Capital Development Committee backs CPW–Buena Vista land and water‑rights exchange

The Capital Development Committee on a unanimous voice vote recommended support for a fee‑title exchange between the town of Buena Vista and Colorado Parks and Wildlife that would swap two parcels and associated water rights in Chaffee County.

Daphne Gervais, director of legislative affairs with the Department of Natural Resources, told the committee the proposal is "a unique proposal. It's cost neutral" and said the two parcels had been appraised at "almost identical values." Gervais said CPW is seeking the Buena Vista 'Hog' property to "manage it as a state wildlife area for hunter access, habitat preservation, [and] landscape connectivity" because the parcel borders Bureau of Land Management land and U.S. Forest Service land. The town of Buena Vista, she said, wants CPW's property to support expansion of city infrastructure, business improvements and a closer water supply as its population grows.

Senator Malika moved the committee recommendation supporting a fee‑title exchange that was described in committee as the 'Hog' property for the 'hay barn' property (reported during discussion as roughly 113 acres in exchange for 63 acres). The clerk polled members and the chair announced the motion "passes unanimously." The record was also updated to reflect that Senator Heinrichson had arrived after the vote.

The committee took no other formal action on the item and did not attach conditions beyond the recommendation recorded in the meeting minutes. Staff and presenters remained available to answer follow‑up questions, but none were raised on the floor.

What happens next: the committee's recommendation will be part of the committee record; any final conveyance, appraisal confirmation, or administrative approvals required to complete a fee‑title exchange would proceed through the Department of Natural Resources and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and through any local approvals required by the town of Buena Vista.