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;- .,") '.' ,I , .,j(.. l'o.?c<, '. .. ,""" t~40:1~ .~. '~,\ . . representative and it would be fully considered by the Forest Service and the Forest Service's appraiser in reviewinr; the offer. AgreeMent usually can be reached after a thoroueh discussion of all the factors pertaining to property value. In those cases where agreement cannot be reached on ease",ent value or just compensation. values can be established by the courts. In court, the GoveI'1lP.lent's appraiser and land- owner's appraiser testify as to their estimate of values and how they arrived at their values. After all parties have testified, the judge or jury renders a judgnent or opinion of value. This value is then binding on both parties. Question: If I should grant an easeElent on ny land and the United States pays lie cOMpensation, would this F.lean that HY land has [';one dOlm in value? If so, would my property taxes go down? Answer: The answer is yes to the first question. The United States ,"ould pay for an easement only if an appraisal indicates that imposition of the easement actually reduces the current Elarket value of your property. Your second question which pertains to property tax is diffi- cult to answer positively. In theory, if your property l;oes dOIYn in value, your property taxes should also [';0 down. In actual practice, it is not certain that your taxes will go down. Question: \~ould the United States have the power to condeI'm for scenic easements? Answer: Yes. Scenic easements would be acquired on a .Tilling-seller basis whenever possible. However, condermation authority does exist and would be used when necessary to protect the scenic and recreational quality of the river environment. TIlis action would relate only to an easel,'ent and would in no way relate to ownership of the property. 1.3