The Pitkin County Open Space and Trails board meets Thursday morning to talk about public feedback on proposed trail alignments through the Crystal River Valley.
The county received more than 500 comments and responses to an online survey during the initial planning phase. More than 80 percent voiced support. The county identified two routes — one along Highway 133 and one on the opposite side of the Crystal River. The final outcome may be a combination of both.
Some Crystal Valley residents have vocally opposed the process, saying it’s heavy-handed, top-down management.
Today’s work session is the board’s first opportunity for discussion since the comments have been compiled. Board members plan to discuss wildlife protection, as well as engineering challenges and aesthetic impacts of proposed routes. The board meets at 9:30 this morning at the Pitkin County Library.