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Congressman John T. Salazar -- Defending Rural Values -- Third District of Colorado
 
For immediate release: September 11, 2009
 
 
Eric Wortman, Communications Director
Eddie Stern, Deputy Press Secretary
Contact: (202) 225-4761
 
 

Salazar Asks Ag Secretary to extend Chris Park land exchange comment period

 
 

 

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John Salazar sent the following letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday asking the Secretary to extend the comment period for the Chris Park land exchange.
 
Secretary Tom Vilsack
1400 Independence Ave
Washington D.C. 20250
 
Dear Secretary Vilsack:
 
I want to bring to your attention a controversial land trade on the San Juan National Forest that many of my constituents are concerned about. I have two main concerns at this time.
 
First, then Senator Salazar and I have previously expressed concern that the boundaries of the proposed exchange be located in such a way that the public's enjoyment of the popular Chris Park group campground and event site not be impaired. Unfortunately the draft EIS contemplates a preferred alternative that would very much impair the public's enjoyment of a site that is very popular for weddings, birthdays and other large community gatherings. If this goes forward, the public will no longer be able to enjoy the site as they now do by looking out at a panorama of forest. Instead they would look out at a golf course and rows of buildings severely diminishing the community value of this site.
 
Second, I am concerned with the creation of a new access road that would bisect the remaining public land in this proposal. Despite opposition the Forest Service included it in their preferred alternative. This concerns me in that in that it appears the Forest Service is not being very responsive to the public on this matter.
 
I am deeply concerned that on this matter the Forest Service is not being responsive to the public's concerns as expressed by both the general public as well as local and federal representatives. I ask that you look into this matter and see that the public's concerns and input are respected as this proposal moves forward. I will be closely following this proposed land exchange. In order for the public to have more time to understand this proposal and weigh in on it I also ask that you extend the comment period for another 45 days. Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to hearing from you on it.
 
Sincerely,
The Honorable John T. Salazar
Member of Congress
 
 

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