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WEST ELK LOOP SCENIC AND HISTORIC BYWAY
<br />STEERING COMMITTEE
<br />The Steering Committee works to preserve, protect, interpret,
<br />and enhance the Intrinsic Qualities of the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway
<br />for the enjoyment of the public.
<br />June 22, 2017
<br />Delta County Commissioners, the honorable:
<br />C. Douglas Atchley (datchley@deltacounty.com)
<br />Don Suppes (dsuppes@deltacounty.com)
<br />Mark Roeber (mroeber@deltacounty.com)
<br />North Fork Area Planning Committee, the honorable:
<br />Steve Wolcott, Dave Torkelson, Ross King, Barbara
<br />Peterson, and Kelly Yeager (kyeager@deltacounty.com)
<br />Delta County P&Z Board Committee, the honorable:
<br />Dick Disner, Bob Stechert, Tony Prendergast,
<br />Angela Mackey, Jen Sanborn, Kim Shay
<br />Delta County Manager, the hard working, effective:
<br />Robbie LeValley rlevalley@deltacounty.com
<br />Regarding: Rezoning SD17-003 Bowie Resources LLC
<br />Sirs and Madams,
<br />We are providing the following information as a supplement to our letter dated June 15, 2017:
<br />The West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway is one of the tourism assets of which Delta County can be proud. The segment
<br />of the Byway within Delta County is important for its scenic rural landscapes, for its historic and cultural resource values,
<br />especially its agricultural and ranching communities, and for its access to important public lands, including a national park,
<br />a national conservation area, national forest land, wilderness areas, state parks, and superb fishing areas that include state
<br />designated gold medal waters. It's also important as a connector between Delta County communities.
<br />The byways provide significant enhancement to the county's economy. According to the report, "Colorado Travel Impacts"
<br />by Dean Runyan Associates (June 2016), tourism spending in 2015 was 33.9 million dollars, and local tax collections from
<br />tourism totaled 1 million dollars!
<br />It's important for each of the five counties along the Byway to consider the impact of development on the intrinsic
<br />resources for which the Byway was established. In fact, Delta County regulations (amended February 21, 2017) provide
<br />that, when considering development proposals, it is important to "preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of
<br />Delta County including, but not limited to, wildlife, riparian areas, wetlands, sensitive lands, scenic byways and areas of
<br />significant scenic value."
<br />Please note that State of Colorado regulation states that "designated byways are subject to periodic review to ensure
<br />maintenance and enhancement of their scenic, historical, cultural, wildlife, recreational, educational, geological and natural
<br />features. Failure to maintain and enhance a bvwav may result in termination of designation."
<br />Delta County is listed as one of the Directors of the West Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway Steering Committee. We
<br />encourage participation by Directors in the management of the Byway. Participation includes taking advantage of funding
<br />opportunities, such as byway enhancement grants, that present themselves to maintain the quality of byway assets and
<br />enhance visitor safety and facilities. We would encourage the BOCC and the leadership of Delta County to take advantage of
<br />the opportunity before them. We ask that you continue your support and ensure that the intrinsic qualities along the West
<br />Elk Loop Scenic and Historic Byway are considered when making planning and development decisions that affect the
<br />Byway, and by maintaining the rural, agricultural character of the land when rezoning is proposed.
<br />Best regards,
<br />
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