Pitkin County’s open spaces are increasingly being used for more than recreation, as agriculture is taking root on public lands.
Later this month, the Board of County Commissioners will consider four agricultural leases on Pitkin County Open Space properties. The latest proposal is an organic farming operation run by the local Two Roots Farm, which is hoping to set up shop at Emma Open Space.
Last year, open space lands supported the production of nearly 400,000 pounds of food, including meat, vegetables and potatoes used for local vodka. Farmers leasing public lands sell their products to local restaurants, at valley farmer’s markets and through community-supported agriculture shares.