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J~t Ii;:>,;,,.-.> : ..~ ,...1 ....: ~ '.,.: . . Questions of price, property taxes, law enforcenent, and liability with respect to easer"ents were frequent at the public meetinf,s. TIle price (just compensation) is determined by appraising the .interests to be acquired and is the price the Forest Service will offer a particular landOlmer. The appraisal would be prepared by a Forest Service staff appraiser using principles and techniquesrecognized by professional appraisal organizations. The lando,;ner, after reviewing the Forest Service appraisal, may enploy, at personal cost, a fee appraiser to develop a second opinion of value independent of the Forest Service estinate. If both parties cannot agree as to just compensation, con- dennation would be necessary. Although condel'lnation of property in fee title is not authorized for the Elk River, condemnation of easenents is authorized. Property that is covered by an easenent rerlains on the county tax roles, and the owner in fee title continues to be responsible for payment of taxes. The precise rulinr. on how a scenic easement Day affect the assessed value of property for tax purposes has not been nade by the P.outt County Assessor's office. There is no precedent in the county. Should parts of the Elk River be designated as a recreational river, some lal< enforcement responsibilities tray shift from the Routt County Sheriff to the USDA, [orest Service. The extent of these responsibili- ties would be detailed in the river managel.lent plan. HI lanuowners share both rights and responsibilities as a result of property ownership. The landowner is liable for occurances on his property, but is relieved of this liability on portions covered by an access easement. Lando\;ner rights are not altered for property not covered by access easements. Scenic easer.rents in no way interfere Idth owner liability. Easements are and will continue to be a uajor concern of landowners along the Elk P.iver. The specific situation of each landowner and the specific needs of the public as identHic,] in the \Ii Id and Scenic Rivers Act as applied to the Elk River in a nanagenent plan nay require numerous variations in scenic and access easement stipulations. /janagement of the river, including law enforcel.\ent, l~ill be designed and approved with full involvement of all interested parties. No recommendation has been nade concerning designation of the river; the planning team has yet to analyze all alternatives. The Hinman Park Reservoir The llinman Park Reservoir proposed by Public Service Company of COlorado \4as a najor point of question at the public ueetings. TIle proposed dan is on the Elk River about ~ [,ile downstre~ of the Coulton Creek confluence. 5