CWPL is disappointed to see the BLM approve an exchange with significant public opposition and at such a loss of valuable and well-used public resources. The most current version of the Draft Binding Land Exchange Agreement was released only 4 days before the exchange decision and still contains many problems. CWPL will be submitting a protest (due March 2) and welcomes any input at
A full, unredacted version of the binding Land Exchange Agreement for the Blue Valley Ranch exchange was finally received after over a year of fighting for public release. When originally released, all 91 pages of this document were completely redacted. CWPL is now analyzing and preparing comments on this release. See the October 4, 2022 post for more information on this journey.
After months of litigation and continued deflection of our Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, the BLM has finally released a (mostly) unredacted draft of the Blue Valley Ranch Binding Land Exchange Agreement. When originally released to the public, all 91 pages of the document were entirely redacted (see above). When FOIA'd, the BLM said this document was under review of involved parties, yet the agency tried claiming that it is an internal document subject to redaction. BLM has yet to explain why they decided to release the document now, however it signals an admission of wrongful operating practices.
Here’s three ways you can celebrate our public lands for National Public Lands Day (Saturday, September 24)!
1. Visit one of Colorado’s FOUR National Parks — Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Entrance fees are all waived in celebration of National Public Lands Day!
2. Register and/or prepare to vote! There are a lot of offices up for election that have potential to impact our public lands. Do some homework and research candidates’ history and stance on public lands and other issues you care about.
3. Make your voice heard! The Mount Emmons (A.K.A. Red Lady) land exchange near Crested Butte has an open comment period accepting input until October 17. Read more about the exchange and submit comments here.
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests representatives conducted a public information meeting on September 14 about the proposed Mt. Emmons (A.K.A. Red Lady) land exchange near Crested Butte.
There is also a comment period for the exchange that is open until October 17. Read more about the exchange and submit comments here.
On June 29, 2022 representatives from the San Juan National Forest announced that a decision has been made to proceed with the proposed Valle Seco land exchange near Pagosa Springs. Read the decision here.
Colorado Wild Public Lands and San Juan Citizens Alliance are preparing response to this decision imminently.