Sunday, June 05, 2005

Golden Horseshoe Purchase Moving Ahead

The Golden Horseshoe (also known as the B&B Mines property) is an 8,000 acre area of land that lies between French Gulch and the Swan River - just north of downtown Breckenridge. The area is home to the native Colorado Cutthroat Trout and encompasses approximately 100 miles of trails and roads, many of which date back to the late 19th century mining area. Remnants of towns, residential areas and mining operations are scattered throughout the area.

The town of Breckenridge, Summit county and the U.S. Forest Service have been working in collaboration for almost a decade on efforts toward managing the natural resources, retaining the backcountry character and providing for the interpretation and enjoyment of the Golden Horseshoe's unique mining history.

The town and county have been negotiating the purchase of the property for years.

The property includes three mining sites - the Wellington-Oro, Jessie and the Royal tiger/IXL mines.The clean-up of these old mines is the stumbling point holding up the purchase.

The closing on the B&B property was to occur originally in June of 2004; because of the continued negotiations over the mine sites reclamation issues, the closing has been delayed.

However, it looks as though it could all come together soon. This will add some wonderful open space to Breckenridge.

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