Eagle County commissioners to consider another open space purchase along Colorado River

The Eagle County Board of Commissioners will consider approval of a purchase agreement for approximately 17 acres along the Colorado River north of Bond during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 17.

The contract is for $730,000 and includes a condition for obtaining a recommendation from the Open Space Advisory Committee (OSAC) for funding through the county's dedicated Open Space Fund. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. May 17 in the Eagle County Room, located at 500 Broadway in Eagle, and will be available for live viewing on ecotv18, channel 18 on local cable systems as well as online at www.ecotv18.com.

The board has been actively identifying and acquiring key access parcels to enhance the recreational opportunities along the Colorado River. The Bond property, which contains a boat ramp currently leased by a private fishing outfitter, will be open to the public. The county is also in negotiations with the seller to acquire an assignment of a State Land Board recreation lease for 540 acres immediately upriver from the site.

“This site will really open up the rafting and fishing opportunities downriver from State Bridge,” said Commissioner Jon Stavney. “Currently, it is a 17-mile float to the next boat ramp. Making this private ramp available to the general public will allow shorter, half-day floats on this section of the river,” he said.

“We are excited to acquire a site that has the recreational improvements already in place. We simply have to remove the private property sign and this parcel will be ready to be used by our citizens,” said Commissioner Peter Runyon.

“This site was in a needed location to increase the fishing and hunting opportunities in this area. I am certain it will be widely used and enjoyed once it is converted to public ownership,” said Commissioner Sara Fisher.

Following OSAC approval, closing on the property is scheduled for early August. To comment in advance Tuesday's meeting, visit www.eaglecounty.us/Commissioners/Meeting_Agendas/ and choose “Comment on this agenda,” or call 970-328-8705. For more information on the county's open space program, visit www.eaglecounty.us/openspace.