Montezuma and Dolores counties to seek separate Forest Service contracts to share Beaver Rim pit

Representatives from Montezuma and Dolores counties discussed plans to share the U.S. Forest Service’s Beaver Rim gravel pit. Montezuma County Road and Bridge staff said the pit is Forest Service property and that each county needs its own contract with the agency; Dolores County representatives said separate agreements and a cooperative approach would reduce hauling costs for both counties.

Montezuma County staff said their existing contractor arrangement with the Forest Service secures 100,000 tons over five years (20,000 tons per year) under the county’s agreement, and that Dolores County should pursue its own permit or contract with the Forest Service rather than operate under Montezuma County’s contract. Dolores County representatives said a letter from Montezuma County stating the parties have met and will coordinate would allow Dolores to proceed with Forest Service discussions.

“...our contract is secure with the forest service. So our 100,000 or, 20,000 per year or however we decide to use it within that 5 year period of time wouldn't have anything to do with Dolores County. That would be your own agreement with the forest service because they actually own that pit,” Montezuma County Road and Bridge representative said.

County staff said they would draft and send a letter to the Forest Service (Nick Musto was identified as the Forest Service contact) confirming the inter‑county discussions and Montezuma County’s willingness to coordinate. Commissioners said they saw no objection to Dolores County obtaining its own contract and that coordination would be beneficial for both counties’ road projects.

Why it matters: shared access to a nearby gravel resource can reduce hauling costs for road maintenance and capital projects; separate Forest Service permits ensure each county’s use and tonnage is contractually secured.