YOU CAN CALL ME AL:
March 16, 2017
DENVER Since 1926
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National Alpaca Show highlights animal, its fleece P5
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DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
Transportation bill praised, panned Effort would ask voters to OK 0.62 percent sales tax increase STAFF REPORT
Geese enjoy a morning snack at Washington Park, a 161-acre park in Denver that is equipped with open space, walking trails, ponds and two large lakes. ALEX DEWIND
Taking steps to deal with geese The birds’ droppings create work for groundskeepers BY KYLE HARDING KHARDING@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The metro area’s parks and golf courses have become popular spots for Canada geese, frustrating many walkers, golfers and dog owners. Other than the geese themselves, the most visible sign of the birds is their waste blanketing the ground of parks, golf courses and sometimes, sidewalks. However, the geese, which are a protected
WHAT TO DO The following are some tips from Denver Parks and Recreation when it comes to dealing with Canada geese: • Reduce available food: Mow less often, as geese prefer short grass.
• Use fences: Make them at least 30 inches high, with only small openings.
• Do not feed them: Human food attracts geese — and is unhealthy for them.
• Hazing: Use devices that move erratically — like pinwheels, metallic ballons or streamers— or use noisemakers to scare them away.
species by both federal and state law, can also damage golf course greens by pecking through the surface to get to sand, which aids their digestion. Geese are attracted to the bodies of water and open grass to graze
on in the metro area, officials say. The Denver Parks and Recreation department has a fact sheet that can be found on the city’s website, www.denvergov.org, SEE GEESE, P2
A bill introduced in the state Legislature by the Democratic speaker of the House and the Republican Senate president would seek voter approval to raise the state sales tax to help pay for Colorado’s transportation needs. Colorado’s growing population and overburdened roadways have put transportation at the forefront of this legislative session, which began in January and ends in May. House Bill 1242, if approved at the Capitol, would request a 0.62 percent increase in the state sales tax on the November ballot, raising the tax to 3.52 percent. A joint news release issued by House and Senate leadership said about $680 million would be generated, and much of that would be distributed to city and county governments for local transportation priorities. Members of a coalition of business and community leaders called FixItCO applauded the introduction of HB 1242. “The announcement today is good news for Coloradans,” said Arvada Mayor Marc Williams, who is the chairman of the Metro Mayors Caucus Transportation Task Force. “Without a significant investment in our infrastructure, our economy is at risk, our safety is at risk, and the Duran cost to Colorado families in both time and money is increasing.” The measure’s sponsors include House Speaker Crisanta Duran, D-Denver, and Senate SEE LEGISLATURE, P2
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
‘We need sideline reporters, who are mostly nice-looking haircuts, like we need to watch a giraffe 24 hours a day prior to giving birth.’ Craig Marshall Smith, columnist | Page 4 INSIDE
NEWS: PAGE 2 | VOICES: PAGE 4 | LIFE: PAGE 5 VOLUME 90 | ISSUE 21