SILT, COLORADO. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is taking significant steps to address a century-old land issue in Eagle County, Colorado. In a proposal set forth by the BLM, a 7.55-acre parcel of land is to be sold to Sweetwater Rydev LLC, the operator of Anderson Summer Camp. This move aims to resolve an inadvertent trespass dating back over 100 years and support the camp’s mission to serve non-profit organizations and at-risk youth.
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Resolving Historical Trespass
The land, appraised at fair-market value by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Valuation Services, has been a part of a long-standing inadvertent trespass issue. The current owners of Anderson Summer Camp, who purchased the property and its infrastructure in 1979, discovered during a 2014 land survey that several camp buildings were situated on public land. They promptly contacted the BLM to address this issue. Notably, the oldest buildings on the public land date back to 1914.
A Direct Sale for Future Generations
Larry Sandoval, the Field Manager of the Colorado River Valley Field Office, highlighted the benefits of the proposed sale. “This direct sale will benefit future generations,” Sandoval stated. “The sale of this small parcel will allow Anderson Summer Camp to continue serving non-profit organizations and at-risk youth. It will also clear up a long-standing, unintentional trespass and provide a fair market return to the Federal Treasury.”
Public Comment Period
The publication of a Notice of Realty Action in the Federal Register marks the beginning of a 45-day public comment period on the proposed sale. Details about the parcel, including a descriptive map, are available online at the BLM’s ePlanning website. The BLM is accepting written comments, which can be sent to Larry W. Sandoval Jr., Field Manager, at the Colorado River Valley Field Office, or via email.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Community Impact
The proposed sale is not just a resolution to a historical land issue but also a testament to BLM’s commitment to supporting community-oriented projects. Anderson Summer Camp’s role in serving non-profit organizations and aiding at-risk youth emphasizes the positive impact of such resolutions on local communities.
The BLM’s decision to sell this parcel for its appraised fair-market value, with the purchasers reimbursing BLM for its staff time, illustrates a balanced approach to public land management, addressing historical discrepancies while supporting valuable community services.
For more information on the proposed sale and to participate in the public comment period, visit the BLM’s ePlanning website or contact the Colorado River Valley Field Office.
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