Statement of Purpose
Public hearings assist in updating
Moffat County Land Use Plan
The Moffat County Land Use Board sponsored three tours and several public meetings designed to address the diversity of land use issues in Moffat County. The tours were designed to raise public awareness prior to the public hearings in Moffat County. The public hearings were designed to allow the public to help the Land Use Board prioritize land use issues on state and federal land within Moffat County. Public participation is crucial to supplying Moffat County valid information for making land use decisions. Results from the public hearings will be the basis for land use recommendations, which the Land Use Board will provide to the Moffat County Commissioners. Moffat County Commissioners will use the recommendations in many situations including county land use decision making, updating the County Land Use Plan and submitting draft legislation to congressional delegation.

The Moffat County Natural Resources Department has been involved in the following projects:

• Updating the Moffat County Land Use Plan (including tours/ public hearings to obtain public input on land use issues)
• Moffat County Land Use Plan Draft - March 2001
• Moffat County Land Use Plan public review - June 2001
• University of Wyoming, CSU, Moffat County Land Use Survey

The Moffat County Land Use Board’s Recreation Subcommittee is conducting an in-depth study of wilderness issues in Moffat County. By July, this subcommittee will make recommendations to the Land Use Board and to the State Congress on which areas in Moffat County, if any, to support for wilderness designation. These recommendations will most likely result in a special designation designed by the Land Use Board and the general public to protect special areas, but not limit land uses in those areas to the level of wilderness restrictions. The Recreation Subcommittee is also identifying crucial land uses which may impact recreational opportunities in the future. Recreational Carrying Capacities are being researched with recommendations to be included in the Moffat County Land Use Plan.

Moffat County seeks applicants to coordinate the completion of Phase II of the Wildland Fire and Fuel Management Plan. Qualifications include familiarity with fire ecology, custom and culture of Moffat County, Colorado, and extensive fire planning experience. Applications are due February 1, 2002. For more information or instructions for application, contact Jo Malizia or Jeff Comstock in the Natural Resources Department at (970) 826-3400 or (970) 824-9160 or email at moffatnr@quik.com.

Moffat County is accepting comments on Moffat County Wildland Fire and Fuel Management Plan Phase I Draft through Friday, February 15, 2002. Email comments to moffatnr@quik.com or through regular mail at Moffat County Natural Resources Department, 200 W. Victory Way, Craig CO 81625, or call 826-3400 or 824-9163.