Tax-Dodging Landowners Behind Colorado Forest Fencing: What We Found!
In a tale that blends real estate intrigue with community spirit, the saga unfolds in the picturesque land of Montezuma County, Colorado. Here, property owners linked to a controversial group recently made headlines for their audacious claim over public land. The twist? Despite owning 180 acres legitimately, they let their property tax payments slip through the cracks this year, leading to a tax lien auction. Buckle up as we dive into this gripping story!
Located near the quaint town of Mancos, just northwest of Durango, the 180-acre stretch is registered under the P.J. Sunset P.L.P. Nevada Revocable Living Trust, a connection to Patrick Leroy Pipkin, the self-styled advocate for the Free Land Holder Committee. However, this trust dropped the ball on their tax obligations, racking up an unpaid bill of $12,301.40 across three 60-acre parcels, according to the Montezuma County Treasurer’s Office.
With taxes due by April 30, the oversight led to a lien on the property being sold at auction on November 7. An anonymous out-of-state investor snagged the lien, which they must hold for a minimum of three years, earning a hefty 15% interest annually. Should the trust fail to settle its debts within that timeframe, the investor has the right to push for a property auction to recoup their investment. Alternatively, they can retain the lien for as long as 15 years, all the while accruing interest. Yet, there’s still hope for the trust; they can rectify the situation by paying the back taxes plus interest, as stated by Treasurer Ellen Black.
Interestingly, Pipkin and his co-investors scooped up this land back in 2020 during a courthouse auction after the controversial Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints forfeited their holdings following the imprisonment of their leader, Warren Jeffs. These gentlemen, who have past ties to the FLDS church, previously secured federal court settlements against Jeffs after filing wrongful arrest lawsuits, adding another layer of complexity to this tale.
Initially, the trio operated under the name Blue Mountain Ranch LLC but rebranded to the P.J. Sunset P.L.P. trust last year. Notably, the Blue Mountain Ranch group had a reliable track record of timely tax payments, leaving observers puzzled by the recent lapse.
In a recent interview, Pipkin asserted that while he views himself outside the bounds of U.S. citizenship, he acknowledges paying certain taxes, albeit with a unique twist. He claims citizenship in the “United States of America Republic”—a capital-T flavored twist on federal identity, using historical documents to solidify his stance. Despite this, he indicated plans to settle his tax dues by November 7, demonstrating an awareness of the looming tax lien sale.
Yet, as this drama unfolds, the U.S. government is stepping in. A lawsuit filed on November 26 against Pipkin and others from the Free Land Holder Committee challenges their claims over parts of the San Juan National Forest. The Department of Justice aims to prevent further attempts to fence off public land, with the first court hearing set for March 5.
In October, the Free Land Holders garnered international attention when they erected a barbed-wire fence around a whopping 1,460 acres in the San Juan National Forest, igniting outrage among local residents. Chicken Creek, a cherished outdoor recreation spot, became a battleground between the committee’s assertions and community interests, which include cattle grazing rights.
Despite appeals from Sheriff Steve Nowlin to let federal authorities manage the situation, local residents banded together to dismantle the fence, leaving behind remnants for the Free Land Holders to reclaim. This act of defiance spurred the creation of the Chicken Creek Coalition, a grassroots group uniting cattlemen, hikers, bikers, and skiers, determined to preserve the integrity of their shared lands. They’ve organized public meetings and letter-writing campaigns aimed at Congress, rallying support for public lands and urging the federal government to stand firm against the Free Land Holder Committee.
As the community anticipates further developments, they’re planning a celebration of public lands on December 15 at the Chicken Creek Nordic Ski Trailhead. This gathering promises music, hot drinks, and a renewed commitment to the breathtaking landscapes they all cherish. It’s a moment for the community to come together, celebrate their shared love for the land, and stand united against encroachments.
Stay informed and engaged with more captivating stories by signing up for our daily newsletter!
