FAQs

The Chicago Ranch project is an effort byTriview Metropolitan District  to revegetate approximately 294 acres of formerly irrigated land. The project supports water rights conversion and aims to transform the land into native, ecologically resilient open space.

Revegetation is a legal and ecological requirement due to the "dry-up" of historically irrigated land, tied to Triview’s water rights conversion under Colorado water law (Case No. 21CW304). The process ensures land health, weed control, and successful transition to dryland native vegetation.

Triview Metropolitan District owned the land but committed to conveying it to the Town of Buena Vista within 45 days of annexation. The land will be preserved for open space and recreation under a 20-year covenant.

The project aims to establish native upland and wetland grasses and forbs. Vegetation goals include achieving 60% native canopy cover similar to a nearby reference site.

The project uses both passive and active techniques, including:

• Monitoring existing vegetation.

• Spot herbicide treatment of invasive weeds.

• Comparison with baseline vegetation conditions.

• No new seeding planned for 2025 unless adaptive management deems it necessary.

The priority noxious weeds include Canada thistle, Dalmatian toadflax, diffuse and spotted knapweed, oxeye daisy, and yellow toadflax. Common non-native species like kochia and Russian thistle are also addressed.

The IPMP outlines chemical, mechanical, biological, and cultural methods for managing invasive species. It ensures treatments comply with environmental regulations and are tailored to site-specific conditions.

Monitoring occurs three times annually (spring, summer, fall) using both qualitative meander surveys and quantitative transect studies. These observations guide adaptive management recommendations.

The annexation is the formal process by which the 294-acre Chicago Ranch property becomes part of the Town of Buena Vista. It includes agreements on land use, zoning, and revegetation responsibilities.

The site will be zoned as Open Space/Recreation, aligning with the community’s vision from the Rodeo Grounds – Chicago Ranch Master Plan.

Ownership transfers to the Town, and Triview will maintain the land for 10 years with annual in-kind or financial contributions. The land will be protected by a 20-year covenant for public benefit.

The land will be used for public open space and recreational opportunities. Triview is also contributing to trail development and maintenance to enhance long-term public access.

The Town of Buena Vista, in coordination with Chaffee County and through the Revegetation Plan Agreement, oversees progress. Triview must provide documentation, monitoring reports, and annual implementation updates.

Yes. Annual monitoring results and any changes to management recommendations will be shared with stakeholders, including Town and County officials and the public.