On June 16, 2009, the Board of County Commissioners took public testimony, as well as comments from staff and the applicant related to a bicycle event that will involve county roads, including S. Deer Creek Canyon Road.

The Board heard from citizens living in the area and adjacent to S. Deer Creek Canyon Road about potential safety concerns between bicyclists and motorist. The Downing Group has proposed to hold the special event in September and indicated that riders would be staged to avoid conflicts with vehicles and residents living in the area. The Sheriff’s Office also provided comment on coordination of traffic and safety associated with the event.

The Board decided to continue the matter for additional discussion to June 30. This will allow for clarification of information not available during the first hearing and to allow Commissioner Griffin to participate, as she could not attend the first hearing.

The special event permit normally receives administrative approval and does not require a Board hearing. Because a portion of the bicycle event will be on S. Deer Creek Canyon Road, the Board must make a decision, per the county Zoning Resolution.

by Kenneth Maenpa, Airport Director

The Jeffco Aviation Association (JAA) will be hosting their 14th annual Fly-In event at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport on Saturday, June 20, 2009, from 6:00 a.m. until noon.

Trophies will be awarded to the best aircraft in classic, antique, warbird, homebuilt, contemporary and special interest categories.

In conjunction with the Fly-In, the Italians of America 2nd annual swap meet/flea market, and a car show, hosted by the Goodfellas car club of North Denver, will also be held at Metro Airport. General admission to this event is $5.00. Children under 12 are free.

An Italian pancake breakfast will be available at 7:00 a.m. There is a $5.00 registration fee to enter. Contact Daril at 303-423-9846 or visit the Italians of America's Web site for more information.

by Alicia Doran, Jefferson County Weed and Pest

The Front Range Japanese Beetle Task Force began setting traps for Japanese beetle detection this month within the Denver metro area. Japanese beetle is a non-native invasive species that is not yet widespread in Colorado. The Task Force is a cooperative effort involving Jefferson County’s Weed and Pest program, USDA-APHIS, Colorado Department of Agriculture, CSU Extension agents, landowners and local golf courses.

Insect traps will be deployed throughout the Denver metro area to detect unknown populations of Japanese beetle. Adult and larval forms of this beetle feed on over 350 species of plants and can cause severe economic damage to agricultural and horticultural crops. The immature stage can destroy turf. The adults feed on foliage, flowers and fruit.

The Task Force was formed in 2006 to address the effects of the newly discovered invasive beetle. Since then, over 100 volunteers have helped trap for the beetle. It has been found in seven of the Front Range counties.

How to identify: Japanese beetle adults are metallic green and copper colored; about 3/8 inch long and ¼ inch wide. The beetles have distinctive tufts of white hairs on their hindquarters.