PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION ONLY IF YOU ARE (OR WILL BE) A RESIDENT OF SUMMIT COUNTY, COLORADO, AND HAVE NOT YET SIGNED A PAPER PETITION. PLEASE ENTER YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS ON THE PETITION--THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR CREDIBILITY. YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE SPAM OR JUNK MAIL FOR PROVIDING YOUR ADDRESS. BE SURE TO UNCLICK "RELATED UPDATES" UNDER YOUR SIGNATURE BEFORE FINALIZING SO YOU DO NOT RECEIVE UNWANTED EMAILS FROM CARE 2. THANK YOU!

Whether its gardens, goats, chickens, or bees, people are finding ways through good old self-sufficiency to feed themselves and their families. The key to urban farming is that it isn't taking place on the outskirts of town or in Podunk (i.e. the middle of nowhere). It's taking place in large cities like Portland, New York, and Denver.

Even more exciting, this urban farming fever is spreading throughout suburbia to the mountain towns. From Fort Collins to Littleton to Kremmling and Steamboat to Leadville... why not Summit County? Well, we asked that very question.

The first step in urban farming is researching your current city regulations to find out what is legal or illegal. As it stands in Summit County, chickens and goats are not allowed on any property in Summit County that is less than 2 acres and such uses are only allowed in limited zoning districts such as RU, RME, and A1. Thus, the majority of residential properties in Summit County are currently prohibited from the keeping of chickens and goats. The current Code does not address beekeeping and therefore, new regulations are currently being drafted which will facilitate beekeeping on residential lots along with providing a regulatory framework for the keeping of bees.

Summit County's future urban farmers want to know how we can make changes to the existing code. Summit County's Food Policy Council, co-chaired by the High Country Conservation Center and Summit Prevention Alliance, determined there are five main steps to make this happen:

1). Form a Support Group!

As of now, we have about 40 individuals in support of urban farming initiatives. This power group is the backbone essential in making each of the following steps successful. If you want to join the group, please email us.

2). Learn from Other Communities!

We've been researching everything from city ordinances and food policies to animal husbandry and community gardens to arm ourselves with enough information to answer your questions. The research will also prepare us to help facilitate a decision that takes our community's climate, needs, and concerns into consideration for the most appropriate regulations.

3). Spread the Word!

We will continue to hold public meetings that allow citizens to discuss their questions and concerns. The Food Policy Council is also hosting a public forum on the Future of Urban Farming in Summit County on Wednesday, February 16, from 5:30 to 7:00pm at the Senior and Community Center in Frisco. The forum will discuss the potential code amendments while allowing the public to voice their agreements and disagreements. Over the next couple of weeks you will see the urban farming topic throughout the media. Please help us spread the word to your neighbors, friends, and family members. You can also visit our website for up-to-date information about this campaign. Here are just a few actions you can take to support urban farming in Summit County:

Sign this petition and then send it to your Summit County friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family members.

Click here to thumb through the resources.

When you see urban farming mentioned in the local paper, send a letter to the editor in support.

4). Address the Concerns!

We want to hear from you. Please send us your thoughts and concerns about urban farming in Summit County. What do you want to see happen? What worries you about these potential changes? What are your interests? There are many false assumptions associated with animals in the city. As with backyard composting, poultry-raising and beekeeping can be done if it is done correctly - even in our cold climate and high altitude environment!! The Food Policy Council is working to educate the public on the facts, but we need your help. If you are interested in backyard chickens or other urban farming initiatives (for or against), please let us know.

5). Present the Case!

After the public forum on February 16, we'll go back to the drawing board and address all questions and concerns. The intent is for the urban farming regulations to be reviewed by the Summit Countywide Planning Commission this spring.

We have a lot of work to do in a small amount of time. Just a reminder, Summit County has not made and will not make a definitive decision on these urban farming measures until they have approved the regulations through the formal process mentioned above. In addition, local towns will have to adopt their own individual guidelines for urban farming if they chose to.

The number one thing you can do is show your support by being a presence at the public forum and signing this petition. Join us as we support taking back our food systems! Again for more information, please visit www.highcountryconservation.org.

 Thank you for your support!

We the undersigned would like to formally pledge our support for the urban farming and community garden recommendations for Summit County code amendments including the allowance of chickens, bees, and goats in the backyards of residential zoning districts under certain restrictions.  We feel this is necessary for the sustainability of our community, green living, education, and local food supply. Please hear our request.