Emerald Mountain, the popular biking and hiking area on the south and west side of Steamboat Springs adjacent to Howelsen Hill, is cherished for its undeveloped and unspoiled aspen and spruce covered terrain. Through the efforts of local, state and federal agencies a plan is now in place to ensure that the mountain stays that way.
According to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Little Snake Field Office in Craig, there is a proposal in the works that would result in a three-way exchange of land between the BLM, the Colorado State Land Board (SLB), and a group of private land owners. Approximately 4,400 acres of land just west of Steamboat Springs (Emerald Mountain) that is managed by the SLB, will become public property managed by the BLM. This will be in exchange for approximately 15,500 acres of scattered, difficult-to- manage, BLM land located primarily in Routt County, Colorado. In exchange for the 15,500 acres, the private landowners will pay approximately $12 million to the SLB, allowing them to generate an economic benefit from their landholdings as required by law. This avoids the popular recreation area near town from being bought by a large developer and closed off to the public.
It is anticipated the Exchange will be complete in the fall of 2006. This area offers abundant recreational possibilities and is a beautiful natural backdrop to Steamboat, the preservation of this land as open space will only enhance the future of this city’s unique environment. |
