County

RBC planning commission adopts 2011 master plan

RBC I The Rio Blanco County Master Plan was adopted by the planning commission Jan. 15. The plan is the result of a process that began two years ago.
The collaboration and actual compiling of information has taken 18 months and the final product was made possible by the work of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAG), the RBC Planning Commission, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), the public, the county’s staff and other participants.
It is the ground work for shaping regulations that match the vision of and keep Rio Blanco County values at the core of future growth, as county director of natural resources Jeff Madison said, “(It is) an assessment of what the county values are and gives a fairly clear overall direction that most of the residents want to see.”
The county’s previous plan was 13 years old and in need of an upgrade. The idea was to create a “living document,” a guide for crafting actual regulations.
The master plan was budgeted at $120,000, of which approximately $100,000 came from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) through grants. The money was spent primarily to pay consultants, county employees, as well as mapping and basic copying, etc.
The planning process consisted of six steps: Initial scoping to identify issues and concerns, quantify existing conditions, county visioning and preferences, build maps to graphically represent plan components, create guiding principles, goals and supporting policies, establish master plan recommendations and implementation actions and inclusion of other plan elements. Each step contributed to the overall master plan.
In the initial step stakeholders were determined, including county employees and elected officials, major landowners, business owners/managers, interest groups, area governments, the school districts, special districts, federal land managers and the Division of Wildlife. More than 30 interviews with stakeholders yielded a comprehensive list of issues.
Issues, principles, goals, policies and actions regarding Rio Blanco County’s future are addressed clearly in this master plan. Graphs provide information about the current population, projected population, land use, employment and housing. The plan evaluates the county’s economy and residents’ quality of life, thereby addressing issues reflect Rio Blanco County’s strong western ethic and private property rights.
The plan recognizes changes have to be made to protect agriculture. For example, the plan examines a homestead exemption for ranch that have been in the same family for multiple generations.
The plan provides direction for an economic and service task force, as well, acknowledging the need for diversity in the economy.
“The economy cannot be dependent on one sector,” Madison said. The boom and bust cycle of an energy-based economy demands ways to stabilize the county’s economy in the midst of it. Instead of planning for a different kind of future 20-30 years from now, the new master plan aims to maintain our core values.
There are always factors Rio Blanco County cannot control that would affect the entire master plan. One such factor is oil shale. The impact of an oil shale boom to our county would be enormous, as the Green River Formation houses an estimated 800 billion barrels of oil and could be as high as 1.5 trillion barrels. That estimate is enough to sustain the United States for 110 years at the current use rate. It is three times the proven oil reserves in Saudi Arabia, just to put the issue in perspective. This is something that would change the projected population numbers by up to 30,000 people in the county.
“This is very real as seven of the eight national Research and Development (RD&D) projects are in this area so we would have to re-assess in order to not be run over,” Madison said.
This is one reason the plan will be reviewed every five years. The review process will not be nearly as extensive as the creation of this plan. It will evaluate areas that are on track and those that need redirection without requiring the hours or monetary commitment of the original document.
The plan is a work in progress for Rio Blanco County to create regulations and guidelines for the future, created by the people attending public meetings and the many committees that have worked diligently to develop a picture of the future of Rio Blanco County. The complete 74-page document can be found on the county website.

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  • Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
  • Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
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  • More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
  • 🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
  • The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
  • Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
  • Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
  • The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Results are not guaranteed, unfortunately! Read all the Rio Happenings in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
10 hours ago
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1/9
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
Pictured with awards from the Triple Crown Series (#3 and #4) from bottom left Hudson Hummel (4th and 2nd), Lee Kirkpatrick (3rd and 4th), Heath Bennet (2nd and 2nd), Sawyer Hummel (1st and 3rd), Eli Bennet (1st), David Murray (Coach), Auri Murray (2nd and 1st), Taylor Bain, and Dawn Arnold (2nd). Story online at ht1885.com.
11 hours ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce!

Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues!
@bailey_waldref_rew 

💚💚💚

Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! 

#locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
Bailey is our first Marketing Mixology partner and we are excited to help her promote this fun event along with the Meeker Colorado Chamber of Commerce! Bailey and Real Estate West will host the second annual Easter Egg Hunt March 25th-29th. Go follow her page so you don't miss any clues! @bailey_waldref_rew 💚💚💚 Marketing Mixology is a FREE promotion where we spotlight one lucky local business across print, digital, and social channels each month! #locallove #locallovespotlight #lovemeeker #marketingmixology #shoplocal #superchargeyourmarketing
14 hours ago
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3/9
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
More freudenfreude, less schadenfreude… Hear from our Editor in her column this week online at ht1885.com.
1 day ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from the Herald Times! 🍀 According to the Census Bureau, over 31 million people - or 9.5%! - in America claim Irish ancestry! Everyone have a safe and fun Patty's Day celebrating your Irishness, real or honorary!
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
The Cowboys played in their first golf tournament in the spring at Chipeta, “it was a bit of a cloudy and windy day but it was awesome to see some grass and a golf course,” commented head coach Amanda Back. Vivian Brown, pictured on the left, broke 100 and shot a 94 and Jayda May second from right shot a 99. From the far right, excluding those that have been mentioned, Averee Woodward, Joelle Soler, Mia Pinzon, Aurora Stalling, and Kailynn Watson all played scramble. This was Pinzon’s, Stalling’s and Watson’s first tournament as Meeker High School girl golfers. “It’s going to be a great season,” ended Back.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
Mountain Sage Therapeutics held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 640 Main St. in Meeker. Owners Teresa Wilde and Justin Noller offer movement, energy, and massage therapy for animals and their human companions. They are pictured here with the Chamber of Commerce and local citizens who attended. View their service on their website at www.mountainsagetherapeutics.abmp.com and contact them for an appointment 970-706-8445.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier.
“For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.”
Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
Members of the Rio Blanco Golf Association got a jump on spring this past week as volunteers shoveled and blew the snow off the greens. The winter’s snow and ice layers suffocate the fragile bent grass putting surfaces and getting the snow off allows Mother Nature to start her healing process earlier. “For 50 years I’ve waited to see Meeker’s greens come out this nice,” said Jim Cook, who is returning to help at the course.” Hats off to Hunter and Matt Fellows who did an excellent job applying the snow mold preventative last fall which has made all the difference this year.” Board members and volunteers are very hopeful that this will be a turnaround year for the local 9-hole course which plans an early April opening, weather permitting.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
The 2024 Colorado State Champions hosted their annual awards banquet Sunday. Head Coach JC Watt and Assistant Coach Carl Padilla commented on this year’s team’s success as a product of work in the room, dedication by wrestlers and coaches, and a champion mentality. Read the story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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