For Immediate Release July 6, 2004
Contact: Steven Hall BLM 970-244-3052
Jamie Connell  BLM 970-947-2802
John Beck  BLM 303-239-3882
Vaughn Whatley BLM 303-239-3766

Land deal will preserve crucial open space

In a multiparty land agreement consummated today, the Bair Ranch, a crucial open space that integrates majestic vistas, vital wildlife habitat and unique recreational opportunities at Glenwood Canyon's east entrance will be maintained and preserved for future generations.

The Golden Bair Ranch Acquisition Project places land along the Colorado River into federal ownership, granting public access to a fishing and boating area that is currently off-limits. Moreover, it saves some of the last undisturbed wildlife migration corridors along Interstate 70. Eagle and Garfield counties and their partners, including Great Outdoors Colorado, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the Conservation Fund, Eagle Valley Land Trust and private donors signed papers finalizing the title transfer at the cost of $5.1 million.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve one of the state's most visible and scenic ranches," said Interior Secretary Gale Norton. "Culminating years of complex negotiations, the agreement safeguards spectacular vistas, open space, and wildlife habitat while preserving a ranching heritage that once defined the West."

This Bair Ranch, a historic sheep ranch visible from Interstate 70, has been the subject of more than three years of negotiations and debates about how to secure the funding and partnerships needed to complete this transaction. It consists of two distinct tracts of non-contiguous property near Glenwood Canyon that are referred to as the Mountain Parcel and the River Parcel. The parcels are completely surrounded by BLM and National Forest Land. Acquisition of the property secures one of the few undisturbed wildlife movement corridors for mule deer, elk, black bear, and mountain lion south of Interstate 70. The 4,313-acre Mountain Parcel will remain a working ranch, protected through conservation easements. The 512-acre River Parcel, adjacent to the Colorado River near Dotsero, was acquired outright to expand public recreation along the river.

Conservation easements are finding increasing popularity among ranchers throughout the West who want to preserve their way of life. This new approach has united environmentalists, farmers and ranchers in an alliance of interest. "The conservation world and the ranching world are realizing that they have the same goals in mind," said Norton. "They are all true stewards of the land."

Acquisition of both parcels was facilitated by The Conservation Fund (TCF). BLM’s contribution toward the purchase was $1.5 million -- appropriated through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) project. The remaining funds for the purchase came from a $1 million grant from the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund -- which is derived from the Colorado Lottery, a $2 million contribution from Eagle County through their open space tax, numerous donations amounting to nearly $660,000 through the Eagle Valley Land Trust, and a $25,000 contribution from Garfield County.

The Bair Ranch has been coveted by developers and conservationists alike for its panoramic views, rugged terrain, and proximity to the Colorado and Eagle Rivers. "We were pleased to partner with The Conservation Fund, GOCO, Garfield and Eagle counties and the Eagle Valley Land Trust to preserve this historic working sheep ranch and secure the land for open space that can be enjoyed by Colorado visitors and residents alike," Norton remarked. "All the parties have done a fantastic job to sustain one of the state's most important jewels."

The Golden Bair Ranch Acquisition Project illustrates Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton’s "Four Cs" philosophy. BLM cooperated with many organizations and agencies to complete the transaction. This meant regular consultation with the local community and special interest groups on the best way to achieve the goals and objectives of all concerned. Effective communications was critical among the partners and with the public, considering the numerous delays and intense negotiations demanded by the project. Following the Secretary’s philosophy ensured that the BLM and its partners achieved conservation of this crucial open space along the Colorado River.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages 8.3 million acres of public lands in Colorado. These lands are managed for a multitude of uses including, but not limited to, recreation, mining, wildlife habitat and livestock grazing. Along with these 8.3 million acres, BLM oversees 27.3 million subsurface acres for mineral development in the state.

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