On Tuesday, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) finalized plans for using land acquired in a controversial trade with Leslie Wexler, the billionaire who owns the parent company of Victoria’s Secret.
In 2017, the BLM gave Wexner over a thousand acres at the base of Mount Sopris, enabling him to consolidate ranch properties. In exchange, the agency received two parcels closer to Carbondale: Sutey Ranch, next to Red Hill, and the Haines Parcel in Prince Creek.
At the request of hunters, the BLM will maintain irrigated fields at Sutey Ranch for big game like deer and elk. The property will be closed during winter to protect wildlife.
Mountain biking will only be allowed in the summer to reduce traffic on trails with horses and hikers.
The Haines Parcel becomes part of the Crown Special Recreation Area will be used for both mountain biking and livestock.