The Chaffee Board of Commissioners held a work session on June 9, 2025, focusing on several key topics related to land management and environmental considerations in Chaffee County, Colorado. The meeting began with discussions about advancing the Rance Canyon Wilderness designation from a study area to an official wilderness area. This initiative is being pursued in collaboration with Representative Patterson's office, reflecting a proactive approach to public land management amid potential future changes in land treatment.

Commissioners addressed the current structure of the Rocky Mountain Resource Advisory Council (RAC), noting that without a quorum, the council lacks voting authority. Despite this limitation, it was emphasized that local representatives, including Doug, would still consider recommendations from the council when advising on projects and priorities.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the management of disposable lands within the county. It was highlighted that recent insights from the Western Interstate Regional Conference indicated that lands set aside for affordable housing could be developed without municipal hookups. This raised questions about the county's awareness of any potential land sales or developments. The commissioners acknowledged that while there is no formal notification process for the county regarding these transactions, they would work to ensure that local interests are communicated to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The session concluded with a discussion on the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, which is required for land assessments. The commissioners expressed a desire for greater transparency and communication regarding land management decisions, particularly concerning categorical exclusions that could bypass standard procedures.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between local government and federal agencies in managing Chaffee County's natural resources, with a focus on maintaining transparency and community involvement in land use decisions. The commissioners plan to follow up on these discussions to ensure that the county remains informed and engaged in future developments.