[cobirds] Chico Basin Ranch upcoming vote - El Paso/Pueblo Counties

Friends of Chico Basin Ranch,

Thank you for your support these past months.

You may be aware that the vote determining whether Chico will be kept intact or divided is soon approaching. On Weds, Feb 10th, the State Land Board commissioners will vote on whether to keep the ~87,000-acre ranch in one piece, or lease it out as two parcels, one of ~21,000 acres and another of ~66,000 acres.

Aiken Audubon supports keeping it intact. A few of our reasons:

·  Chico is a major migratory bird pathway, with at least 346 birds recorded.

·  The ranch has very high conservation values and biodiversity. Dividing the ranch would add roads, corrals, fencing and traffic, diluting those values and likely causing habitat fragmentation.

·   A property of this size with high-quality shortgrass prairie is rare. With shortgrass prairie and grassland birds vanishing rapidly, this type of landscape is greatly needed.

·   Once broken up, the land is difficult to piece back together. 

In addition, we believe that conservation values and financial gain can be balanced.

The Phillips family (lessee) has openly allowed access to birders, and has been an outstanding land steward. We'd welcome the opportunity to continue that relationship.

We urge you to make your voice heard this one last time. Comments must be received by noon on Tuesday, Feb 9th. You may send comments via this link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdHLoANsTkJyomSRsPJm5aNH5EA-2sA8h7RlM8Df_ESURzjSQ/viewform

 or mail them to the CO State Land Board Commissioners, 1127 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80203.

Our sincere gratitude for the effort you've given to protect this remarkable property,

Linda Hodges

Conservation Chair

Aiken Audubon

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