(Washington, D.C.) – The U.S. House of Representatives today gave final approval to a bill sponsored by Reps. Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) and John Salazar (D-Manassa) in which Pitkin County would exchange land with the federal government to protect scenic lands in the White River National Forest and expand recreational, fish and wildlife and open space opportunities.
“This bill is of great interest to the residents of Pitkin County and the millions of visitors to the White River National Forest. It will protect the upper end of Castle Creek Valley, one of the most scenic and popular wilderness areas in the country and it will help the Forest Service consolidate and manage its lands more effectively. It’s a win-win situation for all parties involved,” said Udall.
Said Salazar: “I am pleased that Congress has moved forward with this land exchange, resolving the issues associated with the Ryan land exchange for five years. This agreement is a perfect example of communities and government working together to protect our most valued resources. Now is the time to protect our environment while increasing the public’s access to fishing, wildlife, and open space.”
Under the bill, H.R. 1129, the county will transfer two parcels to the Forest Service – a 35-acre tract near the ghost town of Ashcroft; and about 18.2 acres of patented mining claims on Smuggler Mountain near Aspen. These acquisitions will complete the Ashcroft Preservation Project, which was initiated by the Forest Service in 1980 to consolidate its National Forest land ownership in and around the historic ghost town of Ashcroft. They also will help the Forest Service better manage its lands on Smuggler Mountain, a heavily used recreational area directly above the city of Aspen.
In return, the Federal government will transfer to the county a 5.5 acre tract south of Aspen which the county will transfer to private ownership after reserving a permanent public easement for a trail, nearly 6 acres on Smuggler Mountain that are near lands now owned by the county, and a 40-acre tract of BLM land along the Crystal River, which will be subject to a permanent conservation easement limiting future use to recreation, fish and wildlife habitat and open space.
The bill requires standard appraisals of all properties involved. It now goes to the president for his signature.