KEEP
MISSOURI HEIGHTS
RURAL
Press Release: Jan. 3, 2024 – "Eagle County Open Space and Natural Resources, Pitkin County Open Space and Trails, and Aspen Valley Land Trust are collaborating to pursue the acquisition of Three Meadows Ranch, a 4,251-acre property located in Missouri Heights along Cottonwood Pass in Eagle County. The project is contingent upon approval from the Board of County Commissioners of Eagle and Pitkin counties."
"Three Meadows Ranch is an unparalleled conservation opportunity and the largest contiguous property on the market in the Roaring Fork Valley. Its diverse landscape—with sagebrush, oak, wetlands, and aspen forests—is a vital ecological mosaic that supports a rich variety of wildlife and high-priority critical habitat identified by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Lush grasslands attract a resident herd of more than 300 elk, while numerous ponds enhance the property’s natural beauty. Elevations range from 7,300 to 8,600 feet, providing panoramic views of the Elk Range from Capitol Peak to Sunlight Ski Area. The property also includes significant water rights: 29.06 cubic feet per second of Cottonwood Creek, multiple springs, and 609 acre-feet of allocated reservoir storage."
“I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art anybody could ever want.”
~Andy Warhol (Former Missouri Heights landowner)
In 1972, Andy Warhol acquired 40 acres of land just south of Fender Lane. Warhol loved the Roaring Fork Valley – from the cosmopolitan art scene in Aspen, to the wild and open spaces of Missouri Heights.
Dear Supporters:
As the year concludes, we express our deepest gratitude for your support and contributions. They allowed us to diligently represent our neighbors' interests, achieving the desired outcomes.
We ask that you please consider supporting KMOHR in your year-end giving. We face challenges in 2025, including changes to land use regulations, new county commissioners, and a power grid upgrade. Our aim is to continue preserving Missouri Heights' rural character, sustainability, safety, and quality of life. Continued donations are essential.
In 2024, KMOHR successfully defeated a development proposal, participated in land use reform projects, monitored infrastructure improvements, and supported community coalitions.
Our 2025 goals include influencing land use regulations in Eagle County and Garfield County to align with the values of Missouri Heights residents.
We plan to engage the community through surveys, town hall meetings, and input gathering to shape future land use policies.
KMOHR relies on donations to fund these activities, including community outreach, advocacy efforts, and operational expenses.
We emphasize the importance of community support in preserving the unique character of Missouri Heights and ensuring its sustainable future.
Currently, we have a special opportunity to shape the future of land use in the Eagle County area of Missouri Heights, ensuring that it aligns with residents' values and aspirations. Garfield County may follow.
By supporting KMOHR, you invest in preserving our rural landscape, safeguarding it from incompatible development, and promoting sustainability. Together, we can create a vibrant future for Missouri Heights for generations to come. We can't do it without you! Click here to make your tax deductible donation!.
Wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday and winter sports season!
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.