SAN LUIS — Some 30 community members and Cielo Vista Ranch-La Sierra owner William Harrison and his team met Thursday, April 18, at the Costilla County Conservancy District offices in an important first step in collaborative discussions to resolve land use and access issues surrounding CVR-La Sierra.
Several community members expressed their thanks to Harrison and said they were excited to work with him to develop solutions.
The Keystone Policy Center’s Ernest House, Jr. led the facilitation of the discussions that will center on land management for CVR-La Sierra.
The goal is to clarify and develop how access holders to the property can work with Harrison to make sure the CVR-La Sierra land is sustainable for future generations.
The following were identified shared values and priority issues to begin addressing at the next meeting:
• Fire mitigation to minimize wildfire danger
• Rules and accountability to access the property
• Grazing and land management plan
Attendees agreed information should be shared widely with the community at-large as issues are discussed to make sure of transparency and trust.
The group has agreed to meet regularly moving forward and is expected to reconvene over the identified shared values and priority issues.