Laserfiche WebLink
<br />LA <br /> <br />V. Description of past performance on this or similar projects: <br /> <br />During FY 94, efforts were undertaken to acquire fee title for <br />Escalante Ranch (Green River RM 305), and tentative agreements were <br />reached with the two major landowners. Unfortunately, high levels <br />of selenium were found on the property, which resulted in placing <br />the site on hold for an indefinite period of time, at least until <br />effective remediation measures can be identified. <br /> <br />A land Acquisition Group was formed in 1994 to offer suggestions <br />regarding land acquisition options and strategies, State and federal <br />incentive programs, approaches for eliciting cooperation from <br />property owners, and roles and responsibilities with regard to <br />acquiring interests in floodplain properties. Meetings were held <br />during 1994 and 1995, during which several options were discussed: <br /> <br />I. Acquire Fee Title to Floodplain Properties <br /> <br />This option will remain available if that is what the landowners <br />want to do. However, acquisition of fee title would take properties <br />out of agricultural production and off tax roles, two issues of <br />concern to Uintah County. Also, the new owner of the property would <br />be responsible for long-term O&M and noxious weed control. <br /> <br />2. Acquire Easements on Floodplain Properties <br /> <br />This option is preferred to acquisition of fee title. It will not <br />take properties out of production or off of tax roles. <br /> <br />3. Have BR and/or FWS Realty Personnel Acquire Easements <br /> <br />This option was determined to be workable, but relatively difficult, <br />because there are many federal regulations to wade through, and <br />there are no existing individuals that could devote their full time <br />and attention to the Program. Acquisition of easements using <br />existing staff could take years. Of the options available, it was <br />not considered to be the most expedient or cost efficient. <br /> <br />4. Develop Partners For Wildlife Extension Agreements with <br />landowners <br /> <br />This option is worth pursuing. According to the FWS Private lands <br />Coordinator for Region 6, agreements that are good for 10 to 30 <br />years could be approved in the Regional Office, and landowners paid <br />directly. <br /> <br />5. Piggy back onto the Natural Resource Conservation Service's <br />Wetlands Reserve Program. <br /> <br />During FY 95, landowners of all Green River floodplain properties <br />(RM 240-320) were identified, and properties were delineated on <br />aerial photos and maps. Invitations to participate in the NRCS <br /> <br />3 <br />