Shawn,

Western Land Law and Water Law are serious issues for potential owners.

In the West, water is a scarce commodity. There has evolves a wide-ranging category of “Water Law.” At the extreme is who gets Colorado River basin water; Mexico, California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah or us in Colorado. In the detail are; surface water vs. alluvial water vs. underground water. It is a BIG deal.


Similar controversy exist with “Land Law.” Most of the West was (is) “owned” by the Federal Government. That means “We the People - US” or the “States - CO,” even that is questioned. On the other hand there are lots of “Ownership Rights” granted to pioneers, railroads, homesteaders, miners, etc. There are “mineral rights”, “surface rights”, “water rights” and more. This is a complicated area of US law. It is very significant when buying Western mountain property.

Most of these issues don’t exist in the “East.”

This is why a skilled attorney can help. I’m not an attorney nor is this legal advice. (CYA) I’ll see if I can find help.

Best,
Grady

Wow. Sounds like the attorney fees could surpass the cost of the land.

I used to live in Woodland Park Co. and would make the trip to Ouray occasionally. Awesome place.

Just got back---decent snow on Red Mountain Pass--skiid behind fresh Lynx tracks for a while. New coffee shop in town and dinner at the Bon Ton, great trip! Did,however, see what appeared to be pine beetle's work on the pass--sure hope it can be contained before it starts to look like Grand County.

Whats the name of the pizza place there? I can't wait to get some of that pizza...

Shawn,

You spent much time in Montana/Idaho? Eastern Washington/Oregon?

I really dig Silverton, but I couldn't imagine living 'in-town'. It would be a ghost town if it wasnt for the tourist railroad traffic in the summer. I read an article (and will try to find a copy) about a family that did just what you're talking about near (relative term) Telluride. They built a small house in a remote location with water and got off the grid.