May 2005
Wolf Creek Village Update
Negotiations surrounding the controversial plan to build a resort village atop Wolf Creek Pass are currently at a stand still. Billionaire developer Red McCombs, founder of media behemoth Clear Channel Communications and owner of the Minnesota Vikings, is set to meet with Wolf Creek Ski Area managers to resume discussions soon.
The development, which has been going through the approval process for 15 years, would include construction of 2,172 residential units, 222,000 square feet of commercial space (over two Wal-Marts worth), over 4,000 parking spaces - and a year round population of 10,000 people. The area where McCombs and company want to build is located at 10,300 feet on a 288-acre meadow at the bottom of the Alberta Lift (part of the Wolf Creek Ski Area) and lacks year round road access. The proposed village, in terms of size and scope, would be on par with the likes of Vail and Aspen.
The Pitcher family, owners of the Wolf Creek Ski Area, met with the developers last December to discuss an alternate land-use plan. The Pitchers, with the help of a nationally known land-use planning firm, proposed that the project be scaled down to between 650 and 850 homes and about 40,000 square feet of commercial space. The developers were not willing to consider other plans.
McCombs's proposed development has stirred up serious opposition. A group called Friends of Wolf Creek has formed and includes representation from Colorado Wild, San Juan Citizens' Alliance, the American Lands Alliance and the San Luis Valley Ecosystem Council. The Wolf Creek Ski Area recently joined the opposition. Wolf Creek Ski Area President Davey Pitcher told the Denver Post, "It's a mess. Our credibility is at stake. What lives on in Southwestern Colorado is at stake."
He added, "Fifty years from now, Colorado will be a better place if this meadow is just left alone."
For more information and to contact the Forest Service about Wolf Creek, go to www.friendsofwolfcreek.org.