Embedded Files
We are doing something about Water sustainability in Missouri Heights
THE MOH RESIDENT'S SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN!
We surveyed the residents of the MOH Community pertinent to the KMOHR mission statement and organizational/operational functions. The goal is to best support the residents of Missouri Heights by better understanding your vision for the future and related concerns. The survey closed midnight August 1, 2025. The results are shown below.
Primary Residence: For nearly 90% of respondents, Missouri Heights is their primary residence.
Long time residents. 43.8% of residents have lived in Missouri Heights (full-time or part-time) for more than 15 years. 22.1% have lived there for 8 - 15 years.
Few Short Term Rentals. Very few residents do short-term rentals in Missouri Heights.
Rural Character is Important: 91.7% of residents think the rural character of Missouri Heights is important
Long term availability of water is a concern: 74.4% of residents are very concerned about long-term availability of water in Missouri heights.
Residents are split on preference for lots at a minimum of 2, 5 or 10 acres. Residents appear to be somewhat evenly split as to the preferred residential density in Missouri Heights.
Most residents don't think that elected officials protect their property interests, or they don't know. 37.9% don't know if County elected/appointed officials adequately protect their property interests. 36% think their property interests aren't protected.
40.3% of residents think KMOHR should raise funds through a hybrid structure.
64% of residents heard of KMOHR through emails or mailings and many signed up to participate!
The most important qualities for preserving the rural character of Missouri Heights relate to peaceful enjoyment and wildlife.
The bar chart shows the average importance rating for each quality in preserving the rural character of Missouri Heights.
Here are the average importance ratings for each quality:
Predominantly quiet environment: 4.83
Minimizing outside lighting and dark sky preservation: 4.81
Wildlife protection and connectivity with open spaces: 4.79
Low traffic levels: 4.74
Rural-designed roads: 4.48
Prohibition of commercial/industrial uses: 4.43
Private crop raising: 4.36
Prohibition of short-term rentals: 3.53
Overall, qualities such as a predominantly quiet environment, minimizing outside lighting and dark sky preservation, wildlife protection, and low traffic levels are rated as highly important in preserving Missouri Heights' rural character. Conversely, the prohibition of short-term rentals is rated as the least important among the listed qualities.
Residents see important threats to Missouri Heights as: Lack of Water, Industrial development, Commercial development, Loss of public lands, Lighting, Increased traffic and Loss of wildlife.
Key Issues upon which KMOHR should focus.
Preserving Rural Character: This issue was predominantly rated as "Most Important" by respondents.
Advocating for Water Studies to monitor and ensure a sustainable water supply: The majority of respondents rated this as "Most Important".
Preserving Dark Skies: Minimizing adverse impacts of lighting: This issue was largely considered "Most Important" by respondents.
Protecting Wildlife: Preserving corridors and habitats: This was widely rated as "Most Important".
Mitigating Wildfire Hazard: Awareness, prevention, and education: A large portion of responses indicated this as "Most Important".
Ensuring Public Safety: Law enforcement, fire/ambulance, Colorado Parks and Wildlife: Responses for this issue were mixed, with a significant number rating it "Most Important," but also many rating it "Neutral" or "Somewhat important."
Coordinating with Local Government: Acting as a liaison for neighbors to address concerns: This issue received a mix of "Most Important," "Somewhat important," and "Neutral" ratings.
Monitoring Land Use: Tracking Garfield and Eagle County regulations and policies: Responses were varied, with ratings ranging from "Most Important" to "Neutral" and "Somewhat important."
Promoting Community: Organizing neighborhood events and building a sense of community: This issue received a mixed response, with ratings across "Most Important," "Somewhat important," and "Neutral".
Tracking Land-Use Applications: Reviewing and commenting on applications: This issue had a range of responses, from "Most Important" to "Neutral" and "Somewhat important."
Respondents clarified their comments as summarized below.
Funding & Membership: Concerns exist regarding annual dues limiting involvement, suggesting alternatives like endowments, grants, and solicitations from those who can afford it. Some favor a small annual contribution for ownership.
Water Concerns: Water availability and conservation are paramount, with suggestions for a water resilience plan, discouraging new residents due to water issues, and promoting water-efficient practices.
Preserving Rural Character: Residents value the rural character, views, and wildlife of Missouri Heights, opposing development that threatens this. There are differing opinions on what constitutes "rural" and how to achieve preservation.
Organizational Feedback: Appreciation for past efforts is common, but some respondents express concerns about the group's past "in-your-face" style, perceived biases, and opposition to agricultural operations.
Community Engagement & Activities: Suggestions include community gatherings, volunteer projects, developing more trails, and making events family-friendly.
EAGLE COUNTY LAND USE PREFERENCES
Eagle County residents identified their preferences for the following land uses as either by right, after review, or believe they should be prohibited.
The survey's purpose is to inform KMOHR's advocacy efforts and ensure community input guides discussions on land use planning and regulations in the area, helping to protect against incompatible development and preserve vital resources like water and mitigate wildfire risks.
Summary of Responses
Summary of Responses
The survey covered 17 distinct Eagle County proposed land uses for our area, and the responses reveal a diverse range of community preferences. Below is a summary of how respondents weighed in on each proposed land use:
Mainly "By Right"
Commercial Agriculture, Ranching, or Silviculture: A slight preference for these traditional agriculture uses to be "ALLOWED BY RIGHT" closely followed by "NEEDS REVIEW/APPROVAL".
Parks (Active, Passive, Wilderness): An overwhelming consensus that parks should be "ALLOWED BY RIGHT", indicating strong community support for these spaces. However the vast differences between Active, Passive, and Wilderness Parks could impact these responses.
Mainly "Needs Review"
Agricultural Support Sales and Service: Responses are quite balanced between "NEEDS REVIEW AND APPROVAL" and "PROHIBITED"
Cemetery: Most respondents believe cemeteries "NEEDS REVIEW/APPROVAL," also receiving significant votes indicating "PROHIBITED".
Detached Dwelling Unit: A strong majority favors allowing detached dwelling units with "REVIEW AND APPROVAL", though a significant portion also sees a "USE BY RIGHT".
Manufactured Home or Tiny Home:This land use is predominantly seen as "NEEDS REVIEW/APPROVAL" by respondents.
Place of Assembly:Similar to agricultural support, responses are closely split between "NEEDS REVIEW/APPROVAL" and "PROHIBITED."
Mainly "PROHIBITED"
Bed and Breakfast: Responses are closely split, but slightly favor "PROHIBITED" over requiring "REVIEW AND APPROVAL" for bed and breakfasts.
Battery Energy Storage System (Utility Scale):The overwhelming majority of respondents wish for utility-scale battery energy storage systems to be "PROHIBITED."
Campground: More respondents prefer that campgrounds be "PROHIBITED," though some also suggest they "NEED REVIEW/APPROVAL.
Commercial Agritainment - education/recreation for patrons:The majority of responses indicate a preference for "PROHIBITED" for commercial agritainment.
Cottage Clusters - cottages or cottage duplexes sharing common amenities: Most respondents believe cottage clusters should be "PROHIBITED" while fewer suggest require "REVIEW AND APPROVAL".
Group Home - a dwelling unit in which up to eight individuals live together (e.g., sober living): Similar to cottage clusters, a notable portion wishing for them to be "PROHIBITED" with "REVIEW AND APPROVAL" the less favored option.
Land Application of Domestic or Industrial Sludge: This land use received the highest number of "PROHIBITED" responses, indicating very strong opposition.
Schools K-12 - The majority of responses said "PROHIBITED" while some say "NEEDS REVIEW/APPROVAL"
Solar Farm (1 MW or More): A majority of respondents believe large solar farms should be "PROHIBITED," with "NEEDS REVIEW/APPROVAL" being the next significant category.
Wind Energy Conversion Systems (100 kW+): A strong majority indicates that large wind energy systems should be "PROHIBITED."
The following summarizes narrative comments from responders.
Prohibited Uses: Commercial operations (especially those unrelated to agriculture), short-term rentals, high-density housing, large developments, entertainment venues, heavy water-use applications, trailer parks, industrial uses, homes over 10,000 sq ft, and conex shipping containers.
Encouraged or Allowed Uses: Agricultural uses (family ranches, farming, livestock industries, silvaculture), long-term rentals (with county regulations), and ADUs/DADUs for affordable housing.
Environmental Concerns: Wildlife-friendly fencing, dark sky compliance, water conservation, and incorporation of wildlife corridors into development.
Clarification Needed: Distinction between ranching/agricultural and commercial horse boarding/stabling, and between rezoning requests and special use permits.
Other Considerations: Stricter laws and enforcement (especially for exterior lighting), discouraging corporate ownership of residential properties, and avoiding rezoning to accommodate Pitkin County's housing/commercial needs.
Contact KeepMOHRural@gmail.com for questions or comments on this survey!
This survey required dozens of volunteer staff hours. If you support this work, please donate here!
Thank you to all the residents who participated, and to everyone else for your interest in this survey.
WHILE YOU ARE ON OUR WEBSITE, WE INVITE YOU TO TAKE A LOOK AROUND!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse