Attentive listeners watch an on-screen presentation as an estimated 600 people showed up for the Garfield County Planning Commission meeting at CMC Spring Valley on Wednesday, Feb. 25, regarding the proposed 1,500-unit Harvest Village PUD (previously Harvest Roaring Fork) between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale. The crowd spilled from the main meeting space into 10 overflow spaces including classrooms and common spaces. Despite this massive turnout, public comment was not reached and the hearing was continued to March 11 at 6pm, which will reportedly begin with that commentary. According to an Aspen Daily News article, planning staff recommended denial, but the planning commissioners “signaled that they would ask the project developer to make some changes to its proposal and then seek approval once more.” The developer would then present to the Garfield County Board of County Commissioners, which could confirm or deny the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Photo by Alison Osius

Carbondale forum
The Sopris Sun and KDNK Community Access Radio are hosting a forum for the Carbondale trustee and mayoral candidates on March 25 at Town Hall from 6 to 7:30pm. Questions for the candidates can be submitted in advance at www.tinyurl.com/CarbondaleCandidates  

Teller Springs conserved
Aspen Valley Land Trust announced that 31 acres at Teller Springs, a neighborhood between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs and across the river from the Cattle Creek and Roaring Fork River confluence, has been protected through a conservation easement. The wetland area is a critical refuge for wildlife, and one of the few open spaces on the mid-to-lower valley floor that hasn’t been developed. “Protecting land along the valley bottoms like this is essential to the health of our rivers, wildlife and communities,” AVLT wrote in a press release. The conservation group recently came out with its 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, which can be viewed on its website: www.avlt.org 

Library mill levy
The Garfield County Public Library District Board of Trustees is considering placing a 1.00 mill levy extension on the November ballot. A recent survey of likely county voters conducted by Magellan Strategies showed that the district has an 80% approval rating county-wide, according to a press release, and that two-thirds indicated their “probable” or “definite” support of a mill levy extension that would maintain current funding without increasing the current tax rate. The press release stated that property owners of median-value homes ($611,000) would continue to pay $38 a year. 

Wildfire modeling
The Carbondale & Rural Fire Protection District is requesting help from residents of Carbondale and neighboring communities to inform wildfire modeling to guide evacuation planning, mitigation efforts and long-term resilience. Basic information is needed from every home. The survey takes just a few minutes to complete. Take action here: www.bit.ly/Cdale-fire

Film contest
Aspen Film’s Independent by Nature video challenge invites creators of all ages to create a 35-second video on the theme “what does freedom and independence mean to you?” The top prize is $150 plus a Think Tank 30-liter backpack and YETI gear case; second place will earn $100 Think Tank store credit and a packing cube. Submissions are due by March 22. Find details at www.bit.ly/AF-comp

CFK nominations
Know someone deserving of the Chris Klug Foundation’s Hero, Bounce Back Give Back and Community Champion awards? Submit a nomination honoring trailblazers in the transplant community at www.bit.ly/CFK-2026 — recipients will receive an invitation (plus one) to the Wine & Dine Gala (date tbd).

Open Space and Trails hiring
Want to work outside? Pitkin County Open Space and Trails is hiring full-time and seasonal staff. Positions include natural resource management, open space operations and ranger duties. Learn more at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pitkin

Forest Service employment
Forest Conservancy is partnering with the White River National Forest Service to hire someone to manage the partnership’s 30-week volunteer visitor information pilot program. The seasonal position is full-time and based at the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District office in Carbondale. Funding for the position is made possible by the National Forest Foundation, Roaring Fork Stewardship Fund, City of Aspen, Eagle County Open Space and Natural Resources, Aspen Chamber Resort Association, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails and Carbondale Tourism. For application details, visit forestconservancy.com

Gray wolf necropsy
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) confirmed that the recent death of a gray wolf during collaring operations was due to acute cardiogenic shock possibly exacerbated by hyperthermia, myopathy, respiratory distress and/or drug reaction. The wolf was captured along with his mate and a pup and CPW animal care guidelines were followed. Once delivered to a processing location, it was noted that the wolf’s temperature was high. Neither respirations nor a pulse were detected and CPW attempted to revive the wolf. The female and pup were collared and released without complications. 

They say it’s your birthday!
Folks celebrating another trip around the sun this week include: Kelly Field, Amy Hadden Marsh and Meg Plumb (March 5); Gwen Garcelon, Sheila Liston and Bobby Mason (March 6); Carol Fabian and Diane Johnson (March 7); Greg Meredith, Gracie Oliphant, Sidney Thomas and Jordan Tribble (March 8); Laura Kuhl (March 9); Vicky Browne and Pat Curry (March 11).

The Gentlemen of Aspen rugby team hosted Best Buddies for rugby drills at a soggy Wagner Park in Aspen on Sunday, March. Best Buddies International provides peer-to-peer matches for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in more than 35 countries. “Here in the Roaring Fork Valley, we mastermind friendship, connection and inclusion in the schools and beyond,” Kim Magee with Best Buddies told The Sopris Sun. “It’s all about participation, fun and eliminating loneliness!” The Buddies and the Gentlemen teamed up with Viceroy Snowmass, Paradise Bakery and Timberline Bank Aspen for an afternoon of music, steak sandwiches and tons of fun. Courtesy photo