Forest Service delays final decision on controversial Wolf Creek land trade and development scheme

“Land swaps” seem to be a trend lately. Deep Green Resistance and others have noted, for example, the Swap that cedes land sacred to the San Carlos Apache tribe to mining interests.

Another land swap is in play, this time closer to home. The following story is reprinted from the Summit County Citizens Voice. And again, the proposed swap is being resisted.

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Bob Berwyn

A proposed resort development near Wolf Creek Pass and the nearby ski area would irrevocably change the character of the area for the worse.

Conservation advocates vow all-out battle to halt unwanted backcountry development

By Bob Berwyn
FRISCO — The U.S. Forest Service will take an extra 30 days to scrutinize a controversial land trade that would open the door for construction of a full-scale resort village near Wolf Creek Pass in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado.

In November, Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas approved the swap, triggering a 45-day objection period. Now, Deputy Regional Forester Maribeth Gustafson is extending the objection resolution period for 30 days. Read a detailed story on the proposed trade here.

“Due to the high volume and complexity of the objections, I have made the decision to extend the resolution period an additional 30 days,” said Gustafson. “This additional time period will allow for a thorough analysis of the objections enabling me to provide solid guidance to the Rio Grande National Forest Supervisor Dan Dallas regarding the project’s final environmental impact statement and draft decision.”

The Rocky Mountain Regional Office received 20 objections to the FEIS and Draft ROD. Upon completion of the objection resolution period, Gustafson will respond to each objector and may provide a letter of direction to the forest.

The trade would convey 205 acres of public national forest land to private ownership, with 177 acres of private land going to the Forest Service. The deal would reshape a parcel of private land adjacent to Wolf Creek Ski Area that’s been eyed for development since the mid-1980s.