HomeMy WebLinkAboutKatie Dyal_8-JAN-26Subject: HARVEST ROARING FORK PUD
Name: Katie Dyal
Email: kdyal9@yahoo.com
Phone number:
Message: Dear Mr. Samson
I am writing with deep concern about the proposed large-scale development, HARVEST
ROARING FORK, at the Cattle Creek Confiuence, where Cattle Creek meets the Roaring
Fork River. This area is one of the last intact open spaces along the river and is vital not only
to Garfleld County, but to the health and sustainability of the entire Roaring Fork Valley —
including Pitkin and Eagle Counties.
Here are key reasons why this proposed project should not move forward as proposed:
1. Traffic, Safety & Infrastructure
Thousands of new vehicle trips would overwhelm Highway 82 and stretch emergency
response capacity. That’s area saw flres last year and if the snow fall this year is signs of
what’s to come, flres are a deflnite risk. This puts residents at greater risk.
2. Water Quality & Watershed Health
The Roaring Fork watershed is already under strain. A large development without robust
stormwater safeguards would increase runoff, pollution, and sediment, degrading water
quality for communities downstream. We already are hitting maximum capacity on water
table reservoirs in summers. This is a serious concern for me and should be for you as well.
3. Rural Character & Scenic Beauty
The proposed density — 1,500 residential units, up to 450 ADU’s, a hotel, and commercial
space on 283 acres — is fundamentally incompatible with existing zoning and with the
valley’s rural identity. This is just silliness. Approving a much smaller project such as half
that many residential units could possibly be maintained. I also work in the travel scene
here and there’s no lack of hotels… we deflnitely don’t need any more of those. And why are
we not turning to the old city market area for more retail space if that’s what residents are
wanting?
4. Public Services & Community Costs
The proposal does not account for the strain on schools, flre protection, EMS, and utilities.
This leaves existing taxpayers and communities to absorb the costs of growth.
5. Ecosystems & Wildlife
The most important variable in my opinion is the rich ecological corridor at confiuence,
home to bald eagles, herons, elk, deer, foxes, trout, and migratory birds. Development of
this scale would fragment critical habitat and disrupt migration and breeding grounds.
This issue extends beyond Garfleld County. Water quality, wildlife migration, and
development precedent will affect the broader valley — including Pitkin and Eagle
Counties. Our region must prioritize sustainable growth that protects natural resources and
community well-being.
I respectfully urge you to reject this development as proposed and to protect the Cattle
Creek Confiuence for current and future generations.
Thank you for your leadership and for listening to the concerns of residents across the
Roaring Fork Valley.
Sincerely,
Katie