HomeMy WebLinkAboutRolland and Andrea LuplowI 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
Thousands of new vehicle trips would overwhelm Highway 82 and local roads, requiring new
traffic lights and stretching emergency response capacity. 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.
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.
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.
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. Sincerely, Rolland and Andrea Luplow