It's that time of year again, when the elk and deer so abundant on the Front Range are most active crossing US 6. September to January is the high season for these animals to cross the road. They like crossing over to Fossil Trace Golf Course for a good graze where the grass is high in nitrogen content, then head back to their home on the other side of US 6. More than 75 percent of vehicle/wildlife collisions occur between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. but they can cross at any time of the day so it's important to keep an eye out.

In 2010, CDOT installed an at-grade wildlife crossing on US 6 between Heritage Road and 19th Street. In 2011, vehicle/wildlife collisions significantly decreased, but in recent years, the number of collisions have been increasing. This may be due to motorists becoming "immune" to the flashing lights, which can also be triggered by other movements such as vegetation blowing in the wind. Sometimes, even when triggered by wildlife motorists can't see the animals, which can also lead to motorists thinking the lights are an unreliable indicator.

The measures currently available at the wildlife crossing include one-way ramps and 8-foot-high fences along both sides of US 6 for about 2.5 miles between 19th Street and Heritage Road, as well as infrared sensors that detect when an animal has entered the right-of-way, activating flashing lights on yellow warning signs, and subtle lighting has been installed to make it easier to see wildlife. To augment these measures, rumble strips will be installed on the wildlife crossing approach as a reminder to slow down, and vegetation will be mowed and maintained at the crossing to prevent false positive readings from the infrared detector.

To avoid collisions, the best thing you can do is be aware. If you see the lights flashing, slow down and watch for animals attempting to cross. Just because you don't immediately see anything, doesn't mean an animal isn't there ready to bound out at any moment. Be especially wary at dawn, dusk and nighttime hours when visibility is lower and collisions most likely to happen.

Old, broken and unused strings of lights do not belong in the trash, so be sure to recycle your holiday lights this year. The City of Lakewood is offering free Holiday Lights Recycling now through Sunday, Jan. 15. Collection totes will be located at the Quail Street Recycling Center 1068 Quail St. from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. All types of holiday string lights are accepted and sorting is not necessary. This responsible electronics recycling service is provided by MeTech Recycling. For more information, visit  Lakewood.org/Recycling or call 303-987-7190. Christmas lights are also accepted at the Rooney Road Recycling Facility at 151 South Rooney Rd., Jefferson Co. through their electronic recycling program. Visit  Rooneyroadrecycling.org for details.

Not sure what to do with your tree now that the presents are gone and the lights have come down? Why not give it a new life as mulch that nourishes Golden's gardens this spring? The City of Golden provides a quick and easy way for you to dispose of your Christmas trees after the ornaments and lights have come off. Drop off your trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 27 at the old recycle site off of Golden Gate Canyon Road. Please place your tree near the sign posted for tree recycling. Trees must be stripped of all ornaments, hardware, strings of lights and tinsel. This is for live trees only. The trees will be turned into mulch, which will eventually be available for free at the public pickup site on 11th Street, just west of the Clear Creek History Park. For further details, contact the City of Golden Forestry office at 303-384-8141.