Steamboat Pilot & Today

Yampa Valley Partners is hosting a series of forums aimed at helping the Yampa Valley deal with changes brought on by growth.

The series will bring together representatives from different areas of interest from Routt and Moffat counties. Audrey Danner, executive director of Yampa Valley Partners, said the series is meant to develop a strong approach to future challenges.

"We are having change in our valley. The implications are very evident," Danner said. "We want to discuss how to anticipate and adapt as changes come our way."

The forums come in a three-part series, and it is recommended that participants attend all three.

"The series is designed to give time to understand the region as a system and develop some strategies of how we work together," Danner said.

The first meeting, March 9, will start with an introduction to the Yampa Valley and how its communities can approach change. Topics will include how societal, financial, governmental and other factors influence decision-making.

The second meeting, April 7, will focus on how communities can adapt to change while meeting future goals. And the final meeting, May 12, will discuss communication in the valley to ensure that the future meets communities' vision.

Danner hopes to see representatives from different interest groups throughout the valley participate in the series. The Yampa Valley's communities are interdependent, Danner said, which is one reason the forums are being held on a regional basis.

"That's important when we talk to each other and know about the issues in each individual community," she said.

-- To reach Dana Strongin, call 871-4229or e-mail dstrongin@steamboatpilot.com