The U.S. Forest Service, with approval from Secretary
of Agriculture Jim Lyons, has signed a deed of trust with Colorado
developer Tom Chapman. The deal gives Chapman 105 acres of federal
land near the Telluride Ski Area in return for Chapman’s 240 acre
inholding in the West Elk Wilderness near Paonia. Chapman must also
remove all traces of the $1 million log cabin he had partially
constructed in the wilderness. Although fraud and conspiracy
allegations were made against Chapman (HCN, 5/2/94), Gunnison
Forest Supervisor Bob Storch says, “We worked very closely with the
Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Attorney’s office and we are
unaware of any finding of criminal activity.” The case will likely
go to court anyway. Both San Miguel County and Chapman’s new
neighbor in Telluride, Dave Farny, owner of Skyline Guest Ranch,
say they will ask for an injunction in federal District Court to
stop Chapman from developing the Telluride property. Attorney
Stephanie Fanos says her clients will challenge the Forest Service
on several points: faulty appraisals, violations of the National
Environmental Policy Act, and incorrect handling of the appeal
process.
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline The Chapman saga continues.
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