Wolf Creek - The Pueblo Chieftain - Question Of Where - Editorials

IT S APPARENT that the proposed Village at Wolf Creek will be built, with the only question being where.

Texas developer Red McCombs owns 287 acres near the Wolf Creek Ski Area, and his land is surrounded by U.S. Forest Service land. Mr. McCombs is proposing to swap his private land with forest service land to make access to his development easier.

If the Forest Service does not agree to a land swap, it would have to give the development an easement for access. The service cannot block the development because of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. That law requires the agency to provide access to property surrounded by public lands.

There is some resistance to the development, but we believe that is short-sighted. The economic impact that would go to the San Luis Valley would be considerable.

The opponents want no development in the area. We don t think that s a rational stand to take.

Communities such as Vail and Aspen have been developed, while surrounding forest lands have remained a public treasure. We see no difference in Mr. McCombs plans.