Correction: It was falsely stated in the version of the Roaring Fork School District (RFSD) article published last week that Superintendent Dr. Anna Cole, with approval by the RFSD Board of Education, enacted a new health insurance plan for teachers and staff. In fact, the decision was approved in the spring of 2023 and launched July 1, 2023 under the leadership of former superintendent Dr. Jesús Rodríguez. We sincerely apologize to Dr. Cole, RFSD and our readers for the mistake.
Canyon Creek
I think I speak for many people when I say we choose to live in this beautiful part of Colorado because it is a special and sacred place.
Our community cherishes our most important natural resource — water; and during increasing times of drought and resulting fires, we hope to protect the Canyon Creek watershed from an unnecessary water drain threatening to dry up the creek before it reaches the Colorado River. This threat comes from Nutrient Farm’s planned unit development (PUD) scheduled for review by the Garfield County Planning Commission on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 6pm.
This PUD plans to divert nearly 9 cubic feet per second (cfs) of water (approximately 5 million gallons per day) from almost 1.5 miles up Canyon Creek, year-round, by piping the old Vulcan Ditch, through AVLT conservation easements, across the dangerous and unstable hillside that burned and slid during the 2007 fire, under Highway 6 & 24 and I-70 and the railroad. This is why the Vulcan Ditch hasn’t carried water nor been maintained to cross the Colorado River in decades; it’s just too unstable, dangerous and inefficient.
To protect this sacred watershed and ensure it flows for future generations, a group of concerned citizens formed Friends of Canyon Creek (FOCC).
We are opposed to the PUD because:
- Drying up the creek would have significant environmental consequences, harming trout populations, destroying riparian ecosystems, and irreparably destroying the wetlands and watershed.
- FOCC’s legal counsel believes Nutrient Farms has no legal right to divert Canyon Creek. This issue is currently before the Colorado Water Court.
- Last and perhaps most important, drying up Canyon Creek would hinder firefighting efforts and heighten risk for us all.
Importantly, Nutrient Farms has the legal right to divert its water directly from the Colorado River, completely avoiding harm to Canyon Creek. They claim the Colorado is not high enough in quality, but it provides water to 40+ million people and irrigates 5.5 million acres of crops. Pumping and filtering with solar is clean and increasingly cost effective and would also protect other water rights on Canyon Creek.
We do not oppose a new farm, we oppose killing a creek to irrigate that farm.
Please contact GarCO P&Z and BOCC and voice your opinions or join us for public support and information on Jan 29.
Sonja Linman
friendsofcanyoncreek.com
GarCo Dems
SEEKING: Thoughtful, passionate, and strategic individuals interested in working at the grassroots level to elect leaders who will truly serve the families, seniors, and working people of our county.
The Garfield County Democrats will be electing new officers and other leadership team members at our Reorganization Meeting (aka Reorg) on Feb. 8. We’re looking for people committed to our mission of electing open-minded, forward-thinking leaders at every level of government.
Thanks to countless volunteers and donors, our local party is on strong footing. Over the past few years, we’ve updated and advanced our website as well as our database and communication tools; we’ve adopted innovative programs for connecting with a broader range of community members; and record numbers of supporters have been joining our annual events. We’ve even developed an award-winning recipe for participating in local parades!
A new leadership team would have the option of building on our current structures and programs, reworking them, and/or implementing new ideas and approaches. It’s an opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of our community.
All registered Democratic voters in Garfield County are eligible to run for a position as an officer or other Executive Committee member. For more information about running or our upcoming Reorg Meeting, visit the “events page” of our website: GarCoDems.org or email us at info@garcodems.org
Debbie Bruell
Carbondale
Buddy Month
January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the transformative power of mentorship and encourage others to step into this life-changing role. As a resident of the Roaring Fork Valley, I’ve always been inspired by our community’s willingness to show up for one another. Today, I’m asking you to consider showing up in a new way — by becoming a Big Buddy through the Buddy Program.
The Buddy Program matches youth in our valley with adult mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. For youth, having a mentor offers stability, trust, and friendship during critical years of growth. Big Buddies help their Little Buddies navigate challenges, set goals, and build confidence. Research shows that youth with mentors are more likely to graduate, avoid risky behaviors, and feel connected to their communities. But mentorship isn’t just for the kids — it changes the lives of adults, too.
Big Buddies often describe how mentorship has deepened their sense of purpose and strengthened their connection to the community. Whether you’re hiking, playing sports, or attending Buddy Program events, you’ll find joy and fulfillment in creating a lasting bond. The Buddy Program provides all the training and support you need to succeed.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, I encourage you to take the first step. Visit buddyprogram.org or email dominic@buddyprogram.org to learn more. Let’s show up for our youth and make a difference together!
Dominic Román
Glenwood Springs
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