Commissioners
Mission Statement: The county is an administrative unit of the Colorado state government wherein the commissioners work with the various state agencies and the Governor's office. Since the state statutes define the scope and limit of county authority, the commissioners suggest, support, and oppose legislation depending on the needs and interests of Saguache County. The commissioners are directly responsible for the following departments: Road & Bridge, Social Services, Public Health, Land Use, and General Administration. The Elected officials (Sheriff, Assessor, Treasurer, County Clerk and Coroner) are responsible for their departments, however, the commissioners have authority over their budgets. The commissioners also have final authority on all land use and land planning concerns, utilizing the recommendations of the planning commission. They also appoint citizens to various boards, committees and councils to advise in the running of the county The commissioners are available to work with Saguache County residents on decisions that affect their lifestyle, livelihood or finances. At other times of the year, especially during the annual budget preparation, the commissioners will schedule additional meetings to meet the needs of the business at hand. The commissioners are open to phone calls, visits and letters from concerned residents of Saguache County.
Ex-Parte-Outreach & Education: Please note that it is inappropriate to personally contact individual County Commissioners or Planning Commission members while an application is pending. Such contact is considered Ex Parte communication and will have to be disclosed as part of the public hearings on the matter. If you have any concerns, you should contact staff, write a letter or present your concerns at the public meeting so your comments can be made part of the record.
Commissioners
Liza Marron - District 3 (Chair)
Email: lmarron@saguachecounty-co.gov
Phone: (719)-937-8423
Lynne Thompson - District 2
Email: lthompson@saguachecounty-co.gov
Phone: (719)-221-1881
Tom McCracken - District 1
Email: tmccracken@saguachecounty-co.gov
Phone: (719)-221-1822
Address
501 4th Street
P.O. Box 100
Saguache, CO 81149
Phone: 719-655-2231
Fax: 719-655-0152
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PUBLIC LANDS
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PUBLIC LANDS
WHEREAS over seventy-nine percent of Saguache County, Colorado is comprised of public lands, and these lands are integral to the County’s economy, environment, character and quality of life; and
WHEREAS Saguache County Board of Commissioners affirm the protection of public lands; and
WHEREAS Saguache County Board of Commissioners affirm their commitment to public lands stating the value of lands to the County’s Economy, Recreation, Heritage and Quality of Life, and opposing wholesale efforts to claim, take over, litigate for or Sell off Federal Public Lands within Saguache County; and
WHEREAS the residents of and visitors to Saguache County deeply value these public lands for their multiple uses and accessibility regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or gender, as evidenced by high participation in local stewardship, conservation, research, and trail organizations and events; and
WHEREAS public lands provide grazing opportunities for cattle and sheep, supporting local agricultural producers and contributing positively to Saguache County’s agricultural economy; and
WHEREAS public lands are essential to the quality of life in Saguache County providing extensive recreational opportunities for hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, skiing, snowmobiling, backpacking, wildlife viewing, bicycling, sightseeing, and other opportunities; and
WHEREAS public lands provide essential ecosystem services including clean water, clean air and habitat for fish and wildlife; and
WHEREAS public lands conserve historical and cultural places and provide all Americans access to a distinctly American treasure; and
WHEREAS Saguache County objects to workforce reductions at the U.S. Forest Service that will significantly compromise the agency’s capacity to respond to growing visitation numbers; manage rangelands; maintain trails and trailheads; educate and inform visitors of regulations and provide law enforcement; and will reduce their ability to fight wildfires and conserve these lands for the benefit of future generations; and
WHEREAS current attempts to transfer, lease, or sell off public lands without local public involvement are inconsistent with the values and interests of the residents of Saguache County, the broader Colorado community and the nation as a whole; and
WHEREAS the 2025 Colorado Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) revealed that outdoor recreation in Colorado contributed $65.8 billion in economic output, contributed $36.5 billion to the state's GDP, supported 404,000 jobs, and generated $11.2 billion in tax revenue, demonstrating the profound economic significance of public lands and outdoor recreation to the state.
WHEREAS the 2024 Conservation in the West Poll found that 85% of Westerners support creating new national parks, national monuments, national wildlife refuges and Tribal protected areas to protect historic sites or areas for outdoor recreation; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Saguache County, Colorado that Saguache County:
1. Expresses its strong support for the continued federal management and stewardship of public lands within the County, across Colorado, and throughout the nation.
2. Recognizes the multiple uses of public lands and encourages a balanced approach to land management, including implementation of the BLM’s Public Lands Rule, which recognizes conservation as an essential component of public lands management, on equal footing with other uses of these lands.
3. Encourages the maintenance of appropriate funding levels and workforce numbers at public land management agencies to manage public lands for the benefit of all Americans.
4. Opposes any efforts to sell, transfer, lease, or dispose of these public lands without a public process and significant public involvement.
5. Encourages the Colorado Congressional Delegation to oppose any legislation that would negatively impact public lands or diminish the public process and instead support policies that ensure long-term preservation and sustainable use for future generations.
6. Urges federal land management agencies to continue tribal consultation and collaborative efforts with local communities, governments, and stakeholders to ensure effective and responsible management of public lands.
ADOPTED THIS 19th day of AUGUST 2025, BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF SAGUACHE COUNTY, COLORADO.
Permit | WDID | Common Well ID | Location (lat/long NAD83) | Notes |
2605099 | - | 38.063704, -106.127974 | Monitoring period 8/21 – 11/13 | |
7278-Ra | 2605488a | 38.07339309, -106.12483110 | Monitoring period 6/11 – 11/13 | |
901-R-Ra | 2605098a | 38.06754383, -106.14168203 | Monitoring period 6/11 – 11/13, transducer recording erroneous data |
Board of County Commissioners Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are you working on?
We're focused on various initiatives aimed at improving the overall well-being and sustainability of our community.
- What are you doing about blight?
We're actively addressing blight through targeted revitalization efforts, which may include rehabilitation programs and community clean-up initiatives.
- What are you doing about composting, recycling, and upcycling?
We're promoting composting, recycling, and upcycling programs to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
- What are you doing about housing?
We're working to address housing challenges by implementing affordable housing initiatives and supporting housing development projects.
- What are you doing about our roads?
We're committed to maintaining and improving our road infrastructure through regular maintenance, repair projects, and strategic planning.
- What are you doing for economic development?
We're fostering economic growth through various strategies, including business support programs, workforce development, and investment in key industries.
- What are you doing for wildfire mitigation?
We're implementing proactive measures such as fire prevention programs, vegetation management, and community education to reduce wildfire risk.
- What are you doing for the environment?
We're dedicated to environmental conservation efforts, including habitat preservation, pollution reduction initiatives, and sustainable resource management.
- What are you doing to protect our water?
We're working to safeguard water resources through conservation measures, watershed management, and pollution prevention programs.
- What are you doing to deal with development?
We're managing development responsibly through comprehensive planning, zoning regulations, and community engagement to balance growth with environmental and social considerations.
- What are you doing to deal with increasing temperatures, weather changes, and drought?
We're addressing climate change impacts by implementing resilience measures, promoting water conservation, and supporting adaptation strategies.
- What are you doing for healthy food access?
We're promoting access to nutritious food through community gardens, farmers' markets, and partnerships with local food producers.
- What are you doing for the employees of Saguache County?
We're committed to supporting our employees through competitive wages, professional development opportunities, and a safe working environment.
- What are you doing to protect our Dark Skies?
We're implementing lighting ordinances and dark sky-friendly practices to preserve our night skies and reduce light pollution.
- What are you doing to protect agriculture?
We're supporting local agriculture through land conservation, agricultural education programs, and policies that promote sustainable farming practices.
- What are you doing for emergency management?
We're enhancing emergency preparedness and response capabilities through training, coordination with agencies, and community outreach.
- What are you doing for workforce development?
We're investing in workforce training programs, apprenticeships, and job placement initiatives to support career advancement and economic stability.
- What are you doing to support renewable energy?
We're promoting renewable energy adoption through incentives, partnerships with energy providers, and renewable energy projects.
- What are you doing for our airports?
We're supporting airport infrastructure improvements, aviation safety measures, and air service development to enhance connectivity and economic opportunities.
- What are you doing to support alternate sanitation solutions?
We're exploring and promoting innovative sanitation solutions, such as composting toilets and wastewater recycling, to improve sanitation access and sustainability.
Last Updated: 08/06/2025