The following is my letter to the Chaffee County Commissioners about a proposed development near where I live. It is putting multiple homes on current open ranch land on 1-acre lots that present innumerable problems for the area, some of which I address below. Bit the worst part is that many feel the commissioners have already decided with an incredible lack of information about impacts. It has also raised a huge red flag that the county is way behind in revising land use regulations to fit present realities and many surveys, discussion groups, and data on how the current citizens want in terms of land use planning.
Sunset scene from my home in Chaffee County
Dear Commissioners Baker, Felt, and Granzella:
It is clear, at the very least, that the Centerville Ranch proposed development has shown that Chaffee County’s land use planning codes and regulations are outdated and inappropriate for the times, as well as not reflecting extensive input from current Chaffee County citizens. If for no other reason, this proposal should be shelved until revisions to such codes and regulations are considered with adequate input from the citizens, as well as experts on a variety of topics from water to wildlife, tourism to affordable housing, to mention only a few of the issues that need to be considered by you.
Nevertheless, there are also a multitude of other reasons for this proposal to be postponed. Some of which include following existing codes, including, but not limited to, County Planning Regulation 1041, Chapter 9.
You need no reminding that the economy and well-being of Chaffee County citizens is tied closely to land use planning. This proposed development abuses those foundations. Both water supply, water sanitation, and potability will be sorely tried by this development. Yes, we have had a lot of snow so far this winter, but this is Colorado, and Chaffee County is generally dry. The Bowen ditch that runs through my property did not run one single day last year!
The protection of wildlife goes way beyond “feel good” attitudes about other species. Ecological diversity of native flora and fauna is essential for a healthy environment for all of us. This is a fact, no longer debatable. In addition wildlife in this county are an important resource in our tourism industry as well as a source of food for many who live here. Without adequate wildlife corridors and food and water sources for elk and mule deer, those populations will be severely threatened. The inclusion of such species as the Gunnison’s prairie dog is also important for species survival and maintenance of diversity. Pronghorn, as I’m sure you know, don’t jump fences like deer and elk; they squiggle under them. Four strand barb wire makes it extremely difficult for them to migrate at all. Wyoming, for example, has a state law managing this that works for ranchers and pronghorn. I don’t know what fences are proposed for this development, but if they have cattle leases, they will need fences. The question is, what kind?
Of course, there is also the added burden of lots of new residents in a rural area with implications for traffic and public services.
I write to you not only as a citizen of Chaffee County, but as an individual, who in the past in other locales and situations, has dealt with issues of land use planning, wildlife corridors, and the impacts of development on water sedimentation and pollution.
There is a scarcity of information about the impact this development will have on any of those issues itemized above to enable you to make a final decision at this time. I urge you to consider a moratorium until such time as you are able to obtain the concrete information you need to make a reasoned decision.
Sincerely,
Doann Houghton-Alico
Elk grazing nearby
Leave a Reply