The purpose of my letter is to provide an alternative opinion as it relates to the Eagle River Station and its potential impact on wildlife and the Eagle River.

It may be important to note that I am an architect by profession, but also an avid sportsman who loves the outdoors and quality of life in and around our wonderful community.

Myth No. 1 relates to certain assertions that the quality of the Eagle River may be adversely affected by the Eagle River Station development, more specifically from run-off from parking lots. As an avid fly fisherman, I believe that this will not be the case.

It is my understanding that the development will feature a storm drainage system that will filter run-off from parking lots. The resulting storm water that does enter the Eagle River will be of a significantly higher water quality than the current water that drains into the river, which includes fertilizers and horse poop.

Myth No. 2 relates to the assertion that wildlife will be adversely affected by Eagle River Station. It is my understanding that the developer has prepared a wildlife conflict mitigation plan that minimizes the potential conflicts with existing wildlife.

The town of Eagle also embraces "dark sky" low-intensity lighting, which is embraced by its lighting ordinance. Considering that Eagle County consists of over 900,000 acres of open space that will never be developed and doesn't include various parks, golf courses and other municipal open space, I think the critters will be OK.

Truly, one significant benefit of the development will be the ability for fly fisherman to park in the Eagle River Station parking lot and walk to designated public access points for fishing on the Eagle River -- much safer than parking on U.S. 6.

Frankly, I don't see my hunting, fishing, biking and other outdoor endeavors impacted by the development of Eagle River Station. Therefore, I am dropping my line in and voting "yes" for ERS.

Brennen Fitzgerald