Garfield County Defends Hunting Rights and Challenges Glenwood Springs

Commissioner Perry Will made it clear: Garfield County will defend its right to hunt and fish. He brought a resolution to the table, and it passed unanimously. This isn't just about Garfield County, though — Will hopes it will spark a statewide movement. He wants to see the right to hunt and fish enshrined in Colorado's constitution. 24 states already have similar protections in place. Colorado is not one of them. Will's resolution is a call to action — he wants other counties to follow Garfield's lead and cement their access to public lands and outdoor activities.

The resolution was followed by another significant decision. The commissioners also transferred $2.8 million to the airport fund for taxiway construction. The total cost for the project will be around $6.5 million. The airport fund had around $6 million at the end of 2025, but it wasn't enough to cover the costs. The airport will repay the $2.8 million transfer by 2030. Make no mistake, this is a significant investment. The county is willing to spend big on infrastructure.

But the meeting wasn't all about spending money. The commissioners also approved a letter to the City of Glenwood Springs regarding the South Bridge Project. The city had agreed to submit a 1041 application in October but later backed out. According to County Attorney Heather Beattie, this violates the county's land use code. The project will affect parts of unincorporated Garfield County, including Airport Road and the Roaring Fork River. The county's letter is clear: they want Glenwood Springs to reconsider and submit the application. The letter states that the county will suffer "imminent irreparable harm" if the city doesn't comply. The threat of injunctive relief is real.

The short version: Garfield County is drawing a line in the sand. They will defend their ability to access public lands for outdoor activities, and they will challenge Glenwood Springs on the South Bridge Project. This will be worth watching, the outcome could set a precedent for future projects. The county is taking a firm stance, and it's not backing down. Read that again: the county will suffer "imminent irreparable harm" if Glenwood Springs doesn't submit the 1041 application. That's a strong statement. The question is, what's Glenwood Springs' next move? Will they reconsider and submit the application, or will this end up in court? The community is waiting for an answer.

Context and Implications

Garfield County's resolution may seem like a local issue, but it has statewide implications. If other counties follow Garfield's lead, it could lead to a constitutional amendment protecting citizens' access to natural resources. The cost of the taxiway construction project is significant, but it's not the only factor at play. The county's airport fund will have to repay the $2.8 million transfer, and that will impact future budgets. The South Bridge Project is a point of contention between Garfield County and Glenwood Springs. The county's letter is a clear indication that they will not back down. This is a story about local governance and the balance of power between counties and cities. It's about the responsibilities of local government to its citizens. The outcome of this situation will be felt for years to come. It's not just about the South Bridge Project or one specific issue; it's about the kind of community we want to build. Folks around here are watching, and they're waiting to see what happens next. The county's actions will have a direct impact on the community, and that's what makes this story so important. The fact that Garfield County is willing to take a firm stance on these issues is worth noting. They're not afraid to challenge Glenwood Springs. Garfield County will not back down, and the community will be watching to see how this plays out. The threat of injunctive relief is real, and it could lead to a lengthy and costly legal battle. The community will be watching to see how this plays out. Garfield County's actions will have a lasting impact.