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Issues Identified
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Natural, Scenic And Environmentally Sensitive Areas Issues
I. Preservation and Stewardship of Natural, Scenic, and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Issues
Issue 1: River Corridors and Associated Wetlands, Drainages, and Riparian Areas
An important aspect to the areas uniqueness is the natural beauty and scenic quality of the Yampa River and Elk River Corridors and the drainages that feed them. They contain important wetlands and riparian areas that contribute to the environmental sensitivity and character unique to these ecosystems. In order to preserve these unique areas, identification of the carrying capacity of the river systems and protection measures from environmental degradation is key. This includes identifying minimum stream flows allowing sustainability, water quality monitoring, and healthy wetland vegetation inventories. In addition, measuring and mitigating impacts of uses on river corridors is crucial. Returning some of the historic meanders of the rivers may be important to minimize downstream pollution from erosion. Ensuring quality control along riverbanks assists in maintaining associated riparian and wetland areas.
Issue 2: Edge of Valley Floor to High Mountain Zone
This issue focuses on preserving important view sheds along the valley floor beyond those in Issue 1; local mountain tops (e.g., Emerald Mountain, Sleeping Giant); ridgelines and skylines; areas of historic western character (e.g., Humble Ranch, More Barn); and special places (e.g., hot springs, Howlesen Hill, Fish Creek). It also stresses the importance of good stewardship of soils and mineral resources.
Issue 3: Critical Wildlife Habitats and Corridors as Related to 1 & 2 Above
Critical to this issue is the identification of sensitive ecosystems (both flora and fauna), habitats and species. Once identified, measures must be developed to sustain, enhance, and conserve them. Identifying the migration patterns of critical wildlife species is important to prevent future encroachment. Human/wildlife conflicts are increasing as population and human activities increase in wildlife habitat areas. Measures that limit and/or reduce human/wildlife conflicts must be identified. Moreover, the support of private landowners, developers, and agencies responsible for the protection of wildlife must be compatible (e.g., fencing).
II. Legal and Policy Framework Relating to I.
Issue 1: Establishing Boundaries and Thresholds
This issue relates to policies and regulations that support the preservation and stewardship of natural, scenic, and environmentally sensitive areas. Its focus is the establishment of boundaries both physical and regulatory designed to ensure proper quality control and enforcement of policies. As an example, when open space has been designated as a result of agreements between public and private entities, such open space should be designated in perpetuity, not temporarily. These types of policies and regulations should not be negotiable, but legally binding.
Issue 2: Mitigation Measures
This issue relates to the development of policies designed to achieve the goal of open land/ag land preservation. Open lands discussed here include passive open space,, forest and wildlife habitats, and ag lands. Mitigation measures must be identified to further preservation of these lands. The development of an impact fee system; open space dedication for the protection of sensitive areas; Purchase of Development Rights (PDR’s); Transfer of Development Rights (TDR’s) ; wildlife conservation and other conservation easements; and any other method to achieve the goal must be explored and put into a practice through legal and policy implementation.
Issue 3: Application of Policies
Any policy development and implementation related to the goal of preservation of natural, scenic, and environmentally sensitive areas must apply to all developments including 35 acre development, previously platted subdivisions, commercial, and industrial developments etc.. This insures equal application.
III. Community Awareness and Education Relating to I and II
Issue 1: Promotion
This issue focuses on the promotion of community goals, plans, and ideology as within this plan update. Residents and visitors must be good neighbors and good stewards of the land. Strategies must be developed that promote these goals that appeal to different interest groups including ranchers, large lot owners, developers, recreational users, etc.
Issue 2: Incentives
Good plans with good intentions and results of good behaviors deserve to be rewarded. Actions and efforts that support common community goals must be recognized whether they are individual or group efforts. Publicity awards for good stewards whether they are ranchers, landowners, developers, or part of some other interest group should be considered. Conversely, poor land stewardship should have negative consequences.
Issue 3: Interest Group Unity/Communication
There are numerous organizations in the Steamboat area and Routt County that in some way contribute to the goal of preserving the natural, scenic, and environmentally sensitive resources of the community. They include (not exhaustive): the Yampa Valley Land Trust, Nature Conservancy, Legacy, Chamber of Commerce, Ag Alliance, Elk Foundation, Friends of the Yampa River, Orton Family Foundation, Habitat Partners, Cattleman’s Land Trust, Emerald Mountain Partnership, GOCO, USDA, Yampa Valley Fly Fishers, and many individuals. It is likely that efforts have been duplicated to achieve the goals. Better cooperation and communication between and among agencies and individuals is important.
IV. Funding For All Previous Issues Relating to I, II, III
Issue 1: Private Funding
Continued support through land donations, dedications, easements, and the like is critical in achieving the goal. In addition, community fund raising activities can help provide assistance, such as through the Yampa Valley Community Foundation.
Issue 2: Public Funding
Various public funding mechanisms are options to achieve the goal. User fees, in-lieu fees, impact fees, and taxes are possible opportunities. Another important funding mechanism often overlooked is grant monies. A variety of public and private agency grants exist specifically for the preservation of environmentally sensitive areas.
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