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J <br /> variations and revisions. It now appears that planting of a memorial grove on Public lands within <br /> Coal Basin will probably not occur. <br /> Over the past few weeks, I have had a number of conversations with representatives of the Forest <br /> Service and with Kevin Sander of the National Arbor Day Foundation. It is my understanding <br /> that the Forest Service, for a number of land management reasons, does not wish to see a <br /> memorial grove established in Coal Basin. It appears that the main reason for this decision is that <br /> National Forests are managed for multiple uses. Therefore, there is no way that permanent <br /> protection of the plantings from future disturbances could be assured. The Forest Service has <br /> suggested that a more appropriate site may be in an area closer to Aspen, such as properties <br /> managed by the WindStar Foundation. It is also my understanding that the Forest Service has <br /> discussed their decision and rationale with Mr. Sander, who apparently agrees with this course of <br /> action. <br /> Last week I spoke with Mr. Sander by phone, and we discussed the fact that a memorial grove on <br /> property managed by the Forest Service in Coal Basin did not appear to be a viable option. We <br /> also discussed the possibility that a grove on privately managed lands in this instance may be a <br /> more logical choice for a memorial. Mr. Sander and I agreed that the National Arbor Day <br /> Foundation grant to the Division of Minerals and Geology was not dependent upon the <br /> establishment of the memorial grove, and that the $7,500 would be sent to the Division in the near <br /> future. It was my impression that Mr. Sanders would be in contact with you to discuss this matter <br /> further. <br /> The Division still intends to utilize the grant monies for a volunteer tree planting effort in Coal <br /> Basin during the summer of 1998. It is unfortunate that this area will not be the John Denver <br /> Memorial that you envision, but nevertheless we will continue to plant trees as part of the <br /> reclamation process, hopefully relying on volunteers in the process. This provides an excellent <br /> educational opportunity for many members of the public. <br /> I hope that this letter clarifies the situation regarding tree planting in Coal Basin. If you have <br /> questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> i <br /> teven G. Renner <br /> Project Manager <br /> CC: David Bucknam, Minerals and Geology <br /> Cheryl Linden, Department of Law <br /> Kevin Sander,National Arbor Day Foundation <br /> Kevin Riordan, U. S. Forest Service <br />