The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against a group that attempted to claim ownership of public land in Colorado's San Juan National Forest.
The lawsuit seeks to ensure the land remains accessible to the public and prevent further attempts to block access.
Free Land Holder Committee's Actions
The Free Land Holder Committee, led by Patrick Pipkin and Brian Hammon, fenced off a significant portion of the San Juan National Forest with barbed wire last month.
The group claimed ownership of the land under the name "United States of America Republic" and posted notices in Mancos asserting their authority.
These actions violated the Unlawful Inclosures Act of 1885, according to a federal lawsuit filed this week.
Local residents, who value the forest for hiking, biking, skiing, and cattle grazing, took swift action.
They tore down the barbed wire fence shortly after it was erected.
However, the group has threatened to rebuild and annex even more land if no legal claims are filed to stop them by mid-December, raising concerns in the community.
Government’s Legal Response
In response, the U.S. government filed a lawsuit against the Free Land Holder Committee, naming Pipkin, Hammon, and other unknown members.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent further obstruction and ensure continued public access to the land.
Acting U.S. Attorney Matt Kirsch emphasized that public lands are for everyone, not any single group or individual.
The Forest Service has managed the disputed land, known as the Haller Deed Area, since 1927.
Officials aim to reinforce the area's use for lawful recreation and grazing, with the lawsuit making clear that federal lands will remain open for permitted uses.
The legal action is also meant to discourage future attempts to claim public lands illegally.
Community and Movement Context
The fenced-off land is highly valued by residents of Mancos, who regularly use it for outdoor activities.
“They couldn’t have picked a piece of ground more beloved by the town,” said Brad Finch, a retired teacher and firefighter who lives nearby.
The incident has sparked strong reactions from the community, who are determined to protect their access to the forest.
While the Free Land Holder Committee denies any affiliation with extremist movements, their rhetoric bears similarities to anti-government sovereign citizen groups.
Watchdog organizations have noted parallels in their language and tactics, further fueling concerns about the group’s broader intentions.
Despite their denials, the situation highlights growing tensions over public land use and ownership rights in Colorado.
