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~ . DRAFT DOCUMENT FOR DISCUSSION ONLY DO NOT DISTRIBUTE MISSION The members of lhe Fountain Creek Vision Task Force have come togelher to turn lhe Fountain Creek watershed into a regional asset that adds value to our communities. We are working to create a hcallhy waterway Wilh appropriate erosion. sedimentation. and flooding that supports diverse economic. environmental, and recreational interests. We will cooperate to enhance and protect Fountain Creek. promoting sustainable use by members of our watershed community and by the visitors we know lhis wonderful nalural amenity will attract. . VISION ~n for lhe Fountain Creek watershed is a strong. resilient. and sustainable ecosystem that supports a variety of interests and activities. Our vision includes a number of issues: . In terms of water quality. we see a waterway lhat supports fish and olher aquatic species. is safe for recreation. and protects public heallh. . Regarding water quantity. we see successful stormwater management to better control flooding and erosion. . For the larger natural environment. we see healthy. contiguous habitat for a diversity of wildlife species. including the threatened and endangered species that make their homes here. We envision migration corridors into and out of lhe watershed. allowing species safe and free movement from north to south and from east to westlhroughout the region. . With respect to land use planning. we see great opportunities for recreation. including a state park and a connection with the Front Range Trail. We expect rcsident~ and visitors alike to engage in biking. hunting, cycling. fishing. birding, cross-country skiing. camping, and other activities lhat foster hcalthy lifestyles and a greater quality of life. We will continue to respect landowners' rights and envision ongoing opportunities for sustainable agriculture and ranching and responsible growth. We anticipate thoughtful and sustainable development that benefits local economies. supports Ft. Carson. encourages the creation of local jobs. builds neighborhoods and neighbors. promotes alternative transportation. and provides green infrastructure and ecosystem services. Throughout lhe watershed. we envision open space parks and other green areas that connect our residents but separate our cities. allowing each community to create and sustain its own visual and cultural idenlity. . Our vision entails achieving all of lhese things for the entire Fountain Creek watershed. However, we acknowledge that doing so might not be possible or practical in every ca.~e and that some vision element~ may be confined by necessity to Fountain Creek itself. Our vision for lhe work of the Task Force is to model successful collaboration in watershed clean-up and stewardship. We hope to demonstrate that by working together and striking a balance between short-term and long-term thinking. communities can creale and realize a shared vision. turn problems into opportunities. and choose their own future. Solutions lha! benefit different communities. different species. and different land uses are possible. and working together to find and implement lhem empowers communities and creates lasting relationships. We know it is our responsibility to educate lhe public about our work and promote sound community stewardship of lhe watershed. . "