Chaffee County will tell U.S. Forest Service it does not own FS Road 295; asks FS to ensure property-owner access

Director Cottom told the board that county GIS and historical records — including a deed accepted from a railroad in 1929 — do not demonstrate that Chaffee County owns what is commonly called Forest Service Road 295 (also referenced as County Road 295 or Hancock Road). He recommended a narrowly worded letter to the U.S. Forest Service that would state the county does not own the road while also asking the Forest Service to provide reasonable legal access for private property owners if the agency proceeds with gating or seasonal locking.

"...we do not own Forest Service Road 295; we don't consider it a county road and do not receive funding for it," Director Cottom said, urging careful language to avoid an extended title dispute while protecting homeowners' access. Public commenters earlier in the meeting had told the board the Forest Service intends to install a gate and planned a March 1 locking date; commissioners said they want the Forest Service to ensure property owners retain access via permits or combinations/keys.

Commissioners voted unanimously to send the proposed letter and to continue conversations with the Forest Service and affected landowners. The letter is intended to allow the Forest Service to proceed with safety measures while clarifying the county's records. Commissioners emphasized the county's role is not to serve as a title company and that any dispute over ownership or private access remains primarily between property owners and the Forest Service unless future facts warrant county intervention.