County OKs Carvelli conservation easement, Wheatley and Pair a Dice agricultural leases and a $100 RFTA encroachment license

Pitkin County commissioners on Feb. 11 moved forward on multiple Open Space and Trails items: first reading approval of a donated conservation easement on the Carvelli property, second‑reading approval of agricultural leases for the Coke Ovens (Pair a Dice Outfitters, Inc.) and Wheatley open space (Roaring Fork Mill), and an encroachment license with Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) to allow an electric line inside the RFTA right‑of‑way for Wheatley irrigation.

Paul Holsinger, agriculture and conservation easement manager, said landowner Peter Carvelli offered a conservation easement on roughly 7 acres at the confluence of Conundrum and Castle Creek. The easement would protect riparian habitat, restrict future development and allow a limited accessory dwelling unit (about 800 sq ft) tied to the existing residence. Holsinger said staff added mineral‑rights restrictions and are finalizing edits; board approved first reading and set second reading and public hearing for Feb. 25.

The Wheatley and Coke Ovens ag leases followed public hearing and second reading approval: staff said Wheatley’s recent irrigation improvements expand production flexibility and Roaring Fork Mill was recommended after an RFP; Pair a Dice Outfitters will operate the Coke Ovens site. Both ordinances passed unanimously on second reading.

Paul Holsinger also described an encroachment issue where an electric line sits about 4 feet inside RFTA’s Rio Grande trail right‑of‑way; staff negotiated a $100 encroachment license with RFTA rather than relocating the line because relocation would add unnecessary costs. The board approved that license on first reading and set a public hearing for Feb. 25.

Next steps: finalize conservation easement edits before second reading, complete lease paperwork, and process the encroachment license with RFTA.