Land exchange proposed between BLM and Mesa Mood Ranch

GRAND JUNCTION, CO – The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office is considering a proposal to exchange 773 acres of BLM land for 331 acres of private land owned by the Mesa Mood Ranch in the Bangs Canyon area.

Of the BLM lands identified for exchange, a 693-acre parcel has no public access and two 40-acre parcels adjacent to the Mesa Mood Ranch have little public use.

Under the proposed exchange, the BLM would acquire two parcels along the Gunnison River totaling 130 acres, a 40-acre parcel within the Rough Canyon Area of Critical Environmental Concern, and a 160-acre inholding that includes one-half mile of the popular Tabeguache Trail.

The BLM can use land exchanges to consolidate public land holdings resulting in better access to public lands and more efficient management by the BLM.

Questions or comments on the proposed land exchange should be addressed to Robin Lacy, BLM Realty Specialist, at 2815 H Rd., Grand Junction, CO  81506, or call 970-244-3028. All comments must be in writing and received or postmarked by Nov. 20, 2003 to be considered in this proposal.

-BLM-