One year ago on May 9 the community celebrated the deposit of approximately $50 million into an account to acquire the Valley Floor through condemnation. After years of work, the regional community which was made up of primary residents, second homeowners, guests and governments, placed into an escrow account the money that was to be used for the purchase of approximately 570 acres on the south side of the Valley Floor leading into the town of Telluride.

The banner that hangs over Colorado Avenue celebrates the first anniversary of that memorable day when Mayor John Pryor announced in Elks Park that the financial goal had been achieved.

One year later, over 1,700 people, along with uncounted wishing well contributors and the governments of Telluride and San Miguel County, await the legal opinion of the Colorado Supreme Court on the issue related to whether or not Telluride had the constitutional right to condemn the Valley Floor. On January 22, 2008, seven Supreme Court Justices listened to attorneys from both sides for an hour and then began the deliberations and preparation of written opinions, which will resolve this highly emotional and substantive legal issue. We still wait patiently for the results.

There is no guarantee when we will hear the Colorado Supreme Court speak, but hardly a day goes by without wondering what the outcome will be. The Colorado Supreme Court announces opinions each Monday. Each Friday the Colorado Supreme Court lists on their web page what cases will have opinions that following Monday. We've been watching that Friday web page like hawks and when the opinion is posted, we will let you know immediately.

We as a community should rejoice in the attainment of the financial and emotional goals that express to the entire world the commitment of a passionate community to a Telluride with an incredible, naturally beautiful, entrance forever graced with open space and parklands. Fifty years from now visitors to this region will stand amazed as they look over the lands that lay undeveloped because of the foresight of a community that cared.

Happy Valley Floor Day, First Anniversary, Telluride.