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. . C r- f' ,- g /.... v~... III. Pro~ress: Project development has occurred to the extent that the project area has bsen fenced, posted with Divison signs and patrolled. Water rights were transferred to John Martin Reservoir for fishery purposes and thus, did not remain "idle". Also, grazing privileges were extended to the Dean Land and Cattle Company in exchange for public hunting access on 920 acres of land. Thus, an increase in lands for hunter access was gained by the use of project property. While, not submitted for Federal Aid approval to consti- tute endorsement, the transfer of water rights and lease of project lands are indicative of limited "progress". In June of 1980 the Commission approved the disposal of the subject property upon the recommendation of the Division as being surplus to Division needs. In July, 1980, the property was advertised for dis- posal by public bid at an appraised value of $144,000. Two bids were received and subsequently rejected. The property was advertised for sale or trade in October, 1980, and three bids were received. On November 20, 1980, the Commission aoproved acceptance of the follow- ing offer of the Dean Land and Cattle Company: 1. The exchange of the deed to project lands for a deed to three separate parcels of land that contain a total of 940 acres; 2. An easement deed to the Division for perpetual hunting and fishing rights on the current project land, and; 3. A 10-year hunting lease on 6,000 acres of Oean's home ranch. The Dean properties are located within four miles of Las Animas. The total appraised value of the Dean offer, as of October 16, 1980, is $215,900. In contrast, the fair market value of the subject property was established at $144,000, as of October 18, 1979. Immediately following a review of the subject property, each of the Dean tracts was visited on site to becme familiar with these pro- perties should they become a formal part of a land exchange. Two of the tracts of land that comprise a total of 920 acres are along the Purgatory River and are in close proximity to each other. These pro- perties are the same acres that are a part of the land use exchange involving the grazing of project lands. The Division has undertaken management practices to benefit both fish and wildlife. Small impoundments have been established that are attractive to waterfowl and have fishery benefits. Wildlife food and cover plantings were evident. The area was adequately posted with Division signs attest- ing to public hunting privileges. The remaining 20-acre parcel of land is located immediately north of Las Animas. It contains an earthern berm created by the Division for use as a target range facility. Evidence of such use was readily apparent. At the time of the review Division personnel were advised that an exchange of properties would involve the establishment of comparable fish and wildlife values in the same ratio (75 percnet D-J and 25 percent P-Rl that the project lands were pruchased, Only the pur- chase values are involved since no development or maintenance has occurred involving Federal Aid funds. Furthermore, Division per- sonnel were advised that the value of the water rights moved from the