San Juan Citizens Alliance org
1986: Land Exchange #1
Leavell Properties requested 420 acres of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) land on the east flank of Wolf Creek Pass in exchange for 1,631 acres of degraded rangeland they owned in Saguache County. Their aim was to develop 200 residential units adjacent to the Wolf Creek Ski Area. Colorado’s then Congressman Hank Brown interfered with this process. The USFS denied the exchange due to concerns surrounding “a decrease in public values;” but two weeks later, the USFS withdrew the denial decision and, without providing a valid reason, approved the transfer of 300 acres to Leavell.
1986 - Forest Service Environmental Assessment anticipated 200 residential units
* Deemed “Not in the Public Interest”, denied Feb. 20, 1986
* Opposite decision issued March 6, 1986
- Scenic Easement attached to the property as condition of exchange
