Faced with the unpleasant prospect that a proposed hotel development might alter the viability of a warm water wetlands in the heart of downtown Pagosa Springs, five local activists show up at the January 25 meeting of the Pagosa Springs Planning Commission to argue for a more environmentally-sensitive approach to development than what we may have seen in the past, here in Pagosa.
Standing between to the table where developer David Dronet sat with a team of architects and engineers, and another table where Town Planning Director James Dickhoff sat… and addressing their comments to four Planning Commissioners seated on the dais… the activists raised questions about the best way to protect a fragile, and rare, wetlands.
Here are a few excerpted comments.
Barry Knott:
“I’m really encouraged that there is a general spirit here of transparency, and a willingness to get a third-part, scientific review of this project. So my compliments to Mr. Dronet. I hope that it’s more than just an update to a 2005 study. My best hope would be that members of the community who represent Audubon and the Pagosa Wetland Partners — and perhaps others — would be allowed to contribute to that assessment, by way of contributing their concerns to the report that is going to be written.
“I also think that what we’ve seen tonight is that there is a great benefit in bringing some environmental expertise to this. That is, science. As I heard a struggle with language tonight, I realized there are no subject matter experts on wetlands, here in the room. So my ask is that the Town go ahead and do its own assessment, to make sure that all the issues are addressed, because it is such a delicate area…”
Randy McCormick:
“My perspective is from 20 years working in wetland management, prior to my retirement.
“First, I want to say that we really do appreciate the efforts on the part of the Springs Resort to maintain the wetlands that we have, for as long as we have. We understand that they [have water rights] and they have, I think, been extremely generous and courteous to the community, supplying that over time.
“We also really want to applaud the decision to get a separate environmental assessment. That’s something that I think is absolutely critical to what we all want to achieve here, and I’m very happy to see that’s happening.”
Apparently, the Pagosa Wetland Partners had submitted written comments to the Town Planning Department staff and the Planning Commission, touching on some of their primary concerns. Runoff from the proposed parking lots, for example, that may be tainted with automotive pollutants. Disturbances caused by artificial lighting. Protection of wildlife.
“Noise pollution? I don’t think we’ve talked about that, but it has a very real impact on wildlife. If we end up with a [noisy outdoor environment], we’re going to see, I think, a significant withdrawal of wildlife. That has been documented in many other locations. So that’s a concern, and I’m not sure how we mitigate that…
“The congestion from traffic is another thing people have mentioned to me. People are worried about that, and I’m sure that you’re aware of it, too. We need some kind of plan to handle that. And as that plan is developed, we would appreciate it if it could be pushed out into the public, because there are a lot of folks who are worried about this nice, quiet, little town of Pagosa Springs rapidly becoming another Telluride, Breckenridge, or God forbid, Aspen. There is a real fear out there, so I think addressing that would be helpful for all of us…”
Keith Bruno:
“There are three core concerns here, for me. One is the loss of habitat. Just today in my ‘inbox’ I got a staff article from Audubon, that may become a public article. Essentially, using 90 years of Christmas Bird Count data, we know that suitable bird habitat is becoming a diminishing amenity. I think we all know that.
“But I thought the article included an applicable quote. ‘Results show that climate related changes in temperature and precipitation have impacted the winter ranges for all groups of birds. While habitat-restricted birds like water fowl and wetland birds are also responding to climate change, they are spending the winter only where suitable habitat remains…”
Mr. Bruno commented on the design of the proposed 84,000 square foot hotel/restaurant/spa, noting that the overall design is 40 percent glass windows. While humans certainly find window glass to be an attractive material, it is also attractive to birds. At least one scientific estimate pegs the number of birds, killed by flying into windows, at one billion birds annually, here in the U.S.
Is there a way to reduce the fatality rate, in a structure proposed to be located within a few hundred feet of Pagosa’s prime bird habitat?
Bob LeCour:
“The previous speakers have hit all of these really specific things. But you’re looking at a 30-year drought, from here. You’re looking at 30 years. And you’re looking at temperature increases. If you don’t believe me, go out in the woods during the summer. It’s just scary.
“So, my point is… these guys are doing a fantastic job with this development. David is one of the best developers I’ve ever seen in my whole life. But I think we need to be really careful about how much of our resources that we use. And in particular, water…
“We need to have someone checking the water. Why? Because the water is the blood of that wetland. That’s a warm water wetland, and you can check on the internet, warm water wetlands are really rare…”