KEEP

MISSOURI HEIGHTS

RURAL

KMOHR (Keep Missouri Heights Rural) is a grassroots 501c3 non-profit organization working to preserve the rural character, sustainability, safety, and quality of life in Missouri Heights, Colorado. We aim to protect against development that could strain resources, especially water, and prevent wildfires. Our work includes opposing incompatible land use changes (like the Twin Acres and Ascendigo projects), monitoring infrastructure projects (like the Cottonwood Pass study and Xcel transmission line replacements), and influencing regulations (like the Eagle County Land Use Code and Regulations). We engage the public, advocate for the community, and bring the neighborhood together. KMOHR relies on community support and donations to fund their efforts.

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. 

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.

Donations are needed and greatly appreciated.

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: 

Please consider a financial investment in the effort to preserve our rural, residential community.  We will take any size donation.