BY PEYTON GARCIA | @CITYCASTDENVER

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Thanks for the mess, Mother Nature

It snowed this weekend, and even though it wasn’t a ton, it was wet and heavy. Despite much of the evidence having already melted away, a war path of splintered trees, snapped branches, and downed power lines across Metro Denver is still waiting to be cleaned up.

If a tree in or near your yard (that includes any adjacent public right of ways) was an unlucky casualty, it’s up to YOU to pick up the mess.

For residents of Denver, here’s what you need to know:

🌳 Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will collect a “limited number of branches” (if they’re bundled and tied) as part of its trash collection service for residents.

🌳 You can set out up to 10 bundles on your large item trash pickup day.

🌳 Branches in your bundles must be no wider than 4 inches in diameter and no longer than 4 feet. Each bundle must weigh no more than 50 pounds.

🌳 Residents can also drop off branches and debris at the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-Off Center at 7400 Cherry Creek S Drive from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

🌳 If you think your tree is in danger of hitting a power line, call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-1999.

🌳 If you think emergency removal of a fallen tree branch is needed, call 311 and report the address. The city will evaluate the situation’s priority. (The cost to remove the debris will be billed to the responsible property owner.)

👉 For residents in other parts of Metro Denver, find the specifics for your county’s tree cleanup process here.

👉 Find tips on how to safely remove snow from your tree and more info on branch cleanup here. 

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More news you should know

🛴 This is why we can’t have nice things: An anonymous Denverite, apparently sick and tired of Lyft and Lime scooters littering the sidewalks, is taking justice into their own hands. It appears someone has been disabling illegally and irresponsibly parked scooters by blacking out the QR code with permanent marker and signing off with a sticker that reads: “Unfortunately, some people suck and [are] not considerate of how other people use sidewalk.” [Westword]

🦠 Are we gearing up for another COVID spike? We’re already in it, and officials expect this wave to peak in June. Denver, and most other metro counties, were moved from “low” risk to “medium” risk last week on the CDC COVID dashboard. But not much should change in your day-to-day routine. Authorities say to make sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations, consider masks at indoor crowded places, and take a test if you’re feeling sick. Other than that, get used to the rollercoaster, because this is likely our foreseeable future. [Denver Post]

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The case against the concealed carry ban 🚫

“I’m a law abiding citizen. I’ve never been arrested for anything. I’ve never gone to jail. Most [permit holders] I know are in that same boat. So to say that we’re going to curb gun violence by banning concealed carry — No, you need more people to conceal carry.” — Anubis Heru

Do ‘Gun-Free’ Zones Really Keep People Safer?
The concealed carry of guns is now banned in Denver city buildings and parks. But Anubis Heru, cofounder of 1770 Armory and Gun Club in Five Points, doesn’t think that’s the answer to the problem of rising gun violence. Today on the show, he talks with Host Bree Davies about racial profiling, gun training and education, and why he thinks concealed carry actually keeps people safer.

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Be a better Denverite

🐾 Volunteer with adoptable animals: Maxfund, Denver’s only no-kill animal shelter, is always in need of helping hands for things like walking the dogs and socializing the cats in its care. The shelter’s next session for volunteer orientation kicks off June 7. Learn more and sign up here.

🏳️‍🌈 Get the city ready for Pride: Pride Month starts next week and will include the in-person return of Denver PrideFest for the first time in two years. Volunteer to help with the event, and explore other ways to support The Center on Colfax this June and all year round.

🍎 Help end hunger in your community: It’s always the right time to volunteer with Metro Caring and help improve food access for your neighbors. Support is needed in roles like customer service, working at the food warehouse, and gardening. Learn more and sign up here.

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