For the first time in about 15 years, the Aspen-area wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife may live in the Aspen area.
In a joint meeting yesterday, Pitkin County commissioners and members of the Open Space and Trails board agreed to move forward with a plan for wildlife officer Kurtis Tesch to live in a now-empty house on the county’s Deer Creek Open Space. Tesch now lives in Redstone. He said the move to Lower River Road in Snowmass Canyon will be an improvement.
“To have an officer up in this community, our response time to deal with things, and to be involved in the community as an officer is a huge deal,” Tesch said.
In exchange for living in the house, Tesch and CPW will renovate the property, including bringing the septic system up to code, irrigating, and treating noxious weeds.
CPW is seeking a 10-year agreement. A public hearing is set for Sept. 28.
EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story had the incorrect title for Kurtis Tesch. It has been updated.