Update - Proposed Gravel Pit at the Confluence of the Eagle and Colorado DENIED

Thank you for quick mobilization earlier this month to urge the Eagle County Planning Commission to deny an application for a gravel pit that would run for a mile along the Upper Colorado River just upstream of its confluence with the Eagle. There were 148 letters sent to the Commission in barely over 24 hours. In line with recommendations of Eagle County staff and at the urging of many residents and visitors, the commission denied the applications with a 4-2 vote on the evening of January 6th. 

In 2019, Rincon Partners, LLC submitted an application to Eagle County for a special use permit to mine gravel along the Colorado River. The Dotsero Area Community Plan, adopted in 2012, designated this Property as “Rural Agricultural” and “Outlying Service Commercial” with a “Potential Community Center”. Since the proposed project did not align with the plan, the project owners were required to apply for an exception to the Dotsero Plan in addition to its application for a Special Use Permit.

Eagle County has worked for years with the BLM to obtain and improve river access along the Colorado River Road Their dedication to river recreation has helped to distribute the heavy use on the Upper Colorado throughout the reach and lessen impacts and crowding at recreation sites. Thank you to the Commission for voting to protect the scenery, air quality, wildlife, and overall experience of boaters, motorists, and recreationists of all types. 

Image credit: Save our Confluence