The following is an update from Roberta Peterson, who just finished a four year Town Council Term and remains the Chair of the Open Space Commission.

Seeing the Valley Floor opened to the public has been wonderful. The primary uses this summer seem to be walking, biking, and river running. It was especially fun seeing a group of Telluride Academy youngsters out there during a field trip. With the departure of the cows, a fabulous elk herd took residence this summer, birthing many new calves.

The Telluride Open Space Commission (OSC) meets monthly and is entrusted with overseeing the Valley Floor during the interim period. We hired a Valley Floor ranger, who monitors all aspects of the Valley Floor - including public and wildlife use. We've installed signs at the entrances to the property that explain the uses during this interim possession period, including the "no dogs policy." We're running ads in the local newspapers about these policies and rules in an effort to better educate the public. Additionally, we're meeting with the Nordic Association to develop a cross-country skiing plan for this winter. We believe our efforts have been successful in maintaining a low-key, yet effective, management style during the period.

What's the plan for the future? In early July, Town Council directed the OSC to prepare an action plan to develop a long-term management plan for the Valley Floor. At a minimum, this plan is to identify the information available and studies needed, determine a process to select consultants and experts, outline the public-input process and prepare an overall timeline that identifies critical decision points.

We anticipate a decision on the condemnation appeal in March of '08. If favorable to the town, the acquisition of the property could occur that same month.

At our August meeting, the OSC discussed the following:

Survey: An Improvement Location Certificate would document the location of all structures, improvements, utilities, fences, easements, encroachments, trails, watercourses, significant vegetation, and boundary conflicts on the property. (Timing: Late '07, Spring '08)

Baseline Documentation Report: Required for the conservation easement, this report records the physical condition of the land at the time of the easement donation. Basically, it's a snapshot in time that documents the existing vegetation, soil, water, general topography, and human-made features on the property. (Timing: The report is currently underway at the direction of the San Miguel Conservation Foundation and should be completed in December of '07.)

Environmental Report: This comprehensive report would provide a full understanding of the structure and function of the property's ecosystems and would be used to develop specific long-term policies. (Timing: January through August '08)

Management Plan: A document establishing the policies and guidelines to manage the property in a manner that will protect the open spaces and ecological values and remain consistent with the allowed and prohibited uses set forth in the conservation easement. (Timing: Work to begin concurrent with later phases of the environmental report, June through August '08.)

Conservation Easement: This document will direct how the Town and others may use the property. The purpose of the conservation easement is to protect the property's open space and conservation values. A draft easement has been prepared by the Town, and it will be finalized upon completion of the management plan. (Timing: August through September '08)

Numerous public meetings will occur throughout the process because the result will play a major role in Telluride's future.

I hope this offers an outline of how we're proceeding. We value your input, so please share your thoughts with us. Thank you for your efforts in bringing the acquisition of the Valley Floor to reality.

Sincerely,

Roberta Peterson
Mayor Pro Tem
Chairperson, OSC