And we thank you all

Seldom have I seen a community rally in such an effective way to save something it really cares about. Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” As a member of the VFPP board, it’s been a great honor and pleasure to play a small role in bringing the saga of the Valley Floor to this point. Raising the needed funds to purchase the floor—beyond almost everyone’s expectations—was an essential first step in protecting not only a valuable natural resource, but also—together with the mountains that surround it—the most important context for the historic town of Telluride. It’s nearly impossible to think of one without the other. In what was a great public-private effort, hats off to Jane Hickcox, John Pryor, my fellow VFPP board members and everyone who helped so generously with their time, effort, and money.

Now we must prevail in the legal appeal—which I am confident we will do—and then bring the entire community together around a unified, thoughtful plan to protect, enjoy, and support the Valley Floor for many years to come. That’s something we owe not only to ourselves but to future generations.

Richard Moe
Director, VFPP
President, National Trust for Historic Preservation