Editor’s note: The Estes Valley is often synonymous with Estes Park, but the region’s footprint stretches beyond the town limits and even beyond Larimer County. From Drake and Glen Haven to Pinewood Springs and Allenspark, the valley includes communities and open spaces spread across both Larimer and Boulder counties, united by shared schools, recreation services, and a common mountain identity.
The Boulder County Board of Commissioners came to Allenspark on June 18 to ask members of the community to help fill 33 positions on advisory boards and commissions and to volunteer for hundreds of other tasks.
Amanda Hatfield of Parks and Open Space spoke of the need for hands-on volunteers to assist in myriad projects at county parks, including weed removal, trail upkeep, seed collection, litter removal, and prairie dog fencing.
Mary Eldred of the Justice System Volunteer Program described her work in two main areas: organizing volunteers to support the justice system and organizing volunteers to assist during disasters.
“To help during an emergency, residents need to become a member of a responding organization before disaster strikes,” she said.
None of the 30 people in attendance at the community room of Fire Station No. 1 immediately jumped at the chance to volunteer for the county.
“Everyone in this room is engaged in multiple civic activities,” resident Mike Brown explained to the three commissioners. Brown said residents would like county volunteerism to enhance life in Allenspark, not just for people in the flatlands.
Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann chided Brown.
“Some money does make its way back up here,” she said, citing county dollars going to The Old Gallery and the Allenspark Fire Department. Stolzmann said that if Allenspark residents chose to serve on a board, they could help direct how grant dollars might be spent.
Click here to see which positions are open. The deadline for this round of vacancies is July 31.
The commissioners also heard from locals about ongoing unresolved problems.
Bob Snell of Raymond/Riverside reminded the commissioners that a sports shooting range was supposed to be built nearly 20 years ago in order to stop illegal shooting in the national forest.
“A fire and shooting ban is now in place, but shooting is going on,” he said. “The signage (prohibiting shooting) is terrible. How can the sheriff write tickets if people don’t know it’s illegal?”
Commissioner Claire Levy has heard it all before and said the county is trying very hard – without success – to find a suitable shooting range. She said there are no national forest properties available.
“We are actively considering a couple of (private) sites,” she said, adding that she has called the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office asking for drive-bys to let people know that shooting is prohibited.
Snell asked if the commissioners had a Plan B.
“If we reach a dead-end (with private properties), we’ll have to go back to the Forest Service,” said Levy.
“But we can put signs up,” said Stolzmann.
The commissioners also heard from residents unhappy about high homeowners’ insurance rates, amplified noise, illegal tax-free properties, possible mountain bike trail restrictions and the need for hospice care in the mountains.
Business owner and volunteer firefighter Rick Sullivan said residents are facing insurance rates that are doubling and tripling. Many residents have had their insurance policies cancelled.
He said a reliable water supply would bring insurance costs down.
“I would like to see a hydrant system along Highway 7,” he said.
“We are in for another bad (fire) year,” Sullivan added.
“Fire is on everyone’s mind,” agreed Phil Stern. “Signage is minimal. Vacationers don’t know this is severe.”
The Boulder County Commissioners’ Office can be reached at 303-441-3500. To speak to someone about advisory boards and commissions, phone Robin Valdez at 303-441-3501.
The Estes Valley is absolutely NOT synonymous with Estes Park. This is a myth perpetrated by the Estes Town Board. EP does what is in its best interest at the absolute expense of those living in the valley, outside of city limits. EP does not allow Valley citizens to run for office or to vote on Town referendums. EP is only interested in Valley Citizens when it involves raising tax money from them.