Orchard Mesa’s agricultural businesses contribute significantly
to the local economy and provide a food source for the citizens of
the Grand Valley and beyond. A local food supply improves health and
reduces costs for the general population. Agricultural uses on Orchard
Mesa include on-farm residences, orchards, row crops, and pasture.
The topography and soils of this area lend themselves well to irrigation
and are considered among the best soils in the Grand Valley for crop
production. Nearly all the irrigable lands below the Orchard Mesa
Irrigation Canals are or have been cultivated for a variety of crops,
most notably peaches, apples, cherries, grapes, other fruits, and
vegetables. Nearly all undeveloped irrigated land in Orchard Mesa
is considered prime irrigated farmland and other areas are considered
unique by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service.
The Colorado State University’s Agricultural Experiment
Station includes the Western Colorado Research Center, part of a network
of seven research centers (nine sites) throughout the State. The Orchard
Mesa site is located at 3168 B 1/2 Road on about 76 acres.
Mesa County’s “Right to Farm and Ranch Policy,”
and Agricultural Forestry Transitional (AFT) zoning provides for agricultural
operations. AFT zoning also allows subdivisions up to an average of
one dwelling per five acres and generally permits lot sizes to be
as small as one acre. Several voluntary land conservation tools are
available to landowners who are interested in protecting agricultural
properties and open space, including the Orchard Mesa Open Lands Overlay
District (an incentive-based option for subdivision of land east of
31 Road; Appendix Map 8).
In 2011, the Palisade Wine and Fruit Byway was established to
encourage agritourism. The Byway includes signage and kiosks directing
bicyclists and motorists touring the orchards and wineries of Orchard
Mesa along a 25-mile loop route starting at 32 and C Roads.
(Ord. 4629, 5-7-14)
In 2008, the Persigo 201 sewer service boundary was expanded
from 30 Road to 31 Road for the area north of A 1/2 Road by the Persigo
Board (Mesa County Board of County Commissioners and the Grand Junction
City Council). This decision reduced the area designated as “Rural”
future land use on Orchard Mesa by one and one-half square miles.
While there are many properties within the Urban Development Boundary
that continue to have rural uses and densities, the area will gradually
transition to urban development. (Appendix Map 4)
Orchard Mesa includes two centers in the Comprehensive Plan.
An existing neighborhood center is located in the vicinity of B 1/2
Road at Highway 50, in the urbanized area. A future village center
is envisioned sometime after the year 2020 along Highway 50 between
30 Road and the intersection with Highway 141. While currently rural,
the area is expected to become more urban as the area grows and services
are extended. A mix of uses is planned for the village center including
commercial, retail, office and residences. Development densities are
highest near the village center mixed-use area and decrease with distance
from the center.
Although a sewer trunk line was installed along 32 Road (Highway
141) in 2011 connecting the community of Whitewater to the Clifton
Sanitation District’s treatment plant, the 2010 Comprehensive
Plan designates the majority of the corridor as Rural. Some urban
development is appropriate along this corridor consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and existing zoning, i.e., in Springfield Estates
and Valle Vista subdivision.
(Ord. 4629, 5-7-14)
Backyard fruit trees are often the source of insect and disease
pests. Landowners within the Upper Grand Valley Pest Control District
(UGVPCD) are required by State law to control pests on fruit trees
(§ 35-5, C.R.S.). The UGVPCD includes portions of Orchard
Mesa generally east of 30 Road. The purpose of the district is to
protect commercial growers from pest and weed infestations. The Mesa
County Weed and Pest Coordinator enforces the law, inspects nursery
stock, educates the public, and identifies and manages weed infestations.
(Ord. 4629, 5-7-14)
Weed management is a concern at the local, county, regional
and State levels. By law (the Colorado Weed Management Act), noxious
weeds require control. As of 2013, there are 19 weeds on the Mesa
County Noxious Weed list that are being controlled or managed by policies
set forth in the Mesa County Weed Management Plan. Weed species on List A must be eradicated wherever found in order
to protect neighboring communities and the State as a whole.
Mesa County conducts roadside spraying. Some common weeds that
are not listed as noxious are commonly controlled during roadside
weed spraying. Residents can opt out of roadside spraying but must
notify the Weed and Pest Coordinator, mark their property, and control
the weeds themselves. Mesa County does not control overgrown weeds
in residential areas, mow weeds on private property, or offer cost
share.
(Ord. 4629, 5-7-14)
(A sub-area study conducted as part of the 2010 Comprehensive
Plan)
The desire to preserve prime agriculture was the prominent sentiment
expressed by residents of Central Orchard Mesa. In addition, future
urban growth of high intensity/density is to be located adjacent to
Highway 50. Other priorities included:
(a) Preserve the river corridor as open land.
(c) Support cottage industries over other commercial and industrial land
uses in the area.
(d) Preserve orchards and vineyards.
(Ord. 4629, 5-7-14)