At the August 14, 2026, Cordillera Metro District Board Meeting, the Board approved a ballot issue to be included in the Tuesday, November 3, election.

Eligible voters will have the opportunity on November 3 to vote on a one-time $1.6-million tax increase in 2027 to fund near-term wildfire mitigation projects.

Those eligible to vote may submit written comments concerning the ballot issue through Friday, September 11, 2026. The statements will be summarized and mailed to all eligible voters in CMD’s TABOR notice prior to the election.

Written comments may be sent to Cordillera Metro District's Designated Election Official (DEO) Stacie Pacheco by email spacheco@isp-law.com or mail:

DEO Stacie Pacheco

c/o Icenogle, Seaver, Pogue, P.C.

4725 South Monaco Street, Ste. 360

Denver, CO 80237

Eligible voters will receive a separate ballot for the CMD special election and election materials in the mail prior to the election.

If approved, the one-time 2027 tax increase will fund three phases of wildfire mitigation projects within the Cordillera Metro District that have been identified for near-term implementation to reduce fuel, add key fire breaks, and fortify access to and egress from the community. For more information about wildfire mitigation in Cordillera, see CordilleraLiving.com/Wildfire-Preparedness.

If you have questions about the election or election process, contact DEO Stacie Pacheco: spacheco@isp-law.com or (303) 867-3000.

For more information about voter eligibility and a summary of key election dates, see: CordilleraLiving.com/CMD-Elections.

Happy Labor Day: Monday, September 7

Cordillera's chipping program returns this month, so NOW is a great time to limb up trees and take other wildfire mitigation measures on your property for curbside pick-up. Details and reminders:

• Stack your piles by Sunday, September 14, to participate.
• Staging and stacking is allowed up to 10 days in advance.
• Piles will be picked up following September 14.
• Please note that this program is for curbside woody debris pickup: trees, logs, and branches up to 15 inches in diameter and 15 feet in length.
• We're NOT accepting other yard waste, grass clippings, trash, weeds, bags of leaves, or other items listed in the DO and DON'T sections below. 

Questions? Call the CMD Admin Office at (970) 926-1923 or email home@eagleriverfire.org.

As a final reminder, all older-style gate access transponders are being discontinued and need to be replaced with vehicle-specific clear headlight transponders for homeowners, club members, and property managers.

Transponders being discontinued include black plate-mounted and tan box-style transponders pictured at left.

If you already have a headlight-style transponder. You're good to go!

All older transponders still in use will be deactivated at the end of the day on Wednesday, September 9.

If you are using an older transponder style like those pictured at left on one or more of your vehicles, you must upgrade to the clear headlight-style transponder.

To upgrade your transponder, take action this week to ensure that your access to and from the community continues without interruption:

• Please bring your vehicle(s) and current transponder(s) to the CMD Admin Office. The new transponder must be affixed to the vehicle by CMD staff. 
• The CMD Admin Office is located at 408 Carterville Road, Edwards, CO 81632. The office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (except on Labor Day, Monday, September 7)
• There is no cost for this upgrade.
• If you or a vehicle is out of town, please email your return date to info@cordillerametro.org so that we can coordinate your transponder replacement. 

If you have questions, please email info@cordillerametro.org or call the CMD office at (970) 926-1923. 

Thank you for your continued efforts to uphold our gate security standards in the Cordillera Metro District and Cordillera Valley Club. 

Cordillera Hunting Season Regulations

Bears Active in Cordillera

We've had an increasing number of bear reports in Cordillera as our community's bears forage in preparation for hibernation season. Now's the time to BE BEARWISE^®: Don't let bears come looking for food in or around your home. Remember:

• Be especially diligent about securing all food, liquids, and trash inside your home or garage.
• Since trace amounts of food and scents can attract bears, outdoor grills and cooking areas need to be cleaned thoroughly.
• Please take down all bird feeders that contain seeds or liquid feed, and double check that you have locked all doors, garages, and vehicles. 

WHAT'S UP WITH BEARS & HOT TUB COVERS IN CORDILLERA?

Yep, you read that right. We've been getting reports of bears chewing up hot tub covers in Cordillera. According to this industry publication, bears may be attracted to vinyl and foam hot tub covers because the smell of vinyl mimics the smell of ant eggs, and bears may chew on foam covers for their texture. Rigid or hard-shell covers may help better deter bears, as will adding a locking system or extra straps to your cover for security.

HOW AND WHY TO SAFELY SCARE A BEAR

Bears get conditioned to repeated scare tactics, so it's important to mix it up if bears are becoming a nuisance around your home. When to scare a bear: Take measures to scare a bear away any time it is somewhere it should not be, such as eating garbage, bird seed, or pet food; near a vehicle, in a building; in a garden or yard.

Bear encounter safety:

• Never approach, corner or chase the bear.
• Stand in a safe place, and keep dogs and kids away.
• Be sure the bear has an escape route away from you.
• If the bear approaches, do not run. Use bear spray if available.
• BE CAREFUL: Attempts to scare away a bear are at your own risk.

Use these safe ways to scare a bear:

• Assert your dominance: Make eye contact with the bear. Wave your arms above your head to look bigger.
• Make noise: Blow a whistle, air horn, or car horn. Clap your hands. Bang pots. Yell, shout, talk loudly. Your voice is a powerful deterrent. Vary the sound and noise-making approach for repeated encounters.
• Use technology to help you: Motion-activated lights, alarms, and/or water sprinklers can help deter bears.

Thank you for keeping bears wild in Cordillera and in Colorado.

Content modified courtesy of BearWise^® | BearWise.org

As election season is drawing near, please be advised that all signage in Cordillera must adhere to county-wide sign regulations as outlined in Article 4 of Eagle County’s Land Use Regulations (links provided below).

Additionally, signage within the Cordillera Metro District (CMD) must adhere to our community’s policies as follows:

Cordillera Metro District Property:

No political, election, or other type of temporary signage is allowed on Cordillera Metro District properties including right-of-ways, easements, along roadways, or on any other CMD property.

Private Property in Cordillera: Political and campaign signage within Cordillera must follow Eagle County regulations. See the Eagle County Electioneering and Campaign Signs website page for campaign signage policies. 

The timeframe for posting political and campaign signs on private property in Cordillera is 60 days prior to a state, local, or national election. Any such signage shall be removed within 5 days after the election. 

• Click here to view a pdf of Eagle County’s Land Use Regulations, Article 4, or access Article 4 from the Eagle County Land Use Regulations website page. 

• If you have questions about signage on private property in Cordillera, please contact the Cordillera Property Association (CPOA) Design Review Board at DRB@CordilleraPOA.com or call (970) 688-8850.

This summer, the community came together during one of the most challenging water years our valley has faced. Thanks to the efforts of residents like you across our service area, overall water use dropped by 30%, with outdoor water use down nearly 48% compared to the three-year average. That is a remarkable result, and it reflects the dedication with which the community responded to a shared challenge.

Summer is nearly over but the water shortage isn’t behind us. Recovery will take a winter of heavy, sustained snowfall and even then, it isn’t guaranteed. Lower snowpack and warmer, drier summers are becoming more common for our valley and are no longer the exception. Planning now for landscapes that are resilient, beautiful, and use less water by design is a smart step toward a water-wise future for our rivers and our valley. 

Here are a few ways to stay ahead of the curve:

Start planning now, with or without a landscaper. Landscapers across the valley worked miracles this summer, preserving landscapes while carefully cutting water use. If you work with a landscaper, start those conversations now. If you manage your own property, now's a great time to research and plan your own changes. Either way, drought-tolerant plantings, smarter irrigation, and reduced lawn areas are worthwhile investments for next season and beyond.

Rethink your lawn. Do you have lawn areas you rarely use or that struggled in this summer’s heat and drought? Now may be the perfect time to replace unneeded turf with a water-wise landscape. You don’t have to sacrifice beauty for water savings, water-wise landscapes come in a variety of styles. Planning your spring project now will give your new landscape time to thrive before next summer’s peak water demand.

Time to turn it down, or off. As days grow shorter and cooler, your landscape needs less water too. Now's the time to dial back your watering schedule or shut it off and winterize early. Plants naturally slow down as temperatures cool, so extra water isn't doing any favors. Turning down or off now means savings on your bill, less strain on our shared supply, and one less thing to think about before the first freeze. 

We’re grateful to all our customers who supported water conservation efforts this summer. You made a meaningful difference for our rivers and water supplies. Thank you!

2026 Horse Camp Highlights

The Cordillera Equestrian Center's Horse Camp 2026 spanned eight camp sessions from June 9 through August 9 and was a special time for all who attended. Campers ages 7-15 experienced four fun-filled days of riding lessons, equine-focused activities, and a horse show finale on Friday each week.

This year, 81 campers attended, and capacity was expanded to 12 campers for three of the sessions to meet the growing demand. CEC staff received feedback from many parents saying that this was the most fun camp week their child had all summer, and many campers were put back on the waitlist for future weeks after completing their

session because they wanted to do it again.

We're celebrating this summer's success and already looking forward to 2027! Until then, for more information about riding lessons or boarding at the CEC, please contact CEC Manager Annie Morris at amorris@cordillerametro.org or call (970) 376-7295.

OKTOBERFEST

Beaver Creek

September 4-6

Bavarian tradition meets fall Rocky Mountain beauty. Grab your family and friends for live music, stein hoisting, festive costume contests, games and tons of delicious Bavarian food and beer. 

If you miss the Beaver Creek version, head over to Vail later this month for two Vail Oktoberfest opportunities in Lionshead Sept. 11-13, and Vail Village, Sept. 18-20.

HIKE, WINE, & DINE

Beaver Creek September 27

Get in a beautiful fall hike while supporting a great, local cause at Hike, Wine, & Dine. This event includes a fun, family-friendly 5-mile hike that's highlighted with tastings from several of the area's finest restaurants. The Après Hike Party caps off the day with live music, dessert, and beverages. Event proceeds benefit Vail Health Shaw Cancer Center and Jack's Place. Tickets available now.

FALL LEAF PEEPING

Multiple Events and Venues, Vail

When cooler weather sets in and the aspen groves shimmer with golden leaves, it’s time to visit Vail. From fall festivals and outdoor activities to shopping in Tyrolean-inspired villages and farmers markets, opportunities to enjoy the beauty of the fall season abound.

Get ideas galore at this Vail in Fall: Bucket List from DiscoverVail.com:

CORDILLERA METRO DISTRICT

408 Carterville Road, Cordillera

CordilleraLiving.com | (970) 926-1923