DENVER – Lawmakers in the Capitol started Monday by remembering the life of Gudrun “Gudy” Gaskill and celebrating the fruit of her labor: the Colorado Trail, which spans more than 500 miles and connects Durango with Denver.

Several lawmakers shared experiences on the trail and the public lands it crosses.

Sen. Don Coram, R-Montrose, said he spent his boyhood summers on what is now the Colorado Trail, and he always felt touched by the area’s beauty.

“It is truly magnificent, and I hope you all have the opportunity to traverse that trail,” he said.

Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango, echoed Coram’s sentiment and also pointed out the effect Gaskill had on Durango and the area.

“Gudy changed Durango. She brought us tourism. She made people aware of the trails that go in there,” McLachlan said.

A slideshow of areas along the trail was presented to the two chambers, which sparked a confession from Rep. James Wilson, R-Salida, on the more pleasant ways he would rather spend his time than in the Capitol halls.

“Colleagues, don’t take this personal, but watching this slideshow reminded me of why I don’t like to be here,” Wilson said.

In addition to the tribute to Gaskill, the “Mother of the Colorado Trail,” two bills received third reading, 14 second reading and 18 were heard by committees

Included in the bills adopted upon second reading was House Bill 1215, which would encourage police departments and sheriff’s offices to draft policies to provide mental health support for officers and to use on-scene support from mental-health professionals when dealing with individuals suffering from a mental illness.

The bill also would create a grant program to fund efforts to comply with the bill’s requirements. It has been promoted by the Black Caucus as a piece of legislation to promote healthful relationships between minority communities and law enforcement.

HB 1145, which would allow amateur vintners to participate in wine-tasting competitions as long as the only individuals in the tastings were judges of legal age, was heard by the Senate Business, Labor and Technology Committee. It passed unanimously and heads to the Senate floor.

Senate Bill 184, which would allow for operation of private marijuana membership clubs where individuals could bring their medical or recreational marijuana to smoke, was passed by the House Finance Committee. It passed 8-3, and heads to the full House.

lperkins@durangoherald.com