Teller/Park Counties have become a popular place for the United States Department of State to send park, environmental, and forest delegations. The magnitude of the Hayman burn area, the cooperative way in which federal, state and local governments worked together with private volunteer groups such as the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) is unique.

Recently ten delegates from the country of Uzbekistan in eastern Europe came to Lake George to learn how these groups work together, not only to fight forest fires but to replant, maintain and prevent erosion. Jonathan Bruno and Theresa Springer provided briefings and on site inspection on the burn area to the official visitors. They also visited the Fossil Beds National Monument to learn how park officials protect and preserve historical areas.

Following their briefings, the Uzbekistan officials were treated to an evening at the M Lazy C Ranch in Lake George. Mayor Fred Boyce of Fairplay gave the welcoming address. The unique atmosphere of a western ranch gained great participation as they danced and sang to the accompaniment of the Jammers.

Carmon and Beverly Stiles of the local Committee for International Visitors arranges for briefings and hospitality with the help of Ms. Ginger Krabbenhoft and Ms. Laurie Haderlie. For information on how you can become involved in this international hospitality program, call 687-3219 for information. Local contributions from business firms and individuals made possible the evening entertainment and welcome signs in Russian in Woodland Park and Lake George.

This is the second international group sent to Teller/Park Counties in 2006 by the United States Department of State. Both groups were most impressed, not only with the CUSP cooperative program but the hospitality of people. Such visits can perhaps achieve diplomacy beyond diplomats.