The County is in the process of updating the Land Use Code. After more that two years of Round Table talks and having commissioned surveys that show both the local residents of and visitors to Chaffee County would like to see open space and agricultural lands preserved (see Ranchland Survey), the Code Advisory Committee has come up with a plan that would allow subdivisions to have high density clustering in conjunction with open space.
This is a good start. However, I would like to see wording in the Chaffee County Land Use Code that allows for subdivision of land into high density residential unit/lot clustering in conjunction with “productive” open space. An incentive model might incorporate a sliding scale that allows developments that maintain a portion of the water rights intact and set aside land for “productive” agricultural use to develop the highest density subdivision allowed under the code. If a developer chooses to maintain open space without maintaining water rights or putting it to a productive agricultural use, the land could be developed at a somewhat lower density. And, if the developer chooses to develop with 2 acre parcels, or whatever the County decides upon, then so be it. However, I believe that once the high density model with productive open space is developed and has proved itself, other similar developments would follow. The proposed land use model encourages development that uses a high density clustering model that preserves open space, preserves productive agriculture land, and preserves water rights in the county.
Guidestone’s Land Link Initiative is be one of several tools that would allow developers within Chaffee County to take advantage of the higher density development model as described above. This program promotes productive land. It creates opportunities for farmers and ranchers by facilitating equitable, secure and affordable access to agricultural land through management and lease agreements that Guidestone facilitates. It offers solutions for transitioning non-productive land into productive agriculture. Farmers are provided tools that offer new approaches to business models and technical skills that redefine the possibilities of high altitude agriculture. Thus, farmers and ranchers gain stability and a chance to play a significant role in strengthening the local food economy of the valley as well as maintaining its agricultural heritage for years to come.
Auxiliary benefits: Promoting productive open space (agriculture) helps support the local food economy, which keeps money local, creates jobs, preserves productive open space, maintains water with the land and preserves the cultural heritage of the valley.
Moreover, a local food economy (Low Energy Food System) works into the EnergyNow plan adopted by Chaffee County. The Chaffee County energy audit found that 13% of the CO2 emissions produced in the county are derived from food production with another 21% derived from transportation. This is in line with national averages that indicate approximately 20% of the energy used in the United States goes toward growing and transporting food to the consumer, with the average distance from the farm to the consumer for any given food product being 1500 miles. By producing more food locally, we cut the distance of food to market dramatically and thus reduce our energy usage.
I encourage both citizens and government officials to consider the above recommendations and incorporate them into guiding principles of programs and policies.
To find out more about Guidestone’s Land Link Initiative, visit our website at www.guidestonecolorado.org
Tom Pokorny, Director
Guidestone
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