Washington – The organization that represents Colorado counties is opposing a congressional proposal to let mining companies buy public land, fearing it could lead to widespread rural development.
“This would open the possibility of every little mining claim being developed without regard for land-use patterns,” said Colorado Counties Inc. executive director Larry Kallenberger.
Kallenberger said the recommendation to the CCI board was made by mountain and Western Slope counties.
Also, Aspen Skiing Co. this week became the first ski resort company to oppose the measure, citing fears it would damage pristine landscapes. And Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., has come out against the measure, saying development could block access to public lands for hunters and anglers.
Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., is opposed. Sen. Wayne Allard, R-Colo., “is taking a hard look at these provisions and is very concerned about their possible implications for hunters and other sportsmen, recreationists, ranchers and anyone else who uses public lands,” Allard spokesman Angela de Rocha said Thursday.
The legislation would allow mining companies to purchase public land, ending an 11-year moratorium on such “patents.” It was inserted into a five-year budget plan by Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., who said the legislation contains safeguards to block real estate speculators.
But critics say the measure is so loosely worded that it would allow real estate speculators to purchase public land.
That has alarmed officials in rural and mountain communities who have struggled for years with old patented mining claims being used for home sites in backcountry areas. Providing services – such as water, emergency medical service and fire protection – to those sites can be difficult and expensive.
The mining sale provisions were included in the House version of the budget bill, but not the Senate version. The differences are expected to be worked out by a House-Senate conference committee as early as this month.
“A lot of the concerns arise from misunderstandings of the provisions,” said Amy Maier, Gibbons’ chief of staff. “The congressman remains committed to his provisions and hopes they will be included in the conference report.”
Staff writer Mike Soraghan can be reached at 202-662-8730 or msoraghan@denverpost.com.
