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HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.res.060.2003 (FOR ASSESSORS AND COUNTY COMMISSIONERS USE ONLY) RESOLUTION OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Resolution No. ~ - ;2 Section I: In accordance with 39-1-113(1 5), C.R.S., the corem ssioners of Pitkin County authorize the assessor to review petitions for abatement or refund and to settle by written mutual agreement any such petition for abatement or refund in an amount of one thousand dollars or less per tract, parcel, or lot of land or per schedule of personal property. The assessor and petitioner mutually agree to an assessed value and tax abatement/refund of: Tax Year Tax Year Value Tax Value · Tax Original Corrected Abate/Refund PLEASE NOTE: THE TOTAL TAX AMOUNT DOES NOT INCLUDE ACCRUED INTEREST, PENALTIES, AND FEES ASSOCIATED WiTH LATE AND/OR DELINQUENT TAX PAYMENTS, IF APPLICABLE. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR COUNTY TREASURER FOR FULL PAYMENT INFORMATION. Petitioner's Signature Date Assessor's or Deputy Assessor's Signature Date Ill Section I is not complete and/or if petition is for more than $1,000, Section II must be completed. Submit an original petition and a copy to the Division of Property Taxation. Section Ih Assessor's recommendation: E] Approved or E~ Approved in part $ No protest filed in or . (if a protest was filed, please attach a copy of NOD.) Assess~'r's or D~uty'~sessor's Signature Secti._.___on II1'. WHEREAS, The C~nty Commissioners of Pitkin County, State of Colorado, at a duly and lawfully called regular meeting held on C'~/-( / ~ / ~'~)~, at which meeting there were present the following .~-no day yr / with notice of such meeting and an opp~!esent having been given to the taxpayer and the Assessor of said County and Assessor Tom Isaac f~eing presen~l'not present) and petitioner J~ ~ ¢ f...J4¢/$ ~pre_se~-It/~ot present), and WHEREAS, The said Name County Commissioners have carefully considered the within petition, and are fully advised in relation thereto, NOW BE IT RESOLVED, Tb.~_t the Board (agree~witht~m_mendation of the assessor and the petition be ~pprove~enlsd) and an abatement/refund be ((~pprove_cltdenied) for property tax year(s) -~.t~O\ and ?.bO ~ . The taxes to be abated/refunded for property tax year ~.~,Ot are $ which represents an assessed value of $ ~'%. Obt%_ and the taxes to be abated/refunded for property tax year '~.OO~, are $ I iz,¢[5, [,% which~ l~,assessed value of $ ~ , OOO . / ~ ~5~ airpe.on of the Board of Court, Commissions-- Signatu. I, ~~ ~.~ S , Co~~ ~-officio Clerk of the Board of Coun~ Commissioners in and for the aforementioned count, do nereb~ ~he above and foregoing order is truly copied from the record of the proceedings of the Board of Coun~ ~' ssioners. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I~ave hereunto se py hand and affixed~he ~aid County ~ at /~;~ ,this ¢~ dayof~,~ ~ / Time Date Month Year / // / I Denver, Colorado, Month Day Year The action of the Board of Coun~ Commissioners, relative to the within petition, is hereby ~ Approved; 8 Approved in pa~ $ ; D Denied for the following reason(s): Secretary's Signature Property Tax Administrator's Signature .G:~USR~ ~ABATE\FORMREV2 PETITION FOR ABATEMENT OR REFUND OF TAXES Please submit in duplicate copies and answer all questions. Pitkin County Date ReCeived Use Assessor's or Commissioners' Date Stamp PETITIONER: Complete Section I on this side only .Section I: Date: * January i5, 2003 Month Day Year Petitioner's Name: D. Stone Davis Petitioner's Mailing Address: PO Box 8904 Aspen, CO 81612 City or Town State Zip Code SCHEDULE OR PARCEL NUMBER(S) PROPERTY ADDRESS OR LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY R017~1 19-11-84 Tract~ 39 7.32ac. Fatent Rec. 4/Ir5770 Petitioner states that the taxes assessed against the above property for property tax year(s). 2001 2002 are incorrect for the following reasons: (Briefly describe the circumstances surrounding the incorrect valise or tax. Attach additional sheets if necessary. ~'he petitioner s est'mate of actua value must be includeLl.) SEE ATTACHED Peflti°ner'sestimateofactualvalue$.725,000.O0 (.. 2001 )and $ 725,000.00 (. 2002) Value Year Value Year Petitioner requests an abatement or refund of the appropriate taxes associated with a reduction in value. ~ declare, under penalty of perjury in the second degree, that this petition, together with any accompanying exhibits or statements, has'been'examined by me, and to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, is true, correct and complete;'. .,, "¢'. ~"~'~ /~//'~~~'/ Daytime Phone Number [970) 948 0611 Petitioner's ~lgnature By Agent's Signature* Daytime Phone Number [ *Letter of agency must be attached when petition is submitted. Every petition for abatement or refund filed pursuant to section 39-10-114, C.R.S., shall be acted upon pursuant to the provisions of this section by the board of county commissioners or the assessor, as appropriate, within six months of the date of filing such petition. 39-1-113(1.7), C.R.S. .S. ection I1: Assessor's Use Only Tax Year Zh~ ) Tax Year ~7:,, Assessed Value Tax Assessed Value Tax Original ~t,rff.. %.~- ~ ~ -i'~ ~,. ~ , _, , , ,,.... Corrected ~_..'~Jt?;,h,~C~ ~...q~,$~(~.~0 ~ 5~t~bOb Abate/Refund ¢~,000 t, ~5~.~ ~ ~1 0~ IN TIdE UN~ STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLORADO Civil Ac.~iou No. 96-WM-1607 D. S~ DAVIS, Pl~iutiff, Vs AMOS BOURQUIN, MARY, F_. ROGERS; THOMAS P. CRAIG; H~.~'~{ BOURQUIN; ANNE BOURQUIN; ROBERT STEVENS;'ASPEN-WES~ M1NI~G, LTl)., a Color~,, coqxwalim; IVlCCUI-LOCH CONSOLIDATED MINING COMPAI~C¥ aColCr~do~coqmoration; TH~ OKI~N, am ~ Tmasu~r of PiOJn County, Colorado; UNITED STATES OF A~CA, SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE. Ul~i'i'P_a) STATES FOREST SERVICE4 and ,au'~lY AND ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS who claim auy ~ in tl~ subj~:t mauer of ~i.~ ~ SE'I'~ -~ AGi~Pb'MENT ' ItisklkraU-,~!kltmestofilipl~tos~rdefi~Uni~$~Ils{rictCourllili~ Tl~,D. Stone Davis (,Davis'r~ ', tl~ Bo~u~i of Cotmty Commissione~ of Pitkln County, Coio~ C~tkin Col{lily"), [lie Urlitp. li Slmtc'~l of Aaprica, ac~ing ~ the Uniu~d S~a~-s Depmmment of Agriculture-Forest Service ("Uuited States"). by and through themselves or theh' i~mm:senmive yes and their cotmseA of L,~_ord (herinafter collectively "{il~ Parties"), herSuy ~puta~ and agree as follows: 1. Upon execution by all p~sons whor~ si/~mamre blocks appear at thc end of this Seuiemeni Agreement, tiffs Setflemeilt Agreement shall be treated as final, conclusive and binding upon the Parties for all ~s identif'_~l herein. The;~repms~ts thnt ail d~fendnnts have disclaimed any int~a~t in ~e subject mat~er of this 2. This Settlement Agr~emen~ is intended Io resolve c~,~at disp,_,__,~_ involving Davi~, Pitkin County, and the United Sta~es govzrnmenl ¢oncemuing title to certain lands, namely, tile Picayune, the Daisy, and the Case Lode mininR claims, "Agreement to lnifiale, ! 1 ~hed hereto as Exhibit A; and to effect the land exchange described in the attached ~'Agreement to Initiate." 3. The Parties intend to engage in a land exchange which is identified in the a~r~,-.hed "Agreement to Initiate." In uclc)ition to this land exchange, Davis will convey ' his intea~:~ in the Daisy Lode, M.S. ~0, Section 6 Towmhip 1 I$ Range 84W, to Pitkin County by special warranty deed. 4. The Parties acknowledge that the only unresolved issue is the equalization of valL~ concerning the u0on land exchange, which is: The United States' transfer to Davis ofth~ fedm'ai 5 acre ~'aet known as the Castle Creek Parcel (which is described in Exhibit B of the "Agreement to Lrtitiat~") for Davis' tram-let to the United States or Pitidn County of the three (3) agreed upon parceis, the Daisy Lode, U.S.M.S. # 4~50, the Case Lode, U.S.M.S. # 3811 and Uae Picayune Lode, U.S./VLS. ~t5743 (which are described in Exhibit A of the "Agreement ~o Initiate" as Tr$~t t)~ 4.1. Davis understands that, by federal law, tim United Smt~s mn~ follow certain rules in its land exchanges, including the principle that the United Sta~$ must r_~ofive equal value for any lands which it 4.2. Purther, Davis acknowledges that the United States' will not trnn~fer vnlue, whether in cash or ~t. ionai lands (other than the Castle Creek parcel which is ,~cribed in Exhibit B of the "Agreement to Initiate"), to him as part of this exchange, regardless of the ultimate outcome of any appraisals for Tract 1, · 'e three (3) specified patented mining claims, the Daisy Lode, U.S.M.S. ff4050, theCase Lode, U.S.M.S. '. · #38'1,1 and tim Picayune Lode, U.S.M.S, ~743. 4~3:' ~ The Patties agree that if the vaiue for the Castle Creek Parcel is greater than the value of tiae three (3) agr__~d_ upon Davis, minlrlg ~Iaim~ d~bed as Tract 1, Davis will make up such deficiency by transf erring the Forest City Lode, U.S.M.S. ~/~624 (Tract 2 as described in Exlu"oit A of the "Agreement to L, fitial~). 'If file United States and Davis do not a~ree on a exchange value for the Forest City Lode, ' U.S.~I;S; # 6624, then the value for exchange pu/l~ses slmll be determined by binding arbitration as provided below in par~ 6. If th~ valuation is such that the total exclmnge values result in a greater value for Davis for the three (3) agreed upon claims (Tract 1) and the Forest City Lode, U.S.M.$. ~624 (Tract 2), than the Castle Creek parcel, then the United States may make up any deficiency in value with cash .... 4;~:' The Parties further acknowledge that nothing in this Settlement A~: ~:ement shall be construed as ~on~avening any slatute, law, court order, or r~gulation of the Unir~cl States G:kDAvisks~tl¢.oll Page 2 of 6 of America. The Parties also a~knowledge the authority of the Department of Justice.to compromise~ clnlms pursUnnt to federal statute, Executive order and United Sta~es Attorney M_a~_~l. ~ 5. Davis and the United States acknowledge that values must be estimated for all pnt'cels m~olved in the exchange. Davis and the United States agree that the Forest Service Regioual Apprais~ will. provide advice to the U.S. Attorney regarding estimates of value for aH pat~.ls and the U.S. Attorney will use that valuation advice as the basis for good faith negotiations with Davis concerning the eqnslizntion of Federal and non-~ values, consid~ing, among other things, the prospective dlsmis_~al of Davis v. Boillylrnilin Case no. 96-WM-1607(D. Colo.) agninst the United States and the Board of County Commissioners (including a damages claim against Pilkin County) as pan of the land exchange and settlement.. 6. In the event'that, after good faith negotiations, Davis and the United States are noi able to resolve the eci~,nli=ntlon of value, 'they agree to submit to binding arbitration solely the issue of how much value' if any, must be u-nns~ frOm Davis to the United States. Such arbitration will be conducted by a qualified arbitrator' who bas a current MAI designation by the Appraisal Institute or has a RPRA desig~ntion fi'om the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers who will be selee~ by agre~nen! of Davis and th~ United Sta~, each to pay equally the cost of arbitration. 7. - Pitidn County agrees to pay the costs of the procedures outlined in Exhibit F of tbe attached "Agreement to Initia~e,:in the amount of $27,900. 8. Pttkin County agrees thnt if all of the commitments contained herein are fulfilled and the property is exchanged to Davis from the United States, the property received by Davis will then be recognized as a legally cr~,-d parcel having a growth management allocation or exemptions as provided bythe Pttbin County Code. Davis agrees'that development of the exchanged property will be subject to Article 3 and Areas of Local and State Inlerest/E'nvitonmemal Hazard 1041 review processes and building code regulations within the pitlrin County Code a~l that .the;Uses and improvements allowed to occur on fl-ds property shall be consistent with the existing surrounding, neighborhood and the maximum dwelling size s~nll riot exceed six thotliaud (6000) sqtlal-e fe~t. The property exchanged from the United States will be prohibited f~om further subdivision. T'ne Pitkin County fees for development r~view of the Castle Creek property will be paid by Davis to a maximum of $2,220.00. Any Pitldn Coufit~ fees in excess of that amount shall be waived by Pitldn County. The development application will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of County Commissioners, as required by the Pitldn County Code, at the first regular meeting of the respective boards -- - G: ~DAVISKSettle.. O11 Page 3 of 6 following the submission of a complete application and the receipt of required referrals and completion of public notice as req~ by ~ Pitkin County Code. 9. In consideration of' the agreements made herein, and except as otherwise specificaily reserved herein, Davis, his heirs, assigns, employees, agents, and representatives, upon delivem'y of the deeds necessary to accomplish the Iransfer of I/fie to the lands to be exchanged pursuant to {he 'Agreement to initiate," fully and forever waive, relin~ish, release and discharge the United States and Pitldn County from any and all past, present or future claims, demands, coutrovei~ies, liabilities, obligations, actions, ~,,~es of action, fights, damages, costs, expenses and compensation of any nature whatsoever, whether based on a toa, contraa or other theory of recovei~y, and whether arisia{ under federal, sram. or local constitutions, laws, roles or regoiat/ons or common law, which Davis now has, known or u.known (regardless of whether Davis did not kaow ur suspect to exist. whether through ignorance, oversight, error, negligence, or otherwise), arising, occurring or existing from the beginning 0f l/me to the date of ~ais Settlement Agreement. Davis ~ agrees to dismi~ ail pending lawsuits.in which he is a party involvinE {he land identified in the "Agreement to Initiate" with the exception of the federal suit, Davis v. Bourau/n, No. 96-WM-1607 (D. Colo.), as to which the parties agree they will file a motion to stay further proueedings a.d m hold the case in abeyance (or to administratively close the case) pending resolution 'of Ihe/asue ofuqualizafion of values and time final exchange of good and sufficient deeds lrausferr/ng the titles' in 10. The property exchange hetween Davis and the United States inv°lving the Castle Creek pr°perry will occur promptly after all cond/I/ons precedent have been s~i_~fied. The United States agrees to make a 'uest efforW'i We,rapt With reasonable diligonce to complete the exchange contemplated by this Se~ement Agreement on or before 31 March 2000. 11 Each of'the individuals signing th/s Settlement A~reement warrants and regresents that he or she has been authorized ~to execute this Setl/ement Agreement, and that all necessary private, corporate or governmental action has been taken to authorize the execution of this Settlement Ai~mnent. 12~. No~hin~g, iu this or asy other agreement shall be construed so as to deprive a _fed_~ral offidal of the authority to revise; amend or lYromulgate re~,ulafions. Nor shall anyth/n8 in the Settlement Agreement be conslrued to commit a federal official W expend funds not approprimed by Codgress. 13, ~ A~l]5arties.stipu~aieandagreethatthisSet~ementAgreementrepresentsac~m~r~m/sesett~ement~fa legal~dispu~e, and by O:LDAvisk~tle.oll Palze 4 of 6 entering into this Settlement Agreement the pm'ties do not admit to any wrongdoing, nor that any pm'ty is otherwise entitled to the agreements that have been made l~rein. This Settlement Agreement shall not be relied upon by either party as support for or in opposition to any claim for attorney's fees arid costs; each party shall be responsible for their own costs and attorney's fees. 14. Each party agrees to execute whatever ~_d_~tional documents may be nec~__sary to implement the terms of this Settlement Agreement. 15. The remedy of specific performance shall be available to compel the exchange of d_ _,,~,'ts as provided in Ii'ils Settlement Agreement. 16. This Settlement Agreement and the attached "Agreement to Initiate" constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings of the pardes in connection herewith. Tbere.are no other representations, warranties, covenants, condtlions, t~',~s, agreements, promises, tmder~nndings; commitments, or other arrangements other than those expressly set forth herein, reia6.ug to the resolution of this lawsuit. 17. 'l~'tis Settlement Agreement expressly includes the Agreement to Iulllate including all its attachments and Exhibits and should {~ot be considered complete without the Alp~ement to Initiate. Dated: The Plaintiff: oln D. Stbife DaVis The Plaintiff's Counsel: Frederick B. Skillern, Esq, ISAACSON, ROSENBAUM, WOODS & ! .~.'VY, PC 633 - l'/th St., Suite 2200 Denver, Colorado 80202 WRIGHT & ADGER, LLP ' ' 201 North Mill St., Suite 106 Aspen, Colorado 81611 Telephone: 970-925-5625 By Gary ^: Wright, Esq. GADAVIS~e~tle. O i 1 Page 5 of 6 By: The Defendant UniL~d Stat~ of America: Lyle La,~erty, Regional Fores~er USDA-Foi~st Service Rocky Mountain Region Denver, Color'~lo 80225 The Defendant United Sta~es' Counsel: THOMAS L STRIC/~r AND United Slattm Auo.rn~y By: Michael E. Hegarty. F. sq. 196I S~out Slree~ Suite 1100 Drawe~ 3608 - D~nv~, Colorado- 80294 'Telephone: 303-8~.~. 3885 G:~DAVlSkSettie. 011 Page 6 of 6 entering into this Sett!emant A~reement the parties do nc5 admi~ to any'wrongdoing, nor that any party is otherwise enaitled tc -he agreements that have been made herein. This Setzlement Agree~=nt shall not be relied upon by either party as support for cr in opposition to any claim for attorney's fees and costs; eack party shall be responsible for their own ccsts and attorney's fees. 14. Each party agrees to execute whatever additional documents may be: necessary to implement the terms of this Settlement Agreement. 15. The remedy of specific performance shall be available to compel the exchange of deeds as provided in tkis Settlement Agreement. 16.. This Settlement Agreement and the attached "Agreement to Initiate" constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings 0f the parties in connection ~herewith. There are no other representations, warranties' covenants, conditions, terms, agreements., promises, understandings, commitments, or other arrangements other than those expressly set forth herein, relating to the resolution of this lawsuit. 17.. This Settlement Agreement expressly includes the Agreement to Init. iate including all its attachments and Exhibits and should not be considered complete without the Agreement to Initiate. Dated: The Plaintiff: aViS ' · The Plaintiff.s Counsel: Frederick B. Skillern, Esq. ISAACSON, ROSENBAUM, WOODS & LEV"f, PC '~' 633 17th St., Suite 2200 '~ Denver, Colorado 80202 and WRIGHT & ADGER, LLP 201 North Mill St., Suite 106 Aspen, Colorado 81611 Telephone: 970-925-5625 y~ Gary A. Wright, Esq. The Defendant Pitkin County: Board of County Commissioner,s for Pitkin Co~ty, Colorado ~eslle J~jLa~ont, Ch~i~rson The Defendant Pitkin County,s Counsel: John M. Ely, Esq. Pitkin County Attorney's Office 530 East Main Street, Suite 302 Aspen, Colorado 81611 Telephone: 970-920-9190 By:John M. Ely, ~ _ Dated: ~ The Defendant United States of America: Lyle Laverty, Regional Forester USDA-Forest Service Rocky Mountain Region Denver, Colorado 80225 The Defendant United States' Counsel: THOMAS L. STRICKLAND United States A=torney . By: Michael E. Hegarty, Ese.. Assistant United States AttOrney ~- 1961 Stout Street, Suite 1!00 Drawer 3608 Denver, Colorado 80294 Telephone: 303~844-3885 Attachment to Petition for Abatement for D. Stone Davis I acquired this property through a trade with the USFS on August 3, 2000. I traded five (5) separate parcels (Case Lode, Daisy Lode, Picayune Lode, Forest City Lode, and 30+ acres near Redstone, Co) for this one (1) parcel. The value of Tract 39 at closing was $725,000.00 per attached closing statement. Pitkin County was a party in this trade. Your actual value of $297,100 was probably based on this figure because I only owned t, he property for 5 months (5/12) of 2000. I see that the appraisal data used to establish my value for the year 2001 was from the 18 months period ending June 30, 2000. Since my individual parcel did not even exist until August of that year, I feel an accurate and fair value may be a little haphazard to determine. On 2-23-2000 (before your June 30, 2000 date) Don Delise sold three mining claims of approximately 25 acres (total) approximately 4.5 mile up Castle Creek Road for $1,450,000. The property had a 1041 approval with an approximately 5 acre bt~ilding envelope. The reception number for the Delise sale is 440764. My property is 9 miles up Castle Creek, is 7.32ac, and its building envelope is approx, lac. So I feel my property should be quite a bit less than Delise's property. ~[,}1,~ On.9 August 2002 the Cora May Lode #6817 was sold by Lucy Hibberd for $895,000.00. ThC reception number is 470817 and parcel number is 290918300017. This is a comparable parcel with a 1041 approval; except it is 1.5 miles closer to Aspen than my property and has a road and driveway to the building envelope. I realize that this sale is after your 6-30-2000 date, but it gives an indication of prices in the area. ~'~l[~.o( {. ~' On Noyember 1, 2001 Walter Birk sold approx. 4 ac on Conundrum Creek Rd for $955,000.00 with a residence and infrastructure on the property. The reception number for this sale is 460387. I feel that this parcel sold as a lot even though it had a house on it. But there is still some value in the infrastructure. This is another indication of where the sales prices are. I feel the Delise sale with its much closer proximity to Aspen and much higher FAR carries a considerable higher value. // ' 'o Independence Title & Escrow Company, LLC ' 214 8Om Street, Suite 204 Olmwood Springs, CO 81601 (970) 384-2023 BUYERS CLOSING STATEMF.,NT FINAL ~wyer: D. Stone DlnY~// /"? Escxow No: 00001204-001 F, JA  " Close Date: 08/03/2000 Proration Date: Date Prc~ccl: 08/03/2000 ~ropetty: Tract 39, T.115., B.84 W. , CO ~..~. =-------~ ~{ TOTAL CONSIDEI~WTION: Total Consideration 725,000.00 CLOSING CHARGE(S) Closing F:e~, to IndePendence Title & Escrow Company, tLC 250.0~ RECORDING FEES: Recording Fees'td PitkJn County Clerk & Recorder 25.0{ Deed: 5 pages ~ $25.00 Mortgage: pages ~} Release: pages ~ PRORATIONS AND ADJUSTMENTS: Value 6f Exchan0e Property 725,000.00 TITLE CHARGES: Title InsUrance to'ln~lependence Title & Escrow Company, LLC 1,8i2.00 · View Listings Page 1 of 2 Listing Detail F' Selected MIs # 40067 Lot Size Refer To Acre Status Reinstate Acreage 6-10 Acres Type Single Family Lot Improved W/Home No Address 0 FALL CREEK ROAD City ASPEN State CO Zip 81611 Area West Aspen Class Land Asking Price $1,825,000 Sale/Rent For Sale IDX Include Yes General Number Of 7.32 Price Per Acre $23,900 Acres Listing Office MASON & MORSE REAL ESTATE A- Main Agent JOHN THORPE ~ Home (970) 925- 1 (970) 925-7000 2682 Sub/Loc Castle Creek Realtor. Corn Y Meting Data 12/15/2000 Legal TRACT39,T11S,R84,6TH Lot Sq Ft 7.32 Expiration Date 6/30/2003 Zoning AFR-10 County Pitkin Far Y Owner DAVIS Survey Y AIIowfar LISTOR Offer 3%BB,3%TB Ofr Suba N Days On Original Price $1,750,000 Market 809 Features ACCESS SANITATION EXTRAS LOT DESCRIPTION Private Septic Borders Public Land Borders National Forest ELECTRIC MINERAL RIGHTS DOCUMENTS ON FILE View Holy Cross None 1041 TERMS OFFERED GAS IRRIGATION Survey Cash Propane None POSSIBLE USE AGENCY WATER Single Family Exc Right To Sell Well To Drill Financial Taxes N/A Tax Year N/A Assn Fee N/A Spc Asmt N/A Remarks SCENIC,PRIVATE VIEW LOT.PANORAMIC VIEWS OF CASTLECREEK & THE ELK MTNS. THIS LOT HAS FAR OF 6000 SQFT. ABOVE & 4000 SQFT. BELOW GRADE. 1041 COMPLETED Additional Pictures http://aspen~fnism~s~c~m/Parag~n/Search/ListingDetai~Init~asp?view=22&ListingID=4~~67 3/4/03 United States Forest White River Aspen Ranger District Department of Service National 806 West Hallam Agriculture Forest Aspen CO 81611 (970) 925-3445 TTY (970) 945-3255 FAX ~970) 925-5277 Reply to: 5430/1950 Date: June 22, 2000 D. Stone. Davis P~O. Box 8904 Aspen, CO 81612 Dear Reviewer: Anne Keys, Deputy Under Secretary, Natural Resources and Environment, U. S. Dept. of Agriculture, has decided to proceed with the land exchange proposed in Alternative I of the Davis Land Exchange Environmental Assessment. The Forest Service will convey ap- proximately 7.32 acres of land to D. Stone Davis and pay him $172,781 in cash equalization. Mr. Davislwill convey approximately 61 acres of land to the United States of America. All of the lands involved in this exchange are located in the White River National Forest and within Pit- kin County, Colorado. The land exchange proposal was analyzed pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. Public scoping was conducted in July and August of 1999. A draft Environmental Assessment (EA) was sent to interested parties in April 2000. Comments received on the draft document are addressed in Appendix G of the final EA. Enclosed for information is a copy of the Decision Notice that was signed by Ms. Keys. I believe that most of the parties who will receive this letter are not interested in receiving the final EA. 'rherefore, I am not enclosing a copy. Please calI Allan Grimshaw at this office (970 / 925 - 3445) if you have questions or if you desire to receive a copy of the final EA. Sincerely, ~. UPCHUR~ ~Ct Ranger Enclosu~'e (1) Caring for the Land and Serving People 06/15/2000 08:55 FAX 202 205 1604 WO FS L^NI)S STAFF ~u,Jz DECISION NOTICE AND FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT for the DAVIS LAND EXCHANGE Pitkln County, Colorado USDA Forest Service White River National Forest Aspen and Sopris Ranger Districts May 2000 The U.S. Oepar[ment of Agrioulture (USDA) prohibits dlsarimination In all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, politloal be~lefs, sexual orlenta'don, and marital or family status. (Not ail prohibited bases apply to ail programs). Pemons with dlsabllrdes who require altematNe means for communication of progre, m Information (Braille. large print, audio tape. ere.) should cont;~ct USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-26(X) (Voice and 'mD). To file a c~mplaint of discrimination write USDA. Director, Office of Civil Rights. Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th end Independence Avenue, SW Washington DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-6964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider end employer. Devts Land Exchange DN and FONSI /~'~ I 06/15/2000 THU 07:49 [TX/RX NO 5219] ~]002 The Davis Land Exchange was initiated in an effort to resolve a title claim by Mr. D, Stone Davis against the United States, Pitkin County, Colorado, and others. Properties claimed by both the' United States and Mr. Davt~ were conveyed to the United States by Pitkin County in 1994 as part of the Implementation of the Colorado Land Exchange Act of May 19, 1994 (P.L 103-~$$). The United States has entered Into a settlement agreement with Davis and Pitkln County whereby the United States would consider exchange of certain National Forest System lands for Davis' interest in disputed lands and others. This~ D'e01sion Notice (DN) documents my decision regarding the proposed Davis Land Exchange. An environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act for this proposal and discloses the environmental effects. This EA is available for review at the Forest Service Offices in Aspen and Glenwood Springs, Colorado. A biological assessment (BA) / biological evaluation (BE) was prepared in compliance with process reqLdrerfients under the Endangered Species Act and related Forest Service Policy. Floodplain ar~l wetlands evaluations were prepared. A heritage resources Inventory and report 'were completad: I referred to and have retied heavily upon these documents in my decision documented, here. Purpose and Need The Colorado Land Exchange Act of.May 19, 1994 (Public Law 103-255) directed lyre Forest service tO exchange approximately one hundred thirty two acres of land at the former ML Sopds' Tree Nursery (MSTN), in Eagle County, Colorado, for approximately one thousand thre'e.~hUndred acres of patented mining claims whose ownership was claimed by PitkJYi a.r~l E~gle'cOuntles. PIUdn county Issued a quit claim deed to the United States for 148 patetited claims on August 16, 1994 and an additional quit claim deed for 4 patented parcels On September 30, 1994. Eagle County Issued a quit claim deed to United States for 4.patented claims on July 26, 1994. The A~t alSO p~;ovided that any party who claimed any right, title, or interest in or to any lands conveyed to the Forest Service under that Act, would have to bring an action against the United states pursuant to the Real Property Quiet 'rifle Act of October 25, 1972 (section 2409a of title'28,' U.S,C.), prior to September 15, 2000. Civil action No. 96-WM-1607 was filed in' United States District Court for the District of Colorado, naming the United States of America~ Pitkln' County, and a number of other parties as defendants. The purpose of the adfl0n~was~to have the court quiet title to the Picayune Lode (U.S. Mineral Survey No. 5743) a.rid~the Daisy/Lode (U.S. Mineral Survey No. 4050). SubseqUentlY, Mr. Davis, the United States and Pitkln County negotiated ~ settlement agreement to resolve Mr. Davis' title claim. The settlement agreement was accepted by the U,S. District Court on SepteVnber 10, 1999. The settlement agreement specifies that Mr. Davis, the United States, and Pitidn County will exchange vadous interests in land. : ' ; .: ~ ' ;' r D~vis Land Exchange DN and FONSI :~/ ., , 2 06/;15/2000 THU 07:49 ITX/RZ NO 52191 06/15/2000 08:55 FAX 202 205 1604 W0 FS LANDS STAFF I am well convinc~ that there is a valid pu~se a~ ne~ for this exchange. It is my decision to pr~eed with ~e la~ exchange es pr~sed in Altema~ve 1 of the ~. ~e exchange will ~mpfeted under au~ori~ of ~nd In ecco~Ance with ~e General ~change Act of Mamh 20, ~ 9~ (P.L, 67-~ 73), ~e Federal ~nd Policy ~nd Ma~ment Act of October 21, 1976 (FLP~, P.~ 94-579) as amended, and the Federal ~nd ~chenge Fa~li~on Act of August A0, ~ 988 (P.L ~ 00~9). Addi~onal autho~ for seffieme~ is pmvid~ ~rough ~e United S~tes A~omey Manual, Cha~er 4-~ .300. The'FOrest ~wi~ will convey epproximMely 7.32 acres ~ Federal land with an agency approved'value of $725,000 to D. Stone Davis. Non-Federal pamels to~lling appmxima~ly 65 acres wEh an agen~ ~pr~ v~ue ~ ~97,781 ~11 ~come National Forest. Thts exchange will require a ~sh equalization payment by ~e United S~tes to Mr. Davis In ~e amount ~ $172,781, in order to meet the equal value requimmen~ of ~e Federal ~nd Polly and Management A~ The d~lsi~ also i~ludes the specified mEIga~on ou~ined In the environmental assessment. ~th raga[ds to Eem d. of Alternative 1, the MIDCON Real~ pmpe~ to be ~nveyed to ~e UnEed S~tes is descHb~ ~ follows: ' To.ship 10 So~, Ran~ 89 West, 6~ PM, Coun~ of Pitkln, State of Colorado Sec. 10 N1/2 E1/2 SE1/4 NEll4 SE1/4; · 'S~. 11 SWl/4 NWl/4 SWl/4; S~. 14 N1/2 NWl/4 NWl/4, NWl/4 NE1/4 NWl/4, 'The ama described ~n~ins 42.5 acres, more or I~s. A~r revi~Wlng ~e ~ and ~ public ~mment ~ived ~mugh the p~, I this la~d exchange se~ the public in~r~t, implemen~on of Alternate 1 not only resolves the ~le. claim fairy and ex~dEiously, it provides for ~e acquisiaon of non-Federal land valuable for Na~on~ Forest pu~oses. Acquisition of ~e non-Federal ~mels assist in Achieving the objectives of the ~ite River NAtional For~t ~nd ~d Resoume Management Plan (~ ~ge 2). ~e non-Fermi patois which.~c~e Na~onal Forest will be protected from ~e ~le, resale, and ~her development ~ich C0~l~ occur ~sent this exchange. Development would likely take place on most of the non- FederAl lands in~ this exchange. This development would have a negative affect on ~e surrounding National Forest and would ~reaten the values for which those lands are being managed in ~e br~der public Interest. This is pa~icularly tree for the Case Lode and the MIDCON. parcels. This exchange ~ers the oppo~n~ to secure ~ese I~ds Eom such intrusion. Davis Land Exchange DN and FONSI //~ 06/15/2000 THU 07:49 [TX/RX NO 52191 ~]004 The Forest Service's jurisdiction over the proposed land exchange Is limited to the transfer of land ownership. While the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires the Forest Service to evaluate and disclose the Impacts that can be expected as a result of the exchange, The use and management of the land that becomes private as a result of this exchange will be subject to the zoning authority which is Piti<in County. Pitkin County is a party to the Settlement Agreement. The agreement, as well as their past actions, demonstrate a strong desire to insure controlled development within the County. They support this exchange. This indicates to me that they are reasonably comfortable with their jurisdictional authority to regulate and mitigate development which results from the land exchange, The Federal parcel is located in an area of considerable pdvate land with ongoing development, The conveyance of this parcel will affect its use and enjoyment by owners of the adjacent property. However, it is my responsibility to Insure that decisions involving National Forest reflect the greater public interest. Ii is acknowledged that wildlife habitat quality, which is already Iow, would decline'further when the parcel is inevitably developed. In addition, the limited recreation resou~c~g associated with the parcel would be loss. I believe fl3at both of these Impacts are more than.offSet~bY [he values associated with the non-Federal parcels to be acquired. The administrative obligations of the Forest Service would be reducedthrough reduction of 6000 feet of boiJi~darY line to be located, posted and maintained and 12 comers to locate and maintain. Boundary location cost in this area is estimated at $11,000/mile. Maintenance costs are estimatecf at $2,500/rnile every five years. There would be no change in road maintenance costs. there will be do'net change in road miles the Forest Service would maintain. Per the requirements of 36 CFR 2.54.3(2). t have reviewed this decision against l~e criteria for dete,-,inlr~g publiC. Interest. The'resource values and the public objectives served by the non-Federal lands and interests to be acquired~eXCeed the resource values and public object, yes served by the by the Federal land to be conveyed. Aisc considered here was the time and expense of prolonged litigation tn resolving the ti~e claim. The"!~te~de, d'~e of the Federal land will not substantially conflict with established management objectiv~ ~on adjacent Federal land. ' The consideration of all physical and biological resources and the public Interests associated with both Fede'ra[and non-Federal properties, demonstrates a net gain in the public interest with the selection of Alternative 1. Davis Land Exchange ON and FONSI 06/[5/2000 THU 07:49 {TX/RZ NO 5219J [~005 06/15/2000 08:55 FA~ 202 205 1604 ~U PS LA~U~ bt^~ ~uvo ~e proposed action was analyz~ In detail in the Environmen~l Assessment, alo~ w~h the No Action alternative, ~er a~rnafives were co~ider~ b~ dismissed from fu~her analysis. The alternatives ana~z~ in de~il In ~e Envimnment~ Assessment are summagz~ below. AIt~native 1, Exc~nue Lands with D. Stone Davis. Proposal Aetlo~ Complete a land exch~ge under the current laws and regulations and De~ent of Justice Seffiement Author~. · The Forest Sewice would convey approximately 7.~ acres of Federal land into pr~ate , ownemhip. ~ D. ~ne Davis would ~nvey approxima~ly 65 acres of non-Federal land to ~e United States . Alte~aEve 2, No A~ion No lands would ~ exchanged be~een the Forest Sewice and D. ~tone Davis. ,~ Lapd owned entirely by Dav~ would be available for resale or development. L~igation wo.u d c,o,~nue over ~e prope~es with disp~ed ~le. - The Federal land would remain .under the curre~ management proscription of ~e ~ite River ~fional Forest ~ ~nd and Resource Management Plan. It would remain available for potential .disp~al. in futura exchanges. ~d ReStri~i°ns I wish to ~her expound on ~ Imp~itions of deed mstd~ons, an a~emaflve ~at was in~ially considered but.dlsmi~ed. It has been suggested ~at the use of de~ mst~ctlons on ~e Federal pamel may ~ a~mpdate. Forest Sewic6' direc~on for ~e of de~ restrictions is found at several Io~tiOns, including: a) ~REST SERVICE MANUAL 6474 DEED RESTRICTIONS AND ~NDITIONS In'~nveya~es of National Forest System lands, in addition to msewafions, it may ~ ne~s~ to ~ply specific lim~ing cond~ions to manage effe~ve~ or to protein National Forest System ~nds and resoumes. b) FEDE~L REGISTER NOTICE OF ~RCH 8, 1994, PART II, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICUL~RE, FOREST SERVICE. 36 CFR 254 ~ND EXCHANGES; FINAL RULE, A m~ew of the spec~c commen~ for 36 CFR 254.3 (h) Rese~agons or restdctions in ~e ~ublig interest provide ~ indication of ~e Intent of this regula~on. It con,ins references to 'prote~lng critical Interests" ~d restrictions to protect 'any federal i~erests" ~e regulation itself s~tes that "(t)he use or development of lands Davis Land Exchange DN and FONSI /L,~ 06/15/2000 THU 07:49 [TX/RX NO 5219] ~006 conveyed out of federal ownership are subject to....aJl laws, regulations and zoning authorities of State and local governing bodies". c) FOREST SERVICE POLICY STATEMENTS. October 14, 1999 memo from Deputy Chief James Furnish to Regional Foresters: 'Do not propose or agree to restrictive covenants on the Federal lands unless they are required to comply with legal, regulatory requlrements, executive orders, (i.e., wetlands or floodplains, cultural) or to meet land and resource management objectives, Do not agree to reservations by either party as a means of equalizin~ values. The potential de-valuing effect of covenants on the Federal lands need to be considered when developing proposals." Forest Se~ice direction indicates that deed restrictions are to be imposed in on/y those occasions When necessaQ/ to protect critical Federal interests. Neither scoplng nor evaluation ~of the Federal land by specialists identified any critical resources or National Forest lands in need of P~tectlon.through deed restrictions. In addition, the use of deed restrictions is not consistent wlth the Forest Sen/ice goal of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of its management, 'Fha Forest has Identified these properties for disposal because of their Intermingled status with pdvate land, which makes management complicated and costly. Administration of deed restrictions can be extremely complicated, time consuming and expensive, resulting in a potential decrease in management efficiency, instead of the intended increase. FinallY, d~ed restrictions are not imposed to protect property interests on adjacent private property;:' T~ Forest Service has long taken the position that zoning and regulation of uses on privateland.are within the responsibility of state and local governments. Local authorities are in the best posit, ion to detei~-~tne appropriate uses of private land. 'The Forest Service has neither th6'legal~ authority nor responsibility to substitute deed restrictiOns for local zoning contrOls.' Local gavemments have traditionally agreed and insisted that such decisions be left to them; Based On the fact that conveyance of the property with deed restrictions is inconsistent with policy, direction and regulation, and is beyond the scope of Forest Sen/ice responslblllty, this alternative was dismissed from further consideration. It Is 'unlikely to be Implemented" and thu~;~mei~e~d :no further consideration. Davis Land Exchange DN and FONSI ,/~ ~ o6/7.5/2000 TflU O7:49 [T,~/RX NO 527.9] [~007 )6/15¢2000 08:56 FAX 202 205 1804 {¥0 FS LANDS STAFF A scoping effort to soliait issues and concerns related to the proposed action was accomplished through: · The publication of the exchange proposal in the Aspen Times (July 31, August 7, 14 and 21, 1999) · A mailing addressing the proposed action to potentially interested or affected organizations and indiv!duals across the White River National Forest (July 30, 1999) · A mailin~g to local officials, PEkin County Commissioners, State of Colorado agencies, and the Colorado Congressional Delegation (March 23, 1999) Four comment letters were received as a result of the scoplng effort, All comments made or submitted were considered in thls analysis and are available for review In the project file. A notice ~.of the avai!nbllity of the completed EA was mailed to four parties on April 6, 2000. Both a notice of the availability of the EA and a copy of the EA were mailed or hand delivered to 18 paYdes" between; Aprli 5th and April 7th. Those 18 parties were those who had commented, .those who had previously requested copies, and those who we believed were ve~ ir~terested in the proposal. Legal notices of the availability of the EA were published April 3, 2000 in the Federal Register and April 8, 2000 in the Aspen Times. Four written comments on the Envlronmental Assessment were received within the 30 day comment period. 'These comments have been documented and responses are provided in Appendix G of the EA. ChangeS]n the Environmental Assessment in Response to Public Comment and since F~bruary 2000, The .Sc0Pi~g section (EA page 4) was amended to include public review of the Environmental AsseSSmentJAPpendix G was also added. Appendix G is identification of the public comments on the Environmental Assessment and the Forest Service Response to those comments. The EA, under mitigation measures for Alternative 1, called for reserving a right-of-way across the Federal parcel for a driveway to access land to the north. It was determined that this reservation is not needed because land to the north adjoins Castle Creek Road. This mitigation has been deleted from the EA. ~ Three ~ames have been added to Exhibit 3 of Appendix B (parties who were mailed the 7/30/99 scoping letter). These names were overlooked when the EA was prepared. Davis Land Exchange DN and FONSI ~" I ? 06/[5/2000 TtlU 07:49 [TX/EX NO 52[9] ~]008 Appendix E (BA & BE) has been supplemented with documentation of 'No Effectu on Canada Lynx. B~ed on my review of ~e Environmental Assessment, including a~ndices ~d supposing d~uments, ff is my conclusion'~at Alternative 1 is hot a majo~ Federal ~cflon ~at would slgnifi~tly effect ~e qual~ of ~e human e~imnment as defined at 40 CFR 1508.27. ~emfore, ~n en~ronmen~l impact s~tement will not be prepared. ~is finding is based on ~e foll~ing factors: ..~ · Consideration for context of the project. The context is local to Pitkin County, Colorado with · !mpli~ .ca.~ons for the immediate area only. Consideration of both beneficial and adverse impacts. Impacts from the selected action are not unique to this project. I conclude that the beneficial and adverse effects of the selected action are not significant to the context of the proposed and cumulative effects. Consideration of the effects on public health and safety. This exchange will not affect public. 'health Or safety. There are no hazardous materials or substances present on either the federal or hon-Federal lands to be exchanged, cons'ideYab'On of, unique characteristics of the geographic area. Them are no 'unique chara{:teristiCs of the geographic area" as defined at 40 CFR 1508.27(3). C°~s£derati°n of the degree to which the effects are likely to be highly controversial. This land exchange'ls consistent with many other land exchanges. There are no scientific disputes over the likely effects of this project. Therefore, I conclude that the environmental effects of the de.ciston W!II not be highly controversial. Coi~ld~e~'ation of the degree to which effects are uncertain or unknown. This exchange is not I~ely to' result in effects on the human environment which are highly uncertain or involve unique risk,. It is similar to many past actions which have occurred on the White River National ForeSt, The. probable effects and risks are well understood. Consideration o.f the degree to which this action will set a precedent for future actions with signifidant effects. Neither the land exchange nor this decision are precedent setting. Similar land exchanges have occurred in the past, nationally and locally. They are completed by Forest Sen/ice and by other public land management agencies with the objective of consolidating public land ownership. I conclude that this action does not establish precedence for future actions as each project must be evaluated on its individual merits. 06/15/2000 THU 07:49 [TX/RX NO 5219] [~009 * Consideration of the action in relation to other actions with individually Insignificant but -- cumulatively significant Impacts. This land exchange would not Ilkely have cumulatively significant Impacts on the environment. Consideration of the degree to which the action may adversely affect districts, sites, highwayS, structures, or objects listed or eligible for listing in the National Register Of Historic Places, or may cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural or historic resources. Cultural resource surveys have been conducted onall Federal lands to be exchanged. The selected action will not affect any site, structure or object. No sites that are eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or that may be scientifically, culturally or historically significant will be affected. Based on this information, I conclude that 'the' selected action will not cause loss or destruction of significant scientific, cultural or ~hist0ric resourCes. (EA, page 4) Consideration for the degree to which the action may affect threatened or endangered spe~s,:or its' critical habitat. No threatened, endangered species is known to exist In the area~*c0nsidered under thls land exchange. There is no habitat within the project area that is viewed as critical habitat for threatened or endangered species, as documented in ~he biol'dgical assessmenL There is the potential for sensitive species to benefit from the Protection of acres of potenlJal habitat. (EA, Page 4) · Consideration of whether the action violates or threatens to violate federal, state, or local laws' or'reqUirements Imposed for the protection of the environment. This land exchange does not violate nor threaten to violate any federal, state or local laws, regulations or requirements for protection of the environment. Executive Orders 11988 and 11990 The FOrest Service has evaluated the proposed exchange in accordance with EO 11988 Floodplains end EO 11990 Wetlands and is in compliar~e. There are no floodplains or wetlands Involved. Endangered SPecies Act The BiologfCal AsseSSment/Biological Evaluation concluded the land exchange would have "No Effect" on any threatened, endangered or sensitive species. NJti~na 'l ~iStorlc i PreServation Act Heritage resource inventories have been completed on the federal parcels and the Colorado State Flistoric preservation Officer has concurred with a finding of No Effect. White River National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan The land exchange is in compliance with the White River National Forest l.~nd and Resource Management Plan as described on pages 2-3 of the EA. Davis Land Exchange DN and FONSI ~ 08/15/2000 THO 07:49 [TX/RZ NO $219! ~010 CERCLA, Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensadon, and Liability Act Field examinations of ~he Federal and non-Federal parcels considered for exchange have been completed.. No evidence was found that hazardous or potentially hazardous substances or petroleum products have been used, stored, released or disposed on any parcel. · /. .,.~,, . , .~ ...'~ ., . ,=,~ .:' ~ ~,,. ,. ~ , II Implementation o! this decision may o~ur immediately. I ! .. -'. ,i.' "'f~~.~.~.'~i;~.~'' ~' '~, ,' '. ~.' ,~ ~ ,~ I Si~e ~ d~Ision no~ w~ ~pmv~ by ~ S~ret~ ~ Agdcul~re pumuant to ~e p~isio~ ~ 36 CFR 215.2, ~is decision is not s~je~ to ~e overall mquimmen~ ~ 36 .CFR':~235 ahd'thUs, cannot ~ ~pealed. ~e requirements of ~ CFR 215 a~ly only ~ forest Se~ line offi~m. add~bna~'.inf0~a~on ~nceming ~ls ~clslen, ~n~ct: For AII~ GdmShaw : ~ ~n R~nger Dis~ ~ ' ~lt~"R~e~ National Fom~ - ~ ~n; COlOrado 81611 . 970/9~- ~5. ~NNE ~ /~ / / /Date Dep~der Na~! '~rces and ~vironment Davis Land Exchange DN and FONSI 06/15/2000 THU 07:49 [TX/RZ NO 5219] I~01!