Ouray County included in potential wolf release area

Ouray County could be selected for the state’s next site for wolf reintroduction, according to an update from Colorado Parks and Wildlife given to county officials about plans to release a third round of wolves in southwestern Colorado. CPW has released a total of 30 wolves in Eagle, Pitkin, Summit and Grand counties over the last two winters, following approval of a 2020 state ballot measure. It appears the agency is continuing with reintroduction efforts, despite ardent pushback from ranchers whose livestock have been killed by the predators.

During a Tuesday commissioners’ meeting, Interim County Manager Kara Rhoades said she attended a July 24 CPW meeting on the topic with other counties in the potential release area. Only officials from Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and Saguache counties attended, though more counties could be impacted, Rhoades said.

She said it was one of the agency’s first meetings about a third-round release, which would take place between December and March. Rhoades said CPW officials are interested in holding more meetings to address questions from the public. Commissioner Jake Niece said he wants Ouray County to host one of those meetings if possible.

County’s $50,000 Swiss Village contribution pending deed restrictions 

Ouray County commissioners will pay a promised $50,000 to help residents purchase Swiss Village Mobile Home Park, once the city of Ouray and the state approve deed restrictions.

Commissioners pledged the contribution in March but said it depended on the availability of funds. Commissioners officially approved the donation during a regular meeting Tuesday. Commissioners said receiving a $50,000 Proposition 123 grant from the state — intended to help fund a shared housing administrator with the city of Ouray and town of Ridgway — helped free up money for the contribution.

But commissioners asked to execute the donation after the Department of Local Affairs and Ouray city officials sign off on the deed restrictions for the mobile home park.

City officials unanimously declined approving deed restrictions during a June 2 meeting, citing multiple issues, including typos and inconsistencies with the terms of the restrictions discussed with mobile home park residents. The deed restrictions will come back before city councilors at a future date.