News Release

Hidden Gems Consideration Tabled
7/29/2010

The Vail Town Council has tabled a resolution expressing support for specific areas of the Hidden Gems wilderness proposal following concerns expressed by the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District. The action was taken following a public hearing on Aug. 3. The resolution will be reviewed again on Sept. 21 which will allow time for Town Council members to learn more about watershed concerns conveyed by Linn Brooks, assistant general manager of the Eagle River Water & Sanitation District. Also, all seven council members are expected to be present during the Sept 21 hearing. The council appeared to be deadlocked 3-3 on the issue during the Aug. 3 meeting with Susie Tjossem absent. 

The resolution of support had been prepared following an earlier review by the Town Council which resulted in adjustments to the proposed boundaries to satisfy wildfire mitigation concerns expressed by the fire department.

As drafted, Resolution No. 21 states the Town Council’s support for expansions to the existing Eagle’s Nest and Holy Cross Wilderness areas in the vicinity of the town, and in areas in which the town has shown great interest in the past. The specific areas of support identified in the resolution are Spraddle Creek, Freeman Creek, Corral Creek, the portions of Elliot Ridge within the boundaries of Eagle County, Homestake and No Name. The resolution also urges Colorado’s congressional delegation to approve the wilderness designation in those areas in as timely a fashion as possible to leave a balanced public lands legacy to future generations and as a showcase of the town’s present stewardship.

Public comments in advance of the Sept. 21 meeting may be e-mailed to towncouncil@vailgov.com or by calling the town council’s voice mail at 479-1860, ext. 8.

Download Document: Hiddengemsmap.JPG