Everson Ranch Resolution

                    Orient Land Trust
                                   Valley View Hot Springs
                                   Email: info@olt.org

Orient Land Trust

Resolution Regarding the Purchase of the Everson Ranch
July 3, 2004

WHEREAS, the 760-acre Everson Ranch has been operated as a working ranch since it was homesteaded in 1874, and was held in the same family since 1892;

WHEREAS, Valley View Hot Springs was a part of the Everson Ranch until 1979 and adjoins the ranch;

WHEREAS, the Everson Ranch has held the water rights on the Hot Springs Creek Ditch since 1871, excepting the portion of the water which was adjudicated to the Valley View property;

WHEREAS, the Cottonwood Ranch Company, current owner of the Everson Ranch, caused 400 acres of the ranch to be subdivided into 5 residential lots in 2001;

WHEREAS, if said residential lots were sold and developed it would have negative impacts on Orient Land Trust (OLT) in the following areas;

The view corridor along County Road GG

The night time sky gazing conditions

Historically significant landscapes

Wildlife migration patterns and connectivity (due to fencing)

WHEREAS, said development would also have negative impacts on the Everson Ranch itself in the following areas;

The watercourse through the ranch property (each lot would be crossed by the stream)

Ability to maintain viable working ranch and agricultural production due to reduced acreage

Grazing lease with Bureau of Land Management may be reduced as it is based on home ranch acreage;

WHEREAS, the Everson Ranch connects to protected lands and public lands;

WHEREAS, in a survey conducted among Orient Land Trust supporters and users in the fall of 2002, eighty-eight percent of respondents were in favor of OLT acquiring and preserving the Everson Ranch;

WHEREAS, acquiring and preserving the Everson Ranch fits within the mission of the OLT, specifically the “preservation of wildlife habitat, open space, geological features and natural resources of the northern San Luis Valley for the enjoyment of current and future generations”;

WHEREAS, the appraisal which the OLT caused to have done on the Everson Ranch was based upon its agricultural value, but the sellers’ asking price is based upon the development potential of the property;

WHEREAS, over two years has been spent in negotiation with the sellers;

WHEREAS, the Everson Ranch holds a special significance for the Orient Land Trust and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT on this day the Board of Directors of Orient Land Trust approves the purchase contract dated June 19, 2004, to purchase the Everson Ranch from Cottonwood Peak Ranch, Inc.

Submitted by: Approved by:

Laura O'Leary, Secretary / July 3, 2004 Rob Zabrecky, Chairperson / July 3, 2004

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