Garfield County Defends Hunting Rights and Challenges Glenwood Springs

Garfield County commissioners signed a resolution defending the right to hunt, fish, and access public lands — a move Commissioner Perry Will hopes will spark a statewide effort to cement this right in Colorado's constitution. This resolution is not just a statement — it's a call to action, as Will noted that 24 states already have this right enshrined in their laws, and Colorado is not one of them.

The resolution was unanimous, with all commissioners on board. Will, who brought the resolution forward, explained that he wants Garfield County to lead the way, encouraging other counties to follow suit. Make no mistake, this is a bold move, one that could have significant implications for outdoor enthusiasts and the local economy.

In other business, commissioners transferred $2.8 million to the airport fund for the Taxiway Bravo construction project. The airport will repay this amount through a lump-sum payment in 2030. This project is part of the airport's capital improvement program and master plan, with a total estimated cost of $6.5 million. The airport fund had around $6 million at the end of 2025, but this transfer was necessary to cover a funding gap.

Commissioners also approved a letter to the City of Glenwood Springs regarding the South Bridge Project. The city had previously agreed to submit a 1041 application but later backed out, citing a change of heart. According to County Attorney Heather Beattie, this refusal violates the county's land use code, as the project will impact areas in unincorporated Garfield County, including Airport Road and the Roaring Fork River.

The letter is clear: Garfield County wants a 1041 application, and they want it now. The county is concerned about the precedent set by Glenwood Springs' refusal to comply with county regulations. As the letter states, "The county will suffer imminent irreparable harm by your continued refusal to submit a 1041 application on the South Bridge Project." This refusal to comply has significant implications; the county is prepared to seek injunctive relief if necessary.

The project has been a point of contention for some time, with locals raising concerns about traffic, noise, and environmental impact. Its fate is still uncertain, but Garfield County will not back down. The county's letter to Glenwood Springs is a shot across the bow, and it will be worth watching how the city responds.

Read that again: the county is willing to go to court to ensure that Glenwood Springs complies with county regulations. This is not a trivial matter - it's a question of who has the authority to regulate development in the area. The short version is that Garfield County is drawing a line in the sand, and it's up to Glenwood Springs to decide how to respond.

As the situation unfolds, folks around here will be keeping a close eye on the developments. The county's resolution defending the right to hunt and fish may seem unrelated to the South Bridge Project, but it's part of a larger pattern, a pattern of asserting local control and defending the rights of residents. Make no mistake, this is a story that will continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months. The question is, what's next?