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GTO<<'rh ~ both a challenge and an opportunity. The question faring Custer County ~ nor . whether w grO<<', bur how W grOti'. Gw.1.th is both a challenge and an oppornmity. The question facing Custer - County is fIOt whemer to grow, but how . to grow. Residential growth iliar does not consume inordinate affiOWlts of agricultur- alland or open space, and is balanced "j,.,. c.ommercw dev'e1opment, Will better prOtect the coomy's tax base and improve delivery of public services. The benefits of balanced and well. pl"",<d gw.nh ""end beyond f=i considerations. The coUnty's econom)' depends in large pan on a vital agricultural economy. In addition, farm and ranch lands and open space rrovide import3Ilt wildlife lulnta[, scenic beauty, recreaoonal opporturuties, and a quality of lie th.a~ attracts people and business. They are also an important pan of the county's heritage. The Custer County ax:s study is part of all ongoing effort to understand the impactS of growth and to help tht: community plan (or a desirable future. Last summer, local ciu:ens rarricipated in a Community Forum, sharing their goals and vision for the county's future. The number one priority identified at this forum was the protection of agricultural lands and opeit sp3ct. In the last year, the crunty held a series of master plan olrtreach meetings, and this \\inter, the county adopted its first master plan, which recogni:es the importanc:t: ti balancing gro"..th WIth t:h~ preservation of th~~ county's open lands. At present, th~ county is in the process of fe""iewii'\g and upiaring its zoning code to support the goals of the master plan. These efforts are all steps in the nght direction. An inclusive and compre- hensive 3f'proach [0 growth management, including a combination of incentives, planning, and regulation may make it possible 1'0 enhance real estate va1~, economic vitality. and the local tax base while at the same time preserving agriculrurallands; open space, and a high quality of life. The results of the ax:s study provide county residents and decision- mak~rs with one more measut~ of the impacrs of growth. The cask before Custer CQunty now is to work together . to develop suategtes that accommodate gro....th and protect the resources and values important [0 the community. A full report that details the methodology and findings of the Cc6r of Community Services Study can be obtained by contacting the San Isabel Found"ion. (719) 783-3018, '" the ~my Pluming md Zoning lJepomne.m, (719) 783-2669.