HomeMy WebLinkAboutR1977-16 USFS Purchase of Meadow Mountaini
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RESOLUTION
OF THE
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
EAGLE COUNTY
STATE OF COLORADO
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PROPOSED PURCHASE OF MEADOW _MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES
BY THE UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE FROM VAIL
ASSOCIATES, INC.
WHEREAS, the citizens of the Upper Eagle River Valley
of Eagle County, Colorado, have expressed the desire to preserve
the Meadow Mountain properties for open space and recreational
purposes; and,
WHEREAS, the Colorado Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan of 1976 describes the following specific recreation needs
in the Meadow Mountain area:
1. Highway accessible trailheads,
2. Cross country skiing,
3. Horseback riding,
4. Hiking and backpacking,
5. Fishing,
6. Hunting; and,
WHEREAS, the Eagle County Master Plan states that manage-
ment of public lands should be directed toward maintaining a
balance between wildlife habitat, natural amenities and recreational
uses, with particular attention being given to preserving scenic
and recreation amenities adjacent to transportation corridors,
resort centers, and development centers; and,
WHEREAS, the Minturn Comprehensive Plan recognizes that
recreational opportunities for local residents are limited and
establishes objectives to provide open space and outdoor recrea-
tion; and,
WHEREAS, the United States Forest Service has indicated
an interest in purchasing these lands for recreation, aesthetic
and wildlife habitat usage; and,
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WIIEREAS, Vail Associates, Inc. has expressed an interest
in selling these lands to the United States Forest Service for
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recreation, aesthetic and wildlife habitat usage; and,
WHEREAS, the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, United States
Department of the Interior, has endorsed and authorized the fund-
ing for the acquisition with land and water recreation funds, sub-
ject to establishment of a fair market value; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Eagle
County, Colorado, believe that the purchase of these lands by the
United States Forest Service will meet the above objectives as
well as provide the additional public benefits:
1. Remove a large and sensitive block of land from
the potential development in an area already
faced with growth management problems,
2. Guarantee public access to presently land locked
public lands through Game Creek, Whiskey Creek,
Grouse Creek, Two Elk Creek and Cross Creek
drainages,
3. Provide easily accessible and usable public land
for both summer and winter recreational activities
including cross country skiing, snowmobiling,
ski bobbing, tubing, tobogganing, hunting, fishing,
camping, picnicing, hiking, backpacking and horse-
back riding,
4. Preserve visible agricultural and pastoral atmos-
phere through the United States Forest Service
multiple use management practices in an area sub-
jected to intensive resort development,
5. Provide relief for highly impacted Gore Creek
Valley natural recreation resources as the I -70
Highway completion brings more traffic and people
to our area.
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