j_cdc_2017a_2016-12-21t09:04:26z4 Hearing Summary

Date: 12/21/2016

Location: LSB B

10:09 AM -- CPW Midwest Farms Property Transaction (For Action)



The committee recessed.





10:35 AM



The committee returned to order. Ms. Jackie Corday, Water Resources Section Manager, and Mr. Travis Black, Area Wildlife Manager, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) within the Department of Natural Resources, provided additional insight into the Midwest Farms Fee Title Acquisition and Water Rights property transaction proposal. Committee members received maps showing the Midwest Farms tract within the context of area water bodies (Attachment C), and within the context of area land use patterns (Attachment D). Ms. Corday explained the importance of acquiring the tract, and provided an overview of fee title acquisitions by CPW in recent years. Ms. Corday addressed additional issues raised during the hearing on the Midwest Farms property transaction proposal that took place on December 20, and discussed the economic impact of hunting and fishing in southeastern Colorado.



161221 AttachC.pdf 161221 AttachD.pdf



10:45 AM -- Mr. Rick Enstrom, representing himself, testified in support of the Midwest Farms property transaction. He discussed the importance of the property as a water and wildlife resource. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of reservoir closures on hunting and fishing activity, and the resulting economic impact. Ms. Corday responded to questions regarding past uses of the subject property, and uses for the property going forward. Mr. Black provided input on the property's intended uses by CPW.





10:57 AM



Discussion ensued regarding riverfront access to be acquired under the property transaction proposal, and the current public uses of the subject property. Discussion followed regarding the local tax ramifications of the state acquiring the Midwest Farms property. Mr. Black responded to questions regarding how the habitat acquired under the proposal might be protected from overuse. Discussion turned to the ramifications of the state acquiring additional lands from the private sector. The committee chair recused herself from the vote under legislative rules.