7/18/2025
Parks and Trails Master Plan
The PLPOA Board of Directors approved the Parks & Trails Master Plan last evening at their regular general meeting. The Parks & Trails Committee, comprised of volunteer PLPOA owners,
did a presentation to the board on the plan. The purpose of the project was to update the 2013 Master Plan. The Plan identifies 14 trail projects and 5 park projects for consideration in
capital planning. As with all Master plans, it does not commit the Association to completing all the projects in a certain time frame but serves as a guide for the current and future boards
to reference in planning for capital improvements.
VIEWING: Trails Master Plan – Due to the large file size, the Parks and Trails Plan approved at the July 2025 agenda must be accessed through the Owners Portal. Navigate to the Documents folder using the link given, then select “Parks and Trail Plan” within the document folder to view the file: https://portal.plpoa.com/?c=6820
VISTA ROAD WORK BEGINS JULY 21
Please note: Parking is strictly prohibited in the right of way.
Vehicles found in violation will be towed at the owner’s expense.
We appreciate your cooperation as road improvements get underway.
PAGOSA LAKES Board of Directors Monthly MEETING
ALWAYS On the second Thursday of every month at 6pm – August 14th
This will Directly follow the 5:30pm Executive Session:
IN THE VISTA CONFERENCE ROOM AT 230 PORT AVE
TO ATTEND VIA ZOOM:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86500470184
2025 Annual Meeting & Election
Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association
Pagosa Lakes Clubhouse • 230 Port Ave. • Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Saturday, July 26, 2025 • 9:00 A.M. – Social Hour and Balloting
10:00 A.M. – Annual Meeting Begins
Emailed and postcard ballot access have been sent, what to look for…
If you have an email address on file with PLPOA (which applies to most members) and did not see your ballot email in your inbox, here are some helpful search tips:
- Sender: PLPOA Ballot elections@vote-now.com
- Sent on: Friday, June 27th or Saturday, June 28th
- Subject: 2025 Pagosa Lakes Property Owners Association Election
- BALLOTS CLOSE AT 10am on Saturday, July 26, 2025
Please note: The ballot email was sent to the primary email address we have on file for your account. If you have multiple emails registered, please check the one designated as your primary contact.
Mailed ballot access will appear as follows:
Quick links to online access to information:
We encourage all property owners to participate and get to know the candidates before voting. If were unable to attend the candidates forum, the recorded forum is available below and on our website.
PLPOA 2025 CANDIDATES FORUM was held on June 26, 2025 at 6pm view the recording of this forum below:
To watch AD free connect direct via ZOOM BY CLICKING HERE or watch on YouTube below:
Know the Process
- It’s permitting season; know what you need before turning in your application.
- Steps and procedures necessary for processing your application
With summer upon us, it is time to start building and reinventing! Please help us to help you in getting your permit approved.
Where each permit application is different, most need the same information
A site plan – Sherrie or Holly can provide you with this, but the owner must obtain it unless written consent from the owner is provided. – This is for your protection
Dimensions of the project
Color samples for any project where paint or stain will be applied.
Colors must be harmonious with the surrounding neighborhood, and every structure must match the home.
Materials being used.
Initial and sign by hand.
Know your dates; we have a list of deadline dates located in the office. Feel free to take one.
Be prepared so that your application process goes as smoothly as possible.
Once your permit application is processed, one of our inspectors will visit your property to take photographs.
Celebrate Independence Day Safely
PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO — With Independence Day upon us, the Town of Pagosa Springs wants to remind residents and visitors that shooting off fireworks is strictly prohibited within Town limits. While no fire bans are in effect in Pagosa Springs or Archuleta County, all individuals must continue to comply with the Town’s municipal code regarding fireworks use.
Per the Town of Pagosa Springs Municipal Code, only specific types of fireworks are permitted, including those that do not leave the ground or explode. Any fireworks that shoot into the air, explode, or travel across the ground are illegal and are not allowed. Violating the Municipal Code may result in the seizure of fireworks, a fine, a court summons, and/or arrest.
Attend the Professional Fireworks Display
Due to the risk of personal injury and unintended fire when using consumer fireworks, the Town encourages residents to attend the professional display instead. A variety of activities are planned for Friday, July 4, at Yamaguchi Park beginning at 3 p.m. with a “Stars & Stripes Stroll” honoring our veterans and first responders. Come enjoy live music, a beer garden, an adventure zone for children, and fireworks at dusk (around 8:45 p.m.). See the full lineup of activities all weekend long in Pagosa Springs at https://www.pagosasprings.co.gov/home-page/page/instead-parade-were-taking-stroll
Tall Grass Inquiries:
General Maintenance: PLPOA encourages all residents to maintain the appearance of their neighborhoods, which includes cutting the grass around their homes.
Aesthetic Appearance: Maintaining the property in an aesthetically pleasing condition, including landscaping, is required. This would imply keeping the lawn mowed.
Tall Weeds: Pay particular attention to cutting tall weeds close to the house.
Landscape Improvements: Basic lawn planting and maintenance are considered landscaping improvements that do not require a project permit.
Setbacks and Easements: Any landscaping, including grass cutting, within setbacks or easements may be subject to additional restrictions. You should consult the Department of Community Standards (DCS) before undertaking projects in these areas to ensure they don’t interfere with utilities or negatively affect neighboring properties.
Noise Regulations: While not explicitly related to grass cutting, noise should be kept to a minimum between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. This would likely apply to loud lawn equipment.
Important Considerations:
Specific Rules: For the most detailed rules and regulations regarding grass cutting and lawn maintenance, consult the PLPOA governing documents, which can often be found on the PLPOA website or the owner’s portal.
Contact DCS: If you have any specific questions about grass cutting or lawn maintenance projects, particularly those involving setbacks or easements, e-mail the Department of Community Standards for clarification.
Remember to introduce yourself, talk with your neighbors, and lend a hand when possible. The overall emphasis is on maintaining an aesthetically pleasing property and avoiding tall weeds and excessive growth.
REC CENTER PROGRAMS PAGE:
Click the image below to be redirected to the latest recreation offerings:
ROAD PROJECTS UPDATE
Here is the current road projects schedule which is weather dependent. All vehicles will need to be parked off the roads to complete this work. Please take alternate routes to avoid the construction and delays.
Chipseal projects start 7/9 – 7/18
- CR382
- CR200
- Meadows Blvd.
- Lake Forest Blvd.
- N. Pagosa Blvd.
- Mission Dr.
- Saturn Dr.
- Pinion Causeway and Carlee Pl.
- Vista Blvd. and Vista subdivision
BEARS ARE ON THE PROWL
Spring has arrived and the bears are out looking to fatten-up from their winter hibernation. So, it is now important to take the necessary steps and habits to prevent bear conflicts. See the list below to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance and a danger.
- Secure your garbage. Use a bear-proof container and keep it locked.
- Clean your garbage cans regularly with ammonia or bleach cleaner
- Remove bird feeders or hang them a minimum of 10ft. high off the ground or anything bears can climb. Secure birdseed in airtight containers inside your home.
- Burn off food and clean up grease on the barbeque grill after each use.
- Do not leave pet food outside. Secure inside your home.
- Never feed or approach bears.
- Never compost meat, fish, oil, grease or dairy products
Be a Good Neighbor
We all can get along. The key is communication. It’s often the best way to prevent and resolve conflict before it reaches the legal system. You don’t have to be friends or spend time together to achieve a peaceful coexistence, but you should try to be a good neighbor and follow these tips:
Say hello. At the mailbox, while walking the dog or when you see a moving van arrive, introduce yourself. Learn your neighbors’ names and regularly offer a friendly greeting.
Provide a heads up. If you’re planning a construction project, altering your landscaping or hosting a big party, contact your neighbors beforehand.
Do unto others. Treat neighbors as you would like to be treated. Be considerate about noise from vehicles, stereos, pets, etc.
Know your differences. Try to understand each other. Differences in age, ethnic background and years in the neighborhood can lead to different expectations or misunderstandings.
Consider the view. Keep areas of your property that others can see presentable.
Appreciate them. If the neighbors do something you like, let them know. They’ll be pleased you noticed, and it’ll be easier to talk later if they do something you don’t like.
Stay positive. Most people don’t try to create problems. If a neighbor does something that irritates you, don’t assume it was deliberate.
Talk honestly. Tolerance is important, but don’t let real irritation go because it seems unimportant or hard to discuss. Let your neighbors know if something they do annoys you.
Be respectful. Talk directly to your neighbors if there’s a problem. Gossiping with others can damage relationships and create trouble.
Remain calm. If a neighbor mentions a problem they have with you, thank them for the input. You don’t have to agree or justify any behavior. Wait for any anger to subside before responding.
Listen carefully. When discussing a problem, try to understand your neighbor’s position and why he or she feels that way.
Take your time. Take a break to think about what you and your neighbor have discussed. Arrange to finish the conversation at another time.
Close Forest Gates
PLPOA borders 7 miles of National Forest. Along this border, the Association maintains a fence to keep cows from entering the community and destroying owner’s yards. The Forest Service issues permits each year for ranchers to graze their cattle in the forest. This normally begins in early to mid-June. There are designated gates and parking areas for PLPOA owners to use to access the forest trails. We ask our owners to please remember to close and secure the gates when using them, so the cows do not get out.
Lawn Maintenance
We ask all PLPOA residents to assist in keeping our neighborhoods looking great by cutting the grass around your home and especially the tall weeds close to the house. This maintains a nice appearance and keeps the home values in our community high. Thank you.
Greenbelt Fire Mitigation Work Coming Soon
The Association has hired contractors to begin wildfire fuel reduction work in several larger greenbelts this spring and summer. Work may continue into late September. Over the past 4 years the Association has thinned multiple greenbelt properties in Twincreek Village, Highland Estates, Lake Forest Estates and Martinez Mountain Estates. The work typically entails masticating understory oak brush and thinning pine trees to create appropriate crown separation according to Colorado State Forest Service standards for zones 2 and 3. We once again qualified for a Wildfire Adapted Partnership 50% cost share grant enabling us to double the work this year of improving the safety and forest health of these important open space properties.
Work this spring and summer will include over 115 acres of mitigation work in six larger greenbelt tracts in Chris Mountain II, Trails/Vista subdivisions, Lake Pagosa Park and Lake Forest Estates. Near Chris Mountain II contractors will be working in the large westerly greenbelt tract that runs along the canyon rim and back into the private lots near Trails Blvd, High Drive and Travelers Circle. In Trails/Vista contractors will be thinning the large hillside greenbelt that is between Trails Blvd, Bonanza and back up to the areas below Canyon Circle. In Lake Forest Estates the work will include thinning a meandering greenbelt property that is situated between Antelope Ave and Dutton Drive extending up to North Pagosa Blvd and back down to Lake Forest Circle. In Lake Pagosa Park the mitigation work will include two tracts, the first being a greenbelt property that is situated between Monument Avenue and Aspenglow Blvd (Monarch Ct and Moffat Ct) and over to Gary Place. This project will entail primarily thinning a severely overcrowded and stunted Ponderosa Pine forest; and the second tract is located behind Inspiration Drive and extending over to the Powderhorn subdivision.
Much of the work will include reduction and clumping of oak brush and some of the work will include the removal of overcrowded Ponderosa Pines to create spacing. The pine logs will be cut into shorter manageable lengths and made available to PLPOA residents for firewood, we will make announcements as to the locations of these log stashes as they become available. No chainsaws will be allowed at these locations, please just take the short 4 to 6 foot logs home and cut them up there. Also, be aware of contractors with machinery in these greenbelts in the coming months and do not venture close to thinning operations, it can be difficult for these guys to see people approaching and work safely at the same time. Please avoid thinning operations while work is in progress.
REC CENTER HAPPENINGS
Brush Collection Area Open:
Grass Seed for Sale
@ PLPOA Admin Office
(drought tolerant once established)
Low Maintenance 3# $18.00
Best for “traditional” lawn – Three kinds of fescue. Coverage about 1,000 sq ft.
Low Grow Mix 5# $30.00
Best for open native area – variety of fescues, rye and blue grasses. Coverage approx. 1,800 sq ft.