Denver, CO — In a peculiar turn in a legal battle over public land rights, Patrick Leroy Pipkin, aligning himself with the Free Land Holder Committee, asserted in a court filing that they possess rightful claims to a segment of land within Colorado’s San Juan National Forest. This claim includes rights to all encompassing resources such as water and grazing areas in the vicinity of Mancos, northwest of Durango.
Pipkin, identifying as the ambassador for the group and a survivor of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, submitted a detailed 50-page response to a federal lawsuit. His submission, penned partly by hand, is interspersed with references from ancient treaties, religious scriptures like the Geneva Bible of 1560, and various legal maxims. The content and style of the brief underscore his unusual legal interpretations.
The Free Land Holders’ claim extends to land traditionally managed by the U.S. Forest Service, sparking significant controversy and legal scrutiny. Federal authorities filed a lawsuit in November, following actions taken by the group and other unidentified affiliates who fenced off approximately 1,460 acres in the Chicken Creek area, disrupting a locale favored by recreational users and an annual sporting event.
The enclosures not only interrupted local activities but also stirred concerns among residents reminiscent of past standoffs between extremist groups and government officials. Despite assertions of peaceful intentions, Pipkin’s group’s actions have unsettled the community.
These events led to a palpable sentiment among local ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts who, frustrated by the restricted access to their customary lands, dismantled the erected barriers in late October, openly defying the advice of Montezuma County Sheriff Steve Nowlin, who advocated for federal handling of the situation.
Distancing himself from federal and local authorities, Pipkin claims to adhere to a version of United States governance that traces back to the original Articles of Confederation. He argues that subsequent legal and historical documents that do not capitalize the word “the” before “United States of America” signify a deviation from the true republic established by the founding fathers.
Further complicating matters, Pipkin placed notices in Mancos last December, announcing his intention to claim more land unless his alleged rights were contested by mid-December. Notably, no subsequent claims have been made since the community’s rally in support of public lands, which saw over 200 people gather in a show of unity against the privatization efforts.
Pipkin’s legal stance on his property ownership has also faced setbacks, such as the auctioning of a tax lien on his owned 180 acres due to unpaid taxes, which indicates his broader struggles with governmental authority and legitimacy.
This unconventional battle over land rights, draped in historical citations and sovereign citizen rhetoric, presents an ongoing challenge for governmental entities striving to maintain public access and legal normalcy. As legal proceedings continue, the implications of Pipkin’s claims and the responses from federal entities highlight a complex interaction between historical interpretations and modern governance.
This article was automatically generated by Open AI. Details, people, and events mentioned might be subject to inaccuracies. Concerns about this story can be addressed by contacting [email protected] for potential retraction or correction.