Colorado: Governor Polis Takes Executive Action Related to Historic Costilla County Property

DENVER - Today, Governor Polis took Executive Action to help chart a path toward resolution of differences regarding the Cielo Vista Ranch, traditionally known as La Sierra, which consists of approximately 80,000 acres in Costilla County. The land has a complex, rich historical and legal history dating back to the 1844 Sangre de Cristo Land Grant brought about by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo between the United States and Mexico.

The Governor's Executive Order names Former Secretary of the Interior and Ambassador Ken Salazar as a Special Envoy and directs him to facilitate conversations and form a recommendation related to long-term disagreements over the Costilla County ranch and access rights to the property of heirs of the original land grant.

"We can and must do better than eternal litigation and conflict in our Colorado for all. This Executive Order is about creating an open dialogue, bringing together heirs of the original land grant, residents of the wider community and the property owner to find a path forward that improves quality of life in the valley. Coloradans in the San Luis Valley deserve a real seat at the table when it comes to decisions that shape our communities. Ambassador and Secretary Ken Salazar is a trusted voice in the valley and the right person for the job. He brings trust and expertise to this conversation, and I'm grateful for his willingness to help guide it," said Governor Polis.

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"I've spent my life in the San Luis Valley, and that's why I know how much this land means to the people who have called it home for generations. I'm looking forward to working alongside the community to listen closely, ask the right questions, and help find a path forward that works for all parties," said Ken Salazar.

In 2025, Governor Polis signed HB 25-1023. This law provides for local government oversight of large fencing projects on the Sangre de Cristo land grant to ensure consideration of the environmental effects of such projects.

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