BLM seeks public comment on Browns Park School land sale to Moffat County

The Bureau of Land Management on Jan. 14 issued a notice seeking public comment on a proposal to sell 2.13 acres associated with the historic Browns Park School to Moffat County. The parcel, which the announcement says is tied to a school building now used as a community center, would be transferred by noncompetitive direct sale at no less than fair market value to support local preservation and community ownership.

The agency’s release identifies the property’s history and current community function, and lists maps and supporting materials available for public review. The announcement directs comments preferably through the BLM National NEPA Register and provides contact information for the Little Snake Field Office. The public comment period runs through March 2, 2026.

For residents of Dolores County and surrounding Southwest Colorado communities, the action is notable as part of a broader pattern of BLM realty transactions across the state. Local officials and preservation advocates often watch these sales for precedent on valuation, sale method, and protective conditions attached to historic properties. A direct, noncompetitive sale to a county differs from competitive disposals and signals an intent to place the property in public or community stewardship rather than private hands.

The immediate implications are straightforward: if finalized, Moffat County would obtain control of the 2.13-acre tract, which could solidify local management of the school and community center. For communities that prioritize historic preservation and public access, the transfer could be a positive outcome if it includes enforceable preservation covenants, maintenance commitments, and provisions for continued community use. The announcement’s emphasis on fair market value and the NEPA route for public comment gives residents procedural opportunities to review appraisals, maps, and environmental documentation before the sale proceeds.

The case also highlights recurring governance questions around public land sales: how the BLM sets fair market value, what conditions accompany noncompetitive sales, and how transparent supporting materials are made to nearby communities. Those who follow public-land policy in Dolores County should note the timelines and administrative channels used here, since similar processes could be used by other BLM field offices handling historic sites or small parcels.

What comes next is administrative. Interested residents and local governments can review the posted maps and materials, raise concerns or support through the BLM National NEPA Register, and contact the Little Snake Field Office for details. The March 2, 2026 comment deadline is the window for shaping sale conditions and ensuring the outcome aligns with community preservation goals.