Opposition to gravel pit operation on Steinhoff Hill

[Chris Hansen]

Sent from my iPad


Dear Commissioner Kefalas

I am writing you to express my opposition to the proposed gravel pit on
Steinhoff Hill in Livermore. To say that I am shocked would be an understatement.
My family has owned and operated ranches in the valley since 1940. I was born and raised there and have seen what development has done to the area. We have been stewards of the land all these years and were hoping to keep this area as it has always been. When Larimer County approached us about a conservation easement, we were lead to believe that it was Larimer County’s priority to protect this area from development. We could have easily sold the property off in 40 acre parcels creating in excess of 120 home sites and destroyed the entire appeal of this valley. This is why my family and myself chose to enter into the easements with Larimer County. I couldn’t begin to tell you how many people have expressed their gratitude to me that we made this choice. Although we were very well compensated for this decision, we could have pocketed more money to develop the ranch. I can’t, for one minute, believe that the taxpayers of the county would have wanted to spend the millions of dollars on these easements only to have Larimer County put a gravel pit in the middle of it. This has to be the most asinine idea I have ever heard of. On top of the negative impact of the gravel pit operation, the truck traffic would be horrendous. The roads in that area are dangerous enough as it is and there are no good routes for the material to be transported out. For me personally, just the noise and dust from the operation would be unbearable. I live very close and downwind from the site and can’t even imagine the impact it would have. I could go on and on about the negative issues that this would cause. I only hope that Larimer County and you, as a commissioner, have enough common sense to put a stop to this incredibly stupid idea. I am well aware that there is a need for the gravel for the roads, but I think you would have a hard time finding a worse location for a gravel pit.

Chris Hansen