PITKIN INDEPENDENT
HISTORY OF ENVIRONMENTALISM
Obviously being an EFFECTIVE environmentalist takes more than loving the environment. I don't just volunteer in environmentalism, I invest time and treasure in it.
My decades of experience in "white hat" business have equipped me with the skill, demeanor, reputation and experience to negotiate complicated environmental and water projects on behalf of Pitkin County residents.
Water Rights, Water Rights, Water Rights
It's all about water rights. Whether to keep them, pursue them or fight against them.
I am not a water lawyer, but I know when we need one. I have significant experience owning, managing and negotiating water rights.
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As part of wetlands creation.
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As part of renewable energy company covering water with solar to reduce evaportative loss.
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As share holder in Augmentation plans and related reservoir management.
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As a ditch share owner in Old Snowmass who flood irrigated.
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Supporter of Wild and Scenic Crystal to prevent east slope water grab.
Not every water right is worth pursuing. Deciding which rights serve our future best is complicated and I can serve Pitkin County residents soundly in the debate.
Rendering of solar over water. The water cools the solar panels making power production more effiecent, while the panels shade the water reducing evaporative loss.
I have a history in Wetland Creation and Preservation
I have real, hard environmental experience in producing the first wetland mitigation bank in Western Colorado. This is a complicated process with intense and detailed negotiations with 24 state, federal and local agencies that we undertook to create 100 acres of pristine and protected wetlands in Gunnison County. This was also a very complicated water rights process and a great and proud environmental accomplishment.
I have a History in Renewable Energy - Solar
I am part of a start up renewable energy company that is building a solar array over a canal in India. This system produces renewable solar energy, uses the water in the canal to cool the cells so they are more efficient and the shade on the water reduces evaporation. It could even expand to begin to replace an antique grid and change the way power is delivered. Awesome huh? (Artist rendering pictured)
I was a Pioneer in Transferrable Development Rights (TDR's)
I stood for the TDR program In 1992 when I ran for Commissioner as a 34 year old to preserve rural and remote lands which I believe it has done (though perhaps this program is about to out live its effective usefulness). TDR's were and are a means to change the code to reflect our community values of preserving the Rural and Remote areas from development sprawl and extending public services and protections.
I favor the Wild and Scenic Crystal River Designation
I am working with Dorothea Farris (a Writer for Commissioner supporter) who is helping spearhead the effort to make significant portions of the Crystal River designated “wild and scenic”. At the heart of this is not only keeping the Crystal pristine, but saving western slope water from eastern slope interests, a critical issue to keep western water in the west.
I favor the Wild and Scenic Crystal River Designation
I am with the Thompson Divide Alliance
I am in favor of protecting native habitats and pursuing more Open Space while expanding trails that do not overwhelm them.
I favor the continued acquisition of lands to reduce growth, preserve habitat, increase access, improve recreation and preserve scenic corridors. Habitat preservation and open lands conservation should hold the highest priority, but not unnecessarily exclude recreation. Recreation is a vital health and economic force that must also be respected in the process. We can always get better at working proactively and respectfully with those immediatley impacted.
