The San Juan Mountain Association (SJMA), the Montezuma County lodger's tax (a tax on visitors who stay at Montezuma County campgrounds and motels) and Chamber of Commerce membership dues make the Mancos Valley Visitor Center (VC) possible. This commitment of resources for the VC helps to create a partnership that allows for distribution of information about this spectacular region of Southwest Colorado to visitors while also providing valuable information about our local businesses.
During the summer months, there is a large focus on out-of-towners, but the VC is here for local residents, too. Every year, the VC restocks its shelves with useful survival tips to take along, as you enjoy our region's magnificent mountains, forests and canyons. My favorite quote from a flier provided by SJMA is "The Best Survival Tool - The Brain: Keeping the brain hydrated and in the shade will be every bit as beneficial as any gee-whiz survival gizmo." This was followed with some basic survival skills if you should ever get lost:
Do not panic.
Stay in one place.
Keep your priorities straight: If you are injured, that's your first priority. But, then there's water, shelter, dry clothing and maybe the need for a fire to keep you warm or to use as a signal for your whereabouts.
The VC also has the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue Card (CORSAR) available. The cards cost $3 per person for one year or $12 per person for 5 years. If you enjoy camping, hiking, biking, cross-country skiing - in other words, if you like to get out and enjoy the outdoors but you don't have hunting or fishing license - the CORSAR is a valuable and affordable resource. It's a way to prepare for the unexpected and ensures that someone will be there to help you without additional expense. Even if you never access search and rescue, it is a way to support Colorado search and rescue volunteers and their team effort to help others.
SJMA also provides the VC with a variety of books about wildflowers, birds, mushrooms, hiking trails, and even children's books and toys. There is also a collection of excellent books by our local historian, Darrel Ellis, as well as our favorite western author, Louis L'Amour.
Remember, there are two important events this week. The next "Mancos Cash Mob" will be at the Columbine Bar on Wednesday, May 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Immediately following, you can attend the meeting about the Mancos Water Conservancy District at 7 p.m. at the Community Center across the street.