Staff Writer
Review of a collaborative community mapping project carried out in July by Chama Peak Land Alliance, Future West and Ground Truth Graphics, in partnership with Rio Arriba (N.M.) and Archuleta counties, was conducted Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Archuleta County Emergency Operations Center.
Prompted by complex oil and gas leasing and development decisions facing county planners and private land owners in the area, the mapping process is intended to reveal concentrations of community values on the landscape. Visual representations of these values can then be used as a tool by planners, landowners and developers for making responsible energy development decisions. The mapping process is designed to allow community members to engage proactively with development planning. Data resulting from this process can then be used for planning and impact mitigation. Final maps will visually emphasize community values articulated by diverse development stakeholders. The maps are intended to be used as a tool in landscape scale planning.
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