(See related stories and the flow of public comments by clicking here and here)
Unfortunately, since the Garfield Legacy group made no changes and has instead opted to clone their 'Greenprint' so close to Aspen's values system, while using Routt County's viable system of sales tax carrying the financial burden; there really is no alternative for the majority of Garfield residents but to 'Just say NO'.
We need a self-sustaining open space and lands blueprint not more land grabs.
This plan will never get past Garfield voters. That's a shame because the right open space/conservation/sustainable tourism infrastructure would be well received.
Kit Strang and Dave Devanney:
"...We don't want to look around in 20 years — and we hope to still be around then — and find that much of what we hold dear has vanished.
We believe it is important to think ahead and plan for growth with our eyes wide open. So the Garfield Legacy Project worked with Garfield County to win a grant from Great Outdoors Colorado to fund a blueprint — or greenprint — of the most important natural assets that define who we are.
The Garfield Greenprint brought residents together to identify the areas that contribute most to our quality of life. It is a roadmap of the most important waters, habitat, recreation areas, open lands and agricultural areas to protect. It is based in scientific data from experts, but its direction and priorities are based on the local residents.
In June you'll be hearing more about the Garfield Greenprint. There will be open houses around the county to show the mapping and community priorities that form this living document and highlight conservation opportunities.
The next step is to put together an open lands program to implement this greenprint and conserve important natural assets with willing landowners.
We are looking at the Routt County program that purchases development rights from willing ranchers as a model. Routt uses a small property tax assessment that voters passed in 1997. That revenue source might not work here, but a modest sales tax might, and this may be the year to do it.
Then in another 75 years we won't be disappointed by the changes — and our grandchildren will thank us for helping to preserve Garfield County's economy and quality of life..."
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