Ten years ago, the Dolores River Valley Plan was put in place to protect the quality of our water and at the same time give property owners a right to sell off development rights.

A nifty plan called Transferable Development Rights allows one to sell these rights, make a nice profit and still retain the land. For instance, to keep the land in ranching or farming for future generations. This plan also limits development to a reasonable level, therefore protecting the water resource.

Recently, our county commissioners made a decision to start dismantling that protection. At the conclusion of a public hearing July 7, they did away with the TDRs. They took this action despite overwhelming opposition by citizens, opposition from their own Planning Board and agencies whose job it is to look out for our health, safety and welfare such as the Montezuma County Emergency Services group and the Dolores Water Conservancy.

Besides making a poor decision, it was probably the manner in which it was made that got people so riled up. The hearing was supposed to get input from the public for consideration. Much of this input was submitted in writing at the hearing. The vote was taken immediately afterward. The written submissions could not possibly have been read or considered. It became obvious to everyone attending that this hearing was a sham, an insult to those who participated. The BOCC had made up their minds well in advance.

Still not enough info? I found a site with more at Doloreswater.org.

Kerry D. O'Brien

Mancos