In a positive turn of events, Colorado’s bighorn sheep won’t have to worry about sharing their home with workforce housing. As GOHUNT previously reported, a Vail ski resort initially had approval from the town council to build 73 housing units along Interstate 70, which is also a prime bighorn sheep habitat. Yet, after consideration – and a few changes in the makeup of the town council – the project was stalled after the town decided to condemn the property in East Vail that was targeted for the 165-bed project, according to the Associated Press.

While Vail Resorts initially appealed the condemnation of the property, last week, the resort dismissed its appeal and agreed to build in another part of the town.

This resolves the issue of providing close and affordable housing for resort workers, as only 20% of Vail’s 8,500 workers live in town because of the expense. It also resolves the tension between providing critical habitat for declining bighorn sheep herds, especially the Vail herd, which has dropped by about 40% over the past 12 years.

Under the new agreement, the town will condemn the Vail Resorts property near Booth Heights with new construction, instead occurring on the west side of the town, according to the Associated Press.

“We are in an era of renewed collaboration between the town and Vail Resorts,” said Mayor Travis Coggin.