Letter: Protect our treasured lands

With the threat of increased population growth and associated water needs along the front range of Colorado and the indication that we, on the Western Slope of Colorado, should expect significant land, water, and construction impacts, I believe it is crucial that we, as residents and custodians of our special lands, give serious consideration and support to the Pitkin County Open Space ballot issue.

For almost 26 years, the Pitkin County Open Space and Trails Board has protected approximately 20,000 acres of special places for wildlife, wildlife habitat, sustainable agricultural, structured and open recreational uses, protection of special sites, and accommodation of our unique community needs.

It is time to extend the Open Space and Trails ordinance to allow for future planning and to address the changes needed in order to meet the challenges of maintenance of Open Space properties and to identify the special characteristics of the lands to be protected.

Please vote “yes” on Pitkin County Referendum 1A.

Dorothea Farris

Carbondale