Special Envoy and Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar Releases Statement on Path Forward for the Historic Costilla County Property, Proposal to Create A Unique[...]

DENVER - Special Envoy and Former Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar released the following statement on the path forward to resolve the decades-long dispute regarding the historic Costilla County property announced yesterday following a month of on-the-ground meetings and conversations.

"Yesterday Governor Jared Polis released the Report on La Sierra/Cielo Vista Ranch. I applaud the Governor and his team for undertaking this historic endeavor. As set forth in my letter as part of that report, I am optimistic that the local community, the landowner and the State can create a framework that turns the seemingly endless dispute into a historic and good result for the heirs and residents of the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant, the landowner, and the people of the State of Colorado. I am hopeful the positive engagement of all stakeholders under the Governor's leadership will succeed with a defined agreement in the next 45 days. I look forward to continuing to work with all the stakeholders to get this done," said Special Envoy Ken Salazar.

The key components of a promising path forward to improve the status quo for the community are:

1. The State, through gift or purchase, acquiring 10,000 acres or some additional lands from the landowner for public use;
2. The continued recognition of the historic use rights of the heirs of the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant across the remaining 67,000 acres;
3. Creation of a Community Engagement Plan and effort between the landowner and local community for recreational access to lands beyond the 10,000 acres that includes areas outside the landowner's proposed conveyance of 10,000 acres.
4. The creation of a San Luis Heritage Fund financed by the landowner, governmental and non-governmental authorities that will provide opportunities for youth, educators and visitors to preserve the history of the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant and the people.

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