A portion of the 1% sales tax readopted in 2012 with 80% voter approval is devoted to land preservation. In 2011 the amount was $308,268. The Fund is designated for open space, agricultural preservation, wildlife habitat, wetland preservation, access to public lands, trails, and watershed protection in the county. Administered by the Gunnison Valley Land Preservation Board.
The County relaxes building permits requirements for ag operation structures.
There are reduced administrative steps for small lot development on ranches.
The County has an incentive program to develop funds for preservation of working landscapes and open space. Subdivision requirement of 30% open space can be reduced to 15% if developer agrees to pay a fee equal to 10% of the increased value of land (per assessor) from ag to res development. The fee can be paid as land is sold over time. Sig Jaastad