HomeMy WebLinkAboutRFFGA Comments Harvest RF 2.9.26_11-FEB-26
P.O. BOX 4112 Basalt, CO 81621
February 9, 2026
John Leybourne, Planner III
Garfleld County Building and Planning Department
108 8th Street, Suite 401
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
jleybourne@garfleldcountyco.gov
RE: Harvest Roaring Fork PUD
Dear John,
The Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance (Alliance) is providing comments on the proposed Harvest
Roaring Fork PUD application. The Alliance is a group of professional guides dedicated to the
protection and conservation of flsheries in the Roaring Fork region. The proposed development and
its associated utility crossings of the Roaring Fork River and Cattle Creek are of particular concern
to the Alliance. The utility crossing the Roaring Fork will involve in-river construction, wetland
disturbance, and permanent infrastructure within the river corridor. The construction is currently
planned for late summer during a time when the river is busy with both commercial and private
users. How will the construction efforts effectively handle river traffic and safe boat passage? How
will sediment levels and turbidity be monitored and minimized to ensure the river downstream is
‘blown out’? The current proposed location of the utility crossing will intersect the great blue heron
rookery, one of the most sensitive areas on the Roaring Fork Conservancy’s conservation easement
within the Harvest Roaring Fork property. While impacts are described as temporary and mitigation
measures are proposed, the Alliance has concerns about the long-term effects of the utility
crossing in its current location. In addition, we have concerns about river health related to
stormwater runoff entering the river. The proposal lacks a sufficient stormwater drainage plan,
representing a signiflcant threat to the ecological health of the Roaring Fork and degradation of
water quality.
The Cattle Creek confiuence and associated 54-acre conservation easement held by Roaring Fork
Conservancy is a thriving ecological corridor, home to bald eagles, great blue herons, waterfowl,
elk, deer, Ute ladies’ tresses (orchids) and numerous other plant and wildlife species. While the
conservation easement does not allow for any public access, a development of this size greatly
increases the potential for the great blue herons and all other important wildlife species to be lost
forever. Many of us realize that wildlife will not simply ‘go somewhere else’.
As representatives of professional guides and the flshing public, we encourage Garfleld County
planners and commissioners to reject this application. Approval of such a large development
would change the character of the lower valley forever and greatly compromise one of the most
special and ecologically important areas in the watershed. Saying ‘no’ to Harvest Roaring Fork will
ensure the Roaring Fork River and its tributaries remain healthy, resilient, and flshable for future
generations.
Sincerely,
Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance Board