On a warm sunny July day I had a Park Ranger introduce herself to me as she informed me that the Highlands Ranch Metro District (HRMD) was concerned about the health of a tree located west of my residence. I listened intently and indicated that some tree trimming had taken place in order to preserve the pristine views of the Rocky Mountains our neighborhood has enjoyed over the years. Ms. "Park Ranger" told me she would return to HRMD headquarters and share this information with management. That same July day I emailed information from the Highlands Ranch covenants pertaining to sustaining "view rights" to the Park Ranger, and I proposed that a dialogue begin between the HRMD and my neighborhood on this subject.

The silence was deafening until, late September, when I had the Park Ranger reappear at my home with a summons which accused me of "unlawful conduct" and required that I appear in court in late October to defend myself. Hmmmm.....seemed, to me, as though there could have been a more cordial approach (and forum) through which to conduct this dialogue than through the Douglas County courts.

With summons in hand, I called HRMD management and again suggested that it would be more neighborly if the people enjoying these views came to visit the HRMD to explain our situation and to better understand their(HRMD) concerns. The response was rather abrupt..... "you can possibly work out a deal with the District Attorney."

So now, with a few weeks before a day in court, the "accused" and his neighbors are coming together to determine whether there could be a more cost effective and "neighborly" compromise between the HRMD management and a few HR residents who simply want to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado. Only time will tell. Stay tuned.

Jack Troutman

(law abiding Highlands Ranch resident and natural view enthusiast)