KEEP
MISSOURI HEIGHTS
RURAL
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THE FIELDS is back! Application Posted Referrals Due May 8
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 our efforts.
CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC ABOVE TO LEARN ALL ABOUT IT
A HUGE SKICO EMPLOYEE HOUSING PROJECT
IS PROPOSED
AT THE GATEWAY TO MISSOURI HEIGHTS!
The massive El Jebel Crossing development, proposed by the Aspen Skiing Company (Aspen One) for 111 oversized workforce rental units on a 20-acre parcel adjacent to Blue Lake. The application is seeking approval for a 1041 Permit and a Variance from Improvement Standards (VIS) for EJ Crossing. The VIS request specifically seeks relief from two Eagle County standards: (1) the Level of Service (LOS) requirement for nearby intersections, and (2) the requirement for a 50-foot right-of-way (ROW) dedication for residential streets. Click the button below to learn more and get involved.
UPDATE ON SPRING VALLEY
I wanted to share an important update regarding Spring Valley Ranch and the upcoming public process.
There is a public hearing scheduled with the GarCo Planning Commissioners for Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at:
Garfield County Administration Building
Commissioners Meeting Room
108 8th Street
Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Once a Zoom link becomes available, I will forward it as well.
What is happening:
*At this hearing, the County will be reviewing the potential revocation of all prior PUD approvals and development applications tied to Spring Valley Ranch.
*This includes the previously proposed large-scale private ski and golf resort concept with over 500 luxury homes.
*In practical terms, this hearing is focused on formally removing the existing development framework currently associated with the property.
Why this matters:
*This is a meaningful procedural step that would effectively reset what is currently approved for the land.
*It also creates an opportunity for the community to:
*Support the revocation of prior approvals
*Share input on what the future of this land could look like
*Ensure community values are part of the public record
How to participate:
*Even if you’re unable to attend in person, there are still ways to engage:
*Submit written comments to the County Commissioners to share your perspective on the future of this property.
*Attend the hearing if you are able.
I will also be attaching my letter as well as GarCo leadership contact information, as a template in case it is helpful for anyone who would like guidance in preparing their own comments.
A personal note:
I want to gently encourage everyone—regardless of your vision for this nearly 6,000-acre property—to consider sharing your thoughts.
Even if what you hope for feels far away or unlikely, it still matters that it is expressed and recorded.
For me, that includes the hope that as much of this land as possible can be protected and conserved, particularly for elk, wildlife, and the broader natural ecosystems that depend on it.
Final thought:
This is a rare moment where the direction of this land is actively being reconsidered. Whether your priority is conservation, rural use, or another path entirely, this is an important opportunity to participate.
I do believe Spring Valley Holdings, LLC may return with another development proposal once the revocation process is complete. The Planning Commission will first make a recommendation, and the process will conclude after the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) considers and approves the revocations. I will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
Warmly,
Miriam
Spring Valley Coalition
512-293-1167
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 zoning regulations and the limited natural resources in the area.
WHY OUR WORK CONTINUES
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.
HOW OUR WORK CONTINUES
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:
Participating in the Technical Advisory Committee advising the rewrite of the Eagle County land use code.
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 commercial development
Please consider a financial investment in the effort to preserve our rural, residential community. We will take any size donation.
WHERE ARE THE MISSOURI HEIGHTS GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES?
The boundaries of Missouri Heights are not officially defined and differ between Eagle and Garfield Counties.
No Single Boundary: There is no single legal document that defines the area. Eagle County recognizes it as a "Character Area," while Garfield County does not.
A Community-Defined Area: Our organization, Keep Missouri Heights Rural (KMOHR), has established a flexible "area of focus" intended to unify the community through shared identity and advocacy.
Case-by-Case Support: We will consider assisting with issues outside our focus area, especially if they impact residents within it.
Community Resources: For those outside our boundaries, we provide a "Unofficial Citizen’s Guide Opposing Incompatible Land Use Change Proposals" to help you advocate for your own community.
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.
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