The US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is advancing with a land exchange agreement with Blue Valley Ranch. The deal involves swapping 1,489 acres in Grand County for an equivalent area comprising nine parcels of federal land. This move aims to enhance public access for outdoor recreational activities in Grand and Summit Counties.
The approval for this land exchange was granted in January 2023. According to the news release issued on January 17, 2023, the agreement will broaden access along a mile of the Blue River near its confluence with the Colorado River. Additionally, it will offer an extra 1.66 miles of hike-in access to the Blue River, currently reachable only by floating. Blue Valley Ranch has committed to funding improvements on both public and private lands. These enhancements include fishery habitat upgrades and construction of recreational facilities such as new boat ramps, wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms, parking areas, trails, and restrooms.
"I spent many days over the past 20 years enjoying the Blue River in my kayak and with my fly rod. I am excited that access to this magnificent stretch of river will be improved for people of all abilities who wish to visit the area to enjoy the scenery, boat, fish, hike or hunt," said BLM Colorado State Director Doug Vilsack according to a news release dated May 3. "We coordinated closely with local governments, other agencies, and the public to ensure that this land exchange provides benefits for all."
According to the same May 3 news release, this exchange will result in a net gain of 341 acres of public lands for BLM. The parcels involved in this transfer are small and isolated with minimal public access. The agreement also extends an additional 1.66 miles of hike-in access to hikers keen on exploring the Blue River which is presently accessible only by floating.
"Access to and preservation of our outdoor spaces remains a high priority for Summit County, which is why we continue to be a strong supporter of this exchange," said Tamara Pogue, Chair of the Summit County Board of Commissioners. "We are anxious to see it get underway so that our citizens and recreationalists may enjoy the many benefits, including river restoration, public open space, and more walk-in access to the Blue River."
