PitCo commissioners approve Glassier leases

Pitkin County commissioners unanimously approved six agriculture leases for the Glassier Open Space property on Wednesday, clearing the way for local operators to tend to the land, graze cattle, and grow hay, flowers and fruit trees.

The leases will be for five to 10 years in duration, allowing the operators more time to grow their respective businesses and cultivate relationships with adjacent lessees.

Among concerns by the commissioners were bear-proofing for the fruit trees; ensuring that the produce is sold locally; the location of potential horse trailer parking; and noxious weed mitigation.

Paul Holsinger, county open space and trails land officer, said theyve been talking with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and that substantial fencing was planned for the fruit trees.

He added that the goal of the operators was to offer produce locally, and a requirement of the leases was that all operators must be located within 45 miles of the property.

Holsinger said that weed mitigation is being addressed sheep have been utilized on one parcel to eat the unwanted plants in the past.

Holsinger deferred to Gary Tennenbaum, OST assistant director, on horse trailer parking.

Tennenbaum said that options were being looked at near the historic Glassier House, as well as down the road on property owned by the Carricarte Family.

The reality is that we can come up with a solution, he said. Once we get the lessees on board, we can set up a site visit in late April, and really go out there and say, what is going to work and whats not?

Change of heart for OST board

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PitCo commissioners approve Glassier leases