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Residents seek county's help as managing partner to restart stock car races on Bureau of Reclamation land
Summary
Hoyt and Carrie Satterwhite asked commissioners to be a managing partner in a lease with the Bureau of Reclamation for a proposed stock-car facility on former feedlot land; commissioners said they'll investigate legal liabilities, Planning and Zoning permitting, and BLM/BLR/landowner impacts before deciding.
Hoyt and Carrie Satterwhite asked Park County commissioners to consider acting as a managing partner if the couple can secure a Bureau of Reclamation lease to restart stock-car racing on a former feedlot parcel west of Powell.
Hoyt and Carrie told the board they had discussed the idea with Reclamation and were told that a government managing partner is required for a lease on Reclamation land. The Satterwhites said the parcel sits in the county's jurisdiction and that they have discussed environmental and noise concerns with Reclamation.
Commissioners and county staff cautioned the Satterwhites that a managing partner role could involve legal oversight of leases, a need for county attorney review, and coordination with Planning and Zoning. Commissioners suggested the Satterwhites consult with Reclamation about specific managing-partner obligations, including whether the county would be required to sign secondary agreements or would act primarily as an intermediary when lease changes are requested.
County officials raised permitting and operational questions: whether the county would need a special use permit, how many acres must be leased, traffic and law-enforcement requirements, potential liabilities, and whether Reclamation would require leasing the entire 60-acre parcel or a portion. Commissioners urged the Satterwhites to gather specific information about Reclamation's expectations and return with a clearer scope for county legal review.
Why it matters: the proposal would put a motorsports facility on federal land and requires coordination among the Bureau of Reclamation, Park County, local law enforcement and neighbors. Commissioners indicated informal support for exploring the idea but emphasized the need for legal review and an interagency permitting path.
Next steps: Satterwhites will pursue Reclamation's formal application process and return with details on the exact leasing terms and Reclamation's managing-partner definition. Commissioners suggested early conversations with Planning and Zoning and the county attorney to clarify liabilities and permit requirements.
