The Mountain Valley News
August 25, 2010, Bob Cox

Any large land transfer has the potential of causing a rift among the parties involved. When those parties include the United States Government, a wealthy landowner and several vocal citizens, the chances of controversy increase. When there are accusations of secrecy and specific politicians involved, avoiding conflict becomes almost impossible. Although Paonia businessman Ed Marston says the situation is “cut and dried” and he cannot understand why it is even being discussed, there are those who adamantly disagree with him. All of the hoopla surrounds a proposal by Bear Ranches, owned by Bill Koch, who also owns Gunnison Energy and Oxbow Mining Company. Bear Ranch wants to trade 1,846 acres of land controlled by the Bureau of Land Management for just less than 1,000 acres that Koch owns, or will own. ...

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