We received and analyzed the appraisals for the private and public lands in the proposed land exchange. CWPL’s analysis determined that the appraisals for the private and the federal lands have been treated differently and inconsistently, particularly the question of access. In addition, parcels C1 and F5 are undervalued. These are a few highlights from our report.
The Forest Service proposes to modify the South San Juan Adjacent Roadless Area and Turkey Creek Roadless Area boundaries, in the San Juan National Forest, to remove 176 acres of federal land to be conveyed to non-federal parties for the proposed Valle Seco land exchange. Removing lands from the Colorado Roadless Area designation would increase fragmentation and remove protection.
There is a 90-day public notice and opportunity to comment from publication of notice. Comments are due in early February 2020, addressed to Becca Smith, San Juan National Forest, PO Box 310, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 or via email to rebecca.smith@usda.gov.
CWPL has submitted comments for the scoping phase of the proposed transfer by the BLM of approximately 17,700 acres of federal surface/federal mineral estate, and an additional 6,000 acres of federal mineral estate only, in 16 counties, to the Colorado State Land Board. The Federal government want to settle a historic debt for 9,900 acres. Comments submitted will inform the next phase of the BLM’s NEPA process. The BLM identified preliminary issues through internal scoping. Our comments addressed those issues as well as:
CWPL has submitted comments on the proposed Valle Seco Land Exchange. Comments will inform the next phase of the Forest’s NEPA analysis of the proposal. CWPL identified a range of topics including the following:
The SJNF is soliciting input to inform their environmental analysis of this proposed exchange that will document potential impacts to the physical, human, and biological environment.
A court case challenging the exchange of public lands on the lower slopes of Mount Sopris to a private landholder for the Sutey Ranch north of Carbondale is in a judge's hands.
Colorado Wild Public Lands Inc. made its final argument Aug. 20 to try to convince a federal judge to nullify the land swap by the Bureau of Land Management with Leslie and Abigail Wexner. The judge's decision could come any day.
Read the full article by Scott Condon in the November 4 issue of the Aspen Times.
The Sutey Management Plan Environmental Assessment comments are due today, Monday November 5. The BLM's preferred Alternative 1 provides the most wildlife protection and that is the alternative we are encouraging the Agency to implement.
Email your comments to blm_co_sutey_haines_rmpa@blm.gov or mail to BLM, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, Attn: Sutey/Haines Management Plan.
See CWPL's letter at: Sutey EA Response 110118