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Proposed trail alignments
run next to and even through ranch lands. The public may leave the
trail, frighten herds and endanger themselves. Dogs could be a problem,
since many dog walkers don't follow leash laws and dogs not raised
around farm animals may not act well around the cattle, horses, sheep,
chickens and other farm animals all over this valley. The mere
presence of +40,000 human visitors on a trail; the loud noises, quick
movements, fast and noisy bikes, photo-seeking trespassers,
would cause serious incidents.
Farmers could have an
equal set of problems. While irrigating, farmers must time water flows
precisely to ensure they receive the water they pay for. So many
cubic feet per second to run through the measuring device. Garbage such as water bottles or
gravel from the trail could block those irrigation flows, upset timing, or
redirect the water past their gate. Cars blocking roadside irrigation
ditches would delay rounds. Some farmers have access agreements so they
can drive farm equipment along the canal to get from one field to
another. They would need to contend with delays caused by working
around +40,000 trail visitors. Farmers
often work around the
clock during planting and harvest seasons. They do not
have this kind of time.
Trail segments along roads
don't avoid these problems since some farmers own property on both sides
of the road. Farmers drive 16 foot wide farming equipment down roads to
get from one field to another. Cars parked by trail users along roads
will make traffic impassable at those times.
In the 1950s the
federal government bought land and easements in this valley to lay a
canal. Following topography the canal path skirted property lines or in
some cases cut across landholdings. Land was sold or easement
access was granted to thin strips of land for water supply purposes. These landowners did not grant access for a recreational trail.
Some of these same families work this land today and they are now being
asked to suffer the additional burden of +40,000 visitors to their
lands.
These would not be mere
inconveniences. One agricultural owner told the County Commissioners
this trail would probably put him out of business. Agricultural
land may be lost as farmers and ranches give up due to livestock
harassment, decreased efficiency, increased liability and insurance
costs.
It is difficult to
understand how the adverse impacts of a trail running through a farm and
ranch community could be so overlooked by trail planners. These farmers
and ranchers are people hard at work. This valley should be given a
wide berth because of its significant farm and ranch community and in
respect for their service in providing a local source of agricultural
products to Boulder County. No alignment in this valley avoids farm or
ranch lands. So no alignment in this valley is an acceptable
alternative.
Read
A Guide to Rural Living in Boulder County
linked here. You will achieve a better understanding of rural issues
from this short and informative booklet.
"Prosperous farmers
mean more employment, more prosperity for the workers and the business
men of every industrial area in the whole country."
--Franklin
D. Roosevelt
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