HomeMy WebLinkAboutNicole Cavarra_5-OCT-25Subject: Protect cattle creek and RF valley
Name: Nicole Cavarra
Email: ncscarra@aol.com
Phone Number: (970) 274-9280
Message:
I am writing with deep concern about the proposed large-scale development, HARVEST
ROARING FORK, at the Cattle Creek Confluence, 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 Garfield 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
82 is a NIGHTMARE NOW! Too many people, too many accidents, and an ass-backward
HOV system where the HOV is the slow lane (right lane), so passing cars can’t pass on the
left.
More cars, more deaths, and less service workers who will be willing to travel up 82 to work
at any town in the Valley.
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. Drought, fires, and NO WAY OUT!!! NO EMERGENCY
PLANS FOR EVACUATION! That many more households and residents have no chance if
emergency.
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.
4. Public Services & Community Costs
The proposal does not account for the strain on schools, fire protection, EMS, and utilities.
This leaves existing taxpayers and communities to absorb the costs of growth. THE ROADS
SUCK!!!! Potholes EVERYWHERE! Traffic, and no room for moving vehicles or those who live
here as is! Fix what we have and expand infrastructure and roads before u add more fuel to
this fire! The Valley is being ruined because the quality of life is diminishing! We all moved
here to get out of the city and traffic, but in case no one is noticed, we are now just another
small city full
Of city problems.
5. Ecosystems & Wildlife
The confluence is a rich ecological corridor, 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 Garfield 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. We NEED MORE INFRASTRUCTURE!!!! Not more homes and not
more people.
I respectfully urge you to reject this development as proposed and to protect the Cattle
Creek Confluence for current and future generations.
Thank you for your leadership and for listening to the concerns of residents across the
Roaring Fork Valley.
Sincerely,
Nicole Cavarra (25+ year Valley resident, Colorado Native)