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Potential buyers seek talks on Thorn Ranch; commissioners emphasize water-security concerns
Summary
Representatives for a private buyer requested meetings to discuss purchase of Thorn Ranch; the board cited state water law and water-security priorities and declined to move forward with a sale at the meeting.
Representatives for a private buyer asked Huerfano County commissioners on June 10 for a sit-down conversation about acquiring Thorn Ranch, saying their offers could generate revenue to help secure water supplies for county communities. Commissioners and residents raised concerns about water rights and the county’s obligation to protect water security.
Russell Hickey, identifying an address in La Veta and speaking for Macho Bravo LLC, said the group had submitted multiple offers on parts of the Thorn Ranch and sought a meeting to discuss options. “We have repeatedly asked to be able to sit down and have dialogue and to see what works for the county and what works also for my clients,” Hickey said, asking for a formal conversation to explore terms.
Commissioners said the county’s priority is water security for Gardner and other communities and that the county must follow state water law. One commissioner told the meeting that the board was not interested in a sale that could jeopardize water availability and that water augmentation and return-flow requirements limit what water can be moved or sold.
During the discussion, a representative for a private interest said sale proceeds could be used to secure water for other county needs and argued that private stewardship could preserve the view corridor along Highway 69. Public commenter Gail Niesinger of Gardner urged the commissioners not to sell the ranch, saying the county would likely need water for planned housing expansion in Gardner.
The board did not approve any sale or negotiation mandate at the meeting. Commissioners said the county is continuing to explore options with the conservancy district and other partners to secure water supplies and that no public sale process would be opened without additional board direction.
Ending: The board’s comments left the matter at the discussion stage. Private parties who asked for talks said they would continue to seek meetings; the county reiterated its obligation to protect water resources under state law before any sale or transfer of water rights.
