[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6067454,"mediaKeyId","3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c","parentId",3134608,"title","Board approves sand-and-gravel production lease in Lincoln County to Midstates Materials","audioSeconds",1020,"startMs",13320000,"endMs",14340000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c&start=13320&end=14340","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c/thumbnail_13320000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6067454/Colorado/Board-approves-sand-and-gravel-production-lease-in-Lincoln-County-to-Midstates-Materials","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067454-9f13cd31dc0982c51eb1ce4626e23cb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163975&Signature=Gu7lLApf8IxFEsVA7c7xyNXQ8Dcy~29XuDqg-vFtQKL5vliKbP6fk-JWaP95ckMc9KuvoNmKvagVyuAwj1xSqHQBNvO15BgBAihqANFrbs2w~Yjz5BUlBJKgJdLVJs2xJt~rRKrGC0XXWEcjBa4PsiTFo0oLvLWACVZFQSBwIO7iDifacNm7t~TM61wDNK-r9mADuxhw4ZNX3NVVqVPR-hGehBTAcAiuClcCRR-bNPcck9l9eOJ0E-UR~Mmx1u4~VkZ1q1PvVeuRgkdP9nIhW5Z-jsksfP-KaQFVWWaGBLDNoIj2XFlGyKtnytBREB-nTIUpYQ5Gn3ZgiMsClGF~iA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","DNR State Land Board - DNR","date","2025-04-14T00:00:00Z","article","Ben Teschner, Solid Minerals manager for the State Land Board, presented a proposed sand‑and‑gravel production lease (01/17278) covering 440 acres of mineral‑only estate in Lincoln County near Limon. The surface estate is held by a private surface owner (Craig Ranch); the minerals are state‑owned as a split estate.

Teschner explained Colorado statute and historic practice result in a substantial split‑estate portfolio for the board and that the division of reclamation, mining and safety (DRMS) provides permit notices that often alert the board to pending surface permits that implicate state minerals. The applicant, Midstates Materials, is an aggregate operator based in Topeka that has expanded operations into eastern Colorado; staff said the DRMS permit area includes acreage owned by multiple landowners in addition to the 440 acres of state minerals.

Under State Land Board practice, sand and gravel leases charge a $5 per acre annual rent and a royalty (the staff packet described a 45¢ per ton royalty). Staff estimated rent for the 440‑acre parcel at $2,200 per year and said annual royalties would depend on tonnage and could reach higher amounts in heavy production years.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife and internal stewardship staff reviewed the proposed area and flagged mule deer use, ephemeral streams and the potential for amphibian habitat; DRMS permitting and the surface owner will handle specific surface mitigation and reclamation plans. Because the surface is privately owned, staff recommended placing no additional surface stipulations in the state minerals lease and rely on the DRMS process and the surface owner’s controls to govern disturbance, reclamation bonds and mitigation.

The board approved the solid minerals production lease by voice vote; the record shows the motion carried unanimously (4–0). Staff noted DRMS reclamation bonding is intended to secure reclamation costs in the event an operator defaults; the state land mineral interest typically does not hold the primary reclamation bond for a surface owner’s permit aside from cases where the board elects additional protections.

Ending: Staff will execute the lease with Midstates Materials after final permit review and will continue to coordinate with DRMS and the surface owner on reclamation bonds and mitigation measures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 2025 State Land Board Public Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a sand‑and‑gravel (solid minerals) production lease covering 440 mineral‑only acres in Lincoln County to Midstates Materials; DRMS permitting and reclamation bonding will govern surface disturbance and reclamation responsibilities.","taxTitle","Natural Resources - Colorado State Land Board, State Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Colorado","taxId",27365,"location","Colorado","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6067459,"Board approves demolition and replacement funding for Finch House at Chico Basin ranch",720,11880000,12600000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c&start=11880&end=12600","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c/thumbnail_11880000.jpg","/articles/6067459/Colorado/Board-approves-demolition-and-replacement-funding-for-Finch-House-at-Chico-Basin-ranch","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067459-f572d5e6a7a6f5999980e881b2cfe862/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163975&Signature=ENhersGWjUVnuGvf4vg2jqy2rd~y9EMWSsRCHHHpspUBzOBry8N5zolgG8qevg7NC5HIAA4eR~vxoOkk9Wcm8oqlGgYNI~v26cDEFE2WO8gBVSHRwYr77x0thWAOO2u5mpID~FJUabVKBqb3j3Xhy4p6CPdSCifFUJh9yPghlNutdVi~WyhBYP-5Q04fmgFMtVHlhQ3Vkzoho06X8KBDtwwfVBL6P8kMK1oZ~3bWD79kWl0IZR6x5BgcBKDJtaVf8JvaD6krlt2QoYXAh3fgjophSz3V5t5gIAKyXlpzLu~Nenafel1Pzn9J6fbaBuu7xgXsPt7O9kkbaUq1bs1yUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Maria Parker, South District manager for the State Land Board, asked commissioners to authorize Investment and Development (IND) funds to demolish and replace the Finch House residence on Chico Basin Ranch. Parker said the existing structure has foundation failure, water intrusion, and other deficiencies; contractors who inspected the site recommended replacement rather than repair.

Parker told the board staff received multiple estimates. Repair estimates provided to the board totaled about $303,057. Demolition and turnkey modular replacement estimates ranged; Parker presented a conservative total replacement figure in materials shown to the board. Parker said asbestos testing was underway and that if asbestos content exceeds 1% abatement costs could increase.

Staff recommended demolishing the Finch House and installing a modular replacement to provide safe, permanent housing for ranch personnel. Parker said a local contractor would pour a permanent foundation and the modular home manufacturer would complete factory construction; delivery and installation would follow a timeline that the board packet estimated at roughly 90 days after contract execution.

A motion to allocate the requested IND funds and proceed with demolition and replacement carried on a unanimous voice vote (4–0). The meeting record includes differing dollar figures in the staff presentation (the initial packet referenced a $475,321 request in one place and staff later described a $425,321 estimate and a $413,321 core replacement estimate); the transcript does not clearly record which exact numeric total the board finalized at the mic. The packet exhibits list the modular product, contractor estimates and a contingency allowance; staff said it would pursue additional bids if the board desired.

Ending: Staff will complete final contract details, confirm asbestos testing results, and proceed with demolition and replacement under IND fund authority; staff will provide final contract amounts to the board and beneficiaries as required by policy.","The board approved staff’s request to proceed with demolition and replacement of the Finch House on Chico Basin Ranch and allocated investment and development funds for the work; the meeting record does not clearly reconcile multiple cost estimates in the packet.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6067464,"State Land Board approves two carbon project developers and greenlights a pilot grassland carbon rider for Chico Basin lease",3300,5880000,9180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c&start=5880&end=9180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c/thumbnail_5880000.jpg","/articles/6067464/Colorado/State-Land-Board-approves-two-carbon-project-developers-and-greenlights-a-pilot-grassland-carbon-rider-for-Chico-Basin-lease","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067464-f180e2c1ffae287279934655007f1e7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163975&Signature=Rjey98ZWD7Id6RqgAx5zSScLlF3HFZMGXGxWXtWBdWGNS69hYLjl9q2kRxmrRGzgAWTgvfO~o-o8YzTm4s4OUfNAn7VoN7QU-2MnF-hqt~QuEC51X3MMhWD9Wgv8UT4WdrjGv6V-xWodi5ecdnIvCJ25i6~ktPhQcdfHx4U1kWH0aqgTOCv1z7-s0coLZmJhpCR8924mIkULthLui1QB~y899amQGE5fhHWLDk13SlR~GG4G1WGeaoNIEWhFb1ezDxIa4bM0XrOUSeZ-puMhFov95VxiOTN5QcrW0VLffbyVss~GT7Wy9l3xdRPp5zvt6Jyw~iWEBwU8vWtrtohKWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners on April 10 approved two steps staff said are intended to launch a voluntary grassland soil carbon program on state trust lands: (1) a resolution naming two qualified carbon project developers for the board’s master services agreement process, and (2) authorization to attach a payment‑for‑ecosystem‑services (PES) lease rider to the Flying Diamond ranch grazing lease at Chico Basin Ranch as a pilot project.

Staff presentations were given by Mindy Gottsagen, Conservation Services Manager and Ecosystem Services Program lead, and William Wolston, Field Operations (outgoing) manager. Gottsagen described the board’s proposed biological carbon program as focused primarily on grassland soil carbon projects that would be voluntary for lessees, rely on private carbon project developers to register credits with recognized registries, and split net proceeds with the board after project developer costs and buffer‑pool deductions.

Gottsagen said the staff approach uses an industry evaluation rubric (provided by Millpond) to vet developer proposals; staff recommended approving two developers who have existing experience working on grassland projects in Colorado and other western states. The board adopted a motion to designate the two qualified carbon project developers for use under a master services agreement; the packet named the developer applicants and included scoring information. The motion passed on a voice vote recorded 4–0.

Separately, staff asked the board to approve a first PES lease rider for Flying Diamond’s grazing lease on Chico Basin Ranch (AG 116132). The proposed rider would cover up to about 81,778 acres of the leased ranch (staff recommended excluding limited acreage already subject to planned solar leases and other existing surface uses), authorize a 10‑year crediting/contracting cycle for the pilot, and set a staff‑recommended split of 25% of net proceeds to the State Land Board and 75% to the lessee for the first 10‑year cycle.

Gottsagen told commissioners the program seeks to manage the legal and operational tension created by a typical 10‑year grazing lease and a longer carbon protocol project term (many protocols define a 30‑year project term). Staff proposed tools including assignment provisions, a relatively large de‑minimis acreage allowance (staff recommended up to 5% of a large ranch be removable for development without constituting a breach), and using stewardship‑weighted competitive scoring in future lease selections to reduce the likelihood of disruptive lessee turnover.

Flying Diamond lessee representative Jen Lipsey addressed the board to say the ranch currently has active arrangements with carbon project developers and said the family is “excited” but “vacillating between excited and terrified” about the experimental program; she asked the board to treat the relationship as a partnership and to remain at the table through implementation.

The board moved, seconded and approved the PES rider for the Flying Diamond lease. The vote recorded in the meeting record was unanimous (4–0).

Ending: Staff will finalize master services agreements with board‑approved project developers, post program materials for lessees and begin outreach; staff said it will bring updated leasing policy language and other program documents back to the board for further direction in coming months.","The board voted to approve two qualified carbon project developers for state trust‑land projects and approved a payment‑for‑ecosystem‑services (PES) lease rider to pilot a grassland carbon program at the Flying Diamond lease on Chico Basin Ranch. Board votes were taken on April 10, 2025.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6067467,"Colorado Energy Office presents carbon management roadmap to State Land Board",0,6240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c&start=6240&end=6240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3134608-075c47de7dd3378d040bacb5f350383c/thumbnail_6240000.jpg","/articles/6067467/Colorado/Colorado-Energy-Office-presents-carbon-management-roadmap-to-State-Land-Board","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6067467-de3f32259509fea58630bc8d7ee9e820/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163975&Signature=ZUdPxzvd7AVxZ3dhb1fh5dOB3mNCkiaP6QCQF2tk8oEghmGlUUTEGoKgviSsRswzkBa8THnTN0rl2PejerWx2LKBjBl8xTCVQTCjvb8GwuJdqBFyK6Op7Ewk6uIQBWNM84PsCeqp~~TbYKNanv6xmOOH18heqjcyvLnzY2a6C8ykfODy2deTokWK-NqmqL7EeOPajp~vRN3LUk~L9vTOQKwzIQcCAq3iTw9yPwVNS9yT1ogcYL1~i2KIKQIc6k3tIDi4GFQogfltFaNQyI~gLC3zysjq6Bh4GxCBjUtn46xNN20aADxDHm5xGTe0BR~lJeMMowruZT6HbfStk~HmSw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Quinn Antis, associate director of strategic initiatives and finance at the Colorado Energy Office, presented the Colorado Carbon Management Roadmap to the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners on April 10 in Trinidad.

The roadmap, Antis said, was directed by HB 23 12 10 and compiles stakeholder input and technical analysis to identify carbon capture, carbon dioxide removal (CDR), geologic storage, CO2 transport, utilization and nature-based pathways. Antis told the board the document includes 68 recommendations across 15 state agencies and was developed with seven virtual expert roundtables, in‑person community meetings in Durango, Pueblo and Firestone, and a month‑long public comment period.

Antis emphasized the roadmap is meant to inform state-level planning and not to site geothermal energy projects: “no part of the roadmap was intended to identify places in the state that are suitable for geologic or…geothermal energy development,” she said, noting a separate recommendation to study basins that may be suitable for both carbon storage and geothermal power.

The roadmap highlights three cross-cutting themes relevant to the land board: (1) durability and market integrity for carbon removal credits, (2) community education and project transparency, and (3) strategic market support to reduce investment risk. Antis listed priority proposals that could affect the board’s land portfolio, including establishing measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification (MMRV) standards for CDR pathways; creating a publicly accessible database of proposed and active carbon management projects; establishing a forgivable loan fund or enterprise fund to absorb exploration risk for stratigraphic wells; and studying basins (Raton, Piceance and Denver basins) for co‑location opportunities.

Antis also cited an external Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory assessment that estimated Colorado has potential for 640 million tons per year of direct air capture capacity and 32 million tons per year of biomass utilization; the presentation noted many 45Q‑eligible industrial facilities in Colorado are sited within basins with geologic storage potential.

Board members asked about workforce implications, overlap with federal conservation programs (for example CRP and EQIP), and how grassland carbon programs might interact with existing federal incentives. Antis said the roadmap recommends workforce training, community benefits planning, and an equity capital program to fill the “missing” private equity piece of project finance.

No formal vote or board action followed the presentation; the roadmap was provided to the board as informational material and as context for later items on the agenda.

Ending: The Energy Office will publish the final roadmap and continue interagency coordination; board members and staff said they will consider the roadmap’s recommendations as they evaluate voluntary carbon opportunities and respond to future legislative and regulatory developments.","The Colorado Energy Office presented a 254-page carbon management roadmap to the Colorado State Board of Land Commissioners outlining opportunities, risks and 68 recommendations across capture, removal, storage and markets. The roadmap is informational; no formal action was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves sand-and-gravel production lease in Lincoln County to Midstates Materials

Board approves demolition and replacement funding for Finch House at Chico Basin ranch

State Land Board approves two carbon project developers and greenlights a pilot grassland carbon rider for Chico Basin lease

Colorado Energy Office presents carbon management roadmap to State Land Board