Re: Proactive Water Conservation Planning for Estes Park

[Gary Hall]

Becky, thank you for the VERY thoughtful and timely note. 

I will raise this during our comment section, though of course there will not be formal actions Tuesday in regard to this. It seems that would be a timely study session, for now and long term future, so I'll consider asking for that. 

In the meantime, bringing it to light at the board meeting will give some visibility to the public. I think this might be fodder for a good upcoming mayor column, also, which gets a lot of coverage thru our three "papers", including the digital. 

Thanks for helping be the "water conscience" of Estes!

Gary M. Hall

Mayor of the Town of Estes Park

Cell 970-744-9052

Email: gh...@estes.org

On Fri, Apr 24, 2026 at 2:24 PM Becky Robbins <beckyro...@outlook.com> wrote:

Dear Mayor Hall and Members of the Town Board,

I am writing to encourage the Town of Estes Park to take a proactive approach to water conservation planning as we head into what appears to be a challenging water year across Colorado.

Communities throughout the state are already implementing or considering drought response measures due to historically low snowpack and early runoff. Many municipalities are adopting strategies such as reduced outdoor watering schedules, public education campaigns, and incentives for water-efficient landscaping. Estes Park is uniquely positioned as a headwaters community, and I believe we have an opportunity to lead rather than react.

While I understand that Estes Park already has certain water use guidelines in place, I would encourage the Board to consider whether additional or more visible measures could benefit our community, including:

• Establishing clear, seasonal watering guidelines or voluntary reduction targets
• Expanding public education efforts around conservation and xeriscaping
• Exploring incentives for water-efficient landscaping and irrigation systems
• Communicating early and transparently with residents and businesses about potential drought conditions and expectations

Taking early, measured steps may help avoid the need for more restrictive emergency actions later in the season, while also reinforcing a culture of stewardship within our community.

Estes Park’s identity is closely tied to its natural environment, and protecting our water resources is essential to both our quality of life and our economic sustainability. I appreciate your consideration of this issue and your continued leadership on behalf of our town.

Thank you for your time and service.

Sincerely,
Becky Robbins

 

[Gary Hall]

Correcting the trustee email address on this. 

Gary M. Hall

Mayor of the Town of Estes Park

Cell 970-744-9052

Email: gh...@estes.org

[Becky Robbins]

Thank you, Mayor.

 

I would bring this up at in the comment session of the meeting, but I will be our of town.

 

Your comments are really appreciated.

 

We lived in Arizona for many years (40) and have seen what it’s like when people are running out of water.

 

Becky

 

From: Gary Hall <gh...@estes.org>
Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 at 2:50 PM
To: Becky Robbins <beckyro...@outlook.com>
Cc: "towntr...@estes.org" <towntr...@estes.org>
Subject: Re: Proactive Water Conservation Planning for Estes Park

 

Becky, thank you for the VERY thoughtful and timely note. 

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