The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
A successful program
The Crested Butte Town Council is on board with the reauthorization of the Gunnison County Land Preservation Fund (LPF). The council heard a presentation on August 7 from the Citizens Promoting Our Heritage, Open Space and Economy. But at least one councilperson wanted to have a broader discussion, exploring ways to use such earmarked funds for economic development purposes as well as open space.
Crested Butte resident Sue Navy gave the council a PowerPoint presentation showing the benefit of the county open space fund. The money raised in the fund goes to leverage matching funds in local open space projects. “For every dollar we spend, we get $12 from outside the county,” she said.
The LPF has spent $3.6 million to help get $47 million in open space funds over its 14-year existence.
The money comes from a small portion of county sales tax earmarked by voters for the fund.
Crested Butte Land Trust executive director Ann Johnston told the council that the fund was a great benefit to the area. “This pool of money is crucial,” she said. “It really helps all of us leverage money.”
Lucy Waldo of the Gunnison Ranchland Legacy agreed. “This fund is essential to keep getting grants outside the county,” she said. “It shows that the county and local community support land preservation in this area. It sends a great signal.”
But councilperson Roland Mason thought perhaps the money could be used for other purposes, saying, “At some point a discussion needs to be had about the use of these funds in a general sense. Given the economy, open space is great but we are looking for funds to help keep the airlines flying here. There are a lot of things out there that could use a financial boost. It’s an appropriate discussion to have. Are there other ways to use some of those funds?”
Mason cited seeing many of his friends and acquaintances having to leave the area because of a poor economy. “We need to think outside the box,” he said. “Open space is certainly important but I see so many people having to leave because they can’t make it anymore. I’d like the option to put the money toward other things if need be.”
“I hear what you are saying but I think this is a small but important amount of money,” said Councilperson Jim Schmidt. “Once something is developed, it is developed forever, so land preservation is an important priority.”
“This fund is an asset,” added councilperson Glenn Michel. “This isn’t the place to take money from.”
“Is it helping people pay their mortgage?” asked Mason. He also pointed out the council was using town funds to help fund winter airline service.
“I understand what you are saying, but I think this fund does a good job,” said Michel.
“I don’t see how it would help the RTA and airlines by sabotaging the Land Preservation Fund,” said Councilperson David Owen.
“I just think it is worth having the discussion,” said Mason. “It’s an example of how things have changed in the last 15 years and the challenges we are facing in the long run.”
“This is a successful program and the goal might be for other programs to reach their level of success,” commented councilperson John Wirsing.
“Protecting open space is a natural resource that helps attract people here,” stated Mayor Aaron Huckstep.
The council voted unanimously to write a letter of support for the reauthorization of the LPF.
