The agricultural community is known for stepping up to help each other which is the case in western Colorado for those most affected by last summer’s Lee Fire. Nearly 140,000 acres near Meeker, Colorado burned in the Lee Fire followed by flooding and debris flows prolonging the damage and disaster. Craig Daily Press reported that Park County rancher Dave Gottenborg started the plan to share surplus hay with producers and wildlife most impacted by the Lee Fire after his ranch ended the harvest season with a surplus of hay. The Gottenborgs were able to donate 72,000 pounds of hay to ranchers and landowners. Additional donations came in, including the trucks, drivers, and fuel to transport hay to Rio Blanco County. The donations not only are going to cattle but also areas where elk and other wildlife will be looking to graze in the winter but where very little traditional winter range is left. Those on the receiving end of the donations have expressed their gratitude as they continue to navigate life following the disastrous wildfires.
