Who we are - Why we exist

Appreciation. Preservation. Protection. That’s the mantra of four local communities in Buena Vista just off Rodeo Road (CR-321), who share a conviction to be stewards of our beloved Colorado life and environment.

In June 2023, we learned that a local company, Mount Princeton Geothermal, LLC (MPG), was not being transparent to our community while pursuing plans to build an industrial utility power plant. Relying on geothermal heat from drilling down 6,000 feet, this plant’s location would be adjacent to populated neighborhoods in the valley. One of the oldest neighborhoods (CR-323, Mt. Princeton Road) in Chaffee County - the Lost Creek Ranch neighborhood — would be significantly impacted. The closest resident to the proposed location is approximately 3/4 of a mile away from where the proposed plant would be located. There are 366 residents and ranchers within a 2-mile radius of the proposed location. Extensive wildlife migrate and live directly in the area, which is on State Trust Land used for hunting and grazing. This site is only the beginning! MPG (and now also Western Geothermal and the Icelandic investors) plans to replicate and construct industrial geothermal utility power plants up and down the valley. 

Hence, “Save Our Arkansas Valley” was formed. We want to help ensure the pristine environment we currently have throughout the valley remains intact for generations.