum on the tiny water hole was gone, burned to the ground. The land forms of our

favorite swales and draws were laid bare. The tiny drainage (valley) that comes in from the east, crossing 

under 71, is OK. 

My biggest gut ache is that with the least rainfall, tons of black ash and soil will FILL UP the water hole.

I just can't imagine what this will be like, unless there are funds to dig it out with bulldozers ( and put it where?).

Yes, the grass and shrubs will return, but without a drop of surface water, I know not what the birds will do.

It was pathetic seeing all of the thirsty resident birds coming to the water's edge. The pair of Brown Thrashers 

would come in for a sip, then fly a few yards up along the valley to the south, as if they were going to hide,

like usual. But there was nothing to hide in. Western Kingbirds, Robins, all came in for furtive drinks.

I am feeling too low to write anything about how it will be interesting to see how things improve from here, etc.

Joe Roller, 

in Denver and in the dumps

[Joey Kellner]

Bummer!  Thanks for the report Joe.

It will be interesting to see what growth comes from the ashes.  Assuming the fire in the "rest area" was not too hot...

 

Joey Kellner

Littleton, CO

[Deb Carstensen]

   The word " bummer" seems like a terrible understatement of the tragedy that must have occurred out on the plains.  Were there not thousands upon thousands of birds nesting out in the 40,000 acre area of burn?

     Yes, fire is a normal part of life on the prairie. It makes it all the more difficult, however,  when a wonderful area providing food, water and rest for  migrating birds is lost with it.

      It makes me wonder what agency is in charge of that rest area and what steps would be necessary to help restore a healthy habitat.  Would the Audubon Society or CFO take a part in this type of project? 
Deb Carstensen, Arapahoe county 
Sent from my iPhone

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[Betsy Rumely]

I love Deb's idea.

I have never been to this area, but after there is a prioritization of importance, I stand ready with some funds, my hands, and possibly I would be able to muster additional volunteers to work to help to hasten the restoration of fire ravaged habitat. 

Betsy Rumely

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Betsy Rumely