Montezuma County is known for its stunning landscapes, rural charm and strong sense of community pride. From the open vistas to the quiet country roads, the county’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets – and one worth protecting. But preserving that beauty depends on all of us.
Across the county, junk, trash and visual blight on private properties are growing concerns. What may start as a few discarded items or an old vehicle parked out back can quickly become an eyesore, changing the look and feel of an entire neighborhood.
What Is visual blight?
Visual blight includes piles of discarded materials, scrap metal, broken equipment, old tires, trash and debris that make properties appear neglected or abandoned. While trash on one property may seem like a small issue, the impact extends far beyond its fence line. Blight can discourage investment, lower surrounding property values, attract pests, increase fire risk and send a message that community standards don’t matter.
“Keeping Montezuma County clean is everyone’s responsibility,” Commissioner Kent Lindsay said at a recent Board of County Commissioners meeting. “When residents take care of their properties, it benefits the entire community – both in appearance and in safety.” Commissioner Candelaria added, “Residents often tell us that we need to preserve the rural character of the county. But is this the kind of rural character that we want to protect? Piles of tires and trash?”
The goal of the county’s efforts is not to punish residents, but to encourage personal responsibility and voluntary action. In most cases, staff members will work directly with property owners to find reasonable solutions and share information about affordable disposal and recycling options. The county also promotes partnerships that make it easier for residents to dispose of unwanted materials responsibly. For example, last October, the county landfill partnered with the League of Women Voters to host an e-waste recycling event, making it easier for residents to responsibly dispose of old electronics.
However, the responsibility ultimately lies with property owners. Maintaining your land, cleaning up debris and properly disposing of waste are not just matters of pride – they are obligations to your neighbors and to the community as a whole.
Here are a few simple ways to make a difference:
Dispose of waste properly. The Montezuma County Landfill – located at 26100 Road F and open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. – offers options for large items and household waste. Call 565-9858.
Reuse and recycle. Give usable items a second life or ensure they’re properly recycled. The landfill’s Resale Store – at the same location and hours of operation – accepts items that still have value.
Report illegal dumping. If you see dump sites, abandoned vehicles or discarded furniture on county roads, contact Montezuma County Planning and Zoning: 565-2801 or the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office: 565-8452.
Get involved. Join a neighborhood cleanup event – or organize one of your own.
Even small steps – like hauling away an old appliance, removing scrap from your yard (Belt Salvage accepts scrap metal) or picking up litter along your fence line – help preserve the county’s rural character and community pride.
Keeping Montezuma County clean and welcoming is not just a government responsibility; it’s a community commitment. When we each take ownership of our spaces, we protect property values, improve safety and ensure the county remains a place we are all proud to call home.
The Montezuma County Board of Commissioners is Chairman Jim Candelaria (District 1), Vice Chairman Kent Lindsay (District 2) and Commissioner of Deeds Gerald Koppenhafer (District 3).
