Announcements at Hermit Lakes

July 15, 2026

Details of Hermit Lakes Christmas in July Event:

Cabin decorating contest

Craft Day-kids/adults on Tuesday 07/21 @11AM

Main event potluck on Saturday 07/25 @4PM

Gift give aways for all to enjoy!

July 13, 2026

Hot Weather, Healthy Fish

Summer heat doesn't just affect people—it affects fish too. As water temperatures rise, oxygen levels drop, making it harder for trout and other cold-water fish to survive after they're caught. By fishing during the cooler hours of the day, handling fish carefully, and knowing when water temperatures are too warm, anglers can help protect fisheries for future generations. Review the guidelines in this graphic before your next fishing trip and do your part to keep our rivers and streams healthy.

July 5, 2026

The Annual Assessment and Special Assessment invoices have been sent out. Payment must be received by August 10th or interest at the rate of 8% per annum will be added.

Please make sure you include your Plot #.

 

Annual Assessment                $1,522.50

Special Assessment                $ 500.00

TOTAL DUE                              $2,022.50

 

Send your payment to:                                            

Hermit Lakes Recreation, Inc.

P O Box 809

Alamosa, CO  81101

 

Below is a link to information about the Caretakers.

 

Hope you are having a good summer.

July 2, 2026

Below is the agenda for the July meeting.

 

The Board will be doing the July monthly meeting on Saturday, July 11th at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held in person in the Barn and also virtually using Microsoft TEAMS.

 

If you would like to attend virtually please email me at [email protected] by 07.10.26 for the link. Virtual attendance is limited at this time.

June 29, 2026

GUN RANGE

🔥 Fire Restriction Update: Due to current Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, the gun range is closed until further notice. This closure is in place to help reduce wildfire risk and protect our community. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

STAGE 2 FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN HINSDALE COUNTY, TOWN OF LAKE CITY

June 29 - Noon

Hinsdale County has implemented Stage 2 Fire restrictions county wide as of noon today.

Under Stage 2 Restrictions the following are Prohibited:

➤Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including fires on private property and in developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas), charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves.

➤Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building.

Blasting, welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

Operating or using any internal combustion engine without an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor.

➤Operating a chainsaw without an effective and properly installed USDA- or SAE- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum of 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A)kept with the operator and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.

➤Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.

➤Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle.

➤Allowed: Portable or permanent gas-fueled grills or stoves, powered by propane, natural gas, or other pressurized liquid fuels—as long as they have a shut-off valve.

June 20, 2026

The Board is aware of a court case filed in Hinsdale County involving Hermit Lakes Recreation, Inc. and certain individual board members. The Board has engaged legal counsel and is following appropriate procedures to address the matter. Due to its legal nature, details are limited at this time. Additional information will be provided to the membership as soon as available.

Sincerely,

--

Keith Walker, President

Hermit Lakes Recreation, Inc.

June 19, 2026

Heads up before you head out: All of Hinsdale County moved into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective June 16th. Conditions across the San Juans are dry, so we all need to be a little more careful right now. Here is what that means for your visit.

The following activities ARE PERMITTED on private property and in campgrounds or picnic areas:

- Cooking on manufactured liquid fuel and propane grills

- Campfires in established concrete or metal fire enclosures/fire rings

- Fires in chiminea-type manufactured enclosures on private property

- Portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or fully enclosed gas stoves or grills

The following activities ARE PROHIBITED:

- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire other than what is allowed above

- Using explosive materials including fireworks

- Smoking outdoors

Thanks for doing your part to protect this place.

June 9, 2026

Caretaker Announcement

We are happy to announce the arrival of John and Lisa Miller as our new caretakers. They will be joining Hermit Lakes on June 20th. They come to us from eastern Oregon where they have lived on 40 acres for the last 21 years.

John has spent his career building homes and utilizing his skills doing design and draft services, remodeling, doing additions, welding and other artistic talents.

Lisa has family and friends in Creede, and both have been coming to this area for many years. Her background is in hospitality, working in her family’s steakhouse near Dallas.

They have experience in caring for large acreages and are quite familiar with high mountain winters and the necessary tools and equipment that are needed. They’re both excited to call this area home and look forward to becoming a part of Hermit Lakes.  

We are excited to have them!! 

 

 Hermit Lakes Board of Directors

May 26, 2026

Hermit Lakes Annual Meeting Packet: June 27th

 

Ø  The Annual Meeting Packet was mailed by USPS to all members on May 26th. We are also sending it electronically as a trial this year for potential efficiency and cost savings.

Ø  No additional agenda items were requested prior to the 45-day deadline.

Ø  Friday, June 26th at 4:00 p.m. the Board will be available in the Barn to answer Budget questions. 

 

Enclosed you will find: (see buttons below for links to files)

The Annual Meeting Packet

Proposed changes to the By-Laws – vote at the meeting

Rules and Regulations and Policy for Infractions-vote at the meeting

Membership List

 

We look forward to seeing you.

May 25, 2026

Memorial Weekend Breakfast

What a wonderful morning at the Memorial Day Breakfast. Thank you to everyone who attended, participated, and helped make the event so special. Your support and presence are truly appreciated.

Here are a few photos from the event. We’re grateful to have shared this meaningful time together while honoring and remembering those who have served.

May 19, 2026

Memorial Weekend Breakfast

Sunday, May 24th at 10 AM

We will be serving eggs, bacon, potato casserole, pancakes, fruit, oj and coffee.

Can't wait to see you there!

April 24, 2026

We're putting together a Service Provider list of individuals and businesses that can provide service to Hermit Lakes. If you have someone that you work with for plumbing, electrical, handyman skills, etc., let us know and we'll add them to the list. If you schedule a delivery or service (propane, septic, etc.) please send us an email so we can make sure they can get into Hermit Lakes.  Click here for the list of service providers.

 

[email protected]   

 

The April 11th Minutes are included. Click here to view them.

 

The Board will be meeting virtually on May 16th at 10:00 a.m.
If you would like to attend please let us know and we'll send you the link. Our virtual capacity for attendees is currently limited. 

 

The search for a new caretaker is underway.

 

A lot of debris and metal have been dumped by the burn pit – including a dishwasher. Please remember these things need to be hauled off. The Mineral County Landfill is open Monday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 - 4:00. 

March 27, 2026

NO BURNING OF ANY KIND

Fire season is upon us. There are currently no Hinsdale County fire restrictions, but we want to be proactive to keep everyone and everything safe.

ü No outdoor burning

ü Shooting Range is closed

ü Spark arresters on chainsaws

                 

Please check at the office for updates.   

March 2, 2026

Update from the Board......... 

Current weather conditions are creating an excessive overflow from Grouse Creek onto the road and surrounding areas. The creeks are filled with ice and the warm weather is causing some early runoff.  Terry had built another berm to help direct the water into the right direction. As you can see from the photos there are sections of the road that are flooded and can't be driven on. If you plan on going to Hermit Lakes in the next few days, please be sure and contact Terry. Safety first. 

 

What a crazy winter!!!     

Grouse Creek

Grouse Creek

Grouse Creek

February 5, 2026

A few updates from the Board......... 

As we head into 2026 the Board is continuing to work on the Dam Repairs Project. Sky Hi Engineering from Monte Vista will be working with us on the engineering portion. 

We'll also be working with the state engineer for the design then we'll move forward to the contractor phase. We have a contract with Rio Grande Reservoir for 2 years water storage.  

We're also taking a look at the entire water infrastructure of Hermit Lakes to develop a strategic plan based on cost and risk assessment. 

We're planning on work days this summer to provide some TLC to the property so be sure and pack some work gloves and plan on joining us for some manual labor and some fun!

If you know of an area that needs some attention please let us know. We're looking at Saturday mornings. 

     

The budget is on track. We'll be looking at Dam Repair Project costs separately.

Drought vs flooding. What a crazy winter!!!

Mason Creek Berm

Mason Creek Berm

Grouse Creek

Grouse Creek

Road Beyond Shooting Range

Road Beyond Shooting Range

January 28, 2026

If you are planning a trip to Hermit in the next few days please be aware of the potential flooding situation.

Proceed with caution on the main road between Brown Lakes - there are frozen culverts with ice slicks. Water flow on Mason Creek is currently at a high level and headed our way.

Steve and Terry spent 4 hours this afternoon working on the issue. The ice has built up 2' or more at the headgate and is breaking over and through the berm in many places. 

With warm temperatures during the day and a freezing temps at night, it creates a huge ice buildup then heavy water flow.

Watch out for the berm in the road just past the turn to Pearl and please proceed with caution.

Please stay safe.

September 19, 2025

Fall Updates    

The organization process is underway to gather Club documents and house them all in one location. The two Club laptops are being checked out so they can be used for Club business.

An engineering firm will be selected soon to start the progression on the Lake 4 Dam Project. The soil collection report isn’t back yet and that’s a key component for moving forward.

The new flume on Grouse Creek has been installed.

It’s time to start thinking about next year’s budget. The Board has been active over the last few months learning all about the business of the Club and striving to be fiscally responsible.

Repairs for the large barn doors and shed have been approved and repairs will begin soon.  

It takes a village – or in this case a Club – to help maintain this treasured community. Next summer we plan on having cleanup/repair days for things like the barn & storage space, culverts, the cattle guard, etc. What projects do YOU see that could be done collectively with a little grit, sweat and desire for the betterment of the Club? Let’s start working on this list together so we can be working on plans to hit the ground running.  Knowing ahead of time will help us prioritize and budget appropriately. 

Just email [email protected]  

Have an issue with another member? Try talking to them first. If you want the Board to address it, please submit it in writing by email or on paper to the Board. We’d like to hear from you directly and be able to review it as a Board. Also, we’d like to know what you think the solution should be.    

As you may recall, at the annual meeting last year the loafing shed was discussed and voted upon.

ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES 2025

ii. Loafing shed – out of Alan’s experience to repair– does anyone want to help with getting bids? Email members’ bids must be submitted by August 1st. Shed, including all debris, must be cleaned up and removed within 3 months. Motion: Deanna Bartee - seconded by Jim Brusak

No bids were received by the August deadline. The Board agreed Steve Office and sons would restore the shed if the cost was reasonable.  

AUGUST 30 Special Meeting Minutes

Loafing Shed

Caution tape has been placed around the loafing shed.

Work will begin in the spring to restore the shed to a safe structure. Some materials

from the burn pit will be able to help provide structure.

We have the old curriculum from when the shed was a school.

At the September meeting the Board realized restoration was not what had been voted upon at the annual meeting.

SEPTEMBER 27 Special Meeting Minutes

Loafing Shed

  The membership voted at the 2025 annual meeting to sell it and tear it down.

  No bids were submitted by the deadline. No one stepped forward.

Steve Office and sons volunteered to repair it.

The Board approved Steve’s request in August.  

Upon review, the Board’s decision was in error.

No action will be taken to repair or tear down the shed until further research is conducted, and this will be addressed at the next annual meeting.

It’s not feasible to tear it down this season due to the necessity to deal with other issues.

 

The Board is committed to do our best to follow the Rules. We are aware that this is an issue that is very important to members both in the area of saving the shed and tearing it down. Based upon the minutes from the annual meeting, it has been determined that the shed be scheduled to be torn down in May.

If you would like to comment on this matter, please contact the Board.

[email protected]

September 19, 2025

It was a busy summer at Hermit Lakes. 

 

Robin Clutter resigned from the Board in August to focus on his health. Brady Boyd will fill his position until the June annual meeting.

 

The Dam Repair Project is well under way. The lakes have been drained and we're moving on to the next steps.   

 

Thanks to the Grounds Committee, the Fish Committee, the Recreation Committee and the many volunteers for all their hard work this summer. We appreciate you!!  

 

A commemorative quilt is being put together as part of the 2027 Centennial Celebration. Each membership has the opportunity to provide a block for the quilt. If you're interested in sharing your quilting skills and would like more information - email [email protected]    

 

The board meeting minutes are enclosed. If you have any comments or questions, please e-mail [email protected]

 

We are excited to roll out the new Hermit Lakes website!

August 8, 2025

The Board of Directors at Hermit Lakes is issuing a BURN BAN and also closing the Shooting Range until further notice. Due to the Red Flag warnings in many nearby areas, high winds and  fires nearby we feel it's in the best interest of the Club to put safety first.

 

http://www.coemergency.com/p/fire-bans-danger.html 

July 31, 2025

On July 8, 2025, the Colorado State Dam Engineer conducted an inspection of our dams. The culvert pipe in Dam #4 has deteriorated more rapidly than anticipated, resulting in a partial collapse and separation from the riser at the lake inlet. While the pipe and dam remain stable at this time, we are working to expedite the repair process.

As we move forward with these repairs, you will notice a few changes:

➤Lake #4 Drainage: Based on expert guidance, we will begin draining Lake #4 to relieve head pressure on the pipe and dam. Arrangements have been made to store the displaced water appropriately.

➤Lake #3 and Lake #5 Drainage & Sucker Mitigation: Lake #3 and Lake #5 will also be drained to initiate sucker mitigation efforts in all three lakes. This process is expected to begin as early as tomorrow, August 1, or early next week.

➤Fish Trap Installation: The Fish Committee, along with several volunteers, has constructed and installed a fish trap to prevent suckers from migrating downstream into other lakes.  Another fish trap is anticipated to be installed below Lake #3.

➤Call for Volunteers: As water levels drop, the Fish Committee is seeking volunteers to assist with the significant task of collecting and disposing of fish and suckers.

 

Your support during this time is greatly appreciated. If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions about the process, please reach out to the Fish Committee or the Board