KREMMLING, Colo. - Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Blue Valley Land Exchange, which proposes an exchange of nine parcels of federal land totaling 1,489 acres in Grand County for nine parcels of non-federal, private land totaling 1,830 in Grand and Summit counties.
“We appreciate the input of the local community, local government, state government, and the public in this process," said BLM Colorado State Director Jamie Connell. “This land exchange would help consolidate public land in the area while still ensuring recreational access on the Blue River. This is good news for the public who enjoy their public land in this area."
“This exchange would improve and increases public access for people of all abilities who wish to boat-in, hike-in, or drive to the Blue River and increases public hunting access along Trough Road," said Kremmling Field Manager Bill Mills. “We’ve coordinated closely with local governments, other agencies, the public, and negotiated with the proponent to ensure that the land exchange benefits public interest."
The exchange expands access along a mile of the Blue River near the confluence with the Colorado River, plus an additional 1.66 miles of hike-in access to river frontage that is currently inaccessible except by floating. Three hundred acres of the exchange that are within the boundaries of the White River National Forest would be transferred to the U.S. Forest Service. The exchange consolidates public land and transfers small, isolated public land parcels that have little to no public access.
Blue Valley Ranch has committed to fund a number of improvements on public and private lands, including fishery habitat improvements, and developed recreation facilities on the Blue River near the confluence with the Colorado River. Facilities consist of new boat ramps for rafts and kayaks, wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms, trails, restrooms, and parking areas.
More information about the proposed land exchange, including maps, is available online at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/81162/510.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
