Letter: Basalt: A river runs through it

Please add my name to the growing list of concerned residents who believe preserving the sight at the Pan and Fork as open space is of value and an asset to the town of Basalt. We pride ourselves with the confluence of our Gold Medal rivers, so let’s shout it out with open space that includes the river.

Below Carbondale’s River Valley Ranch is a stretch of Crystal River frontage that has been preserved. The Interpretive Trail is thick with native willow, dogwood, serviceberry and towering cottonwoods. It is a wonderful stretch of solitude that includes a dirt path through the underbrush.

Basalt has the same opportunity now to preserve some Roaring Fork River frontage, literally in its own backyard. Perhaps replanting the riverbank with riparian vegetation and creating an open space at the Pan and Fork would nicely complement the downtown core.

Sue Mozian

Basalt