KEEP
MISSOURI HEIGHTS
RURAL
In 1972, Andy Warhol acquired 40 acres of land just south of Fender Road and Twin Acres. Warhol loved the Roaring Fork Valley – from the cosmopolitan art scene in Aspen, to the wild and open spaces of Missouri Heights. He wrote,
“I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art anybody could ever want.”
~Andy Warhol (Former Missouri Heights landowner)
A Time to Heal
Keep Missouri Heights Rural is just emerging from nearly two years of challenging an incompatible Land Use proposal on Fender Lane. This campaign was expensive, and mentally and physically exhausting. It required us to "herd cats", write forceful and compelling narratives to the County and referral agencies. We had to band together and strategize, and become passionate public speakers, and chip in our own money! By nature, most of us are peaceful low-key people. But to be effective, we had to transform, use strong language, make watertight arguments, and aggressively make ourselves heard.
With that Land Use Proposal finally denied, we all need time to heal from this exhausting campaign. But, very soon the Board of Directors of KMOHR will start planning in-person Town Hall Meetings to discuss with both Eagle and Garfield neighbors: community goals and concerns, land use codes, and ways that neighbors and KMOHR can work together to better serve the community. Stay tuned.
Did you know?......Money from an individual retirement account (IRA) can be donated to charity. What’s more, if you've reached the age where you need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your traditional IRAs, you can avoid paying taxes on them by donating that money to charity. Please donate and/or volunteer today.
Our Mission
To preserve the rural character, sustainability, safety and quality of life of Missouri Heights, an elevated desert with a fragile environment.
Our purpose is to protect against unbridled and commercial development and other incompatible land uses as well as actions that put a strain on vital resources and infrastructure, especially to preserve water and prevent wildfire.
Overall, we are opposed to measures that negatively impact the serene character and safety of the area and its wildlife habitats.
As a grass roots organization, we will educate the public, advocate for the community and bring the neighborhood together.
Check out our Watch List for current projects that we are monitoring.
No positions in this organization are paid. All administrative functions are on a volunteer basis. Any funds raised go directly to the defense of our collective rural way of life.
WHAT INITIATED OUR GROUP?
Ascendigo is a well-respected, nonprofit organization in the Roaring Fork Valley. The autistic children they provide services for, and their selfless staff deserve a place to call home.
Unfortunately, their vision for Ascendigo Ranch in Missouri Heights was simply not compatible with the current zoning regulations and the limited natural resources in the area.
WHY OUR WORK CONTINUES
We must stay stridently vigilant to identify new threats to our collective way of life and to preserve our rights. We will continue our efforts to KEEP MISSOURI HEIGHTS RURAL. To this end, we will watch for all new proposed development in the Missouri Heights areas of both Eagle and Garfield Counties, and we will respond appropriately and effectively. Check out our Watch List for current projects that we are monitoring.
HOW OUR WORK CONTINUES
The organization is continuing in operation with its purpose of protecting against unbridled development and other incompatible land uses as well as actions that put a strain on vital resources and infrastructure, especially to preserve water and prevent wildfire.
KMOHR has been granted 501(c)3 status so that donations will be tax deductible.
Even if you have not been an active supporter of KMOHR in the past, you may be a direct beneficiary of our efforts by:
Keeping large scale commercial enterprises out of Missouri Heights
Preserving the residential and rural zoning and way of life
Retaining present traffic volume
Minimizing fire dangers
Preserving community and neighborhood values
Establishing a precedent that will discourage any attempt at a similar commercial development
Please consider a financial investment in the effort to preserve our rural, residential community. We will take any size donation.
The Roaring Fork Valley side of Eagle County is often overlooked. Tom Boyd recently won the nomination for Board of County Commissioners election in November. Tom is an advocate for Open Space Lands and the wildlife, while making thoughtful decisions regarding local affordable housing. He knows our side of Eagle County. Photo of his recent visit to Missouri Heights neighbors with his sons, Tyler and Alex with their dog Grover.