Welborn attorney helps close deal to improve public land use in Summit County

The Bureau of Land Management and Blue Valley Ranch recently closed on the Blue Valley Land Exchange, which safeguards Green Mountain and San Toy Mountain from future development, opens more than 1,000 acres of upland terrain for outdoor enthusiasts, and establishes two new recreation areas along the Blue River, adding miles of contiguous fishing access for the public. Under the exchange, 1,830 acres of private land owned by Blue Valley Ranch are being swapped for 1,489 acres of public land. Exchanging land ownership combined public ownership of the river and made possible the creation of the new recreation areas and river floating features.

Welborn’s Jim Sanderson represented Blue Valley Ranch’s owner, Galloway, Inc., in advancing the project for over 15 years through BLM’s review and approval process and also worked with community partners to identify recreational design features to be undertaken that will enhance the public benefits of the project.

Additionally, Jim and Welborn’s Danielle DiMauro represent the client in defending BLM’s approval decision from attacks by opponents filed with the Interior Board of Land Appeals.

Congratulations to Jim on a successful closure!

Read more at https://www.blm.gov/announcement/blm-blue-valley-ranch-land-exchange-colorado-completed and https://www.summitdaily.com/news/blue-valley-ranch-colorado-paul-tudor-jones-land-exchange/.

Blue Valley Ranch land exchange

A pair of maps show land ownership prior to the Blue Valley Ranch land exchange compared to land ownership after the exchange.
Bureau of Land Management/Summit Daily/Courtesy illustration