Rico

Rico is mountain town surrounded by the San Juan National Forest that boasts of a mining history still part of recent memory, and is facing economic and population growth challenges. Practically a ghost town a decade ago, Rico's small population of about 100 year-round residents and businesses struggles with basic community development issues, including water, sewage, and medical care, in the face of potentially significant growth pressures. There is support for developing for tourism along with building basic amenities into the town's future, but there is a distinction between developing for tourism and developing the town itself. A strong sentiment exists towards making Rico a residential community, rather than allowing it to become a tourist destination. With Telluride 25 miles away, the overflow from workers seeking housing and local residents seeking work in Rico is common. The San Juan National Forest is an obvious and potential influence for the development of Rico as a residential and destination attraction.