Castle Valley advisers urge publicizing watershed‑protection goals amid county plan changes

Committee members told the meeting they were watching a recent county general‑plan water element that they said recommends seeking Colorado River water and does not adequately address climate change. One attendee (S2) summarized the committee's position and outreach: "I had a little Zoom meeting with Diego, Velasquez and Neil Herbert ... they are committed to water" and the group said progressive candidates' victories could improve watershed protections.

Members discussed that protections (a Watershed Protection Overlay District) are in Grand County code as an overlay and that the timing of county commission elections matters for whether protections will be implemented. The committee noted the need to make watershed protection a visible political issue and to share materials with local press and civic groups.

Why it matters: County land‑use decisions can change development patterns and affect downstream flows that influence Castle Valley's aquifer health. Members urged focused messaging and candidate engagement ahead of the land‑use code update.

Next steps: Committee members said they will collect and circulate the overlay language and continue outreach to county candidates and stakeholders.