Recently, a few residents have contacted the Ken-Caryl Ranch Master Association to report suspicious incidents or crime in the community. Examples include alarms going off at night due to trespassers on the deck/porch, packages being stolen off porches, car trespasses, etc. If you see anything suspicious or if any incidents occur at your home, please contact the Sheriff. If the Sheriff’s Office sees a spike in crime in the area, it will likely increase patrols. If a crime is in progress, call 911. For suspicious activities or incident reporting, please contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 303-277-0211.

During the 2016 trail building season, the Master Association’s hired contractor, Tony Boone Trails LLC, completed construction of the Lower Question Mark Peak Loop Trail in the southern section of the Foothills Open Space. The trail forms a 1.7-mile-long loop south of the upper reaches of Massey Draw and High Meadow Trail (see map). Now that the trail has been in use for the past five months and open space visitors have had a chance to experience the new trail, the Ken-Caryl Ranch Open Space Committee would like help in creating the official moniker for this newest addition to the trail system. Now is your chance to make your mark in Ken-Caryl Ranch Open Space by sending in your nomination for the new trail name to Sean Warren at seanw@kcranch.org. See the Ranger Field Notes article for contest guidelines and nomination information.

The Parks Department is accepting Christmas trees for chipping again this year at Brannon Gearhart Park. Trees CANNOT be dropped off at Dakota Lodge. Brannon Gearhart Park is located just east of Valley Parkway between Mahonia and Buckthorn (see map). Simply drop off your tree in the designated area anytime between now and Jan. 15. Be sure to remove any non-coniferous items such as metallic materials and tinsel before bringing your trees because many materials can damage the chipping equipment.

Without Smart911, emergency dispatchers are only aware of a phone number and minimal location data. Smart911 is a free service with which users create a safety profile by entering vital information they want made available to emergency dispatchers about themselves, their family, their residence and even their pets. Data given can include medical conditions, allergies, disabilities and floor plans to name a few. Smart911 delivers this information automatically to dispatchers, who then give the information to emergency responders. Create your safety profile by visiting the Smart911 website at www.smart911.com.