Wright's Mesa Master Plan - San Miguel County

Chapter 3. Goals and PoliciesSan Miguel County Wright’s Mesa Master PlanCS 1(d) – Rural Roads Fit TopographyNew roads and driveways will follow naturaltopographic contours wherever possible andshould be constructed to reflect rural qualities ofthe area.CS 1(e) – Transmission Lines MitigateImpactsInterstate and trans-country utility transmissionlines should be installed in a manner thatprotects scenic corridors and mitigates adverseimpacts on residents.CS 1 (f) – Maintain Dark SkiesProtect dark night skies and maintain ambianceof the night sky through lighting standards. Limitlighting to the amount needed to address safetyand security while preventing glare.Environmental QualityResidents on Wright’s Mesa value its setting onthe mesa between two river canyons and nestledin the San Juan Mountains with great access topublic lands. The clean air, water, andconnection with the outdoors, wildlife, and theSan Miguel River is a key aspect of quality of life.The goals in this section address how to maintaina healthy and clean environment and addressoverall environmental health and quality, air andwater quality, and energy resources andconservation. This Plan does not suggest goalsor policies that San Miguel County alreadyaddresses through its countywide codes or plans.Goal EQ 1 – OverallEnvironmental Quality SustainedProtect environmental quality andenvironmentally sensitive areas (such aswildlife habitat and streams), onWright’s Mesa, while avoidingunnecessary infringement on privateproperty rights.PoliciesEQ 1(a) – Avoid EnvironmentallySensitive AreasDevelopment and land disturbance should notoccur in environmentally sensitive areas,including wetlands, streams, wildlife habitatareas, and source water protection areas to theextent possible. If no alternatives are available,development will mitigate impacts.EQ 1(b) – Avoid Steep SlopesTo the extent possible, development and roadsshould not occur on steep slopes. Roads anddriveways should follow topographic contours tominimize disturbance and erosion.EQ 1(c) – Conserve Wildlife HabitatNew development will be designed to conservewildlife habitat, including Gunnison Sage Grouseand Elk winter concentration area, to the extentpossible. (See principles for wildlife-friendlydevelopment in Chapter 4.)EQ 1(d) – Development Mitigation—Geologic HazardsNew development will comply with countywidestandards for Geologic Hazard Areas.EQ 1(e) – Protect VegetationNew development will protect existing vegetation,including large significant healthy trees, to theextent possible.EQ 1(f) – Noxious Weed ControlNew development will minimize land disturbancethat may contribute to non-native invasive plants(noxious weeds) harmful to agriculture as well asnative plants and animal species.14