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Home My WebLink About20251380.tiffKarla Ford From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Ellen, Maxwell Nader Tuesday, May 13, 2025 7:21 AM kesslereb@yahoo.com David Eisenbraun; Karla Ford; Jennifer Finch; Bruce Barker; Karin McDougal RE: The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg Thank you for your message regarding the Wild Animal Sanctuary and the concerns you've raised surrounding nearby land development activities. We recognize and appreciate the commitment that community members like you show in advocating for the welfare of animals. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is certainly a unique and valued establishment in Weld County. We are aware of the ongoing concerns regarding the approved subdivision for eight (8) large estate lots under PUDF14-0003. We have actively reviewed the situation, and it has been determined that the agreement referenced from many folks is between the Wild Animal Sanctuary and the landowners where PUDF14-0003 is located. We understand the importance of preserving the safety and well-being of the animals housed at the sanctuary, but this is an agreement that the two parties must work on together, the County is not involved in this agreement and will remain uninvolved. Your message, along with others received on this topic, is being shared with all members of the appropriate boards and commissions for their awareness. Thank you again for reaching out and please let me know if you have any other questions. Best, COUNTY; co Maxwell Nader Planning Manager Dept. of Planning Services Desk: 970-400-3527 1402 N 17t Ave. Greeley, CO 80632 011000 Join Our Team IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: ellen <kesslereb@vahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2025 8:17 PM CoWlMun;co`t;ons 05(21/25 2025-1380 To: County Council <CountvCouncil@co.weld.co.us>; Karla Ford <kford@weld.gov> Subject: The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg This, undoubtedly, is not the first email you've received about The Wild Animal Sanctuary, and I guarantee it won't be the last. The sanctuary is in trouble, a problem generated by land developers who are blatantly violating the terms of a contract they made with the sanctuary 10 years ago and which was requested by Weld County to keep the surrounding acreage safe for the sanctuary's animals. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is well-known and revered around the world for saving animals where others won't or can't step in. Think of the Ukraine, or Tiger King (made famous by a documentary a few years ago), or Puerto Rico (where they were no longer able to care for their zoo). The Wild Animal Sanctuary is the largest nonprofit carnivore sanctuary in the world, with more than 900 rescued animals including lions, tigers, bears, wolves, leopards, and other large carnivores now living in their own large natural habitats. Many have been saved from illegal or abusive situations. If you've never been there, you owe it to yourself to visit. It's an amazing facility! To lose this sanctuary would be a tremendous blow to the economy as well as a blow to the state's reputation as being an animal -friendly state. Please step in immediately and demand that the developers honor their contract with The Wild Animal Sanctuary. (Please be sure that all members of the council and commission receive this and all other emails about the sanctuary.) Let's avoid a lengthy and expensive lawsuit. For the animals, Ellen Kessler Littleton, Colorado Animal rights matter. There's no excuse for animal abuse. 2 Karla Ford From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Jeff, Maxwell Nader Tuesday, May 13, 2025 7:29 AM jeffsiekmeier127@gmail.com David Eisenbraun; Karla Ford; Jennifer Finch; Bruce Barker; Karin McDougal RE: Inquiry from Public Webpage Thank you for your message regarding the Wild Animal Sanctuary and the concerns you've raised surrounding nearby land development activities. We recognize and appreciate the commitment that community members like you show in advocating for the welfare of animals. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is certainly a unique and valued establishment in Weld County. We are aware of the ongoing concerns regarding the approved subdivision for eight (8) large estate lots under PUDF14-0003. This subdivision was approved many years ago and recently completed their final items for the County. All aspects of the request, including compliance with existing zoning, land use conditions, and the potential impact on adjacent properties were considered when the subdivision was approved. There is a separate agreement referenced from many folks that is between the Wild Animal Sanctuary and the landowners where PUDF14-0003 is located. We understand the importance of preserving the safety and well-being of the animals housed at the sanctuary, but this is an agreement that the two parties must work on together, the County is not involved in this agreement and will remain uninvolved. Your message, along with others received on this topic, is being shared with all members of the appropriate boards and commissions for their awareness. Thank you again for reaching out and please let me know if you have any other questions. Best, COUNTY, CO Maxwell Nader Planning Manager Dept. of Planning Services Desk: 970-400-3527 1402 N 17th Ave. Greeley, CO 80632 OMGO Join Our Team IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy Good afternoon the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: Jeff Siekmeier <ieffsiekmeier127@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2025 1:24 PM To: Karla Ford <kford@weld.gov> Subject: Inquiry from Public Webpage 1 r. I would like to address a subdivision that is asking to build in Wild Animal sanctuary I pleading with the council not to allow the area to be built on they are a vital necessity for the Animals they are one of the few sanctuaries that Has full care well organized well run I personally gift them with donations as do hundreds of others I grew up in Colorado resident for 36 years I have family there also I'm a Colorado property owner I have been to both locations within the state. Please in the Holy name of God don't build or develop. They moved there to keep the area safe and still close enough for people and kids to enjoy. This is one of the few sanctuaries that gives animals bigger areas to live in part thanks to county also private donations to buy the acreage they All I can do is request and beg you not to allow the build out Im sure the owners can not afford a new build out again with all the buildings walkways and fencing which will not be good . PLEASE PLEASE I'm asking as a advocate for the animals and the sanctuary Thank you for listening and if you have questions please call me Sincerely Jeff Siekmeier 702-682-3210 2 Karla Ford From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Hello, Maxwell Nader Tuesday, May 13, 2025 8:44 AM COmtnLady David Eisenbraun; Karla Ford; Jennifer Finch; Bruce Barker; Karin McDougal RE: Urgent Plea Thank you for your message regarding the Wild Animal Sanctuary and the concerns you've raised surrounding nearby land development activities. We recognize and appreciate the commitment that community members like you show in advocating for the welfare of animals. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is certainly a unique and valued establishment in Weld County. We are aware of the ongoing concerns regarding the approved subdivision for eight (8) large estate lots under PUDF14-0003. This subdivision was approved many years ago and recently completed their final items for the County. All aspects of the request, including compliance with existing zoning, land use conditions, and the potential impact on adjacent properties were considered when the subdivision was approved. There is a separate agreement referenced from many folks that is between the Wild Animal Sanctuary and the landowners where PUDF14-0003 is located. We understand the importance of preserving the safety and well-being of the animals housed at the sanctuary, but this is an agreement that the two parties must work on together, the County is not involved in this agreement and will remain uninvolved. Thank you again for reaching out and please let me know if you have any other questions. Best, COUNTY, CO Maxwell Nader Planning Manager Dept. of Planning Services Desk: 970-400-3527 1402 N 17`" Ave. Greeley, CO 80632 0.000 Join Our Team IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: COmtnLady <comtnlady@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 12:35 AM To: Karla Ford <kford@weld.gov> Cc: COmtn Lady <comtnlady@yahoo.com> Subject: Urgent Plea Dear Weld County, I saw the feature on Channel 4 earlier tonight (5/12/25) and am appalled that the Weld County Commissioners allowed infringement upon the The Wild Animal Refuge's property. It is a unique enterprise which has acted responsibly, and gone above and beyond to provide a safe place for these animals, and the human population. It is unacceptable for The Wild Animal Sanctuary to be put into jeopardy because of Weld County allowing irresponsible development to get too close to their property! Due to the unique nature and unusual circumstances of The Wild Animal Sanctuary special dispensations should already be in place to protect it from impacts of short-sighted profiteers trying to surround it. Weld County should have recognized this Sanctuary's efforts to be as far from human congestion and over population as is possible. Any properties on its perimeters should not be available for development, or any other use that might negatively affect or compromise The Wild Animal Sanctuary. A safe buffer should have already been established by the County. PLEASE! Stop the developer from also putting humans at risk - rescind permitting this development from being built. The liability to the County makes it prohibitive. It would be far cheaper to zone the area around The Sanctuary as a buffer zone, or even for the County to buy the ground around the Sanctuary and call it a "no build zone", or possibly get the State to declare it a State Park. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is a treasure that should be valued, and protected. It is unique and special. Do NOT force The Wild Animal Sanctuary into unsafe situations by your ill thought out actions! Sincerely, D. Powell Georgetown, CO 2 Mariah Higgins Subject: FW: Urgent: Colorado Wildlife Sanctuary Threatened by Encroaching Housing Development From: Maxwell Nader <mnader@weld.gov> Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 8:19 AM To: jmankyfood@yahoo.com Cc: Karla Ford <kford@weld.gov>; David Eisenbraun <deisenbraun@weld.gov>; Jennifer Finch <jfinch@weld.gov>; Bruce Barker <.bbarker@weld.gov>; Karin McDougal <kmcdougal@weld.gov> Subject: RE: Urgent: Colorado Wildlife Sanctuary Threatened by Encroaching Housing Development Hello Sarah, Thank you for your message regarding the Wild Animal Sanctuary and the concerns you've raised surrounding nearby land development activities. We recognize and appreciate the commitment that community members like you show in advocating for the welfare of animals. The Wild Animal Sanctuary is certainly a unique and valued establishment in Weld County. We are aware of the ongoing concerns regarding the approved subdivision for eight (8) large estate lots under PUDF14-0003. This subdivision was approved many years ago and recently completed their final items for the County. All aspects of the request, including compliance with existing zoning, land use conditions, and the potential impact on adjacent properties were considered when the subdivision was approved. There is a separate agreement referenced from many folks that is between the Wild Animal Sanctuary and the landowners where PUDF14-0003 is located. We understand the importance of preserving the safety and well-being of the animals housed at the sanctuary, but this is an agreement that the two parties must work on together, the County is not involved in this agreement and will remain uninvolved. This agreement may have additional requirements that you speak of below. Thank you again for reaching out and please let me know if you have any other questions. Best, COUNTY, CO Maxwell Nader Planning Manager Dept. of Planning Services Desk: 970-400-3527 1402 N 17th Ave. Greeley, CO 80632 011000 Join Our Team IMPORTANT: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action concerning the contents of this communication or any attachments by anyone other than the named recipient is strictly prohibited. From: jmankyfood <jmankyfood@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2025 9:22 AM To: County Council <CountyCouncil@co.weld.co.us>; Karla Ford <kford@weld.gov> Subject: Urgent: Colorado Wildlife Sanctuary Threatened by Encroaching Housing Development This Message Is Front en Untrusted Sender You have not previously corresponded with this sender. Use extra caution and avoid replying with sensitiveinformation, clicking links, or downloading attachments until their identify is verified. Dear Commissioner/Council Member, I am writing as a concerned citizen regarding the housing development being constructed near The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg. This sanctuary has been a vital refuge for over 40 years, providing care for more than 550 rescued large carnivores, including lions, tigers, and bears. The proximity of new housing threatens the sanctuary's mission due to potential noise, light pollution, and increased human activity, which could distress the animals and compromise their well-being. Moreover, this development poses safety concerns for both residents and wildlife. I respectfully urge you to: Implement zoning regulations that establish buffer zones around the sanctuary. Reevaluate the approval process for developments adjacent to wildlife sanctuaries. Collaborate with state and federal agencies to ensure the sanctuary's protection. Preserving the sanctuary aligns with our community's values of wildlife conservation and responsible land use. I appreciate your attention to this critical matter and look forward to your support in safeguarding this invaluable institution. Sincerely, Sarah Hart Original message From: jmankyfood <jmankyfood@yahoo.com> Date: 5/18/25 7:35 AM (GMT -07:00) To: environment@natgeo.com, tips@insideclimatenews.org, submissions@mong_abay.com, editorial@thedodo.com, info@ap.org, national_@washpost.com, nyrtnews a nytimes.com, atc_npr.org, 2 abc.news.suggestions u�abc.com, newstips@cbsnews.com, contact.nbcnews@nbcuni.com, cnn.tips@cnn.com Subject: Urgent: Colorado Wildlife Sanctuary Threatened by Encroaching Housing Development Dear [News Editor's Name or "News Team"], I'm reaching out as a concerned citizen about a pressing issue that deserves national attention. The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado — a world-renowned rescue facility for abused and neglected large carnivores — is facing a serious threat. A housing development is being constructed directly next to this 1,400 -acre sanctuary, risking the welfare of hundreds of rescued lions, tigers, bears, and other animals. The sanctuary has been in operation for over 40 years, offering a peaceful, expansive environment for animals who have already endured trauma. Increased noise, light, and human activity from new housing developments not only disrupt the animals' lives but jeopardize the sanctuary's mission. This development disregards both environmental impact and public concern. This is not just a local zoning issue — it's a national conservation and ethics story. I urge your team to investigate and report on this situation. The sanctuary has issued statements and is seeking public support. You can find more information here: The Wild Animal Sanctuary's website: t"pts://www.wildanimalsanctuary.orgi s://www.wildanimalsanctuary_.org/ Recent Denver Post Article https://www-denve most-com.cdn.amp_project.org/v/s/www.denverpost.com/2025/05/16/colorado- wild-animal-sanctuar rehousing development/amp/?amp gsa=1&amp js v=a9&uscfp=mga31AQGsAEggAID#amp tf=From0/020%251%2 4s&aoh=17475705254191 &csi=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&ampshare=https%3A% 2F%2Fwww.denverpost.com%2F2025%2F05%2F16%2Fcolorado-wild-animal-sanctuary-housing- d ev_e lo_p_m. e_nt%2 F If you're interested in interviews, the sanctuary can be contacted directly via their media team: media@wildanimalsanctuary.org. Thank you for considering this story. These animals have no voice — we must be theirs. Sincerely, Sarah Hart Parker, CO 3 Hello