This fall, Issue 1A: Open Lands, Rivers and Trails will determine the direction of Grand County's future. A YES vote will result in a dedicated source of funding to be solely used for:
Enhancing water resources in the upper Colorado watershed
Conserving agricultural lands, natural areas, scenic open lands, wildlife habitat and wetlands
Maintaining multi-use trails
The Open Lands, Rivers and Trails measure proposes a 0.3% sales tax levy, the revenue of which will create a reliable source of funding for the non-profits and advocates that work to serve Grand County. More than half of this revenue will be generated by visitors to the county.
In Grand County, our open lands define our character and enhance our quality of life. The issue of conservation is more crucial than ever, as Grand County's population is expected to double in the next 35 years. This is an exciting opportunity to use your right to vote to show your support for conservation. Approval of this initiative will result in money well spent with a high degree of accountability. Make your voice heard and do your part to protect Grand County for future generations by voting yes for Issue 1A: Open Lands, Rivers and Trails.
"The thought of a perpetual funding source to preserve river corridors and keep more water in our rivers... it's inspiring. No one loses here and most is funded by visitors. We must spread the word and pass this, as explosive growth in Colorado is just beginning to sink its teeth into quality of life in Grand County."
-Nick Meyer, CHLT Board of Directors
Anna Drexler-Dreis: Monitoring Recap
The first real dusting of snow hit the Continental Divide on September 15. Golden aspens backlit by white snow always remind me that monitoring season is nearing its close. Each summer, I visit the
8,204-acres of conserved private land in Grand County and speak with each landowner. Legally, these visits are necessary to ensure that the reason the property was protected in the first place is still true. But it is more than that. These visits give the land trust an opportunity to talk with each landowner and share stories of a love for the land, the water, and the wildlife. Thank you to each and every landowner of the 62 conservation easements we hold. We couldn't protect the land we all love in Grand County without you!
Remembering Jean Miller
Dwight and Jean Miller Conservation Easement
Photo Credit: Susan O. Herpel
"Following a quite unexpected and brief illness, Jean Abigail (Hill) Miller, age 87, made the final ascent to the mountain beyond on the sunlit autumn afternoon of September 7, 2016."
(Sky Hi News)
Jean and her husband Dwight moved to Grand County in 1951. In 2010 they donated an 88-acre conservation easement to Colorado Headwaters Land Trust. This stunning property contains half a mile of river corridor and wetlands along Ranch Creek and a small portion of the Fraser River. Visiting Jean and her dog, Boots, has been a true highlight of the monitoring season. Our staff remembers sitting at Jean's kitchen table, speaking with her about wildlife on her property, her joy in watching rafters and kayakers float through Ranch Creek, and her organic methods of weed removal. We are forever indebted to Jean and Dwight Miller for their desire to leave a legacy of open space and protected habitat for wildlife. Grand County is a better place because of the Millers. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and Boots.
