[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 120 (Sunday, August 21, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
  LEGISLATION TO ADD VALUABLE LAND TO INTERIOR DEPARTMENT INVENTORIES

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                          HON. DAVID E. SKAGGS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, August 21, 1994

  Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to introduce today a bill which 
will add several valuable parcels of land to the National Park System 
and to other Interior Department inventories for the enjoyment of 
Coloradans and other Americans, and will do so at no cost to the 
taxpayers.
  My bill will provide for the acquisition of these lands through a 
carefully crafted exchange process that will have no impact on the 
Federal budget. Specifically, in a fair market exchange for 
approximately 300 acres of fragmented Bureau of Land Management lands 
near Black Hawk, CO, the United States will acquire, and the public 
will be able to enjoy access to, approximately 4,500 acres of land 
which will be added to Rocky Mountain National Park and to other 
Department of the Interior holdings in Colorado, while dedicating any 
funds left over to purchase land and water rights for the Blanca 
Wetlands Management Area near Alamosa, CO.
  A notable aspect of this legislation is that it is supported by local 
governments, environmental groups, and land developers in Colorado.
  The bill will enable Rocky Mountain National Park to obtain a 40-acre 
parcel known as the Circle C Ranch, which is adjacent to its borders. 
This jewel has been sought by the park for many years. Acquisition by 
the park will prevent its development and thereby allow it to be 
enjoyed by park visitors for many years to come. In addition, 517 acres 
within the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area will be acquired. This 
land has approximately 3 miles of Arkansas River frontage and will 
afford fishermen access to a beautiful stretch of the river.

  The bill will also result in the acquisition of approximately 4,000 
acres of land currently owned by Quinlan Ranches, Inc. This land is 
located in the headwaters of La Jara Canyon and Fox Creek, 
approximately 10 miles from Antonio, CO. It has excellent elk winter 
range and other important wildlife habitat. Finally, this bill creates 
a fund from cash equalization moneys that may be paid to the United 
States as a result of the exchange, with the fund to be used to 
purchase land or water rights from willing sellers to augment fish and 
wildlife habitat in the BLM's Blanca Wetlands Management Area. The BLM 
has wanted funds for these purposes for many years.
  In exchange for these almost 4,500 acres of land, 130 parcels of 
highly fragmented BLM land totaling about 300 acres will be made 
available for private acquisition. Of these 130 parcels, 88 are less 
than one acre in size. BLM, through its established land management 
process, has already identified these lands as appropriate for transfer 
to private ownership.
  The most likely use of this land will be the construction of homes 
and small businesses near the city of Black Hawk. The city government 
and the Gilpin County government approve strongly of efforts to clean 
up the management mess caused by these fragmented parcels through their 
acquisition and development. My bill will help these local governments 
meet their goal.
  In summary, Mr. Speaker, I believe this bill is an example of win-win 
legislation. Coloradans will be able to enjoy thousands of additional 
acres of public land for an array of outdoor activities, land 
development will be enhanced, and fish and wildlife will be further 
protected. This legislation deserves the support of all Members of 
Congress.

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