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Draft Dolores County management plan presented; commissioners stress landowner benefits
Summary
A presenter introduced a draft management plan for Dolores County and solicited commissioner input on chapters and partner roles; commissioners emphasized framing restoration work to benefit landowners (livestock, irrigation, recreation, depredation reduction).
A consultant-style presenter introduced a draft Dolores County management plan during the Feb. 7 meeting and asked commissioners which chapters they wanted to help write or edit, and which items the presenter should source from agencies.
The presenter said potential partners include Nate Seward with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Angela Trinca with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Commissioners emphasized local priorities: cattle and livestock production, irrigation and water resilience, recreation and tourism, and depredation concerns tied to wildlife.
Commissioners and the presenter discussed linking sage-grouse habitat restoration to other tangible benefits for landowners — such as improved deer and elk habitat or removal of invasive species — to increase landowner participation and make projects more attractive. The presenter said this approach would help secure funding tied to sage-grouse while delivering multiple benefits for property owners.
Commissioners agreed to quarterly check-ins on the draft and tentatively scheduled a May 18 workshop to review a draft for further input. The presenter asked commission members which chapters they would help draft; commissioners indicated they would contribute to a chapter documenting Dolores County demographics and local economic context.
A direct quote from the presenter: "Killing 2 birds with 1 stone is absolutely appropriate," said the presenter when discussing linking restoration benefits to landowner values.
The board did not take a formal vote on the plan at this meeting; the presenter will return with a draft and suggested chapters for commissioner review.
