Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners approve OLRT funding and resolution to buy Windy Gap Ranch along Colorado River
Summary
The board approved an OLRT off‑cycle grant recommendation to help fund Grand County's purchase of the 58‑acre Windy Gap Ranch and passed a resolution authorizing the county manager to sign closing documents and the treasurer to wire funds; staff cautioned that some attached water rights have not been in use and will require work with partners to protect.
The Board of County Commissioners voted to accept an Open Lands, Rivers and Trails advisory committee recommendation to fully fund Grand County's off‑cycle grant request for the Windy Gap Ranch project and later approved a resolution authorizing county staff to complete the purchase.
Anna, director of the OLRT advisory committee, told the board the application requested $1,135,000 — roughly 79% of the project's cost — to acquire 58 acres of riverfront that would "preserve and enhance the natural habitat along and within 3,600 feet of the Colorado River" and secure water rights including "1.9 cfs of water in the Schmuck Ditch." Committee members scored the application 83.1 out of 100 and unanimously recommended full funding. Commissioners moved to approve the off‑cycle grant recommendation and to allow the chair to sign applicable documents.
Later the board considered resolution 2025‑5‑10 to authorize the purchase, allow the county manager to sign closing documents, and direct the treasurer to wire funds. Commissioners asked whether the Schmuck Ditch water right remained valid; staff said the ditch "has not been in use for quite some time," that the rights were not included in the appraised value, and that the county will work with Northern Water to put the rights to beneficial use where feasible. The resolution passed by voice vote.
