DENVER ~ Former Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said he is optimistic that Colorado, the owner of Cielo Vista Ranch and the local community can reach an agreement within 45 days to address a decades-long dispute over historic land in Costilla County.

In a statement, Salazar praised Gov. Jared Polis and his team for a report on La Sierra/Cielo Vista Ranch released the previous day. Salazar said the report included a letter from him and that he would continue working with stakeholders.

Salazar outlined several elements he described as a promising path forward. They include the state acquiring 10,000 acres or additional land from the owner, through a gift or purchase, for public use, while recognizing the historic use rights of Sangre de Cristo Land Grant heirs across the remaining 67,000 acres.

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The proposal also calls for the landowner and local community to develop a plan for recreational access to land beyond the 10,000 acres, including areas outside the owner's proposed conveyance. A San Luis Heritage Fund, financed by the landowner and governmental and nongovernmental entities, would support efforts to preserve the grant's history and provide opportunities for young people, educators and visitors.

Salazar said he hoped engagement among stakeholders under Polis' leadership would produce a defined agreement.

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