Steering committee to consider future use of historic store buildings
Open Space and Trails has adopted a Management Plan that encompasses two OST properties in Emma - the old Emma Townsite containing the historic Emma Store buildings and historic Mather house (pictured above) and the Emma Open Space on the opposite side of Hwy. 82. Together, the two properties comprise about 70 acres.
The management plan is available for download below. Management actions begin on Page 35. Among them, Open Space and Trails plans to convene a steering committee in early 2018 to explore potential new uses for the historic store buildings at Emma. Pitkin County's historic preservation officer is currently assessing the historic Victorian house on the property. Open Space and Trails will work with other county departments to determine future use of the house. It is currently rented.
A culvert, to be installed in early spring 2018, will allow a ditch crossing that facilitates use of an existing, primitive trail connecting the Rio Grande Trail to BLM land on Light Hill. The route will be open seasonally to foot and horse use only (no bicycles, no dogs). The trail will be closed from Dec. 1st through May 15th.
New lessees for the agricultural areas will be selected in the fall of 2017. Watch pitkinostprojects.com for information when the agricultural bid process opens. In addition, the plan calls for expanding an existing orchard and allowing the public to harvest the fruit, among other actions.