Steamboat Pilot & Today

North Routt — A rafting company is seeking the county's permission to use the Elk River Guest Ranch as the starting point for guided raft trips on the Elk River. High Adventure Rafting has been operating commercial raft trips on the Elk River for seven years, according to the company's owner, John Duty.

Until three years ago, Duty had a permit from the Forest Service for the starting point, or put-in. The end point, or take-out, has always been the Glen Eden Resort. Because the take-out is in the outdoor recreation zone, it doesn't require a permit.

Three years ago, Duty began using the Elk River Guest Ranch's property on Seedhouse Road for the put-in and was unaware he needed a conditional use permit from the county, according to county planner John Eastman. Duty notified the county voluntarily, Eastman added.

Adjacent landowner David Moss requested in an April 7 letter that the county ensure the rafts don't stop on private property. Other neighbors don't approve of a commercial activity in the Elk River.

"The Elk River's main attraction is its natural and undisturbed beauty. To have any kind of commercial operations on the river will greatly decrease value and enjoyment," stated Elk Ridge lot owner Chris Lohne in an April 11 letter.

The Planning Commission will decide whether to grant Duty a permit at tonight's meeting.

Also on the agenda is a request by Katherine Ciavarra to host weddings on her property on County Road 33.

The Planning Commission will also consider a final recommendation to revisions to the county's land preservation subdivision regulations. A consultant is also scheduled to update the group on a skyline and ridgeline mapping project.