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People are perverse.
As citizens, we want fewer taxes, but more services. More affordable housing, but none of that high density stuff. More jobs and growth, but less traffic.
We're conflicted.
So, it comes as no surprise that the Nordic skiing tracks laid down on the Eagle Ranch Golf Course this winter by the volunteer Eagle Valley Nordic Council generated many kudos - and a few complaints.
The compliments were many. Dozens of people got out on their skis and snowshoes, and enjoyed the convenience of winter recreation in their neighborhood. A good snow year and a dedicated corps of volunteers combined for this successful venture.
Credit for the volunteer-driven effort goes to Glen Ewing and Willy Powell, who led the effort to organize a local Nordic council; then also contributed countless hours of their personal time to get the tracks created. Cooperation and buy-in from the Eagle Ranch staff, including Derek Rose, Walt Marquez and Jeff Boyer, was also an important piece. Arlene Quenon, a retired local attorney, volunteered her time to help the Nordic Council achieve official non-profit status. John Garnsey of Beaver Creek Resorts helped the group procure a used snowmobile from that organization. The track-setter came courtesy of the Vail Nordic Center. The Eagle County commissioners recently awarded the group a $10,000 community grant, which should help them get a good start on next year's Nordic track, wherever that may happen.
All in all, it was a great venture.
The complaints? Some people insisted on bringing unleashed dogs on the track, which presented a problem for both human users and resident elk herd. Reports came trickling in from several sources that some people were complaining that the elk were leaving what hunters would refer to as “elk sign” on the ski and snowshoe trails. Imagine that. What uncouth elk.
There's that perversity again. We love the elk, but we don't want them to leave behind the little tell-tale signs of their presence.
Several weeks ago, the Denver Post business section offered an article about a sign issue of a different sort in Vail.
It seems the Vail City Council had recently decided to increase the number of “open house” signs that realtors could post from one to three. Proponents argued that the signs not only pointed the way for visitors in a town that can be challenging to get around in; but also helped to bolster a slowing real estate market. Opponents voiced concern that the proliferation of signs would make the community look tacky; could give the perception that home values are dropping; or could signal a poor economy (not a good thing in a resort town).
For the record, the council did go ahead and allow the increased number of signs, apparently going with the theory that most people are already aware that the economy is not so great these days.
Guess all that perversity is just a sign of the times.
As citizens, we want fewer taxes, but more services. More affordable housing, but none of that high density stuff. More jobs and growth, but less traffic.
We're conflicted.
So, it comes as no surprise that the Nordic skiing tracks laid down on the Eagle Ranch Golf Course this winter by the volunteer Eagle Valley Nordic Council generated many kudos - and a few complaints.
The compliments were many. Dozens of people got out on their skis and snowshoes, and enjoyed the convenience of winter recreation in their neighborhood. A good snow year and a dedicated corps of volunteers combined for this successful venture.
Credit for the volunteer-driven effort goes to Glen Ewing and Willy Powell, who led the effort to organize a local Nordic council; then also contributed countless hours of their personal time to get the tracks created. Cooperation and buy-in from the Eagle Ranch staff, including Derek Rose, Walt Marquez and Jeff Boyer, was also an important piece. Arlene Quenon, a retired local attorney, volunteered her time to help the Nordic Council achieve official non-profit status. John Garnsey of Beaver Creek Resorts helped the group procure a used snowmobile from that organization. The track-setter came courtesy of the Vail Nordic Center. The Eagle County commissioners recently awarded the group a $10,000 community grant, which should help them get a good start on next year's Nordic track, wherever that may happen.
All in all, it was a great venture.
The complaints? Some people insisted on bringing unleashed dogs on the track, which presented a problem for both human users and resident elk herd. Reports came trickling in from several sources that some people were complaining that the elk were leaving what hunters would refer to as “elk sign” on the ski and snowshoe trails. Imagine that. What uncouth elk.
There's that perversity again. We love the elk, but we don't want them to leave behind the little tell-tale signs of their presence.
Several weeks ago, the Denver Post business section offered an article about a sign issue of a different sort in Vail.
It seems the Vail City Council had recently decided to increase the number of “open house” signs that realtors could post from one to three. Proponents argued that the signs not only pointed the way for visitors in a town that can be challenging to get around in; but also helped to bolster a slowing real estate market. Opponents voiced concern that the proliferation of signs would make the community look tacky; could give the perception that home values are dropping; or could signal a poor economy (not a good thing in a resort town).
For the record, the council did go ahead and allow the increased number of signs, apparently going with the theory that most people are already aware that the economy is not so great these days.
Guess all that perversity is just a sign of the times.
