6/1/2023 0 Comments Wandering willows find diamondI recommend that you also consult with CPW to identify mitigation efforts that may be satisfactory. “You may want to utilize your current consultant, Bio-Logic, Inc. “Please propose mitigation that addresses the comments of CPW and complies with the (county) standards,” Pagano wrote Somrak. She made it clear that the county requires a developer to mitigate adverse impacts it causes to lands determined to be sensitive wildlife habitat. In the same letter, Pagano informed Somrak that the plans had been referred to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office to garner comments on the project’s potential impact on nearby wildlife. The property is located on an 80 acre lot on County Road 734 (Slate River Road). The Wandering Willows building permit application was submitted earlier this summer and has a site plan for a 9,984-square-foot home and 2,189-square-foot detached garage for an aggregate square footage of 12,173 square feet plus a 300-square-foot greenhouse on one 43-acre parcel. It was her understanding that Somrak is currently revising the plans but if that didn’t happen, the project would be bumped up to the next review level. If a proposal exceeds that threshold the project would be required to go through the Minor Impact Land Use Change permit process which is normally a more detailed and more public process. In a June 22 letter to Ben Somrak of Somrak Concept and Structure, Gunnison County director of community and economic development Cathie Pagano said the county had determined the plans as originally submitted exceeded the total 12,500 square feet allowed for an administrative review. ![]() The initial county review for the controversial Wandering Willows project proposal for a large 10,000 square foot home with several outbuildings located up the Slate River Valley is requiring a revision of the plans submitted to meet the threshold of an administrative review and alerting the builder that wildlife impacts could influence the ultimate approval decision by the county. It’s worth continuing on to the Lake Wanaka Lookout Track, and further still, to the top of Rocky Mountain (775m) for panoramic views to the west of the high, snow-covered peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park and Mt Aspiring/Tititea itself.CPW says ongoing development is diminishing wildlife habitat in the area In 1954, the Otago ice skating championships were held on the lake, but ice-skating is an unlikely future prospect given the warming climate. The track leads to a spectacular viewpoint perched high above Diamond Lake, with views to Hospital Flat and Roy’s Peak. You’ll hear bellbird, fantail and grey warbler as you ascend. A boardwalk hugs the side of Weeping Wall, where water drips from the overhanging cliff above. The track follows the shore of the lake before zigzagging through the Weeping Forest of dense ribbonwood, wineberry and bush lawyer. It’s a relaxed day or evening stroll through spectacular rock scenery with an astonishing viewpoint high above the lake at its end.Ī good steep track leads to the lake that sits in a bowl carved out during the last ice age. ![]() ![]() The autumn colours of the willows that fringe the lake contrast with the dry, late season Otago tussock and suddenly the cliché is justified. It might be a cliché to call Diamond Lake a jewel in the crown, but if you’re looking for a short stroll to a hidden treasure, then this lake is it. ![]() Lake Wanaka Lookout Track, Diamond Lake Conservation Area
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