AGRICULTURE: People moving into the Durango area often find the lifestyle to be far different from other parts of the country. For instance, Colorado is a "right-to-farm" state, which means that agricultural enterprises have certain rights and privileges afforded to them, and La Plata County has regulations to support, protect and assist in the maintenance of agricultural production. Residents who choose to live among the many farms and ranches of La Plata County should be aware of these protections.
Farmers, particularly during the planting and harvest time, frequently work from early in the morning until late at night running farm equipment such as tractors and combines. These operations cause dust, odor and noise. Farmers must burn their irrigation ditches to clear them of debris, grass and weeds in preparation for the irrigation season and may need to access their ditch easements through your property.
Chemicals are often used in agricultural production. With aerial and ground spraying of crops, there is the potential for small amounts of chemical to drift onto neighboring properties. The La Plata County Extension Office at (970) 247-4355 can supply information on chemicals commonly used.
Irrigation systems have enabled a diversity of agriculture with higher yields than dry land farming. Non-irrigated or untillable lands, both private and public, may be used for grazing animals. Colorado and La Plata County have fence regulations, which means that property owners are reponsible for fencing the livestock "out" of their property. Remember, "fence out, not in." The neighboring pasture that is so lovely in the summer may turn muddy and odorous if it is used for winter feeding. Flies may be a common nuisance around livestock ranches in the summer months.
Living in rural areas has certain unwritten restrictions and "codes of conduct," all based on respect for the land and others, including resident and transient wildlife. Humm, "respect for the land and others," what a wonderful concept. That's why we love living here in the beautiful San Juans. You can live here too. Give us call!
http://HomesInDurango.com / http://RealEstate-Durango.com
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