On Tuesday, officials from Pitkin County will host a public meeting where they are the ones listening. The forum in Carbondale is meant to gather public input on a major trail proposal in the Crystal River Valley.
Last month, after more than a year of research and outreach, Pitkin County released a draft plan for a trail that would eventually connect Carbondale with Crested Butte.
That plan includes phasing in a trail over decades, and the process is complicated. The Crystal River Valley includes a mix of public and private lands, a state highway and sensitive wildlife areas. While the majority of the feedback so far has been positive, the Pitkin County Commissioners say the listening session is to ensure all voices are heard.
Carbondale-based conservation group Wilderness Workshop has praised parts of the county’s plan, but says that wildlife concerns in certain areas of the valley have not been completely addressed.
The listening session begins at 4 p.m. at the Third Street Center in Carbondale. The public can also view and comment on the draft plan online through July 27.
