DESCRIPTION

The Town of Crested Butte has dedicated half of its 3 percent Real Estate Transfer Tax to open space since 1992, partnering with land trusts and regional organizations to conserve over 7,800 acres of wildlife habitat, working ranches, watersheds, and recreation lands. Until recently, the Town did this without an adopted definition of open space, a clear set of community values, or a consistent decision-making framework, leaving each acquisition vulnerable to shifting politics and rising land prices. Through the recently completed Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trails (PROST) Plan, the Town worked with SE Group and the Crested Butte Land Trust to develop a values-based framework that defines open space, names six community-vetted values, and establishes seven decision-making considerations for evaluating future acquisitions and stewardship investments. This session walks through the framework, the multi-partner process behind it, and the practical lessons other small mountain communities can adapt to strengthen their own open space programs.

ADDITIONAL INFO:

EXPERIENCE LEVEL:

Intermediate