NFRIA-WSERC is now Western Slope Conservation Center

Photo by Kathy Browning Capturing vented methane gas at Elk Creek Mine and turning it into usable electricity was the top award at the Western Slope Conservation Center’s annual meeting in Hotchkiss. Receiving the award were (left to right) Tom Vessels, who worked with BLM to gain approval for the project and created the technology, Mike Ludlow of Oxbow Mining and Randy Udall, who accepted on behalf of the Aspen Ski Company. The Conservation Center has long fought for methane gas capture at area mines.The NFRIA-WSERC Conservation Center voted to re-brand itself beginning with a new name, Western Slope Conservation Center. The new name became official at the organization's annual meeting on Feb. 10 at Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss.

Photo by Kathy Browning Sarah Sauter, executive director, presented Pete Kolbenschlag with the Conservation Hero Award.The organization will continue to be found online at www.theconservationcenter.org.

The Western Slope Conservation Center has been involved in local issues for 35 years. It began as the Western Slope Energy Research Center and changed to Western Slope Environmental Resource Council and then following its merger became NFRIA-WSERC Conservation Center.

"Our new name better positions our organization to serve our entire community — Delta County and the North Fork Valley," said Sarah Sauter, executive director. "The new name honors our rich history while embracing new roles that we have taken to protect all the resources in our community—healthy rivers, lands and healthy lives."

Randy Udall spoke at the annual meeting about natural gas issues.

Prior to Udall's presentation The Conservation Center Photo by Kathy Browning VISTA volunteer Alex Johnson received an Award of Appreciation and a big hug from Sarah Sauter on Feb. 10. Allison Elliot made the presentation. presented its Conservation Hero award to Pete Kolbenschlag, and Award of Appreciation to the departing Alex Johnson, and the Conservation Achievement Award to Tom Vessels of Vessels Gas, and Mike Ludlow of Oxbow Mining for the new methane gas capturing facility at Elk Creek Mine.

Following the business meeting was the organization's traditional chili supper with all the fixings.

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