Trail agreement resolves one land swap issue

Dear Editor:

The Bear Ranch is pleased to announce that an area of concern in the previous land exchange proposal has been successfully modified. While holding multiple public meetings, providing several tours and "question and answer" presentations with numerous organizations, individuals and neighbors over the past several months, the addition of a new non-motorized trail running parallel to the existing Ragged Mountain Trail continued to draw comments of concern.

In our continued effort to be good neighbors and stewards of the land the Bear Ranch acknowledged and agreed with these concerns. We immediately started working with the Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners (GCBOCC) to address the public's concern. After a very productive analysis of the issue we are happy to announce that we have successfully reached an agreement with the GCBOC to withdraw their support of the new non-motorized Ragged Mountain Trail. This is an exciting announcement for the Bear Ranch and a great example of how groups can come together to resolve an issue of concern and provide a solution that all parties can be proud of.

We thank those involved for their patience and thoughtful approach as the land exchange proposal has developed. As the Bear Ranch continues to pursue the land exchange we recognize that protecting range lands, wildlife, fisheries, and the Ragged Mountain area ecosystem is in our collective best interests. The land exchange is an excellent opportunity for the public and I hope we can all agree that thanks in part to its openly transparent process, thoughtful partners and the GCBOCC, it is now even better.

Rob Gill

Bear Ranch

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