Custer County commissioners unanimously banned hunting and trapping on all county-owned property during their January 21 meeting, marking the most significant policy change among several major decisions made Tuesday morning. The Board of County Commissioners also approved a new Community Wildfire Protection Plan that rescinds the county’s 2007 plan, authorized purchase of a $178,000 replacement water truck with insurance covering about $97,000 and received $50,000 in additional opioid settlement funds from the state. Chairman Bill Canda led the 9 a.m. session at the courthouse with all commissioners present, passing all resolutions unanimously. The hunting ban includes exceptions for Colorado Parks and Wildlife herd management and situations with written BOCC authorization, with violations prosecuted as petty offenses. Commissioners also made annual appointments to more than 25 regional boards and heard presentations on water rights issues from the Arkansas Conservancy before adjourning at 10:19 a.m.
Hunting Ban Enacted Countywide
Resolution 2603 prohibits hunting, trapping, feeding and harassing wildlife on all county-owned property. The ban allows exceptions only with written authorization from the Board of County Commissioners or their designees.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife remains authorized to conduct herd management activities on county property. Violations will be prosecuted as petty offenses under state statute, and the county must post signs at public entrances to county-owned land.
Water Truck Purchase Approved
The board approved Resolution 2602 authorizing purchase of a replacement water truck for approximately $178,000. Insurance will cover about $97,000 to $98,000 of the cost, with the remaining balance coming from the county’s capital improvement fund.
Commissioners also passed Resolution 2604, a budget amendment to facilitate the water truck purchase by moving funds from the capital improvement account.
Community Wildfire Protection Plan Updated
The board adopted Resolution 2601 updating the county’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan after more than two years of development work. The plan received input from 163 county residents through public surveys and incorporates feedback from federal partners and Colorado State Forest Service.
Emergency Management received three written comments during the public review process and incorporated suggested edits. The updated plan rescinds the 2007 Community Wildfire Protection Plan where the two documents differ and has been available on the county website since January 8.
Opioid Settlement Funds Distributed
Four counties including Custer will split approximately $200,000 in additional opioid settlement funds from Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. Each county—Park, Custer, Fremont and Chaffee—will receive roughly $50,000, with Fremont County serving as the fiscal agent.
Water Rights Concerns Raised
Greg Felt, general manager of the Arkansas Conservancy, presented concerns about the county’s fire suppression pond applications. The county submitted applications for fire suppression designations on existing ponds, triggering a 90-day comment period with notices sent to 346 addresses statewide.
The conservancy expressed concerns that some ponds may not meet statutory criteria and could result in 14-18 acre feet of annual evaporation losses. Felt noted the Arkansas Basin has been over-appropriated since 1999.
As an alternative, the conservancy offered the county free access to fully consumable water at Twin Lakes, Conquistador Reservoir, and future access to Round Mountain Reservoir water.
Legal Collections Continue
County Attorney Dan Slater reported that wage garnishment efforts against former District Attorney Linda Stanley have collected $800 following a default judgment. The money is being held by Fremont County until reaching a certain threshold before being credited toward the three counties’ district attorney office obligations.
Emergency Management Agreement Updated
Commissioners approved an updated South Region Emergency Management Mutual Aid Agreement, last signed in April 2023. The agreement provides 72 hours of mutual aid without charge between participating counties, with clarified 12-hour shift specifications.
County Financial Report
County Treasurer Virginia Trujillo reported total balances of $9,217,496.30 as of November 30, 2025. Tax roll setup has been delayed statewide due to new legislation requiring dual school valuations, causing software issues across Colorado counties.
A self-insurance fund payment will be due in February or March.
Annual Appointments Made
The board made annual appointments to more than 25 regional boards and authorities. Commissioners also approved 2026 county government appointments including seating assignments and administrative positions.
Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Supported
Commissioners signed a letter supporting the San Carlos Ranger District’s annual Off Highway Vehicle grant application. The letter promotes economic benefits of OHV trails in the county and was submitted within the acceptable timeframe despite being late.
Technical Issues Noted
The meeting proceeded despite ongoing electronics and computer problems, including non-functioning microphones. Speakers were asked to project their voices, though recording equipment continued to operate normally.
No public comments were made during the designated comment period.
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