F07E23C43F5D0DE1872584EF0051A5A6 Hearing Summary

Mr. Dan Prenzlow, Director, Mr. Brett Ackerman, SE Region Manager, and Mr. Doug Vilsack, Assistant Director, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) within the Department of Natural Resources, presented a property transaction proposal to acquire in fee title the Crazy French Ranch property near Trinidad. Committee members received a packet of information on the proposal , assembled by Legislative Council Staff (Attachment B).  Mr. Prenzlow introduced the proposal, and Mr. Ackerman provided an overview of the acquisition. Mr. Vilsack discussed the financing for the property acquisition. Mr. Phil Rico, Mayor of Trinidad, provided input on the value of the acquisition to his community. Mr. Rico responded to questions regarding community opinion on the property acquisition. Mr. Vilsack responded to questions regarding the financing of the project. Mr. Ackerman responded to questions regarding operating costs for the state park that will occupy the property.

Discussion continued regarding operating costs for the future Fishers Peak State Park. Mr. Vilsack responded to questions regarding how CPW will use the moneys to be appropriated under Senate Bill 20-003. Mr. Prenzlow provided input on this issue. Discussion ensued regarding the use of General Fund moneys for state parks under the bill.