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TAI1~ <br />United States Department of the Interior <br />~~ <br />BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT <br />UNCOMPAHGRE BASIN RESOURCE ,AREA ~ ~ <br />2505 SOUTH TO WNSEND AVENUE IN REPLY REFER TO: <br />MONTROSE, COLORADO 51401 COC41183 <br />CO-034 <br />DEC 5 1994 <br />CERTIFIED MAZL--RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED <br />Somerset Mining Company ~FC~tvEO atL 0 3'1934 <br />Attn: Thomas C. Anderson <br />P. O. Box 535 <br />Somerset, Colorado 81434 <br />Dear Hr. Anderson: <br />We are in receipt of the letter of October 13, 1994, from the Somerset Mining <br />Company (SMC) with the attached letter from Mr. John A. Hotchkiss, Hotchkiss <br />Ranches, of October 7, 1994, regarding an access road which ie under right-of-way <br />(R/W) COC41183. <br />As you know, the subject road provides SMC with access for facilities associated <br />with the mine, and it ie to be reclaimed in accordance with the current <br />provisions of the DMG permit, number C-81-022. Mr. Hotchkiae has requested that <br />the road not be reclaimed ae he depends on this road for,acceea to the public <br />land for his use associated with grazing purposes. <br />We have reviewed this request and have completed afield inspection, and agree <br />that the road does provide Mr. Hotchkiss with access needed for continued use of <br />hie grazing allotment. In addition to Mr. Hotchkiss's use, benefits accrue to <br />the general public that use the access for recreation purposes and to the <br />operators of the TV translator station that serves Somerset. in researching our <br />records however, it appears that the entire road is not located on public land. <br />Specifically, the points of access in Hubbard and Bear Creeks appear to be on <br />private land owned by SMC. <br />From what we can gather at this time, the public lands and the R/W are without <br />legal public access for all users except perhaps by SMC. We agree with Mr. <br />Hotchkiae that it appears reasonable not to close and reclaim this road provided <br />the public could be allowed to continue accessing the road as well. Toward this <br />end, we would like to propose that BLM acquire an exclusive easement across those <br />tracts of land owned by SMC to allow for the continued public use of this road. <br />SMC would be relieved of responsibility for reclamation of the road segment and <br />BLM would assume all future maintenance responsibility for the road as it crosses <br />SMC property. I would not anticipate changes in use over what ie currently <br />occurring on the road. <br />We ask that you please give ua your response to this idea at your earliest <br />convenience so that we can make a determination in regards to the subject request <br />on whether the road should be reclaimed or not. If you have any questions, <br />please contact Teresa Pfifer of my staff at the address on the letterhead above <br />or phone at 249-6047. <br />Sincerely yours, <br />~~~ <br />Allan J. Belt <br />Area Manager <br />